Review: The Coldest Girl in Coldtown

Holly Black gives us an atypical and disturbing look at vampires, as well as the hottest and raciest kiss ever between a bloodsucker and a human. 

The story revolves around Tana, a teenage girl who was bitten by her own mother as a child and still feels guilty over the incident. Had she not allowed her mom to bite her, the infection would have worn off and her mother would be alive today. So when her friends get attacked at a party, Tana decides to save those she can from turning, by driving them to Coldtown, away from the vampire hunters. Black spices things up by adding two neurotic bloggers named Midnight and Winter who wish to document the whole ordeal. 

Although the plot was well set up -- the need for Coldtowns easy to understand -- it made no realistic sense why Tana would risk her life for an ex-boyfriend who peer pressured her into kissing other guys. And if that wasn't enough reason to leave him and save herself, she decides to rescue a vampire she'd never met. Just because. 

Sadly, the wicked sense of humor was not sufficient to make the story worth re-reading.

Review: The Boyfriend List

Panic attacks are a clear sign that someone needs help. But when Ruby's parents send her to a therapist -- post her boyfriend breakup -- she doesn't know where to start. And so a list is made. It names every boy that affected Ruby's life and is somehow responsible for this entire ordeal. 

The story is female-focused and humorous, while keeping the seriousness of growing up from playing video games with boys to having them feel you up. Ruby is a very realistic character. She doesn't spend her days trying to climb the popularity ladder, she just wants to be loved by her friends, but must learn to assert herself first. This book is a fair example of why some relationships are meant to end, even if we are not ready to say goodbye.  

Feature and Follow Friday: Treasure

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

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

Q: If you could only have One book -- one book -- for the rest of your life. What would it be?

For me, easy, Little Women. It's one of my childhood's favorites that I still turn to every now and then. It has romance, heartbreak, sibling rivalry, a saint of a mother, and a Teddy.

Review: Origin

The Amazon rainforest comes to life in Jessica Khoury's novel, Origin. 

Pia, an immortal who hates being reminded so, was created as part of a top secret project. She lives in a protected compound with her Aunts and Uncles -- all scientists that prefer a ''family'' environment -- but never allow her to step out into the jungle. Instead, Pia spends the days training for the unknown; forced to disregard ethical questions because she is special. And special people do what needs to be done, even if it means hurting others.

Jessica Khoury maintained a thrilling plotline throughout the whole story of morality vs. eternity. I mean, really, who would want to live forever if it meant being the bad guy?

Pia was an easy character to root for: brave, intrepid, and humble. No wonder Eio agrees to help her. Finally, a book that can be enjoyed in its entirety, without the need of a sequel to prolong the obvious.

Book Party Drink Ideas to Astound Your Guests

Here is a list of popular drinks that can share a spotlight with themed books. The I Love Zombie requires a blender, but the rest are pretty easy to serve. Remember to drink moderately.





Bloody Bella

45ml Vodkha
90ml Tomato Juice
15ml Lemon Juice
Dash of Worcestershire sauce, pinch of celery slat,
Tabasco, and black pepper.

French Connection

35ml cognac
35ml Amaretto Liqueur

Horse's Neck

1 lemon (for decor, that is where the name actually comes from)
3 tbsp gin
dry ginger ale

Sunburn

1 1/2 tbsp cognac
1 1/2 tbsp Tia Maria
2 tsp orange juice
2 tsp lemon juice

And finally the longest drink to prepare ever:

I Love Zombie

1 1/2 tbsp light rum

2 tsp dark rum

2 tsp white rum

1 1/2 tbsp orange curaçao

1 tsp Pernod

                                  1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice                                  

                                 1 1/2 tbsp orange juice                                 

                                 1 1/2 tbsp pineapple juice                                 

     2 tsp papaya juice

1 tsp grenadine   

                                                                        2 tsp almond syrup