A Great Mashup: Pawn - Aimee Carter

Pawn by Aimee Carter
Date Released: November 26, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin TEEN 
Pages: 346 Pages
Format: ARC
Source: For Review on Teen Board
Rating: Really Liked
Series: (The Blackcoat Rebellion #1) 

Goodreads Synopsis: YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING. 

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country. 

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter. 

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

From Goodreads

I loved reading Pawn from beginning to end, with its gripping premise, amazing characters, and crazy twists, it was a book that blew me away. I would call Pawn a great mash - up of every dystopian book out there, but yet she brings something new and addictive, I couldn't stop reading Pawn!

A Great Protagonist

In Pawn, we meet Kitty Doe who is a III with a determination for a better life one where she doesn't have to worry about judgment from her number in society. I thought Kitty was a great and solid character throughout the book. She goes through so much like being Masked into Princess Lila, the Prime Minister's niece to being separated from Benjy, her boyfriend. I loved how fast Aimee Carter takes you in and you would not want to stop turning the pages! Kitty had her own personality and traits that was true and honest and you just fall in love with her and her determination. I also liked how Aimee made the other characters real, they had evil motives and showed no mercy, it made the book more intense and gripping. 

Mashing up done right 

Pawn was a great mash up of The Hunger Games, Wither by Lauren DeStefano, Divergent by Veronica Roth, and The Selection by Kiera Cass, but it was written in its own unique way. There was  more twists and turns Kitty and readers will face that pull away from the "mash-up" aspect to being its own series. It does that by delving deeper into the politics Kitty learns to a rebellion Lila started, I loved those parts in the book. Well done and well written also! 

All in All

I really do recommend Pawn to any YA reader who loves to pick up dystopians for a living. It has it's own twists and turns with such potential for a stand out series, I fully recommend it! I cannot wait to pick up the next book in the series. :)

Find Pawn On:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! It's finally that time to sit back, relax and have fun with friends and family and be thankful for everything you have. I hope you have an amazing thanksgiving and you eat some great foods and have a great time!

What I'm Thankful For (Blog Wise):

- That I Still Survived Blogging For 2 Years

-Having great blogging friends

-All the review books I got from authors, publishers, and bloggers (Thank You So Much! It means a lot to me and I'll continue what I keep doing!)

- Meeting bloggers and authors on Twitter

-Keeping my book club on Goodreads active and doing well 

and many more to list! 

I am very happy for all the amazing and awesome authors, bloggers, and publishers I meet this year and the more to come! I'm excited to keep moving forward to experience new things in the blogging world and read! Hope you guys have a great day and stay thankful!

Waiting on Wednesday (#47) - Pawn by Aimee Carter

Waiting on Wednesday is Hosted by Jill @ Breaking The Spine

Goodreads Summary: YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING. 

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country. 

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter. 

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

Why I'm Waiting For It: I'm actually reading Pawn and I'm loving it so far! I'm waiting for it becuase I think it's a great book that is done well, especially with all the books with the same cookie cutter concept. But with Pawn you get something more unique and fresh and that's why I'm loving it :) Definitely, need to pick up her mythology series ASAP. 

Find Pawn On:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads

A Fast-Pace Read: The Social Code - Sadie Hayes

The Social Code by Sadie Hayes
Date Released: September 3, 2013
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pages: 320 Pages
Format: Paperback
Source: For Review
Rating: Really Liked
Series: The Start Up #1

Goodreads Synopsis: In a world where anyone can rise to the top, the only rule is... watch your back.

