Review: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #2) by Jeff Kinney

Diary of a Wimpy Kid:Rodrick Rules (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #2)

Author: Jeff Kinney
Pages:224
Publisher: Amulet
Release Date: February 1st 2008
Author Website
Available for Order: Amazon|Barnes and Noble

The highly anticipated sequel to the #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling book! 
Secrets have a way of getting out, especially when a diary is involved. 
Whatever you do, don’t ask Greg Heffley how he spent his summer vacation, because he definitely doesn’t want to talk about it. 
As Greg enters the new school year, he’s eager to put the past three months behind him . . . and one event in particular. 
Unfortunately for Greg, his older brother, Rodrick, knows all about the incident Greg wants to keep under wraps. But secrets have a way of getting out . . . especially when a diary is involved. 
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules chronicles Greg’s attempts to navigate the hazards of middle school, impress the girls, steer clear of the school talent show, and most important, keep his secret safe.

My Take:

Greg Heffley is at again but this time he is a year older and of course that means in the 7th grade. Being in  the 7th grade means crushes on girls that looked different last year and of course more being picked on by his brother Rodrick. Because of what happened over the summer Greg had to get a new diary and because of what happened he is making sure this one never leaves his sight. Of course Rowley is here to back him up in the 7th grade, he understands a best friend is always there. Before summer Rowley had to eat this cheese and he got the cheese touch but Greg being friend he is stepped up for him and said he ate the cheese instead. So most of the first day of school had alot of his class mates running away from him.

I enjoyed this one because Rodrick really gets in trouble and it was a long time coming and being the little brother he is made sure Rodrick got what he wanted. We also got more information on Rodrick's band the Loded Diaper which was funny, the ending was funny as well because of what happened at the talent show I don't want to give too much away so you'll have to read it and find out if you want to get a kick.

Greg always knows how to make me laugh and with middle school still going along Greg is going to have many opportunities to make me laugh even more.

5/5 stars

Review:Diary Of A Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #1)

Author: Jeff Kinney
Pages:224
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Release Date: April 1st 2007
Author Website
Available for Order: Amazon|Barnes and Noble

Greg records his sixth grade experiences in a middle school where he and his best friend, Rowley, undersized weaklings amid boys who need to shave twice daily, hope just to survive, but when Rowley grows more popular, Greg must take drastic measures to save their friendship.

My Take:

Diary of a Wimpy kid had me laughing through out the whole book. Greg starts middle school grade 6 and receives a 'diary' that his mother gives him, and puts down his thoughts why attending school. What I found helpful was that Greg went through what all kids must feel on that very scary first day of school. In my case 6th grade was counted in my elementary while Greg had to attend a school that consists of 6-8. Greg decided to account all his adventures and write about them. If only life would be simply, Greg has an older brother Rodrick who annoys Greg to no limit and also a younger brother who annoys him even more. We also meet his parents who don't know what to do with him and his brothers half the time. His best friend Rowley who is there with Greg throughout the book is there because Greg feels inclined to help his friend out.

What I found hilarious was when Greg did something cool or impressive it would lead to him looking mean and uncaring like when he accidentally hurt Rowley, at school all the girls wanted to help and Greg saw that as an opportunity to gain some girl time too and said he was the one who broke his arm, instead that backfired and of course in middle school it follows you everywhere.

This was a great read and any age group can have fun with, because whatever happens in middle school doesn't always stay in middle school.

5/5 stars

Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Everneath

Author: Brodi Ashton
Pages:384
Publisher: Harper Collins/ Balzer + Bray
Release Date: January  24th 2012
Author Website
Available for Order: Amazon|Barnes and Noble

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever. 
She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists. 
Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen. 
As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

My Take:

When you go away you hope to find that your old life is still as you left it, for Nikki Beckett coming back after six months away is still hard on her. While away her friends and family thought that she was lost forever it wasn't until she got back that the pain of losing her was still so very much close. Even though she was gone for six months in the everneath she was bound to Cole for over a century. The only thought she had left that felt like her own was Jack's face. Even though she couldn't put a name to the face she knew she had to get back and find him. It all lead to the fact that she had six months to say goodbye to all that she left behind. Finding out that it was harder for her to say goodbye the only hope she had was for Jack not being mad at her for leaving yet again.

Time is of the essence here and playing against time is a tricky thing so all Nikki has to do and not lose herself is go back willingly with Cole and be forever his and become his queen. Nikki knew she didn't want to be his queen but with her doubts for her future she must decide live forever or be forever lost in the tunnels in the everneath. Forever is along time but with help or her side and time not can she really pull of staying on earth forever and have normal problems and not have to deal with a whole new set of problems. If only life can be like that, with her choices coming back to haunt her Nikki must be prepared for the worst and know that her choices will bring her closer to an end or a new beginning.


