Review: Riley Mae and the Sole Fire Safari

In this third installment of the series, Riley Mae travels to Africa to hide from Eric, a jealous corporate member who tried to kill her and her crew. She moves in with a family of three growing girls and learns the true meaning of hardship: getting up at 5 am to collect water, walking to school under severe heat, eating ugali (white corn) every day -- not the typical life conditions she was used to. Riley wants to go home more than anything. How long will they have to hide from Eric? Is he even searching for them?

The theme behind this book is determination. Faith (one of the three village girls) stays up late studying to become a doctor, all while waking up early the next morning to fetch water. Through her Riley learns that nobody has it easy, but will power and kindness is what makes us special.

Sweet and uplifting.

Review: The Karma Club

"That's just how Karma works. You kinda have to wait."

After Maddy proclaims her love for Mason to the whole country, he cheats on her with the most popular girl in school. First comes denial, then sadness. The only thing that doesn't seem to be leaving Maddy anytime soon is the anger. How could he do this to her and get away with it? Who says Karma doesn't need a helping hand?

The Karma Club reminded me a lot of Mean Girls. Maddy starts writing a "karma book" and tries to give a girl a horrible skin disorder. But the similarities stop there. Instead of let's all be friends, this novel reminds us that Karma and revenge don't go together. Karma is about sending positive vibes into the world so that they may come back to us. 

A fun read!!

Feature and Follow Friday: They call me Cupid

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

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

Q: How did you come up with your blog title?

Une photo publiée par natalia (@natyuniverse) le 20 Nov. 2014 à 7h28 PST

Although, it's no secret that I'm mixed (half Colombian/half Greek) and that Cupid comes from Greek mythology, that's not the reason I picked the name. Truth is, I really enjoy matchmaking people with good books.

When I first started the blog (this actually still happens) most people assumed that BookCupid was an adult romance/erotica review site. I kept having to explain that I only reviewed YA, MG, or NA. Some authors took it well, and some ... not so well. But that's their problem. I love my blog name, with the little hearts and arrows reviews, and wouldn't change it for the world.

Review: The Shackles of Constantine

Jade isn't your typical teenage girl -- she can summon fire. 

Enrolling at Constantine Academy should have made her more at ease, but no one else seems to share Jade's gift. When one of the students is burned by Jade in self-defense class, Jade is coerced to learn an illegal charm to make amends or face expulsion. But with the founder of Constantine Academy on the loose, will Jade be used as a weapon against evil or for evil?

I admit I felt uncomfortable around Jade's character at first. It wasn't an illogical feeling, as Jade herself felt unwelcome in her own skin. Even when she transfers from schools, every student who approaches her, like fellow classmate Justine, Jade doubts their motifs, unable to see the potential of a true friendship. But as the story flows, Jade starts growing more confident in herself and her abilities, forming an even better crew with Matt and Aaron. 

Looking forward to the sequel.

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Flavor

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP 10 FAVORITE AUTHORS

1. Cassandra Clare 

Clare made me love Steampunk with her Infernal Devices series. I know she's mostly renowned for the Mortal Instruments, and to me, an author who is able to juggle two successful series at the same time is quite remarkable.  

2. Sarah Dessen

Another author with a book to movie adaptation, is Dessen. Her work is always character driven, leaving the reader with a complete profile of the MC in and out. 

3. J.K.Rowling 

I'm happy to mention Rowling in this countdown. It means that no matter how many books I read, her work remain with me. She is such a magical being. 

4. Richelle Mead 

Awww, these book covers should have been kept. Of course, no matter what the covers look like, the words inside remain the same -- enchanting. 

5. Ally Carter 

Love her mysteries, particularly, the Heist Society series, which was supposed to be turned into a movie but sadly, never did. 

6. John Green 

I might not have been Paper Towns biggest fan, but that doesn't mean I would exclude Green from this list. I still feel he wrote a masterpiece with The Fault in our Stars. 

7. India Desjardins

The way Desjardins represents the single women of today struggling with Instagram, Tinder, and grandmas who refuse to give family recipes because ''they are written for a family of four''  is funny/bitter/funny again. I can't wait for these to be translated in English. 

8. E. Lockhart

I loved her even before this book, does that count? 

9. Carolyn Meyer

History was never a favorite topic of mine until I encountered a Meyer book. I've been collecting them and sharing them ever since. 

10. Mo Willems

He's a genius to me. His writing is funny/clever. And there is always opportunity to do voices. Hope to one day be able to write a children's book with half his wit. 

Who is your favorite author?