The Elite (The Selection #2)

Reviewer: Kristen
Author: Kiera Cass 
Pages: 323
Format: Paperback
My Rating: 7 out of 10

** Spoiler Alert! Even reading the summary will spoil you. You've been warned! **

Summary (you da bomb.com, Goodreads):Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

My Thoughts: So, the last review I totally just spewed on and on about the characters. I'll try to refrain from doing that this time, because my opinion on most of them haven't changed. This book got me, I read it one sitting and I'm now anxiously counting down the days until the next one comes out. May 6th, for those of you not in the know. 

So, this one basically reaffirmed my hatred for America. Okay, put away the eagles, this girl is talking about the character. (I'm so funny, right?! Just... play along...) I really really disliked her, which is awkward. You'd think I'd want to be done with her character, but that is not the case. This one she gets bad for flip flopping between Aspen and Maxon. Seriously, at a few points, her mind literally changes every chapter. It was bad, but I kept going and I'm glad that I did. 

For some reason, this story stuck with me. It wasn't written in any fantastic way, and the narration wasn't to die for, but I can't get it out of my head. So, I guess that's the mark of a good novel, right? Maxon only made me love him more, Aspen only made me hate him more. (Remember when I said I wouldn't talk about characters....hahahahahah) 

And on that note...

Final Thoughts: It was a good read, I mean, I am biting my nails to the stubs waiting for the next one. (Only somewhat of an exaggeration). 

___________________________________________________

Reviewer: Kelsey

Rating: 6 out of 10

What I think: Like the first in this series, I think that this novel could be a lot more. Also, like the first in this series, I quite enjoyed this novel. It pulled me in, though I couldn't say why or how it managed to do that. 

I hate Aspen even more. Can't he just leave it all alone?

I'm not sure what to do with Maxon. I saw some things with him coming and other I didn't. He seemed to jump around a lot like I thought America did in The Selection. I'm mad at some of his choices. Am I surprised at what the author did for plot twists? Not really.

America still can't make up her bloody mind and it still bugs me. I feel like her emotions and interests are just made up as the author goes because I can't grasp her character. I think I have a handle on her than she randomly changes her mind. Clearly, it will end with her making some kind of decision. I have my own thoughts on who she should choose, of course.

The end of this novel pointed to a decision but I have a feeling that, in the end, it won't make a difference. It makes me angry. It's like she's made up her mind but keeps bouncing back to the other guy. Frankly, I'm tired of her and her nonsense. She's basically using two people and leading them on. Why bother fighting for something you don't want? I hope this issue is quickly resolved cause it's starting to bore me. I'd prefer more of a story that wasn't focused on her bouncing around.

So: I plan on finishing the series but I'm not really happy about it. I'm tired of America not choosing because I feel she already made a choice, not once but twice. The ending of this novel didn't do it for me but I really have no say in it so whatever. I'm not sure why I get so interested in these novels when they are in front of me. We shall see what happens.

Cold Spell (Fairytale Retellings #4)

Reviewer: Kelsey
Author: Jackson Pearce
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 323
Rating: 7.5 out of 10 (I'm the one doing the rating, I can use whatever number system or decimals I feel fit!)

Summary (Don't be chilling with me Goodreads): Kai and Ginny grew up together–best friends since they could toddle around their building’s rooftop rose garden. Now they’re seventeen, and their relationship has developed into something sweeter, complete with stolen kisses and plans to someday run away together.

But one night, Kai disappears with a mysterious stranger named Mora–a beautiful girl with a dark past and a heart of ice. Refusing to be cast aside, Ginny goes after them and is thrust into a world she never imagined, one filled with monsters and thieves and the idea that love is not enough.

If Ginny and Kai survive the journey, will she still be the girl he loved–and moreover, will she still be the girl who loved him?

Thoughts: I really like Jackson Pearce. I like her novels and her videos. She seems like an awesome person. I'd like maybe kill to meet her. Fangirling aside...

Hurrah for a strong female character! Yes, in the beginning, she was kind of weak and struggled to be who she is. She was centered on Kai and his life but she grew into herself. She realizes over the course of the novel that she can be strong and independent and fight for what she really wants in her life. She wants Kai and that's okay. Woman can fight for whatever they want even if that is a certain boy. I thought her weakness would bother me but she wasn't weak. I needed to scratch the surface.

