Stacking the Shelves is a new meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews, which 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!

Paperbacks bought from the last two weeks:

Spark (Elemental #2) by Brigid Kemmerer (TBD)

Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder (Fullybooked, already read and reviewed)

 Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson (Fullybooked)

Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins (Fullybooked)

I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder (Fullybooked)

Far From You by Lisa Schroeder (Fullybooked)

That’s all! How about you? What did you get this week?

Link me up so I can also stop by!

xoxo,

Title: Chasing Brooklyn

Author: Lisa Schroeder

Started Date:  May 4, 2013

Finished Date:  May 4, 2013

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary from Goodreads:

“Restless souls and empty hearts.

Brooklyn can’t sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca, died only a year ago, and now her friend Gabe has just died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe’s ghost is there waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn’t Lucca visiting her dreams.

Nico can’t stop. He’s always running, trying to escape the pain of losing his brother, Lucca. But when Lucca’s ghost begins leaving messages, telling Nico to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface.

As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they’re being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.”

MY THOUGHTS.

Is it possible to love every chapter, every line, and every words of a book?

Because it did happened to me…with this one.

I love everything about this book! This is my first time to read a novel written in verse. I bought this just a few days ago because of the good reviews and recommendations. Also, I was intrigued by how it was written in verse. Then, I opened it and began reading the first chapter. And I just realized that I couldn’t stop reading. Wow, it actually took me only the first page. And I got hooked.

I knew this is a tear jerker, so I expected myself to cry. And I indeed literally cry. I love how it was written, how it was able to capture my heart.
It MOVED me. It was heart breaking, but it made me fall in love too. I felt everything, every word. I was amazed by how a certain book can teach a lot of things, a lot of lessons in life.
I love the characters – Brooklyn and Nico. They are both sad, lonely, and broken. They both lose someone they love the most – Lucca. He’s the boyfriend of Brooklyn and brother of Nico. Somehow, Lucca’s ghost helped them, to finally move on and be happy again.

Here’s my favorite line from it:
“My reflection tells one story.
My heart, a different one.

The difference is,
hearts don’t lie.
Mirrors do.” 

*sigh*
I can’t stop thinking about this book. I feel everything.
I really love it. Can you believe it, it only took me one book from the author and I’m now a fan?!
So you know I’ll be reading more books from her.

xoxo,

Title: The Iron Queen (The Iron Fey #3)

Author: Julie Kagawa

Started Date:  May 1, 2013

Finished Date:  May 4, 2013

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary from Goodreads:

“My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who’s sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I’m not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.”

MY THOUGHTS.

5 Awesome Stars!!!

I can really say that this is the best book from the series. But I haven’t read the fourth book yet which is about Ash, so I guess I might change my mind eventually. Haha!

In this book, Meghan Chase has definitely proved that she’s a very likable heroine, she has improved in so many ways. She became really smart and courageous, and I like her determination to save her world. Of course, she has all the help she can have. She’s got her literally cool boyfriend Ash and her best friend Puck. Yeah, I’m Team Ash all the way, but I can’t help but also feel something for Puck too, especially when he’s serious, which is very rare. Haha! Anyway, I love this because of the action-packed adventure and the romance between Ash and Meghan. Wow, she’s damn lucky for having Ash. I swooned a lot of times, the part when Ash made his vow and I learned his true name. I even thought that he has a great name, can I use it some time? LOL!

I need to read the fourth book right now!

xoxo,

Title: The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2)

Author: Julie Kagawa

Started Date:  April 20, 2013

Finished Date: April 28, 2013

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary from Goodreads:

“In Allison Sekemoto’s world, there is one rule left: Blood calls to blood 

She has done the unthinkable: died so that she might continue to live. Cast out of Eden and separated from the boy she dared to love, Allie will follow the call of blood to save her creator, Kanin, from the psychotic vampire Sarren. But when the trail leads to Allie’s birthplace in New Covington, what Allie finds there will change the world forever-and possibly end human and vampire existence. 