I loved this very much because of her choices Nikki gave herself to Cole even when he gave her fair warning. The love shared between Jack and Nikki really got to me it felt like watching the end of the of a really sad love story. It felt like I was there with Nikki telling her to choose wisely even though her choices had big consequences Nikki knew from her past mistakes. I felt the connection between her and Jack and even though it was a story it felt so real, the legend of the daughters was really neat and of course I love me some bad boys but Cole idk he still is growing on me but Jack wow he was my pick for her. Team Jack all the way. This so deserves to be on everyone's top pick for 2012 and everyone should read it. This is the love story that everyone will be talking about all year long.

5/5 stars

Review: The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

The Lucky One

Author: Nicholas Sparks
Pages:326
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Release Date: September 30th 2008
Author Website
Available for Order: Amazon|Barnes and Noble

When U.S. Marine Logan Thibault finds a photograph of a smiling young woman half-buried in the dirt during his third tour of duty in Iraq, his first instinct is to toss it aside. Instead, he brings it back to the base for someone to claim, but when no one does, he finds himself always carrying the photo in his pocket. Soon Thibault experiences a sudden streak of luck—winning poker games and even surviving deadly combat that kills two of his closest buddies. Only his best friend, Victor, seems to have an explanation for his good fortune: the photograph—his lucky charm.

Back home in Colorado, Thibault can’t seem to get the photo—and the woman in it—out of his mind. Believing that she somehow holds the key to his destiny, he sets out on a journey across the country to find her, never expecting the strong but vulnerable woman he encounters in Hampton, North Carolina—Elizabeth, a divorced mother with a young son—to be the girl he’s been waiting his whole life to meet. Caught off guard by the attraction he feels, Thibault keeps the story of the photo, and his luck, a secret. As he and Elizabeth embark upon a passionate and all-consuming love affair, the secret he is keeping will soon threaten to tear them apart—destroying not only their love, but also their lives.

Filled with tender romance and terrific suspense, The Lucky One is Nicholas Sparks at his best—an unforgettable story about the surprising paths our lives often take and the power of fate to guide us to true and everlasting love.

My Take:

When you read a Nicholas Sparks book its hard to not cry by the end, because of this man I've cried plenty of times and while reading The Lucky One for the second time I couldn't hold back the tears when they came because of the realness of this story. 

Logan Thibault is marine who didn't feel luck was something that came to him, but ever since he found this photograph he has been well lucky. Now finally back home the one thing he gained from war was that his best friend always believed his lucky charm was that photo and that Logan had to find the person in the photo. Beth is a single parent just trying to maintain a kennel and her actual job as a teacher. She lives with her grandma and her son Ben. Finding help in a small town in North Carolina is hard and when she finally has a potential candidate for the job she is at first skeptical because he is not only a stranger but because of the way he brought himself to be there. When Logan left Colorado he went with just a backpack and his german shepard Zeus. When he finally knows her name by passing around the photo he had he sees the help wanted sign and sees it as his way to get to know who the women in the photo really is. 

This story captured my heart because it felt believable because to think that any charm can bring back a solider is something short of a miracle. I loved that even though Beth was unsure of Thibault at first she came around and opened up her heart. Because its a Sparks novel there are a few ups and downs but the end is all up to think what is and I loved this so much. The first time I read this I had a feeling that it would keep effecting me the same and it has I wish there was a photo out there of me that was a lucky charm to someone who needed the luck of the charm. Plus as an added bonus its becoming a movie yay!!!!!!!! With who Zac Efron yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5/5 stars

Review: Dead Rules by Randy Russel

Dead Rules

Author: Randy Russel
Pages:384
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: June 21st 2011
Author Website
Available for Order: Amazon|Barnes and Noble

                                     

                                     Till death

Jana Webster and Michael Haynes were in love. They were destined to be together forever.
                                                                                             
Do
 
But Jana's destiny was fatally flawed. And now she's in Dead School, where Mars Dreamcote lurks in the back of the classroom, with his beguiling blue eyes, mysterious smile, and irresistibly warm touch.
                                                                                               Us

Michael and Jana were incomplete without each other. There was no room for Mars in Jana's life—or death—story. Jana was sure Michael would rush to her side soon.
                                                                                         
                                                                                             Part

But things aren't going according to Jana's plan. So Jana decides to do whatever it takes to make her dreams come true—no matter what rules she has to break.

