Review: You Against Me

Can a perfect couple be destined not to be together?

"Blood is thicker than water" doesn't apply to Mikey, when he sets out to gain Ellie's trust and make her confess her brother is lying about having consensual sex with his sister. Ellie was in the house when it happened. She knows the truth. But will falling in love with Ellie force Mickey to desist the cause and put family second?

Jenny Downham concentrates on showing her story through dialogue, making it more personal and entertaining to read. If only both Mikey and Ellie weren't so confused. Same as Romeo and Juliet's relationship was overtaken by their family's hate, Mikey and Ellie aren't given enough time to fall in love "properly" with good flirting and laughs and all the closeness we are searching for in a couple. 

You against me, is a realistic story, although the situation is nightmarish to the point where it doesn't feel like a romance story at all.

Top Ten Tuesday: Scream and Shout

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP CREEPY COVERS

Here are the top books I'd rather read with my kindle, than see the terrifying cover on my nightstand.

                             

                            

Review: Wild Born

Put aside the vampires! The supernatural genre just got more interesting as beasts and humans connect in a special spiritual quest to save the world. 

Rollan, Meilin, Abeke and Conor, all drank a cup of nectar at their eleventh birthday. It is tradition; a rite of passage that will determine which children in Erdas are chosen to carry on a bond with a spirit animal. Not all of them are happy with the results. Rollan, for instance, is hesitant of drinking the nectar and joining the chosen ones. While, Meilin -- a young girl with secrets up her sleeve -- is disappointed to be paired with a panda. Can't blame her, really, compared to the others she got the most docile of animals. 

As they begin to understand the importance of their mission, the story takes a darker tone. Bradon Mull used cleverly written fight scenes, misleading characters, and a visual scenery reminiscent of Africa and Asia. 

A great story that will delight fans of The Golden Compass. 

Feature and Follow Friday: May the recess prolongue with you

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: Photograph your fave read in a funny place

Proof that even the busiest people can find time to read. Stormtrooper is seen reading Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris. When asked if he liked it he happily grunted then told me to keep my distance. True story.

Review: Smile

One bad day can sometimes turn into bad years. 

Poor Raina fell and broke her two front teeth. If that weren't unlucky enough, due to a dentist's mistake, she's forced to undergo several procedures to remedy her smile. As we follow orthodontia ups and down, we also get to meet a young girl going through puberty changes, crushes, and friendship issues. 

Telgemeir illustrated the story beautifully, with vivid images and sentimental frames. Even bullying was included in the book, as I turned the pages swiftly to see if and how Raina would learn to stand up for herself. A great coming-of-age story that teaches no matter how bad life is-- it will get better. So keep on smiling. 

Others books in the series
Drama
Sisters

Review: Marie Antoinette Serial Killer

Despite the fact of Marie Antoinette's grandeur, Katie Alender doesn't let her steal the show. 

At first glance, Colette Iselin, is just a typical mean girl's pawn. Pretending to be wealthy in order to fit in, she has to scarf down her paid class trip meals in silence, then tell her friends she isn't hungry as they order succulent à la carte platters. But a visit to Versailles changes her path, as Colette learns she is linked with Marie Antoinette's traitor, and the failed Queen's ghost wants revenge. 

Marie Antoinette Serial Killer describes Paris with such visual detail, you can't help but feel like you are there. The characters imperfections help maintain that reality and pushes the story forward. Knowing she can't count on her friends for help, Colette reaches out to an ostracized nerdy girl and a sweet French tour guide Jules, to unravel the mystery and get rid of Marie Antoinette's ghost before she causes more damage. 

Love in Paris, murder, and mean girls at war -- it's hard to say no to this book. 

Feature and Follow Friday: Entrepreneurial Gal

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: What are some of your favorite magazines?

Cosmopolitain!! I used to sneak into my mom's room to read them all the time. So parents, please, unless you want your teens learning about 10 Ways to Keep a Man Happy in Bed, lock up those magazines.

On the plus side, I used to write down tips and trade them at school for Ho Hos. Too bad school cafeterias don't seem to carry them anymore.  

Zombie Walk coming soon to Montreal

Are Zombies ready to take over the streets?

World War Z terrorized the screen recently, demonstrating just how fascinated the world is with the undead. Whether it is their lunatic stare or attractive red color, Zombies got it going on. This year, Montreal is planning a Zombie Walk on October 19th as are many other cities across Canada this month.

What you need to know

Get there early. CPR Makes You Undead, a program organized by The Heart & Stroke Foundation will provide a 3 step free training. Learn to save a life in just 10 minutes and become an anti-zombie hero.

How to Fit in 

The living might have their crazy high fashion standards, but the dead accept everyone -- and I mean everyone -- as long as you are, well, dead. A simple mixture of corn syrup and drops of red food coloring can create blood in no time. But if you are of creative nature, you might want to adopt a character role. 

Last and not least

Turn your cell phones on silent, unless you enjoy grrrr conversations. Remember to stare those delicious onlookers while you are running, and limping, creeping through the streets. And please, wear comfortable shoes.  

Zombie picture provided by Montreal Zombie Walk. 

Review: Cleopatra Confesses

A first person account by the Queen of the Nile. 

Cleopatra's early life was never documented, nor were her portrait and birth records. Therefore this marks the first time, Cleopatra Confesses her story between the age of 10 to 22.

Sadly for us, the vivacious Cleopatra capable of conquering everything she dreamed off -- like the great Caesar -- did not exist until much later. Instead we meet a young to-be-queen with no self-preservation instincts. Cleopatra knows someone will harm her or turn others against her, and yet she doesn't act. What else can we expect from a 10 year old?

