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Saturday, December 29, 2012

A Clone Like No Other: Beta - Rachel Cohn

Beta (Annex, #1)Beta by Rachel Cohn
Date Released: October 16th 2012
Publisher: Hyperion  

Pages: 331 pages
Format: Hardcover
Source: Target
Rating: Really Liked
Series: Annex #1


Goodreads Synopsis:  Elysia is created in a laboratory, born as a sixteen-year-old girl, an empty vessel with no life experience to draw from. She is a Beta, an experimental model of a teenage clone. She was replicated from another teenage girl, who had to die in order for Elysia to exist.
Elysia's purpose is to serve the inhabitants of Demesne, an island paradise for the wealthiest people on earth. Everything about Demesne is bioengineered for perfection. Even the air induces a strange, euphoric high, which only the island's workers--soulless clones like Elysia--are immune to.
At first, Elysia's life is idyllic and pampered. But she soon sees that Demesne's human residents, who should want for nothing, yearn. But for what, exactly? She also comes to realize that beneath the island's flawless exterior, there is an under-current of discontent among Demesne's worker clones. She knows she is soulless and cannot feel and should not care--so why are overpowering sensations cloud-ing Elysia's mind?
If anyone discovers that Elysia isn't the unfeeling clone she must pretend to be, she will suffer a fate too terrible to imagine. When her one chance at happi-ness is ripped away with breathtaking cruelty, emotions she's always had but never understood are unleashed. As rage, terror, and desire threaten to overwhelm her, Elysia must find the will to survive.
The first in a dazzlingly original science fiction series from best-selling author Rachel Cohn, "Beta "is a haunting, unforgettable story of courage and love in a cor-rupted world. Praise for Beta "A terrific premise that is equally well executed...Readers can only hope [the sequel] will be as thrilling as this series kickoff."--Los Angles Times


From Goodreads


My Review
I have to admit. I loved the whole idea of this book. Literally, like who doesn't like clones thrown in with a perfect island and ability to feel!? Beta by Rachel Cohn was a really great read, in my opinion. It explored a world where certain people called Beta, are an experimental model of a teenage clone, like Elysia. But quickly you get absorbed in this world and Beta does a wonderful job of captivating you.
 
The character in Beta were pretty good, but definitely more potential to have improvement in the second book. Elysia was this quiet, conserved type of person in the beginning and then gravitated towards this character who wanted to feel what she wants to and even the romance was okay. It wasn't "insta-love" something we see loads of in YA, but a start potential for more suspense and questions. Plus clones? We don't see that much either too.
 
The world building was really good too. It was surprising how at parts it was fast then later really slow, I just had to drop the book. But what's great is that the concept of the clone, the Beta, and experiments was super cool and addicting to read! I really wished Cohn could have improved expanding the world more and done more twist and unexpected plot twists. But the ending was wildly crazy and really good, and loads of "what?" held me to finish it.
 
One thing that really stuck out, while reading was the whole process of the Beta and how Elysia described it. The writing was similar to Wither by Lauren DeStefano and really lured me to read another page. I really like Elysia, but at times hated what she would do just to serve her owners as a Beta. I think that she could have been more better because she had loads of potential to do the idea justice and the plot. The plot was also iffy. There were parts I had no idea why they where in her and it was so boring to read them, but overall contributed to whole book. As it transitioned towards the middle, Cohn kicked it up and had me hooked on her world and Elysia's mind!
 
Overall, I really like Beta and it did have potential for improvement but it needed that push to make it a showstopper in YA. If you love a good sci-fi and dystopian read pick up Beta soon! I can't wait for the next one and the covers look really good! Pick it up if you love The Hunger Games or Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi!
 
 
Find Beta On:
 



Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Top 10 Book Quotes of 2012!

 
I'm super excited once again to participate in Top 10 Book Quotes of  2012 There were loads of great couples and amazing books it was really hard to keep up, but the ones I read and are on my list are awesomesauce! :)) I really love these quotes!



 




Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth
 “Cruelty does not make a person dishonest, the same way bravery does not make a person kind.”






The Golden Lily (Bloodlines, #2)



The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead
“I tried to be a better person for her– but it was to impress her, to get her to want me. But when I’m around you, I want to be better because… well, because it feels right. Because I want to. You make me want to become something greater than myself. I want to excel. You inspire me in every act, every word, every glance. I look at you, and you’re like… like light made into flesh. […] You have no clue how beautiful you are or how brightly you shine.” 

