Giveaway Link: Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

Click the link below to win Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs over at Books Obsession
http://booksobsession.blogspot.com/2010/08/contest-for-forgive-my-fins.html

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

My Thoughts: I didn't even know what this book was about until I read it. I was told that there were these so called "hunger games" that a group of kids HAD to play... and so I was not that interested. I've recently read lots of reviews of the novel, and people either really loved it, or really hated it. This is what I thought:

I ABSOLUTELY FREAKING LOVED IT!!!

Seriously! I didn't even read the back of the book for a description. Only because my best friend let me borrow it and I left the cover slip thingy at her house so I wouldn't "destroy" it. And it pretty much left me clueless. But I got hooked as SOON as I started. Literally! When Katniss was talking about the cat she hated and her little sister, Prim. It was funny :) I LOVED IT!!!

Alright, so when I realized what the Hunger Games actually were, I was disgusted. I can not believe they would do that! Especially for a 12 year old. Its not right for any kids at all. No matter what age they are. If you don't know what I'm talking about then READ THE BOOK because I really don't feel like typing it all out. Its a lot and I already know this review is going to be long. Plus you should read the book before you read this review because its mostly a bunch of spoilers. Just know that I would recommend this book to YOU!!

**SPOILER ALERT**

When I started reading about Katniss, I immediately knew I was going to like her. She was VERY smart and brave. The things she would do for her family was amazing. She risked herself putting food on the table. Katniss hunted for her family even though it was illegal. She is not suppose to enter the woods, but she did to keep her family alive. Her mother and sister would probably starve to death without Katniss. She has mastered the bow and arrow. Which I love about her. I like how she doesn't brag or over estimate herself during the hunger games.

But I HATE how she over thinks things. For example, when she just assumes Peeta is acting and pretends to be her friend and then in love with her. I know I wouldn't last like 5 minutes in the hunger games but I do know when a guy likes me. I knew he had a thing for her when she told the story about him giving her the bread. How he purposely burnt the bread so he could give it to her. And his mother hit him on the face with something for punishment. He got smacked by his own mom so Katniss could have some bread for her family. He gave Katniss hope for her and her family. How could he NOT love her??? Katniss is SO clueless up until the very end when PEETA is surprised she was faking it. Every kiss they shared, everything they said about each other during interviews and the hunger games, everything they did was real for Peeta. He meant everything he did. And Katniss just ASSUMED he was such a great liar and was in on it. I felt horrible for Peeta when I finished the book. I knew he meant everything he did even though it seemed like Katniss was right at first. But I knew it. From the moment I knew about the bread incident. I hate how Katniss couldn't figure it out. I hate how the romance was fake for her.

She did try though, when he told her the story about him first falling for her. I kind of hope that Katniss did know, somewhere deep down she knew that he was for real. But she didn't want to believe it! I know she had feelings for him. But she ignored them. Acted like it was nothing. Puh-leez!! I would have SO jumped on that :P

Peeta is amazing. I want him and Katniss together. I read a review and when they mention Peeta, they say he was perfect and didn't like him because of it! I don't think he was. He might have acted like it. But you know at the beginning of the book when his mother came to him and said "Maybe district 12 will finally have a winner" She didn't mean Peeta because she said "She's a trooper that one". How sad is that? He had no faith in himself either. I don't think he was all that perfect. He grew up in a bakery, and only being able to eat stale bread. Katniss also assumed he ate good bread all the time. Thought he lived good. But I don't think anyone really lived good unless they won the games. And was stinking rich!

I LOVE his love for Katniss. Does that make any sense? Everything he did for her. Everything he would have done for her. He almost got himself killed for Katniss. He would have died if she hadn't found him. He was for real!! Didn't fake anything. He really loves her.

Now onto my next favorite character. Rue. Little innocent Rue. I loved how adventurous she was. She was smart, and she knew her way around. I thought jumping from tree to tree was a pretty good skill to have for the games. Rue knew what berries to eat and other very useful things. I was very happy when Katniss wanted to team up with her. They made a pretty good team. I knew that Rue was going to die eventually but I was hoping she wouldn't. But she did. It was really sad. She was killed by a spear. Someone threw it right into her stomach. Katniss got there too late but she killed Rue's killer immediately. And when Rue asked Katniss to sing for her, I started to tear up. I liked that Katniss covered her in flowers. At least Rue didn't have to die alone. She had someone there who cared about her.

**SPOILER OVER**

This book was AWESOME! Sorry about all the spoilers! So if you haven't read the book, don't read the review. Now its time to rate it. I'm giving this book a...

4.5

Why?

I love Suzanne Collins writing, it was phenomenal

I loved the characters

Katniss did annoy me with Peeta

The romance was okay

But it was an awesome book

I hope you guys decided to read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins :)

Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens

I met someone who changed everything. Matthias. My autistic sister's guardian angel. Honest. Inspiring. Funny. Hot. And immortal. That was the problem. What could I do? I did what any other girl would do-I fell in love with him.