Regardless of the slow story line, the characters are realistic and Meyer's strong voice always present. The sibling rivalry controls the pace, as sisters Tryphaena, Berenike, Arsinoe, and her brother Ptolemy II all try to assassinate her. 

Not the best Carolyn Meyer book on the market, but a splendid effort nonetheless. 

Want more from Carolyn Meyer

Beware, Princess Catherine

Top Ten Tuesday: Twisted Hands

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP BOOKS I WAS FORCED TO READ

School

The props of living in Montreal is that you get to study French. Huit Clos (No Exit) defines hell as being forced to live with someone you love for eternity and watch them love someone else. Talk about self-destruction!!

My English teacher didn't lag behind either, we had to act part of The Scarlet Letter in class. Which is one of the reasons, I loved Easy A. Can't help but wonder if someone got that idea from doing this exercise. 

Emma Stone looking awesome

Friends

But you say, how can a friend force you to read a book? Well, they leave it on your nightstand and then call you about it. On the plus side, The Witch of Portobello didn't disappoint. It taught me that it's okay to wake up, put on some music and silly dance till you drop. It's called dancing therapy. And if you do it, people will join you. Next thing you know, you'll have a crazy dance cult with your boss and get promoted. 

Review: Will in Scarlet

How does a sheltered and spoiled boy grow into a hero? 

At the beginning of the story, Will Scarlet, is worried about finding his Christmas presents. Everything in the world seems right until his father gets abducted, and Prince John attempts to usurp the throne. Suddenly, Will is running for his life. And the only people that can help him find peace are the Merry Men. The problem: they are a bunch of thugs.

Matthew Cody brought a new light to the famous men in tights. Robin Hood is a drunk haunted by Marian's memory and Little John lacks discipline. To make matters even more interesting, Cody added Much, a young girl in the group posing as a boy, who falls for Will. 

The writing bursts of adrenaline, passionately filled with fights and plots. This might possibly turn into a series.

Feature and Follow Friday: Red Carpet

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: Feature your own favorite blogger. Have it be a surprise.

Even more than archery, I love surprises.  Here are two of my favorite bloggers:

The Make-Up Chair

Review: One Night that Changes Everything

Lauren Barnholdt created a perfect blend between YA and Chick-Lit.

Angry and with good reason, Eliza, wrote a nasty post online about her ex-boyfriend and his crew. So when he calls her up to say they stole her purple notebook - containing her deep thoughts and top-list of things to do if she were brave -- she has no choice but to meet him and check a couple of things off the list to get it back before they post it online. 

One Night that Changes Everything is great fun, but there really isn't much of a character growth. The entire book takes place in twenty-four hours, entertaining us with karaoke dares and make out scenes with an Eminem wannabe.  I hope that girls don't get the wrong message reading this book. Because let's face it, hooking up with the most trendy guy in school or posting racy pics of yourself online does not make you brave. Brave is growing up, being honest, and doing the right thing even when you don't want to. 

Just enjoy the good laughs.

Top Ten Tuesday: The Flawless and the Flawed

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP BEST/WORST SERIES ENDINGS

Best

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Many beloved characters died and yet I still enjoyed the ending. It helped having a small epilogue. 

Boundless: Every character had his/her moment. And no questions were left unanswered.

Mockingjay: It was no fairy-tale ending where everyone lives happily ever after with all their problems solved. It was realistic. 

Shades of Earth: Exquisite finale with non-stop action. 

Worst 

Requiem: Filled with too much narration, the second point-of-view character had no action or climax whatsoever. And the end was just a big mess.

Rapture: We traveled non-stop in Passion, only to travel once again in Rapture. Although the last few pages did have an interesting twist, it still makes my worst list.

Son of Rosemary: Pretty much the worst ending ever. The rating on Goodreads is 2.46. Enough said. 

Never Too Old for Dolls

It's a day worth celebrating for Hunger Games lovers everywhere, as Mattel just allowed their fans to pre-order the new Catching Fire Barbie Dolls. 

Peeta looks so handsome in his uniform ready to battle next to Katniss Everdeen. But the biggest surprise of all is Effie. 

Dolls available here for $24.95

Review: James Clyde and the Diamonds Orchestra

Children face great danger to protect the memory of the one they loved.

James, an orphan, is always delighted for the opportunity to visit his grandfather. Until, Gramps, is murdered over a diamond, and James put in the middle of the whole fiasco. He is transported into a magical universe called Orchestra. His mission: to protect a wish-granting diamond from the clutches of an evil queen and a man in black. 

Of course, the story wouldn't be as entertaining without some loyal sidekicks. McElwain, did a great job with Ben and Mary. Both of them are brave and witty, encouraging James to strive despite the circumstances. But what really steals the show is the atmosphere of the book. The descriptions were well conceptualized and the text easy to follow for a middle-grader, filled with short chapters. 

Touching and uplifting.

Caught my arrow #24

Caught my Arrow is a meme similar to In my mailbox and  Stalking the Shelves featuring books that were purchased, borrowed or received that week.

First October Weekend! Hope everyone is having a nice fall (hehe, just noticed the pun).

Received from Scholastic 
(Thank you very much!!)

Inhuman

Spirit Animals

Marie Antoinette, Serial killer

Bought

Star Wars Jedi Academy

Whatever After 4

Borrowed from Library

Shatter me (about time I read this)

What are you reading this week?

Feature and Follow Friday: Am I missing out

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: What book (or TV show or movie) have you not read that seemingly everyone else has?

Books : Beautiful Disaster, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Shadow and Bone, Obsidian, Easy, Under the Never Sky

TV Shows: Breaking Bad, The Tudors, True Blood

MOVIES: A Beautiful Mind, All about Eve, The Help, The Hobbit, The Cabin in the Woods