I wish there would have been more development on what Mora actually was. I felt the same thing with Fathomless (The third Fairytale Retelling). I felt like it was only explained on the surface to let the story flow but the actual back story was ignored. No, that doesn't sound quite right. I just wish I could figure out why all of these different types of characters are being thrown together to explain one kind of mythical creature. I mean, it doesn't sound too awful I just wish there was more explanation. Maybe there will be more on this is future novels. Here's to hoping.

Winter is the perfect time to read this. I started reading this on a day when it was -45 degrees Celsius where I live. Maybe Mora was behind it all...

Anyway, it was quite a bit more entertaining because it was so cold. I was really feeling the plot. Every time it spoke of cold, I happened to be cold. It was perfect. 

I thought the plot was solid and entertaining, as were the sort of subplots. I loved the characters, especially the minor background type characters. They definitely were unique and perfect for their roles.

Anyway, loved this but wanted a bit more, I guess.

Not sure if it would be a reread but it was a fast enough read, for sure.

Conclusion: I loved this book but wished it had some more explanation of what the Snow Queen, or whatever, actually is. I will continue to read Jackson Pearce's novels. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys paranormal works or fairytales. Take a look at it. Give it a try.

Favourite quote:
"We'll be in the kitchen eating cake."
"We haven't eaten dinner!"
"We're adults. We're allowed to have cake for dinner,"

The Epic, Extravagant, (Evil), and Elastic Examination Day 16

Favorite female character

I like Kira from Partials by Dan Wells. I like that she is tough and is trying to do something good. I'm tired of weak females that struggle to keep up with men or who exist for just love stuff. 
I like a lot of female characters but I think I'll pick her. 
This question was hard too!
What's yours?

~ Kelsey

KATNISS EVERDEEN. 

Kristen 

Origin (Lux #4)

Reviewer: Kelsey
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384
Rating: 9 out of 10

This is book 4 of this series. I would stop reading here if you plan on reading the first three...cause SPOILERS. 

Summary (Goodreads is out of this world!): Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything. 

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on? 

And will they even be together?

My Thoughts: I just want to punch Daemon in the face for what he did. I know why he did it but it was stupid and I, many times, wanted to reach through this novel and punch him. Had other things not happened, it would have ended so horribly and I would still be a puddle, crying, all this time later. As it is, I could barely handle this novel.

I think this one is my favourite in the series so far. I'm glad the author didn't just decide to let them die in a horrible fire brought on by the pain and fury of readers everywhere...then again, the ending? WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU TRYING TO DO TO ME! I don't like what was implied and you can guarantee that if it ends the implied way, there will be trouble. I can see myself finding this author and us having a little chat. I swear I'm not as crazy as I sound, I promise.

I don't know what to do until I get the next novel. I can henceforth be found rocking my sorrows away in the darkest recesses of my room. Too much? I think not. I cannot do the dealing or handling of this novel. 

Sadly, I hate to admit that I'm glad it happened. I enjoyed the action as well as the romance. I think that it followed the natural course though it was by no means predictable. I did, however, at times, feel like it was going awfully fast. It wasn't too fast to stay caught up though so you don't need to worry about that at all. 

I think this author is doing great things with this series and it's characters. I'm excited to see what happens next.

Just read them...now.
 __________________________________________________
THIS IS REALLY BOTHERSOME TO ME BECAUSE I WAS FIRST FOR EVERY OTHER BOOK IN THIS SERIES BUT KELSEY DECIDED SHE WANTED TO BE FIRST. 

Oh hi, it's Kristen, and thus my review will commence. 

My rating is going to be a solid 9 out of 10 stars. 

My Thoughts: So, I read this in August. Yup. August. You know what month it is now? January. (Though with the way that I'm having to move schedules around, this could very well be posted in March. The irony.) So, I'm going to have to go off of memory, and mine a'int so stellar. 

Basically I want to have Daemon's babies and marry the shit out of him. In whatever order he so desires. I love Katy. I remember that I really liked the dual POV's. I liked getting a glimpse inside of Daemon's head. 

I also can be found rocking in a corner waiting for the next book. The romance was so caaaaute and I just wanted the book to never end. The action kept me going. This book is giving me life. 

Serious author crush on Jennifer Armentrout. 

Go read, now. Your life will never be the same. 

P.S Any news on a movie?!

Follow Friday

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2014?