Eighteen-year-old twins Adam and Amelia Dory learned the hard way to rely only on each other, growing up in a small town where they understood the meaning of coming from nothing. But everything changes when both are offered scholarships to Stanford University – and catapulted into the dazzling world of Silicon Valley, where anyone with a good enough idea can skyrocket to fame and fortune in the blink of an eye…

Amelia is almost as pretty as she is smart – almost. A shy girl and genius, she is happiest alone in the computer lab, but her brother has other plans for her talents: A new company that will be the next Silicon Valley hit, and will thrust Amelia into the spotlight whether she likes it or not. Where Amelia’s the brains, Adam’s the ambition – he sees the privileged lifestyle of the Silicon Valley kids and wants a piece of what they have. He especially wants a piece of Lisa Bristol, the stunning daughter of one of the Valley’s biggest tycoons.

As Adam and Amelia begin to hatch their new company, they find themselves going from nothing to the verge of everything seemingly overnight. But no amount of prestige can prepare them for the envy, backstabbing and cool calculation of their new powerful peers.

Welcome to Silicon Valley, where fortune, success – and betrayal – are only a breath away...

From Goodreads

The Social Code was a a great read filled with the world of technology, backstabbing, and decision, Sadie Hayes created world so true to people's motives and ambitions in a successful life. Even though it was a quick read, it is a memorable one and I'm excited to see how the second delves into this world of technology!

One thing I loved about The Social Code was that it wasn't my normal niche of YA and I usually try to push myself, but The Social Code was completely different with the premise. And definitely the technology aspect of the book, I mean who would pick that up? But no, Sadie Hayes sucks you into the world of Silicon Valley with Adam and Amelia Dory. Emilia and Adam are students at Stanford, while Adam likes to explore his options Amelia loves to decode and decode. I loved the premise of The Social Code and when you meet Adam and Amelia, Sadie really grabs you and moves you on a fast paced plot. The plot and characters really made the book a strong and moving book, I enjoyed every second of it. 

I have to admit, The Social Code was a true page turner, especially with a book that is not in my niche, I am more inspired to pick up book similar to this. I seriously kept turning the pages with excitement seeing how everything would turn out with Adam and Amelia! The same goes for the other characters in the book who we get a taste of in small plot lines. Wickedly genius Sadie! All the characters were so real and I could feel the emotions off the page. 

The Social Code is definitely a book you should try especially if you're a big avid reader. The book grows with you throughout plot and the characters were real and honest, anyone could relate to the choices and situations they were in. In a world of betrayal and distrust, Sadie Hayes sets a true to honest world where anyone can place themselves in Adam and Amelia's shoes. 

Find The Social Code On:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads

New To Shelves (#37) - A Book On Top of Books!

New To Shelves is a way to share all the great books I got this whole week and to add to my TBR Pile! It also includes a roundup of what's going to happen next week on the blog. It's a new name but similar meme.

I'll be linking up to:

I'm finally on my thanksgiving break! Yes I finally am! I am so sorry for all the hiatus in October - November, school literally was sucking up all my time ans blogging was an after thought. But now since I have a WHOLE WEEK off I get to hit some posts for November and some for December :) Be on the look out!

This Week:

Ask Me by KImberly Pauley (Review)

Pointe by Brandy Colbert (Review)

The Killing Woods by Christopher Pike (TeenBoard)

Pawn by Aimee Carter (TeenBoard) 

I am so so excited for these books! I definitely can't wait to dive into Pointe, the author was so nice to forward my request and I'm dying to pick it up! I'm reading Pawn and I think its such a good mash up of many great dystopians in YA, but I love it's twists and turns. As for The Killing Woods, I need to get going to this for the Teen Board soon. I definitely think this one is going to amaze me :)

Also, Kimberly was so nice to include a card for requesting her book Ask Me, debuting next year in April. Thank You!

Also as a new addition to my New To Shelves, I'll be doing a "What's Around the Bloggingsphere" where I'll link back anything that catches my eye from my daily blogs and more! It will be from reviews to giveaways to your blogiversary! So be on the lookout!

This Week on The Blog:

Review of Allegiant - Veronica Roth

Follow Friday (#26) -#FF Tagging!