This is Not a Test
This Is Not A Test by Courtney Summers
"…I think it isn’t enough to survive for the sake of surviving…. Surviving should mean something like it means something to them. And if it doesn’t-
If it doesn’t."






Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Daughter of Smoke & Bone, #1)




Daughter of Shadow and Bone by Laini Taylor
“Hope can be a powerful force. Maybe there's no actual magic in it, but when you know what you hope for most and hold it like a light within you, you can make things happen, almost like magic.”





Revolution
 



Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
“Life’s all about the revolution, isn’t it? The one inside, I mean. You can’t change history. You can’t change the world. All you can ever change is yourself.” 




The Fault in Our Stars





The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
“Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.” 



Incarnate (Newsoul, #1)

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
“There's always the option of deciding for yourself who you are and what you'll become.” 








Pushing the Limits (Pushing the Limits, #1)




Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry
“I love you enough to never make you choose.” 








Shatter Me (Shatter Me, #1)
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
“I spent my life folded between the pages of books.
In the absence of human relationships I formed bonds with paper characters. I lived love and loss through stories threaded in history; I experienced adolescence by association. My world is one interwoven web of words, stringing limb to limb, bone to sinew, thoughts and images all together. I am a being comprised of letters, a character created by sentences, a figment of imagination formed through fiction.”
 




 
Oh and yes, I'm picking Harry Potter here :)
 

Waiting on Wednesday (#16) - Hysteria by Megan Miranda

 
Waiting on Wednesday is Hosted by Jill @ Breaking The Spine
 
Hysteria
Mallory killed her boyfriend, Brian. She can't remember the details of that night but everyone knows it was self-defense, so she isn't charged. But Mallory still feels Brian's presence in her life. Is it all in her head? Or is it something more? In desperate need of a fresh start, Mallory is sent to Monroe, a fancy prep school where no one knows her . . . or anything about her past.But the feeling follows her, as do her secrets. Then, one of her new classmates turns up dead. As suspicion falls on Mallory, she must find a way to remember the details of both deadly nights so she can prove her innocence-to herself and others. In another riveting tale of life and death, Megan Miranda's masterful storytelling brings readers along for a ride to the edge of sanity and back again.
 

 Why I'm Waiting For It: Who doesn't love a good edgy, suspenseful horror story? The whole Mallory killed her boyfriend sounds really good and I can't wait to dive in this one!

Hysteria by Megan Miranda will be released on Febuary 5, 2013 by Walker Childrens

Now what are YOU Waiting This Wednesday? :)
 

Monday, December 24, 2012

Top of 2012 - The Best of The Best!

 
 
I'm super excited to join in the Top 10 of 2012 and looking back at all the great reads this year! Here is my list (in no particular order) of my top 10 YA Books!
 
asdfghjkl! Where do I even begin with this book? It's mindly epic, stunning, and intense! I will never regret picking this series ever and pick it off the shelves when if came out already too, so Veronica Roth you must be a genius!
My Review
 
The Golden Lily, where do I even start?? This book was so cute, funny, enjoyable, and EPIC! Like, who doesn't want Sydney and Adrien to finally date and the ending in this one was killer and left me hanging for The Indigo Spell!
My Review
 
Belles (Belles, #1)
I devoured Belles in one seating and loved it! So so good and really full of betrayals and secrets! Jen Calonita knows how to write such an amazing realistic fiction book and I can't wait to read Winter White!
My Review
 
Fever (The Chemical Garden, #2)
Oh my god, Fever was seriously an amazing sequel!! I loved the cover, I loved the storyline, I loved the romance, and I loved The SUSPENSE! It was creepy and eerie all at the same time and I was blown away how skilled Lauren DeStefano is! 0_0 Can't wait for Sever!!
My Review
 
Spell Bound (Hex Hall, #3)
I just love this series! And no doubt, the last book also! Spell bound was everything we loved about the first two and more! Sophie has all that spunk and charm she easily captivated me to finish it in one night! I loved the book so freakin much!
 
The Selection (The Selection, #1)
Lol, don't shoot me for liking this book! Despite all the drama going around with it, I LOVED The Selection! It was beautifully crafted and America was a relatable person! There was funny scenes that had me laughing till the last page, and when a book does that let me say I love it. :)
My Review
 
Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1)
Grave Mercy was a chilling, fresh, new YA historical book that I completely loved! It was so good and addicting Robin LaFevers weaves and intricate tale of love and betrayal. Plus throw in a main character that's an assassin, Ismae, subtle romance, and loads of death! Pick this one up soon!
My Review

The Enchantress (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, #6)
The Echantess by Michael Scott
Where do I even begin with this one?? It was so intense, a roller coaster of emotions and loads of action! I actually even cried in this one because it was so bittersweet seeing it end and the ending was so intense and climactic!

