Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 294
Buy The Book: Amazon


Your mother hollers that you’re going to miss the bus. She can see it coming down the street. You don’t stop and hug her and tell her you love her. You don’t thank her for being a good, kind, patient mother. Of course not—you launch yourself down the stairs and make a run for the corner.Only, if it’s the last time you’ll ever see your mother, you sort of start to wish you’d stopped and did those things. Maybe even missed the bus.But the bus was barreling down our street, so I ran.Fourteen kids. One superstore. A million things that go wrong.

In Emmy Laybourne’s action-packed debut novel, six high school kids (some popular, some not), two eighth graders (one a tech genius), and six little kids trapped together in a chain superstore build a refuge for themselves inside. While outside, a series of escalating disasters, beginning with a monster hailstorm and ending with a chemical weapons spill, seems to be tearing the world—as they know it—apart.

Review: The Raft

The Raft by S.A. Bodeen
Release Date: August 21, 2012
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 231
Buy the Book: Amazon

Robie is an experienced traveler. She’s taken the flight from Honolulu to the Midway Atoll, a group of Pacific islands where her parents live, many times. When she has to get to Midway in a hurry after a visit with her aunt in Hawaii, she gets on the next cargo flight at the last minute. She knows the pilot, but on this flight, there’s a new co-pilot named Max. All systems are go until a storm hits during the flight. The only passenger, Robie doesn’t panic until the engine suddenly cuts out and Max shouts at her to put on a life jacket. They are over miles of Pacific Ocean. She sees Max struggle with a raft.

And then . . . she’s in the water. Fighting for her life. Max pulls her onto the raft, and that’s when the real terror begins. They have no water. Their only food is a bag of Skittles. There are sharks. There is an island. But there’s no sign of help on the way.

I am ashamed to admit I've had this book on my shelf since April. I've been eyeing it for a while, but was in such a reading funk I didn't really have the desire to pick anything up. Once I did I was totally blown away. In the first few pages the story grabs you and pulls you in, hooking you from the begining.

The story had a fantastic pace, it moved constantly and never got boring. As it went along, I was gritting my teeth, biting my nails, and racing to the next page to find out what happens next. Will Robbie and Max survive? Will they ever make it home? Will they be eaten alive by vicous sharks? GAH!!! I must know!

I devoured this book hungrily and didn't stop until I reached the last page. I read the entire thing in one sitting, and then sat back and went WOW! The entire book is amazing, from begining to end. But the ending really has you thinking " OMG that's BRILLIANT!"

I enjoyed the characters in the story. I thought the author did an incredible job portraying all of Robbie's feelings and emotions. From hopefullness, to despair. She wasn't a super strong heroine who never had doubts. Sometimes she gave up, and needed someone to push her and make her keep going. She was real and I really loved that about her!

This was a fantastic, well written, story of survival that had me totally mesmermized. I can't wait to read more from this author!

Are you a fan of survival books? Have you read this? Let me know what you think about it in the comments!

Review: Between the Lines

Between the Lines by Jodi Piccoult and Samantha Van Leer
Release Date: June 26, 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 358
Buy The Book: Amazon

Delilah is a bit of a loner who prefers spending her time in the school library with her head in a book—one book in particular. Between the Lines may be a fairy tale, but it feels real. Prince Oliver is brave, adventurous, and loving. He really speaks to Delilah.

And then one day Oliver actually speaks to her. Turns out, Oliver is more than a one-dimensional storybook prince. He’s a restless teen who feels trapped by his literary existence and hates that his entire life is predetermined. He’s sure there’s more for him out there in the real world, and Delilah might just be his key to freedom.

Delilah and Oliver work together to attempt to get Oliver out of his book, a challenging task that forces them to examine their perceptions of fate, the world, and their places in it. And as their attraction to each other grows along the way, a romance blossoms that is anything but a fairy tale.

 Between the Lines was one of my most excited about books for 2012! I mean, it's Jodi freaking Picoult! Need I say more? Then to sweeten the deal, it's a fairy tale story with a present day twist . To say I squealed with delight would be an understatement. I was euphoric!

After much time admiring this pretty on my shelf, I decided to dig in. While this wasn't an all time favorite for me there were things I really did enjoy about this book. I loved the fairy tale elements and that it does have a modern day twist. 2012 was the year of re-tellings, and while I love them whole heartedly, it got to be a bit mundane. I loved that this story took place inside an actual book, a fairy tale book at that!

For me, this book started out well and then just got really, really slow. I felt like some of the scenarios were played out over and over, just with a different outcome. Towards the last of the book, I really got invested in the storyline and I couldn't wait to find out what happened on the next page. But why, oh why, couldn't you have gotten me this invested from the begining? le sigh!

All in all it was an enjoyable easy read. I loved the colorful illustrations throughout the book, much like you'd find in an old fashioned book of fairy tales. This wasn't one of my favorites for the year, but it was a cute read!