There’s a new plague on the rise, a strain of the Red Lung virus that wiped out most of humanity generations ago-and this strain is deadly to humans and vampires alike. The only hope for a cure lies in the secrets Kanin carries, if Allie can get to him in time. 

Allison thought that immortality was forever. But now, with eternity itself hanging in the balance, the lines between human and monster will blur even further, and Allie must face another choice she could never have imagined having to make.”

MY THOUGHTS.

March 24. I’ve got an ARC! Woot! Woot! Thanks Netgalley and Harlequin for the eARC!

*************
April 28. If you haven’t read it yet, please watch out because this review contain some spoilers. Sorry guys, I can’t help it.

I’ve finished reading it and WOW, Julie Kagawa is the best, I can’t believe how she manages to write intense books like this one! It’s one of the best sequels I’ve ever read! I’m speechless. Ugh. I’m loss of words how to describe it. This is an action-packed sequel, moving, and so intense. I’m used to the the dark world, even though it’s really a cruel kind. Imagine the earth with vampires, rabids and moles, it’s so scary to live in that kind of world.

This sequel is about Allison searching for Kanin, with Jackal. I love Allison, she’s a great heroine! I really admire her for her bravery and strength. It’s very rare that we can find a likable heroine like her nowadays. After reading two horrible heroines, I appreciate Allison in everything she is. I’m so glad that Zeke is back too! Even though it was almost halfway that he appeared again, I’m just so happy that he’s back. I love Allison and Zeke’s romance, he really loves her, he came back for her. I also love how brave he is, even though there are times that he’s surrounded by vampires. He knows how to fight, he knows how to take care of Allison even though she doesn’t need it, he’s always worried about her. I’m so jealous, Allison is such a lucky vampire girl. Yeah, he calls her vampire girl.

I’m happy that this series has no love triangle. At first, I thought it has, because I’ve been reading Team Kanin and Team Zeke. But it seems that Kanin is a fatherly figure with Allison. Sarren is such a psycho, he’s a cruel villain, I want to kill him too!
The cliffhanger ending is a killer too, it broke my heart to pieces. Zeke made me cry.

I want the third book NOW! I want to know what happen to Zeke! Please!

xoxo,

Title: Dead Silence (The Body Finder #4)

Author: Kimberly Derting

Started Date:  April 21, 2013

Finished Date: April 25, 2013

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary from Goodreads:

“Violet thought she’d made peace with her unique ability to sense the echoes of the dead and the imprints that cling to their killers…that is until she acquired an imprint of her own. Forced to carry a reminder of the horrible events of her kidnapping, Violet is more determined than ever to lead a normal life. However, the people who run the special investigative team Violet works for have no intention of letting her go.

When someone close to Violet becomes a suspect in a horrific murder, she finds herself pulled into a deadly hunt for a madman with an army of devoted followers. Violet has survived dangerous situations before, but she quickly discovers that protecting those closest to her is far more difficult than protecting herself.”

MY THOUGHTS.

I love this series so much that I practically read this book the first week it came out, though I couldn’t say that I love this book as much as the others. The third book will always be my favorite. This one is slower than the other books of the series. But it never failed to give me creeps, it’s as scary. The murderers are bolder and too gross.

I admire Vi for staying sane in spite of everything. But she became so frustrating and annoying here. Ugh. Of course, I understand that she’s depressed because of her own imprint, but she should accept the fact that it wasn’t her fault. She had to do it to save herself. She’s so lucky to have Jay as her boyfriend, he’s such a sweet and thoughtful guy. I know she totally doesn’t deserve him, well, Jay loves her so much that it makes my heart ache whenever she feel something about Rafe. Oh Rafe, I will always like him. He’s so mysterious and hot, that makes him more delightful. Wait, did I really use delightful? Haha! Anyway, I really admire him for what he did for Vi. And I hate Vi for not appreciating it. What he did changed everything. I really wish he will have his own happy ever after, and I like Chelsea for him. Rafe and Chelsea for the win! And Vi should stop feeling like her jealous, she should accept the fact that she’s not the only girl in the world. Haha!