My Take:

This was a different type of read for me, imagine life after well death. Dead Rules pulled me in because of the idea of something after death. Jana Webster believed that when she would die Michael would follow her. Jana is sent to a place like nothing ever heard of before, a place where the dead go to continue with school. You see at Dead School you don't get the normal dentention or receive A's because you've excelled, your put into a class type situation a Riser or a a Slider. A Riser is basically someone who had no intention of killing themselves prior to dying and rises with the rest of the class, Jana is a Riser but something about a Slider draws her in. A Slider on the other hand is the opposite in which they are delinquents.

When Jana wakes after accident she is met by Arva who is her roommate and the one Jana is to go to for questions about the school and why being a Riser is better for Jana in the long run. On the bus (yes there is a bus) to school she catches the eye of a Slider who in turn intrigues, Arva of course tells her that she needs to stay away from him. Lets put it this way Mars is the type of guy that you can't help but sought after. He has these dreamy blue eyes that have been on my mind for like ever and come on if your dead and there is a guy who looks like he does might as well right. With all of the knowledge of being an Riser and a Slider, Jana has made up her mind she wants to be a Slider because its one step closer to being with Michael. She has it in her head that because a Slider is one with the earth she can than come to Michael and well help him be where she is.

In turn we also get into Michael head too and let me say that why Jana didn't see it when she was alive is beyond me but her perfect Michael isn't so perfect and Mars is looking quite nicely as time goes on. I loved the fact that you can well kinda live at death school. It felt like real school because after high school who knows were you'll end up at but and it can feel different. Dead School is like that kinda in the sense that you can experience another side of being you and of course ditching campus so that you can see what is going on at the top is awesome. Who said the dead couldn't live to their fullest.

5/5 Stars  

Review: The Iron Witch by Karen Mohoney

The Iron Witch (The Iron Witch #1)

Author: Karen Mahoney
Pages:304
Publisher: Flux
Release Date: February 8th 2011
Author Website
Available for Order: Amazon|Barnes and Noble

Freak. That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic—the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.

When the darkest outcasts of Faerie—the vicious wood elves—abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend—even if it means betraying everything her parents and the alchemist community fought to the death to protect.

My Take:

The Iron Witch is about a girl trying to understand a world that no girl her age really knows about. Because of the attack that had happened while she was in the woods with her father, she hides herself away from those at her school. Not even her best friend knows about her, because Donna tries as she can to keep it all a secret. The day she meets her eyes are opened to all that is possible. Trying to figure out why her arms tingle when near Xan she goes in search for the answer and gains more than what she wanted. Navin has been there for Donna for every important thing except the event that changed her life and opened up her eyes. Trying to find out the answers and trying to learn why she was attacked and given this curse can lead anyone wanting an answer.

When your best friend is taken and all you do is pray he/she is safe. Donna knew what she had to do, sacrifice anything that get him home safe. She asks Xan to help in any way possible. When finally all help seems lost she ventures further and finds not only what needs to find but also has new and valuable information to consider. 

I really enjoyed the fact that faeries are always painted differently and it was cool getting the information that Donna was finding out. I had many moments where I was screaming at my book for the character to move and be faster because I wanted her to win in the end. What I learned was that life can you give you things its the experience that changes your perspective on things. What seemed easy today can become hard tomorrow.

5/5 Stars

Review: Vesper by Jeff Sampson

Vesper (Deviants #1)

Author: Jeff Sampson
Pages:304
Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins
Release Date: January 25th 2011
Author Website
Available for Order: Amazon|Barnes and Noble

Emily Webb is a geek. And she’s happy that way. Content hiding under hoodies and curling up to watch old horror flicks, she’s never been the kind of girl who sneaks out for midnight parties. And she’s definitely not the kind of girl who starts fights or flirts with other girls’ boyfriends. Until one night Emily finds herself doing exactly that . . . the same night one of her classmates—also named Emily—is found mysteriously murdered.


The thing is, Emily doesn’t know why she’s doing any of this. By day, she’s the same old boring Emily, but by night, she turns into a thrill seeker. With every nightfall, Emily gets wilder until it’s no longer just her personality that changes. Her body can do things it never could before: Emily is now strong, fast, and utterly fearless. And soon Emily realizes that she’s not just coming out of her shell . . . there’s something much bigger going on. Is she bewitched by the soul of the other, murdered Emily? Or is Emily Webb becoming something else entirely— something not human?


As Emily hunts for answers, she finds out that she’s not the only one this is happening to—some of her classmates are changing as well. Who is turning these teens into monsters—and how many people will they kill to get what they want?

My Take:

Imagine your life where during the day your normal but at night after 8 you change. After a classmate is shot down, Emily gets a phone call propelling her thoughts to the call at hand. After getting off of the window ledge Emily only thinks what was I about to do? Everyday after that she goes through changes at night, wanting to party and not really being the normal wanting to stay at home Emily. Its not until night time Emily puts it together with Day time Emily, kids are being targeted.