Perception (Clarity, #2)
Perception by Kim Harrington
I completely loved Perception! It was like Clarity in ways, but just twice as better and the killer this time was totally creepy and psychotic! I loved this one a lot and so happy Scholastic sent me an ARC out of now where! Plus I can't wait for Kim's new book which sounds like American Horror Story but for YA!
My Review

This is Not a Test
This In Not A Test by Courtney Summers
This Is Not A Test was both sexy and desolate! I loved the whole idea and premise of the book I couldn't stop reading it! And they whole concept Courtney Summer weaves in it something you gotta read and soon!
My Review

Shatter Me (Shatter Me, #1)
 Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
0_0 0_0 *Freaks out and walks around gasping* Shatter Me was so freaking amazing! It was awesomesauce over awesomesauce and more, Team Adam and Team Warner, and a fierce heronine, Juliette that blowed me away! Finished this in one day and I love it so much! Enough said, just read it!

That's right
 
2012 was filled was loads of amazing books and it was such an amazing year meeting all these bloggers, authors, readers, the experience is one of a kind!
Drop by with your top of 2012!

 

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Last Reads of The Readathon TBR Pile, Challenges, and Updates!

 
I was so excited to host The Last Reads of 2012 Readathon along with Jen @ YA Romantics and Eileen @ Singing and Reading In The Rain! Thank you so much for joining and updating your progess on Twitter with hash tage #LR2012
 
Reading Updates & TBR Pile: So far I only read one book, Don't You Wish by Roxanne St. Claire and I really liked it a lot and a review will be up soon! I have about 4 books to go for this readathon and I can't wait to start on Daughter of Shadow and Bone and The Faut in Our Stars! Plus it just hit Winter Break for me this Thursday and I can't wait to do loads of reading and shopping :)
 
My TBR Pile

 
Challenges: I Loved. I Cried Hosted by Jen @ YA Romantics - Dec 17, 2012
 
 
The Funniest:
 
The Fine Art of Truth or Dare 
The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead  
It was so hilarious, serious, and loads of fun with Adrien and Sydney! I love this book like a lot! Who can't wait for The Indigo Spell?

 
The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen
A quirky book that will keep you up all day. Full of Truths, Dares, and romance this book cracked me up! Can't wait for what ever Melissa Jensen has next for 2013!
 
 
The Saddest:

 
Thirteen Reasons WhyInsurgent (Divergent, #2) 
 
Thirteen Reason Why by Jay Asher
This book was so heart - breaking! It's about suicide but the book focus on Hannah's story of giving up and having 13 tapes sharing her story. It was raw, real, and emotional, definitly a must read for anyone!
 
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Asdfghjkl! Where do I start with this book?? It was beautifully crafted, amazing, and had me holding the tears with Tris and Four! Veronica Roth pushes the envelope with thsi sequel and oh god the ending is killing me!
 
 

I'll be updating the other challenges soon or when the post are up :) Feel free to leave your links and I'll hope by and comment!
 
 

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Last Reads of 2012 Readathon - "Battle of The Teams" Challenge!

 
I'm so excited to finally show you guys my part for my challenge: "Battle of The Teams!" As you know in YA, there's lots of teams and lots of gushing over them. So for this challeng it's all about that!
 
Challenge: Pick 2 Teams, meaning One person versus Another Person. After that, you show us why the first person is way better than the second person and the same for the second person. This is the time for some pure gushing and GIF!

 
I'll be doing my Battle of The Teams on Will and Jem from Cassie Claire's Infernal Devices Series! I'm so excited for the this and the third book!
 
The Infernal Devices by Cassandra ClareThe Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare
 
 
The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare
"Team Will"
 
“We live and breathe words. .... It was books that made me feel that perhaps I was not completely alone. They could be honest with me, and I with them. Reading your words, what you wrote, how you were lonely sometimes and afraid, but always brave; the way you saw the world, its colors and textures and sounds, I felt--I felt the way you thought, hoped, felt, dreamt. I felt I was dreaming and thinking and feeling with you. I dreamed what you dreamed, wanted what you wanted--and then I realized that truly I just wanted you.” 
 