I can’t wait for the next books, I don’t want this series to the end even though Vi becomes more frustrating as ever. I think I can still handle her.

xoxo,

This week, my pick is The Iron Traitor (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #2) by Julie Kagawa

“IN THE REAL WORLD, WHEN YOU VANISH INTO THIN AIR FOR A WEEK, PEOPLE TEND TO NOTICE 

After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as “normal” as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for-his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he’s forbidden to see her again. 

But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, “normal” simply isn’t to be. For Ethan’s nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan’s and Keirran’s fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan’s next choice may decide the fate of them all.”

Why I Can’t Wait:

Duh, I don’t have to explain right? Haha! I’ll read any books from Julie Kagawa! However, I don’t want to feel about the cover, since that guy is blonde, so it’s very much possible that he’s Keirran, right? But the guy on the cover seems scary.. and older. And I don’t like his glossy lips. LOL!

Expected Publication:

October 22nd 2013 by Harlequin Teen

How about you?

What are the books that you’re waiting for?

Link me up so I can also stop by!

xoxo,

]]> http://jonababez.wordpress.com/2013/04/24/waiting-on-wednesday-2-the-iron-traitor/feed/ 0 jonababez New WoW iron traitor http://jonababez.wordpress.com/2013/04/24/the-pledge-by-kimberly-derting-book-review/ http://jonababez.wordpress.com/2013/04/24/the-pledge-by-kimberly-derting-book-review/#comments Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:39:53 +0000 jonababez http://jonababez.wordpress.com/?p=1120 ]]> Title: The Pledge

Author: Kimberly Derting

Started Date:  April 18, 2013

Finished Date: April 20, 2013

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary from Goodreads:

“In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she’s spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It’s there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she’s never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can’t be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country’s only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.”

MY THOUGHTS.

Captivating. Moving. Engaging. This is a really good dystopian world. However, I was a bit surprised to know that it has fantasy in it. It reminds me somehow of Cinder by Marissa Meyer, they both have the same heroine, hero and villain qualities.

This book is hard to review without spilling some spoilers. Ugh. It has all a dystopian world can have – war, resistance, ruler, and danger. It’s one dangerous world. But I love everything about it. I can’t believe how I easily became attached with all the characters. Charlie, the girl with a secret she must protect because it will mean death to her. Max, it’s too obvious, who he really he is. Oh my, I can’t help but fall in love with. Especially when he said to her, “I pledge to keep you safe”. It means so much. There are also other characters: Angelina, Charlie’s sister, is one powerful little girl. I think I like her more than Charlie. Haha. Brooklyn, her bestfriend, I’m surprised with her secret. Xander also surprised me. I don’t know, maybe my guessing skill is not that good to predict the whole book. LOL.

Anyway, I highly recommend this book to all who love dystopian stories.

xoxo,

Stacking the Shelves is a new meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews, which 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!

Paperbacks received from The Book Depository last week:

Soul Screamers Vol. 1: My Soul to Lose-My Soul to Take-My Soul to Save (Soul Screamers 0.5, 1, 2) by Rachel Vincent

Sweet Shadows (Medusa Girls #2) by Tera Lynn Childs

Here are my eBooks:

Splintered by A.G. Howard

Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

Dead Silence by Kimberly Derting

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa (ARC)

Dare You To by Katie McGarry (ARC)

I’ve already read Dark Triumph and it’s really good, 5 awesome stars! I’m reading The Eternity Cure right now. I hope it’s as good as the first. I’m also excited to start Dead Silence, I will start it after.

That’s all! How about you? What did you get this week?