Oooh! I have my calendar filled with books that I can't wait to get my hands on.
Into The Still Blue by Veronica Rossi (January 28th)
Panic by Lauren Oliver (March 4th)
Don't Look Back by Jennifer L Armentrout (April 15th)
The One by Kiera Cass (May 6th)
City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare (May 27th)
Rusty Nailed by Alice Clayton (June 24th)
Opposition by Jennifer L Armentrout (August 5th)

These are the ones I'm really looking forward too! It's going to be a good year for books!
- Kristen

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare (May 27th)
Rusty Nailed by Alice Clayton (June 24th)
Opposition by Jennifer L Armentrout (August 5th)
Look at Kristen and I being all matchy!
Also,
Unhinged by A.G. Howard
The Descent by Alma Katsu
Vitro by Jessica Khoury
Ruins by Dan Wells (March 11th)

Some are already out but I haven't had time to pick them up. I'm so excited!
~ Kelsey

The Selection

Reviewer: Kristen

Author: Kiera Cass

Format: Paperback

Pages: 327

My Rating: 7 out of 10

Summary (thanks, GR): For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

My Thoughts: I do this really cute (and by cute, I totes ma-goats mean really damn annoying) thing where I read book after book and then not review them. Bizarre, right? Yeah, not in my life. Also, Kelsey drafted her review of this novel and told me (GUILTED ME) into posting mine. So if it's short... please forgive me. 

Kelsey also stole my "The Hunger Games meets the Bachelorette" line. Though, I think I saw that somewhere else. Okay, focusing now, I swear. That line literally sums up what I thought of this. Okay, so there's no death, but oh brother, can girls be catty. So, in the catty, girls are too mean to each other sense, this is totally like The Hunger Games. The Bachelorette thing basically describes the entire plot of this novel, which I actually think is really cool. I really like that it felt unique, and that it took dystopian to a new level that I haven't encountered before. 

There was definitely similarities to other dystopian novels that I've read before. There is a caste system, and our home girl America was one of the lowest ones. She and her "let's go to the tree house and make out but lets be clear we aren't technically together because that's now allowed because I'm a caste lower than you and I can't drag you into that life when you could have [not actually that much more] more than me" boyfriend are in one of those taboo relationships. Her parents would kill her if they found out about Aspen, despite the fact they like his family. Basically, in summary, Aspen = Gale in my books. Kind of Edwardian (totally going to change this definition to a character resembling Edward Cullen) in the sense that you can't be with me because you can't make your own coherent choices, and thus I must protect you from all the evils you aren't smart enough to understand. Okay, apparently I'm angry today. I digress. 

Maxon, however, I was really intrigued by. He's the Prince and the bachelor if we're going to stick with the whole Bachelorette thing. Beautiful girls from each caste are sent to him, and the way that the author sets it up, you totally expect him to be a douche.  But he really isn't. It just so happens, I really like this Maxon guy. He's patient, and cute, and realistic (in a total book way, not reality way). I understand why some people don't like him, because if the author hadn't tread with care, he would totally be some douchenozzle player. I mean, he gets the prettiest 24 girls in the country to play with and decide he wants to marry. Good thing Cass does him justice. Basically, in summary, Maxon = Peeta in my books. 

So, following the above logic, one would assume that America = Katniss. BUT NO. WRONG WAY, TURN AROUND IMMEDIATELY. America was my least favourite character, which sucks because she's the narrator. The plot kept me, not this shitty character. Seriously, girlfriend couldn't make up her mind to save her life. The one that instance that Kelsey and I talked about a lot was the fact that she was uber pissed off about having to participate in this contest, but she stopped to sign autographs of her "adoring fans" aka people that just learned of her existence because she may be the next princess. Anyway, America was seriously so flaky and that's such an ugly word, but I can't think of anything else. 

Final Thoughts: Basically, I read this for the plot. Not for America. Hahahahah, that sounds way dramatic. 

______________________________________________________

Reviewer: Kelsey

Rating: 7ish out of 10

Thoughts: This was kind of a guilty pleasure type of read. I didn't think that it was any kind of outstanding writing or plot or characters even but I did enjoy this novel a lot. I read through it rather quickly. It was an easy one. The plot was easy to understand and follow too. It wasn't totally original nor was it unoriginal. It was kind of average really. I did find, however, that it had some kind of hold on me. I didn't put it down until it was done.