Why Is Will? - Who is this dark and mysterious boy we meet in Clockwork Angel? Well, he is William Herondale, a 17 year old Welsh Shadowhunter in 19 Century London.If you are a fan of Cassie Clare's books you know that Will is someone troubled and can't really express what he want or feels. He has strong bonds with the people around him and when he meets Tessa, by rescuing her from the Dark Sisters, we all know there's already chemistry! LOL

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Duh....
 
Will's Best Traits or Why We Are Loyal to Team Will - Even though will is this rude and mean person when Tessa first meets hime, he's nice, kind, and gentle to her. He doesn't push or shove people into doing choices they don't want to, but listens to them. Will also reads and reads and reads. Will is a full on book reader! He loves his poetry and can even quote several lines for his current read and is a literary genius in this area. Along with that he is always there for the people he loves, such as Tessa, and will do anything for them.

 
 Why Will Is The One For Tessa - All and all, Will is perfect for Tessa! He's smart, brave, courageous, and will always be there. Despite, having mixed feelings at time, Will fights it and looks to the bright side. Even, being this distant person who's "cold" he has his reasons and you can't blame him for it. Will read and Tessa reads, meaning there perfect more right?  *looks shamefully* You can imagine them for days reading, quoting, and discussing all the things they love. Why can't someone like Will, who always loved Tessa from the beginning be together?
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare
"Will has always been the brighter burning star, the one to catch attention - but Jem is a steady flame, unwavering and honest."

Why is this Jem? -  James "Jem" Carstairs an Asian shadowhunter who Tessa gets to know more in Clockwork Prince. He's best friends with Will Heronalde in the London Institute and look out for both each other.


http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m9e84khS2I1r9ktnn.gif
Yeah...Team Jem
Jem's Best Traits or Why We Are Loyal to Team Jem - He plays the violin. YES. THE VIOLIN. How cool is that? For sure Tessa, could use some of his music to go to sleep. Jem also has the personality! Compare to Will, Jem actually has one and isn't aloof, mysterious, and big on their own ego type of person! Will can't control who he is but Jem shows his TRUE COLORS and those colors are really bright. He treats, Will almost like his brother and has a sense of pride (the right amount) and respect. In addition, he speaks Mandarin and English (How cool?) and made out with Tessa in Clockwork Prince (I'm serious!!) shows how he has all the dedication.
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Are you serious? With his eyes closed, what?
 
No..but really Team Jem!
 
Why Jem Is The One For Tessa - Jem is the perfect person for Tessa because he actually cares! Jem, despite his "illness" is always there for Tessa, Will, and any other people who he knows. He makes the right choices no matter what he goes through and feels. Who could ask more for someone who plays the violin with his eyes closed, has a cool looking crane, speaks Mandarin and goes for what he wants when he sees it, and that means Tessa!

"I know," he said, looking down at himself self-consciously. "I am not - I mean, I look -"
"Beautiful," she said, and she meant it. "You are beautiful, James Carstairs.

 
Now..it's your turn to vote in the challenge! Link up your post, comment, and vote in the poll!



Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday (#15) - The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

 
Waiting on Wednesday is Hosted by Jill @ Breaking The Spine


The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines, #3)
In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.


Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood.

 
 Why I'm Waiting For It: There isn't even should be a reason I want waiting want this! Asdfghjkl, the ending of The Goldenn Lily was pure torture and gave my head a melt down! Why does Richelle Mead has to kill us with a eye-catching cover and a long release date!?! I'm seriously ripping my hair out from just waiting for it!

 
 
Oooh and don't get me started on wanting Sydney and Adrien to start dating!!! 0_0 they are like perfect, amazing, wonderful, delicious, and perfect!!! *screams and yells at everyone* I can't wait to see how it goes in TIS! If anyone goes between Sydney and Adrien, I will crush you!! No one should get in their way and please, if Richelle Mead does that I will hate her!
 
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My Predictions for TIS:
- Sydney and Adrien will date
-Sydney and Adrien will date but someone will get between them. *crossing fingers it doesn't happen*
-Reallly excited what's going to happen with Jill and Micah
-I want so more alchemist rebellion from Sydney! (Who doesn't?)
-Will Dimitri and Sonya come back? They make everything better!
-Please no love triangle! But if it does, make it good Richelle Mead!

Oh god, please 2013 come freaking early already! I need this book now! Release date come closer!!! *Begs on knees*

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Richelle Mead you better make this good! Or I'll end up like them above! ^

Now What are you Waiting this Wednesday?
 
 
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