Have you read Between the Lines, or are you planning to? I'd love to know what you thought about it so don't forget to leave a comment!

Ermegerd it's almost 2013!

Hi Lovelies!

I feel like it's been FOREVER since I've logged in to my blog. My how time flies! The year is almost over, which I still cannot believe! 2012 has been a crazy year for me and I'm hoping 2013 is going to be MY year!

I know I've not been around much in the past several months. I was going through a major depression, and not even books seemed to appeal to me. I'm still struggling with finding enjoyment in things that I love, like books. But I'm working on that!

I've been reading, but maybe only one book a month. Mostly listening to audio books...and just taking it easy. My health as you know is a major source of my depression, and I guess I hit an all time low this year. However I am proud to say, that as of late, my health has taken a turn for the awesome! haha I am feeling soooo much better! Which means...back to work this little Crissy went!

I work in retail so holiday time for me is INSANE!!! I worked long days, double and split shifts, got called in on every day off and much more! Thankfully with 2012 coming to a close things are settling down for me and I feel like I can breathe for the first time in months!

I am still struggling to find the time to read, along with work, personal and family life. So all of you dear readers, please feel free to comment and let me know how your able to squeeze it all in!

On a bloggish- note, Unfortunately, I had a heck of a time accessing my blog. My domain name expired in October and I didn't reknew it. I intended to but never though anyone would want it but me. Boy was I wrong! It's now owned by a Chinese company or group. So I'm told by the company who looked into and researched it for me. le sigh. So I can either wait a year, and get on the waiting list for MY domain name, or fight to purchase it. Either way I'm not happy! I mean...it's MINE and it's on ALL my business cards for gosh sakes!!! Ugh! Next time I'm totally doing auto renewal! Just sayin! SO in the meantime, or until we reach an agreement, you will have to go back to the old school www.theprincessofstoryland.blogspot.com address to access my blog. I know, i know! It's a pain in the butt and I hate it too, but it is what it is.

I can't wait to re-connect with all my readers and fellow bloggers in 2013 and hopefully get my groove back. HA!

Here's wishing you a great end to 2012 and an even more phenominal year in 2013!

XOXO
Cris & Toby

 

 

 

 

Review: Live Through This

Live Through This by Mindi Scott

Release Date: October 2, 2012

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 304
Buy The Book: Amazon

When a relationship trespasses the boundaries of trust, the consequences are complex in this nuanced page-turner from "a formidable talent" ("Booklist")

Sometimes hiding the truth requires more than a lie . . .

From the outside, Coley Sterling’s life seems pretty normal . . . whatever that means. It’s not perfect—her best friend is seriously mad at her and her dance team captains keep giving her a hard time—but Coley’s adorable, sweet crush Reece helps distract her from the annoying drama. Plus, she has a great family to fall back on—with a stepdad and mom who would stop at nothing to keep her and her siblings happy and safe.

But Coley has a lot of secrets. She won’t admit—not even to herself—that her almost-perfect life is her own carefully-crafted façade. That for years she’s been burying the shame and guilt over a relationship that crossed the line. Now, Coley and Reece are getting closer, and as Coley has the chance at her first real boyfriend, a decade’s worth of lies are on the verge of unraveling.

Mindi Scott offers an absorbing, layered glimpse into the life of an everygirl living a nightmare that no one would suspect in this unforgettable powerhouse of a novel.

I've been really excited about Live Through This since I first heard about it earlier this year. The wait was killing me! But this book totally lived up to all the hype I had built up in my own head! In fact, it actually surpassed all my expectations for it.

This review however, is somewhat hard to write. There is a HUGE plot twist to the story, in fact, I'd say the entire book centers around it. But it isn't mentioned in the synopsis, only very cleverly alluded to. I don't want to spoil it for any of you who haven't read this yet, so I won't mention it. But....holy cow!!! When you read this, come back and let me know so we can discuss! In the mean time, HOLY COW! lol

The story itself was really well done. I really liked the main character Cole, I sympathized with her, I cried with her and for her. The author, Mindi Scott, did an amazing job portraying the character's emotions and feelings. Her hopes and fears. I adored her boyfriend Reece, he was so sweet and patient and careful with Cole. I think in many ways he understood her in ways that no one else around her could. He had pateince with her, and a very strong bond of love held these two together. I think that's what made their story so beautiful.

This was such a fast read for me. Once I got into the story I wanted more and more. When the BIG issue happened I kept reading faster and faster to find out what would happen. How would Cole deal with this? Will she be okay? What will happen to her? I was dying to know and I tore through this book at lightening speed to find out. The ending I thought was simple, beautiful and totally perfect!

I never thought I would read a book dealing with this particular issue (again, don't want to spoil the book!). But I thought the author did a really amazing job writting about it. What really touched me even more than the story itself, was the letter in the beginning from the author herself, explaining that this actually happened to her. And then I understood, how she was able to convey all the emotions of this situation so clearly in her writting. Because she herself, had been through it too!