Coming Up on The Blog:

Reviews of Pawn, The Social Code, and more

Discussion Post, WoW and FF

Big THANKS to Teenreads, Brandy Colbert, and Kimberly Pauley!!

Follow Friday (#26) - #FF Tagging!

Follow Friday is Hosted @ The Parajunkee 

Today's Question: 
You Are It! We are playing #FF tag this week. Comment on as many blogs as you can, even if they aren’t participating in #FF. Just say Happy #FF! At the end of your comment. Keep a running total if you want and update your post with it. The bigger the number the more impressed we will be!

My Answer:
I am super excited for this week's FF! Tagging bloggers and commenting? That is both perfect and fun! I'm definitely want to get high numbers somewhere around the 30s! Now..time time to hop off and head to some of my daily blogs and new ones. I might be stopping to your's!

What's Your Follow Friday?

An Epic Ending: Allegiant - Veronica Roth

Allegiant by Veronica Roth
Date Released: October 22, 2013
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 526 Pages
Format: Hardcover
Source: Target
Rating: Loved
Series: (Divergent #3)

Goodreads Synopsis:  The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. 

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. 

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

From Goodreads

*Note there will be spoilers throughout this review and many gif. Many gifs.*

“I suppose a fire that burns that bright is not meant to last.” 

First off, let me say how wickedly smart Veronica Roth is a writing the whole Divergent series! She know how to hit the notes of high action, end-of-the-tension, suspense, and playing with your emotions! Allegiant BLOWN ME AWAY! I loved Veronica Roth for creating such a powerful and high stake series, it is definitely a memorable series that blows away The Hunger Games!

My reaction, just holding the book:

I mean, who wouldn't?

Just looking at the cover:


And you know what, it was!


Allegiant picks up where Insurgent ended. The Edith Prior video. Jeannie Mathews. The Divergent. Tris and Four go through so much in the book, I felt for them every time. I loved how there was so much at stake for Tris, Four, their friends and the world itself. The characters were just amazing like always. There Tris not knowing whether to trust herself or let others makes her choices! Veronica pushed the limits in Allegiant and I am so happy it blew my expectations away! It was awesomesauce over awesomesauce and action after action, I loved it.

First 200 Pages:

I was attacked by all these emotions Veronica Roth gets you at and you just read and watch.

The Chemistry Between Tris and Four“I fell in love with him. But I don't just stay with him by default as if there's no one else available to me. I stay with him because I choose to, every day that I wake up, every day that we fight or lie to each other or disappoint each other. I choose him over and over again, and he chooses me.” 
In Allegiant, the romance with Four and Tris wasn't that steamy, hot stuff you would expect right? I'm guessing that's what you thought? But now, Veronica does it subtle notes. It like coming from behind and ends up blowing you away. They have such an honest relationship and the ending with them was die hard amazing but will give you water works. Tris and Four were my favorite couple of 2013!
Literally the ending, makes you want to go under a blanket and realize what have
you been doing.

What Veronica Roth Shows in her Series

I love how in every book there's a message Veronica gets across whether it is with her characters or with the situations they go through. In Divergent, it was about being fearless and finding yourself. In Insurgent, it was about taking risks to protect the people you love and sacrifice.  And now in Allegiant, it shows how making choices defines you. It is a representation of how you are and what you believe it. I just loved it!


Exactly, she gets it on point


The Ending
No amount of words can describe this, just gifs. 

As it was all happening (in a good way)


Then all the bad things happening. Just too much


Ending the last page

Even though it ended, it had such a positive and empowering message 
claps for Veronica!

Allegiant is one of my favorite endings to an amazing and jaw dropping series! It is perfect for any YA reader and promises so much and delivers it and more!

Find Allegiant On:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads

Waiting on Wednesday (#46) - The Rules for Breaking by Ashley Elston

Waiting on Wednesday is Hosted by Jill @ Breaking The Spine

Goodreads Summary: Anna Boyd almost lost her life to get what she wanted most in the world: freedom.