Link me up so I can also stop by!

xoxo,

]]> http://jonababez.wordpress.com/2013/04/20/stacking-the-shelves-29/feed/ 5 jonababez stacking Soul screamer, Sweet Shadows ebook_april21 http://jonababez.wordpress.com/2013/04/20/graffiti-moon-by-cath-crowley-book-review/ http://jonababez.wordpress.com/2013/04/20/graffiti-moon-by-cath-crowley-book-review/#comments Sat, 20 Apr 2013 04:51:07 +0000 jonababez http://jonababez.wordpress.com/?p=1103 ]]> Title: Graffiti Moon

Author: Cath Crowley

Started Date:  April 11, 2013

Finished Date: April 13, 2013

Rating: 5/5 stars

Summary from Goodreads:

“Senior year is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight, she’s going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. He’s out there somewhere—spraying color, spraying birds and blue sky on the night—and Lucy knows a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for. Really fall for. Instead, Lucy’s stuck at a party with Ed, the guy she’s managed to avoid since the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells her he knows where to find Shadow, they’re suddenly on an all-night search around the city. And what Lucy can’t see is the one thing that’s right before her eyes.”

MY THOUGHTS.

I love this book so much!!!
Let me count the ways…

Hahaha, just kidding, I’m just trying to sound poetic like this book.

But I’m not kidding when I said that I really love this book, it is more than what it seems to be. And I have to admit that I cried while reading it, even though this is not a tear jerker kind. I cried because it was able to stir out emotions within me. Also, it made me appreciate art and everything about it. I’m in love with graffitis , especially those that are done well and with wonderful meanings. I remember I’ve watched someone in youtube that he used graffiti in a wall when he proposed to his girlfriend. Since then, I finally learned to check out some fantastic graffitis.

Anyway, I love all the characters here, though the coincidence of pairing is not that realistic. LOL! For one moment, I thought Lucy was very delusional to believe that she can find Shadow and fall in love with him even though she doesn’t have a single idea about him. But everything she and her friends did went out really well for everyone. I know, even after reading the summary, anyone can guess that Shadow is Ed. That fact is way too obvious, right? But the whole book is not predictable, it made me wonder how he’s going to admit that who really is. I love how the romance developed between Lucy and Ed, it’s kinda extraordinary, since they had one history together, and had a second chance.

I love the poems written by Poet/Leo and the graffitis created by Shadow. They have deeper meanings and stories behind each.

My favorite lines from Ed:
“My piece looks better with them on there. I try not to show what I’m thinking. That her work is strange and cool and beautiful, like her.”

“Her word are pictures, and I’m painting them on the wall in my head as she talks.”

Aww, I swooned a lot! Actually, they are not lines, but Ed’s thoughts in his point of view. I love him, really. He was able to see the real beauty, in art and in a person.

One of my favorite lines from Lucy:
“And I look at him because he needs to be looked at. He needs to be seen. I hate that he has been on his own for so long, painting graffiti moons in the dark, keeping quiet about who he really is.”

It’s very unusual that I liked a line from the heroine, but this line definitely touched my heart in wonderful ways.

xoxo,

Title: Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days #1)

Author: Susan Ee

Started Date:  April 8, 2013

Finished Date: April 11, 2013

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary from Goodreads:

“It’s been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels’ stronghold in San Francisco where she’ll risk everything to rescue her sister and he’ll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.”

MY THOUGHTS.

Wow, this book is really good! I just wish for a better ending! That ending ripped my heart out! I really feel sorry about everything.

I know, I know, this book is awesome and amazing for an angel book. However, the totality of the book broke my heart to pieces. The world is too dark for my taste. It can pass for a horror book because of scary creatures and gruesome murders. I thought this is just an ordinary angel book, with lots of angel. But it seems that they are very different here. I’m a bit conservative regarding angel books, I like them without not much of religion. I know it’s hard not to relate it to religion, but it complicates everything.

Anyway, I like the two characters, Penryn and Raffe. Penryn is such a bad ass heroine, she’s brave and strong, and I admire her for knowing self-defense and martial arts. With a world like that, she really need it. Her mother did a very good in raising her as a tough girl. Raffe, on the other hand, is definitely one hot angel! *swoons* I can’t stop thinking about how hot he is, it’s like I really can imagine him. Even though he doesn’t smile a lot and he’s got a bad temper, and he doesn’t reveal much about himself, I still like him. And I really feel sorry for what happened to him at the ending. It made me sad.

I hope that the second book will have more romance in it. And more happy moments. I think they both deserve to be happy.
I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves a kick ass heroine with a really hot guy! Haha!

xoxo,