All in all I thought the story was amazingly well written! It was a quick read that haunted me and I couldn't put it down until I had read every last word.

Review: Blind Spot

Blind Spot by Laura Ellen

Release Date: October 23, 2012

Publisher: Harcourt
Pages: 356
Buy The Book: Amazon

There’s none so blind as they that won’t see.

Seventeen-year-old Tricia Farni’s body floated to the surface of Alaska’s Birch River six months after the night she disappeared. The night Roz Hart had a fight with her. The night Roz can’t remember. Roz, who struggles with macular degeneration, is used to assembling fragments to make sense of the world around her. But this time it’s her memory that needs piecing together—to clear her name . . . to find a murderer. This unflinchingly emotional novel is written in the powerful first-person voice of a legally blind teen who just wants to be like everyone else.

This is the second story I've read about a blind teen, and I have to say they have both been fantastic! In Blind Spot the main character Roz, was born with an eye condition which made her eye sight very poor. She was eventually diagnosed as being legally blind. She can see, but everything is blurry, and she can't quite make things out. Being diagnosed legally Blind, of course for Roz means she will never be able to drive and do things most teens can. But then again, Roz is no ordinary teen!

Because of her "disability" Roz is put in a special ed class, much to her horror! There she meets fellow class mate Tricia, cape wearing, dancing on tables Tricia, who will forever change Roz's life. Tricia's body is found floating on the surface of a river and Roz is convinced it was murder! She takes it upon herself to find out exactly what happened to Roz, sometimes putting herself straight in the path of danger!

I loved everything about this book. Starting with the cover, which is gorgeous and totally haunting! I liked the character's, from the main character Roz, to the victum Tricia, to the wheel bound Fritz ( love me some Fritz!) , Jonathan the popular hottie that you love to hate, and Greg *sighs* Greg! There is some romance going on in the book, but not too much! It's done perfectly! 

This book was a little bit of everything and I enjoyed it so much. It was suspenseful, mysterious, thrilling, with a healthy dose of laughs and a romance or two! All with an amazing cast of characters that I adored! The story itself was well done. The mystery element was great and not something I saw from the first few chapters. It took me quite a while to figure it out and there were still some things I hadn't figured out. The pacing was wonderful! I think if I hadn't had to work I probably would've devoured this one all in one day.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one but what stood out to me the most was the plucky cast of character's! They definitely made the story!

Review: Eve and Adam

Eve and Adam by Katherine Applegate and Michael Grant

Release Date: October 2, 2012

Publisher: Fiewel and Friends
Pages: 304
Buy The Book: Amazon

Sixteen-year-old Evening Spiker lives an affluent life in San Francisco with her mother, EmmaRose, a successful geneticist and owner of Spiker Biotech. Sure, Evening misses her father who died mysteriously, but she’s never really questioned it. Much like how she’s never stopped to think how off it is that she’s never been sick. That is, until she’s struck by a car and is exposed to extensive injuries. Injuries that seem to be healing faster than physically possible.
 
While recuperating in Spiker Biotech’s lush facilities, she meets Solo Plissken, a very attractive, if off-putting boy her age who spent his life at Spiker Biotech. Like Evening, he’s never questioned anything... until now. Solo drops hints to Evening that something isn’t right, and Emma-Rose may be behind it. Evening puts this out of her mind and begins her summer internship project: To simulate the creation of the perfect boy. With the help of Solo, Evening uncovers secrets so big they could change the world completely.

When I heard about this book at the beginning of the year, I knew it was something I had to read! I was so intruiged by the idea of a girl creating her very own Adam! I devoured this book in a day, which for me is a really huge deal.

I loved the sci-fi elements to the story, the genetic manipulation and the scientific elements. It could have been really confusing but the author did an amazing job writting it in such a way that I didn't feel like I needed a degree in genetacism to comprehend it. I enjoyed seeing what a teen girls perfect boy would be, and what her "Adam" would turn out like. Would he be anything like what'd my perfect boy would be?

The main character, Evening ("Eve") was a like able character. I loved her loyalty and devotion to her best friend Aislin, doing just about anything for her! Solo was my favorite character in this story. He lives at Biotech and has a first hand point of view. I really loved his character and felt he had so much potential for growth and I can't wait to learn more about him in this series! I really enjoyed that this story was told from both Eve and Solo's points of view. It wasn't confusing at all, but really added to the story! And then there's Adam, with his own personality. But you'll have to read the book to find out all about him! ;)

I thought the story was brilliantly done! It wasn't over the top, or understated, it was just perfect! The story was such a quick read, it seemed like I read it in no time and I immidiately wanted much more! It's the kind of book you can't put down once you start reading it. It was a totally original sci-fi adventure that I'm sure you'll have a blast reading! I can't wait to read the sequel Adam and Eve and find out more about these character's and their world!