Zoe's sister darts in front of cars. Her brother's a pothead. Her parents are so overwhelmed; they don't see Zoe lost in her broken life. Zoe escapes the only way she knows how: partying.

Matthias, a guardian sent from Heaven, watches over Zoe's autistic sister. After Zoe is convinced he's legit, angel and lost girl come together in a love that changes destiny.
But Heaven on Earth can't last forever.

My Thoughts: This book was very fun to read. I loved almost everything about it! the way it was told and especially the characters! Zoe didn't do anything stupid, except party. But I could understand why she did it. I never been in a the same situation as her. But I get it.
Zoe went to party's to drink and get some action from guys. She didn't care who it was, just as long as he was HOT. But after meeting Matthias, she comes to realize she doesn't need to do that stuff. She wanted to get away from her family. Anyways, I love the way Zoe thinks :) Not about the drinking or guys! Well maybe the guys... but I meant her personality. She has a good heart. And she will do anything for her family. No matter how annoyed she gets.
Now on to Matthias. Oh boy, let me tell you about Matthias. In my head, he is absolutely GORGEOUS! And I LOVE his name. Matthias. I could say it all day long. I kind of wish for my own Matthias. Well throughout the book, it seemed like he felt nothing for Zoe. I mean you could tell he really cared for her but it seemed more like a brother. SPOILER. Well he did protect her, and cared for her but he just didn't show her is true feelings. Which REALLY annoyed me. Nothing good happened between them till the end :( But I still love this book. Even if it took till the last two pages for them to get together. But it was really sad how it had to happen. SPOILER.
Alright, I think I would DIE of embarrassment if I ever fell in love with a guy who could READ MY MIND! I know what I would be thinking... and he would NOT need to know that! I seriously felt the embarrassment Zoe had when she thought things of him, and he was right next to her! I would freak. Which is pretty much what she did. I also felt horrible for her at the end before she went to the party. I probably would have done the same thing.
I cannot wait to read the next one!
I'm rating this book a...

4.5

Why?

Because I loved how protected Zoe was of her family, especially her sister.

It was Romantic, and that is ALWAYS a plus for me :)

I knew how Zoe felt (When she got embarrassed)

I just hated how long it took for the REALLY good stuff to happen

Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin

The only thing Avery Hood can remember about the night her parents died is that she saw silver—deadly silver, moving inhumanly fast. As much as she wants to remember who killed them, she can't, and there's nothing left to do but try to piece her life back together. Then Avery meets the new boy in school—Ben, mysterious and beautiful, with whom she feels a connection like nothing she's ever experienced. When Ben reveals he's a werewolf, Avery still trusts him—at first. Then she sees that sometimes his eyes flash inhuman silver. And she learns that she's not the only one who can't remember the night her parents died.

My Thoughts: I honestly really liked this book. I mean it wasn't the best or anything but I did finish it without stopping. I loved the plot, it was different than what you would most likely expect. Avery is not your typical high school girl. All her life she has been home schooled by what seems to be the best parents ever! Her parents let her go to a public high school, which makes Avery stoked until she realizes it was not what she expected. Then one night Avery is found sitting next to both her parents, while they lay dead. She doesn't remember a thing. She just remember seeing the police carry her parents away. That's when she realizes they are dead. It was fun reading this book. It really felt like I was there. The author did a great job with details. Everything Avery felt was described perfectly. I knew exactly what she meant. Then comes Ben. When they both see each other for the first time, its like love at first sight. But Avery doesn't know what she feels. She can't really described it. When she thinks of him, she doesn't think he's hot or sexy. Those are not the right words. She describes him as beautiful. And I kind of felt like I was reading Twilight again. Just for a moment! When she sees him, she thinks that HE thinks she's a freak. Just like everyone else in school. But throughout the book, they get close. Ben is mysterious and little freaked out himself. He doesn't remember the night Avery's parents died, but he knows he was far away from the house. He is very trustworthy. In this book, werewolves can make a human do whatever they want them to by the sound of their voice. Ben told Avery to go home in the beginning of the novel, but she refused. That surprised Ben. I love how she told him he wasn't the boss of her, and she could do what she wanted. I wish I could actually see the shocked expression on Ben's face. But the only thing that REALLY annoyed me was the way Avery acted towards the end of the novel. SPOILER. The way she thought Ben killed her parents. After all he's done for her. He truly loves her and I cannot believe she tried to pin the murders of her family on Ben. I know she was confused but still! He would have died for her. SPOILER.

I'm going to rate this book a...

4.0

Why?

Because Avery's actions toward the end was quite stupid

But the novel was VERY romantic

And there is a HUGE twist at the end :)

I absolutely LOVE Ben

Also, the Author did an awesome job with details

Need by Carrie Jones

Zara collects phobias the way other girls collect Facebook friends. Little wonder, since life’s been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother’s pretty much checked out. Now Zara’s living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays “safe.” Zara doesn’t think she’s in danger; she thinks her mother can’t deal.
Wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn’t a figment of her imagination. He’s a pixie—and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He’s the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he’s trailing Zara.