I thought that it was sort of The Hunger Games meets the bachelorette. Take that however you wish.

Character wise...okay, I thought it was a bit of a mess. I'm not sure the author took all the time necessary to get to know her characters. I thought that America jumped all over the place. She wanted one thing then suddenly wanted something totally opposite. A little bit of this might not have been a problem but America does this suddenly and often. It was like character whiplash. I couldn't figure out who she really was. I also had a problem with Aspen. He was stupid. I'm tired of "we can be together" then "we can't", "we can", "we can't". Make up your mind.

I think that this novel had a lot of potential but it was lost somewhere. Maybe it just needed a little bit more work and polish. I don't really know. To me, it was missing that spark. It was missing what couldn't made it a great novel. I wish it could've been great.

Basically: I thought that it was a fast and easy read. I found that I wanted to finish it and I got a hold of the second one right away but this could never be my favourite novel. I thought that it lacked something and the characters were all over the place. This book doesn't really stand out to me and, if Kristen hadn't given it to me, I probably would never have picked it up off the shelf.

The Epic, Extravagant, (Evil), and Elastic Examination Day 15

Favorite male character

OMG I DO NOT KNOW!
I think I'm going to go with Luke from The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks. There are just sooooo many. I want to pick some but they died. I want to pick others cough Daemon Black (Lux Series) but they can be really jerk like. I want to pick like every character ever. However, I did enjoy The Longest Ride and Luke was all for hard work, family, and his girl. I don't know.
This is the hardest question ever in the history of hard questions.

I'm interested to see what you all think. Comment. I'm curious!

~ Kelsey

I'd like to plead the fifth. What's that? I'm not American? Dammit! 

Okay. Hmm. Ahhh. Oiii this one pains me. 

(Y'all aint just getting one because that's impossible and I'm not in the whole "defy the impossible" mood today ;) )

Okay. Let us begin. 

Peeta Mellark. Finnick Odair. Kellan Kyle. Daemon Black. Augustus Waters. 

And, that's all I'm going to list, because I could probably go on forever. 

Kristen

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks! This is hosted by Tynga's Reviews!

Boy oh boy, do I have a haul for you guys this week! 

 I have a serious addiction and I need help. These are only the physical copies! There's 26! When did this happen?! I also have 75 ebooks that need reading! 75!!! Wish me luck.

-Kristen

Though this isn't the order I plan to read them (mostly because I could tell you an order but it's all about how I feel at the time), I'll let you know what they are starting from the top left and moving clockwise from there. Ready? Go.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

To All the Boys I've loved before (ARC) by Jenny Han

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

A Bend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks

My Parents Are Sex Maniacs: A High School Horror Story by Robyn Harding

Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts

Elegy (Watersong #4) by Amanda Hocking 

[[Reviews for the first 3 Watersong novels are available from our reviews page]]

The Return of the Ragpicker by Og Mandino

So there...but just so you know...I have so many books waiting to be read that what you see might not be what you get. It'll be a surprise. Who doesn't like surprises? Also, apparently Kristen and I have gotten back into the wing of life and have plenty of wonderful book reviews waiting to be read by you...yes, you. Keep an eye open. I'm excited!

~ Kelsey

Opal (Lux #3)

Reviewer: Kelsey
Author: Jennifer L Armentrout
Pages: 382
Format: Paperback
My Rating: 9 out of 10

SPOILER ALERT. THIS IS THE THIRD OF A SERIES. P.S I suggest not even reading the summary if you've not read the other two. 

Summary (thanks GR): No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

Kristen's Review for Opal Here

Thought: Given the huge spoiler warning at the top, I will keep this very short and to the point.

I still love this series and this author, even more in fact. I love that she sticks to the story no matter what character might get in the way or get hurt. Her doing this making the whole story seem more realistic. Sometimes bad things happen and sometimes good things happen. That's just the way it is and this novel, really this whole series, reflects that life fact.

I'm glad that the characters are growing and changing. These circumstances require it and the author, I think, does it perfectly. Apparently, I have lots of good things to say about this author...

I think the characters are perfect for their parts and I love them for it. 

If you haven't read the first two of this series, I recommend that you go find them and read the whole series so that you can understand the awesomeness and pain that is their series. I can't wait for the next ones!

