"...her secret is patience..." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Showing posts with label Class of 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Class of 2011. Show all posts

Friday, December 30, 2011

Class of 2011: Best in Show




Best Repeat Preformance of 2011: Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter
Summary:
Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life life. Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners.

There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long, and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous and that is simply… the emerald is cursed.

Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all she has her best friend—the gorgeous Hale—and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses, realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.

Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.

Quotes: 
“Hey anyone who thinks a non-military–grade rappelling cable can support the weight of two grown men and a miniature donkey deserves to fall off a cliff.”

“I mean she's Cleopatra... shouldn't she and Antony have known better? They were so different..." 
   "Variety is the spice of life" 
   "And from a thousand miles apart" 
  "Absence makes the heart grow fonder” 

“Hamish smiled and rubbed his hands together. "Sure we can. What do you say? Pigs in a Blanket?" He leaned over the cool counter and raised his eyebrows at Gabrielle.
  "The only way I'll get under a blanket with you is if both of us are on fire," she told him.” 

Why I love this book:
I read a lot of YA Paranormal. I like me a good fantasy, just like any other read out there. But mystery has always been my first love and this series is one of those stories that just keeps getting better. I had such a blast figuring out all the little plot twists and turns. Also, the characters in this book are fabulous and got even better with book 2! If you haven't read this series, you need to!

Much love, 
Valia 

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Class of 2011: Elements of Fiction



Most Envy-Inducing Plot of 2011: Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick  
Summary:
It could happen tomorrow . . .

An electromagnetic pulse flashes across the sky, destroying every electronic device, wiping out every computerized system, and killing billions.

Alex hiked into the woods to say good-bye to her dead parents and her personal demons. Now desperate to find out what happened after the pulse crushes her to the ground, Alex meets up with Tom—a young soldier—and Ellie, a girl whose grandfather was killed by the EMP.

For this improvised family and the others who are spared, it’s now a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human.

Author Ilsa J. Bick crafts a terrifying and thrilling novel about a world that could be ours at any moment, where those left standing must learn what it means not just to survive, but to live amidst the devastation.



Quotes: 
- “Those brain-zapped kids weren’t the only - or maybe even the worst - enemy.” 


Run, she told herself. Run, you idiot, run. 
    But she didn't. She couldn't. She just... couldn't.”

Why I love this plot:
The simple truth is I wanted to write this book. Seriously, my dad has been throwing the whole electromagnetic pulse thing at me for years but I could never quite grasp it into an idea that stayed. Well, this book definitely did that. The plot is real, full of twists, and breathtaking enough to make you think twice about the way our world can be in a blink of an eye. I would definitely put this on your TBR list if you haven't already. 

Much love, 
Valia 

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Class of 2011: Popularity Contest


Dream Worthy Bad Boy of 2011: Daemon Black from Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout


Summary: 
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



Quotes:
“Beautiful face. Beautiful body. Horrible attitude. It was the holy trinity of hot boys.” 


“The day my internet was hooked up was better than having a hot guy check out my butt and ask for my phone number.” 


“I hate you and your freaky alien powers.”


Why I love Daemon: 
Umm, did you not get the whole "Beautiful face. Beautiful body. Horrible attitude" ? Because that right there covers it all. *fans self* I mean, I can't even, oh boy, must get a whole of self in order to finish this post. Please, someone bring me some water. I think I'm going to pass out just thinking about that boy. Alright, enough is enough. You people need to go read the book for yourself and see how fabulous Daemon is!


Much love, 
Valia 

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Class of 2011: Head of the Class


Favorite Paranormal Romance of 2011: Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini 


Summary: 
How do you defy destiny?
Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.
As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.
Quotes: 
“You've got the killer instincts of a houseplant” 


“How do you know all this about me?" Helen sputtered. Claire sighed. 
   "After I pushed you off the roof..." she began. 
   "After you WHAT?" Lucas yelled.” 

“He's not going around telling everyone you're monkey-butt crazy, so at least you brutalized a seriously sweet guy.” 


Why I love it: 
This book was the perfect blend of Greek mythology, romance, and adventure. There are three strong emotions I have for this book: hooked, addicted, and maybe a little obsessed :) If you guys haven't read this book yet, its absolutely one of my favorite debuts from 2011. I'd love to hear what you think once you do! 



Much love, 
Valia 

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