With suspense, romance, and paranormal themes, this exciting breakout novel has readers rapidly turning the pages.

My best friend Jenna let me borrow this book and to be honest, at first I was kind of ify about it. You see, Jenna has this HUGE set of books in her bookcases (Yes, she has THREE bookcases) with LOTS of amazing books to choose from. She handed me this book and I didn't think it compared to all the others. I wanted to read something amazing, a book I would stay up all night reading. I didn't even know what the book was about and still didn't really want to read BUT Jenna let me take it home and I read it.

Well boy was I WRONG! I cannot believe I almost passed this book up!! Im SO glad Jenna gave me this one to read. And I did stay up all night till it was finished :) You see? She IS my best friend for a reason :D Lol just kidding Jenna!! But seriously, she ALWAYS picks the right books for me. She knows how much I love paranormal romances :D

I love Zara's character. She kind of reminded me of ME. Zara is a runner and by the looks of it, a pretty darn good one. I don't like to brag or anything but I'm a pretty good runner too :D LOL well I also love to run on my own in the neighborhood just like Zara. And the way Zara thinks throughout the book is what I would have thought and done. I wouldn't have been scared to be sweaty next to a cute guy and try to outrun him!! plus she's stubborn, which I am very much so. But I'm not as sarcastic as her and I would probably be too shy to say some of the things she said. But when it comes to sports with guys, I'm never shy :P

I also absolutley LOVE Nick!! This book made me love Werewolves even MORE!! In my imagination he is HOT. I love the way he is super protected over Zara. How he thinks he can accomplish things on his own when he obviously needs helped. If anything goes wrong, he trys so hard to make things right again. I know this might sound odd, but I love how he gets mad so easily and jealous even when he's hurt, he still manages to get mad at Zara for doing something that could put her in danger. I guess I think its cute lol. And just when I thought he couldn't get even more perfect, I learn he NEVER had a girlfriend before! Therefore, He has NEVER kissed a girl! Can you believe that? Zara is so FREAKING LUCKY!

And then there is Devyn and Issie. Two people obviously ment for each other!! I think Devyn is SO sweet to Issie. He is always making her laugh. She seems so happy when she is with him.

I cannot wait to read the next book! Capitivate.
So I'm gonna rate this book a...

5.0

Why?

Because there was a HOT Werewolf :)

Romance is always a plus in my book

And I didn't stop reading it until it was finished

Carrie Jones did a very awesome job in her style of writing

I also LOVE the cover

I LOVED IT!!

I hope you guys decide to check the book out and tell me what YOU though :)

Oh, and I forgot to mention one more thing

THANK YOU JENNA!!!

Giveaway Link: Dante's Journey AND Minder T-Shirt

I found ANOTHER awesome giveaway over at "Alexis Books and Such..."

http://alexia561.blogspot.com/2010/08/giveaway-dantes-journey-by-jc-marino.html

And if you want to win an AWESOME Minder T-Shirt, Click on the Link!!
http://yabookqueen.blogspot.com/2010/08/giveaway-guest-post-kate-kaynak.html

Please check it out :P

Giveaway Link: Paramormalcy Pre-Order

Hey Guys :)
Theres this AMAZING contest happening over at Book Obsession and you should check it out!
http://booksobsession.blogspot.com/2010/07/paranormal-pre-order-contest.html

SO many books to choose from including Paranormalcy, The Replacments, The Clockwork Angel and MORE!!

CHECK IT OUT ;)

GIVEAWAY!!!

Well I've only had ONE entry for my contest. I'm giving away TWO books by Maureen Johnson!! Girl at Sea and 13 Little Blue Envelopes. It's only been like a week and a half so maybe I'm overreacting. But the one person who entered is probably pretty stoked right now. This is just a little reminder that I am having a contest. And if there's still only one person who entered by the end of the contest then I guess they win!
Dang, I wish I would enter a contest and no one else enter!!

Giveaway Reminder :)

Alright guys, I'm giving away TWO books from Maureen Johnson. Girl at Sea and 13 Little Blue Envelopes :D
The link is on my sidebar (to the right) with the cover of 13 Little Blue Envelopes.

Don't forget to check it out ;P

-Liz

Contest Link! You get you CHOOSE the Genre :)

http://booksobsession.blogspot.com/2010/08/choose-your-genre-contest.html

Check this contest out over at Book Obsession! There are 4 different types of Genre and you get to pick!!

MY GIVEAWAY!!

Hey guys!! Don't forget about my giveaway :) Im giving away two books by Maureen Johnson: Girl at Sea and 13 Little Blue Envelopes

http://lizdoglover.blogspot.com/2010/07/13-little-blue-envelopes-girl-at-sea-by.html