Review: Shredded

Being an athlete isn't easy. To reach a competitive level, Josie Peters had to practice lots of stunts, fracturing her wrist in the process. And if you were to ask her if it was worth it -- you'd hear a loud Yes!

So when she gets an invitation to join the BMX team that sponsors pro rider R.T.Torres, a Latin heartthrob with impressive moves on and off the park, Josie jumps on the opportunity. But instead of acceptance, Josie discovers that the only reason she was requested is because they aren't enough girls in the competition, and that no one on the team believes a female can win the prize. 

Avivi gives us a  great example of the undergoing struggle women everywhere must face in sports, illuminating the story with BMX terminology and a realistic teen voice. The friendship between her and Miguel is genuine. Not many teen authors like to portray a male/female friendship that doesn't turn sexual or into a love triangle, so I was happy to finally see one on paper. Recommended for readers who enjoy an adrenaline rush. 

City of Bones: Perfect for book fans, but leave the oblivious mundanes at home

To all whom complained that Jamie Campbell Bower would ruin the image of Jace, can now relax, after critics from all over proclaim him to be the best part of City of Bones.

The movie begins right away with an abrasive Clary, who like a typical teenager spends her time on the phone, ignoring her mom except to tell her off for dragging Luke along in a noncommittal relationship. Little does Clary know she is doing the same thing to her best friend Simon. Little does she know that her whole life is going to change in just a few hours when she begins to see people that no one else can see.

What did ruin the movie was the fast pace rushed script as the characters were juggled from one interruption to another, denying non-fans to get a feeling of their personalities. Things like Simon getting bitten by a vampire and not turning where left unexplained. As if assuming the sequel would be picked up. But the most annoying thing of all, really, was the Harry Potter like music at every single scene.  Hope these glitches will be fixed in City of Ashes, set to start filming on September 2013.

Feature and Follow Friday: Morning Meadow

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

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

Q: Book selfie! Take a pic with your current read.

I thought this would be more intimate than just me and a hardcover of Twilight *sigh*

Review: The Awakening

The sequel of the Darkest Powers trilogy picks up exactly where book one left off-- in a clinic facility with the beloved gang about to be tortured by the evil Edison group. Derek and Simon are still on the loose, and the pressure for Chloe to reveal their whereabouts keeps intensifying. The best thing to do is plot another escape plan. But who can Chloe trust? 

Sadly, her powers have not reached their full potential yet, hinting at what the end of the series might actually be. The only tension Chloe is able to provide us with, is sexual, as her on/off chemistry with shapeshifter Derek sends sparks flying left and right. 

Still, a lot of questions are answered in this book as Armstrong cuts the plot twists to a bare minimum: Why did Chloe's aunt feed her to the enemy? Who is a friend and who is a foe? Can everyone control their powers?  All these questions that kept the readers on the edge of their seats are settled. It is only at the very end, that we are left again a huge question mark, pausing the story quite unfairly. This is the first series I've encountered that is meant to be read at once. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Toolbox

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish


THINGS THAT MAKE BOOK BLOGGING EASIER

1. Goodreads

Great way to keep track of to-read lists, organize what you have read and get recommendations.

2. Library/NetGalley

Two places filled with books that you can review.

3. Coffee/Tea

It goes without saying. If I ever publish a book, caffeine, will be thanked.

4. Booknotes

It's not a bad idea to keep a book filled with notes of things one might forget when writing a book review.

5. Bookaholics Anonymous

The finger stretching exercises they do before each meeting are quite helpful after handling hardcovers.

6. Fellow Bloggers

The most valuable point of all. I love reading other reviews, and discussing books keeps me updated and eager to read even more.