While reading I got the sense that something wasn't quite right. Who is Emily Webb and how can she change just like that. Getting well into the book I got my answer and oh boy was I wrong who knew this new way of describing becoming something more and the fact that a company could have been behind it. I wanted more but realizing that the story wasn't over was a relief. Because even though at the beginning you know Emily is in custody and saying her whole story you get the sense that the person addressing her isn't someone from the normal Fed. I hope to find more answers to the questions I already have and to get more along the way.

So if your in for a little mystery than Vesper is for you, plus its the type of book to have you gasping and saying 'She did what?' It was an enjoyable read that left wanting the next one asap.


5/5 Stars

Cover Lover!!!!

Comes out on January 24th 2012

My Book Boyfriend (4): Adrian Ivashkov

My Book Boyfriend is a weekly meme, hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader. What is My Book Boyfriend you might ask.  Well it is a weekly meme where we talk about a literary crush including stats, a picture of what you imagine he looks like and some quotes from him that make you swoon.  If you are interested in participating please check out the My Book Boyfriend Introduction Page over at Missie's blog The Unread Reader.

My choice for this weeks MBB Adrian Ivashkov from the Vampire Academy series and Bloodlines series. He is the type of guy that will forever be on your mind even though you don't want him there. Sometimes I find myself dreaming about the guy who can spirit dream into you so of course who did I see as my Adrian is Ed Westwick. We first meet Adrian in Frostbite book 2 in the VA series.

Stats:
Age: 21 - 6'1''
A royal Moroi
Eye Color: emerald green
high cheekbones
Messy but stylish brown hair

"Don't worry, little dhampir. You might be surrounded by clouds, but you'll always be like sunshine to me."- Adrian Ivashkov (Shadow Kiss)

“I’m like a fine wine. I get better with age. The best is yet to come.”- Adrian Ivashkov (Blood Promise)

"I know. You did what you did out of love. I can't be mad at you over that. It was stupid, but that's how love is."- Adiran Ivashkov (Spirit Bound)

 “Takes a lot of tries before you hit perfection." He paused to reconsider that. "Well, except for my parents. They got it on the first try." - Adrian Ivashkov (Bloodlines)

The actor I decided on has and will always be my perfect Adrian, Ed Westwick is an amazing guy who is british and is able to hide his accent on the hit tv show Gossip Girl. He plays Chuck Bass who is an ass but he is a HOT ass. When I was first introduced to Adrian in Frostbite I instantly thought of Chuck aka Ed. He has the persona and can play Adrian so well. Even though I love Dimitri, there was always a reserved spot for Adrian who unexpectedly captured my heart when he never gave up on Rose he reminded me of different characters but of course Adrian is his own self. Until Adrian comes to me in my dreams looking at Ed will be enough plus he is Chuck Bass and the show is on Mondays @ 8 p.m. on The CW. Here is a little of Ed so that you know what I'm talking about because I am sure he will capture your heart like he has mine.

Review: The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

The Pledge
Author: Kimberly Derting
Pages:320
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Release Date: November 15th 2011
Author Website
Available for Order: Amazon|Barnes and Noble

In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed. 

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.

My Take:

Charlie is a girl with a gift and doesn't understand how she knows every language out there, even ones she has never even heard before. No one has ever suspected that Charlie can understand until she slips up and acknowledges the person that is above her status a second longer than necessary. She is not only putting her life in danger her parents and sister know what she can do also and try as they might to hide her from the one person looking for her.... the queen. With the threat of an attack at any given time, Charlie knows and understands that lowering herself will prevent others in knowing her little secret. The queen on the other hand is searching every where because with every breath she takes can be her last, so she must find the girl she knows is out there.

When Charlie goes out dancing with her best friend Brooke, she meets a mysterious guy who talks in a weird and alluring language, which she never once heard before and yet understands every word uttered. One second to late the guy is intrigued and goes off tries to get to know Charlie a little bit better.

What I loved about this was the fact of the language barrier, I speak spanish myself and I love accents, so when I first heard about this I knew the concept would not only win my self interest but also leave with wanting and a need that only this story can give me. Kimberly delivers a 100% with this one because of the way I was able to see myself with Charlie telling her when she should look down and also when she would see Max. Don't get me started on how much he is every bit wonderful. Knowing that a threat can come about at any minute there were only a few things that had me gasping and of course being overjoyed that Charlie was every bit connected to Max. So if your looking for something with a romance and a little mystery than get your hands on this because this wont disappoint you at all I guarantee it.


5/5 Stars