Onyx (Lux #2)

Reviewer: Kelsey
Author: Jennifer L Armentrout 
Pages: 366
Format: Paperback
My Rating: 8 out of 10

*** Spoiler warning! This is the second to the LUX series. Click for a review of Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout (Lux #1) ***

Summary (thanks Goodreads): Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town…

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

Kristen's Review of Onyx

My Thoughts: I believe that this was a good sequel to this series but I think the summary lies a little bit. Okay, maybe lies is a strong word. The summary above seems a little misleading about where this novel goes and what it's motivations are. The most important thing is that the author sticks to the story. She doesn't give in to what the readers would want. She always does what is best for the story and forces the reader to deal with it.

My biggest, most worst, awful, horrid pet peeve of this novel was all of the secrets and ignoring of advice that Katy does. Katy should have spoken with Dee and she should have listened to Daemon. I understand why Katy was a little freaked out by the connection but she could have stood to relax a little bit about it. I don't see how she could blame so much on the connection; she should know herself better than that. I love that Katy and Daemon, even while not getting along perfectly, grow together.

Speaking of Daemon (aka look a shiny thing that has pulled my focus), he gets better. I mean, I wish he didn't get all jealous but then again Katy does that too.

This is a short review but the moral of the story is that they are great and I shouldn't read a series back to back without reviewing in between. I can't remember what happens in which novel and I'm getting all tied up and confused so I apologize. I'll try to work on that but, in the mean time, you should read this series and see what I've been talking about.

So: Like I said for Obsidian...you should just buy all of her novels and then read them and you will have the best two weeks of your life. Also, read the next novel in this series; it only gets better.

The Epic, Extravagant, (Evil), and Elastic Examination Day 14

Favorite book of your favorite writer

By Sarah Dessen, I think either Just Listen or What Happened to Goodbye. I can't choose!

~ Kelsey

This is just plain old cruel. Today I think I'm going to say Mockingjay! (By the wonderful Suzanne Collins, of course!) 

Obsidian (Lux #1)

Reviewer: Kelsey

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Pages: 361
Format: Paperback
My Rating: 8 out of 10

Summary (I don't even like you, Goodreads): Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens. 

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. 

If I don't kill him first, that is

Kristen's Take Here

My Thoughts: Okay, cover aside, this book is really great. It's packs a lot into it. It's got best friendships and love and action and good and evil and non-human character. Kristen gave me this novel and told me what it was basically about. I wasn't so sure I would enjoy it but having some kind of different people without them being vampires was kind of great. 

I got right into this novel and stuck with it until the end. I couldn't get enough. Of course, having a main character that I could understand and relate to was great...a book blogger? Couldn't get any better.

I just wish that she was a stronger character. She showed many strengths but I think she could have been so much more. I'm sad that the female character never ends up equal to the attractive male love interest. I think that girls should be allowed to prove themselves and Katy does in this novel. I just wish that her proving herself was better excepted. 

I love how sassy Daemon is too. I love the sarcasm and witty banter. I think he's wonderful. Hmm...I may be in love with him...but that's beside the point! In the beginning though, he was really hard to understand. I knew what he was and still found a hard time figuring out what his problem was. At the end of the copy I had there were a few chapters from his point of view and that helped for the next novel, if only a little bit. He really grows on you.

This novel seemed both similar and different to many of the other novels I've been reading recently. Yes, it was easy and there was love and there were characters that are not of this world but it was something more than that. The characters had chemistry. Even where that chemistry didn't turn romantic, I felt the characters were feeding off each other in a way that good actors on stage or TV do. They helped each other change and grow. I love that about this novel. I wanted to get to know these characters and how they may or may not change.

Conclusion: I loved this book and read four of them in three days. I didn't put them down. I can't wait to finish the series. Give it a chance. Kristen and I have a small non-weird crush on this writer so you might as well just buy one of her novels so you can be in the loop...no, seriously, go buy all her novels.

The Epic, Extravagant, (Evil), and Elastic Examination Day 13

Your favorite writer

I think my choice is Sarah Dessen. Of authors, I have enjoyed hers the most, I think, and basically loved all of her novels. I do enjoy my easy to read, cute, love stories.

~ Kelsey

HI SUZANNE COLLINS, HOW ARE YOU DOING SUZANNE COLLINS, COULD I GET YOU A DRINK SUZANNE COLLINS?!

Suzanne Collins. 

Also, if I haven't said it, HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

- Kristen