But just when it seems that her family has finally escaped Witness Protection, the illusion that Anna could resume a normal life comes crashing down.

The deadly man Anna knows as Thomas is still on the loose, and now he's using her as a pawn in a dangerous game with the drug cartel determined to silence her forever. When Thomas and a mysterious masked man capture not only Anna but also her fragile younger sister and her boyfriend, Anna decides it's time to break all the rules-even if it means teaming up with the lesser of two evils.

Anna will do whatever it takes to protect the people she loves and win her life back once and for all. But her true enemies are hidden in plain sight. Before long, Anna will learn that putting her trust in anyone may be the last mistake she ever makes.

Why I'm Waiting For It: I loved The Rules for Disappearing a lot! It was fast paced, had kick ass action, and a heroine that anyone could love I am dying to read The Rules for Breaking! Plus I like how it elaborates on the plot holes in book one. 


Find The Rules for Breaking On:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Goodreads

Discussion Post: Managing Time

This Week's Topic:
"Managing Time" 

Admit it, you and every blogger out there has time managing issue no matter how seasoned of a blogger you are. Life and your needs get in the way sometimes and finding time to blog can just stress your whole day. I'm here to share my tips for managing time and my secrets to have posts :)

1.) Schedule Time!

One of the best ways I like to have posts up and my blog running smooth is having a calendar or notepad to with the posts I want in THAT WEEK rather than a big month. It is much easier to have smaller goals you can accomplish in a week rather than setting up yourself with all these things you're pressuring yourself to do each month = stress. Do goals that are achievable and scheduled when you want to to them is my key. You can still use a big monthly calendar but use it to map out when you know a post has to be up for blog tours, or reviews. 

2.) Debunking Your Distractions 

One day go with noticing every little thing that takes up your precious blogging time as you blog. Whether it's your iPhone blowing up with notifications or twitter, write it down after you finished blogging. Now the next time you blog, take away these things and you can see a huge difference in accomplishing what you plan to do, and even goes for daily life. It takes 2 weeks for something to be a habit, make this one of them!

3.) Know The Things That Help You Move On

One of the best things to do is improving on the good things you do to move fast and get things done. You can also apply this to blogging! Yes you can! Whether it is taking a quick nap or eating when blogging makes you get things done then do it! Don't do things that you think will help but never tried them before, but be open to trying new things. 

Now Those are my key 3 things to help manage my time! Be sure to comment on the things you do to help yourself!

Even Better than The First: Time After Time - Tamara Ireland Stone

Time After Time by Tamara Ireland Stone 
Date Released: October 8, 2013
Publisher: Hyperion
Pages: 368 Pages
Format: Hardcover
Source: For Review @ Teen Board
Rating: Loved
Series: (Time Between Us #2) 

Goodreads Synopsis: Calling Anna and Bennett’s romance long distance is an understatement: she’s from 1995 Chicago and he’s a time traveler from 2012 San Francisco. The two of them never should have met, but they did. They fell in love, even though they knew they shouldn't. And they found a way to stay together, against all odds. 

It’s not a perfect arrangement, though, with Bennett unable to stay in the past for more than brief visits, skipping out on big chunks of his present in order to be with Anna in hers. They each are confident that they’ll find a way to make things work...until Bennett witnesses a single event he never should have seen (and certainly never expected to). Will the decisions he makes from that point on cement a future he doesn't want?
Told from Bennett’s point of view, Time After Time will satisfy readers looking for a fresh, exciting, and beautifully-written love story, both those who are eager to find out what’s next for Time Between Us's Anna and Bennett and those discovering their story for the first time. 

From Goodreads

I feel in love with Time After Time and I have to say that it is way better than Time Between Us! Time After Time had the perfect elements of Time Between Us, but done in Bennett's perspective making it relatable and spell binding at the same time. I loved Time After Time and I would definitely not mind re-reading it again!