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Now home made pizza and a good movie!
Enjoy your friday evening!
Back from...
...the lovely forest where we walked in the forest, checking out the little frogs and beatles, tossing a ball, chasing around and just enjoying Mother Nature;=) It made my day and now I really feel less stressed than this morning.
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Now home made pizza and a good movie!
Enjoy your friday evening!
Now home made pizza and a good movie!
Enjoy your friday evening!
Stress
The last week I have had such weird dreams and it all has to do with me being stressed about leaving my kids for many weeks this autumn of touring. Even if I know they will be ok and so on, a mothers heart just aches and gives me stress for this. I haven't been away from them for this long for years and I don't know how I will cope with it. I just hope time goes fast...
Yesterday my best friend came and it was just so wonderful to sit and talk about worries and things with her. She has been my friend since we were 14 years old so she knows me inside out and its just a blessing to have a friend like that in my life;=) Cherish your real friends cause they are hard to find!
Today I need to do that bloody paper work for my accountant again! The most boring thing I know but well, afterwards it´s a relief so I´ll do it and then reward myself with something nice;=)
Enjoy your friday!
Yesterday my best friend came and it was just so wonderful to sit and talk about worries and things with her. She has been my friend since we were 14 years old so she knows me inside out and its just a blessing to have a friend like that in my life;=) Cherish your real friends cause they are hard to find!
Today I need to do that bloody paper work for my accountant again! The most boring thing I know but well, afterwards it´s a relief so I´ll do it and then reward myself with something nice;=)
Enjoy your friday!
Follower Appreciation GIVEAWAY!
It's been a long time since I've thrown a giveaway that wasn't a Magic Monday, and I think it's about time to change that!
But this giveaway is super SUPER special! Can you guess why?
This giveaway is ONE HUNDRED PERCENT thanks to you, my loyal followers! This giveaway was made possible solely by all you guys purchasing through my Amazon and Book Depository affiliate links, the ones found in my left sidebar. In case you guys didn't know, I put all that money right back into giveaways for you, and this hopefully is the first of many! So whenever you buy books, if you could use my links, that would be so great! :D
So basically, you can win a book of your choice from The Book Depository! This giveaway is totally international, and there will be two lucky winners! So, time to enter, loves!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Oh, and good luck everyone! Thank you so much for supporting me! xx
Lovelovelove,
Endlessly: REVIEW
Kiersten White
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: July 24, 2012
Source: Purchased
Evie's paranormal past keeps coming back to haunt her. A new director at the International Paranormal Containment Agency wants to drag her back to headquarters. The Dark Faerie Queen is torturing humans in her poisonous realm. And supernatural creatures keep insisting that Evie is the only one who can save them from a mysterious, perilous fate.
The clock is ticking on the entire paranormal world. And its fate rests solely in Evie's hands.
So much for normal.
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CATCHALLWhere do I begin? I loved the Paranormalcy series, but in my opinion it had some pretty serious flaws that I found impossible to overlook. To be fair to my rating I should note that by the time I read Endlessly it has been nearly a year since I've read Paranormalcy and Supernaturally. Still, that doesn't excuse everything that was wrong with this book. I did love it, but I also believe that it could have been much better.
THE HEROINE
EVIE
I don't dislike Evie. I really don't. I even like her. But I can't love her, because somehow I just don't connect with he very well the way I feel that I should. And that's kind of necessary. I don't dislike her. I just don't relate to her on any level. She's a girl. She's a teenager. She's in love. I feel like this is pretty much the only things we have in common. And that isn't enough for me. There's nothing outwardly wrong with her, but I just don't love her.
THE LOVE INTEREST
LEND
I know so many girls swoon over Lend, but I just find him to be so…boring. There's just not much meat on him. He kind of exists. And that's it. I just don't really feel anything for him. I wouldn't cheer if he died, but I wouldn't cry, either. He just isn't really anything special to me. However, I do find him to be annoying at times. Selfish. Stubborn. Blind as a freaking bat, and not in the literal sense.
THE FAERIE
RETH
I've always loved Reth, even though it's true that he has psychotic tendencies in the first two books. But in this book, it becomes perfectly clear that he really does care about Evie in his own weird way. I love that he's complicated, but not so hard to figure out that you get bored and stop trying. He has some seriously conflicting interests but in the end cares enough about Evie to let her do what she wants.
THE PLOT
So, as far as plot is concerned, Endlessly did pretty well. It was exciting. It held my attention and was crazily action-packed.
So why didn't I love it the way of should have, since all of this is true?
It just didn't feel like anything new. It didn't feel very original. It had a very "been there, done that" sort of feel to it. Empty. Hollow. Not special. And I just can't justify giving it a higher rating when it felt like this.
Too much like the first book, too much like the second book, too much like a ton of other YA books out there.
There were, of course, some pretty awesome moments that I loved, that definitely had that original quality about them. But the parts do not make up for the whole. This plot was faulted in many ways, and I can't completely forgive that. And that's fair.
And then there are some nonsense parts that I'm pretty sure were created for the sole purpose of making sure the book lasted longer. But moving on.
THE ROMANCE
The romance department was sadly underdeveloped in this book also, mostly because of a very stupid plot element that I hated. But so as not to spoil anything, I won't say just what it is. Just not so much development. I do like Evie and Lend together sometimes, but they don't seem to have much chemistry. Sometimes it sparks, and sometimes it just…doesn't. a bit lackluster. Boring.
THE WRITING
Kiersten's writing was a novelty the first time I read it, because it was new. Unfortunately for me, it started to get very old very fast. It sometimes tries to hard to be cute and Evie's voice seriously grates at some points. i started to get sick of it before, and now I'm completely tired of reading it. It's very juvenile and it sounds very awkward sometimes and the phrasing…please don't even get me started.
THE ENDING
Oh, boy. So, the ending was very neat and clean and fairy-tale-esque. I don't know…boring. It wasn't anything like what I expected and sadly I don't mean that as a compliment. I felt let down. Disappointed. This book could have been so much more. The ending could have helped make this book. Instead, it feels cheap and ill-contrived and was only unexpected because it was overly obvious.
WRAPUP
I wanted to feel about this book how I felt regarding the first two books, but I just couldn't. It felt very "same old, same old," and frankly, I'm sick of it. I don't know if this book even felt necessary. Honestly, this series probably could have been squeezed into two books or even one. It was just mostly a bunch of random, dragged-out fluff that ruined the series. I may or may not be reading Kiersten's future works—I'll need more info before I decide. And would I recommend this series? Honestly, no. Don't be fooled by the covers.
FINE.
***FINAL RATING: 2.70 RED ROSES***
Hide and seek
We're in the big playground and I'm lying in the grass while Johan chases Nemo around;-)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Waiting on Wednesday (22)
So, yeah. That's about it :)
Let's reveal my pick this week, shall we?
Spirit
Brigid Kemmerer
With power comes enemies. Lots of them.I recently started reading Brigid's Elemental series, and people, it is epic. I absolutely adore it. Five hot guys, awesome and strong heroines. Glittering romance and gorgeous dialogue.
Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies.
He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.
Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too.
With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust…
Basically, perfection. Or pretty darn close.
And look at the covers! They're all lovely, but this one is really something else. Probably because it's white instead of a bold color and that's bold in it's own way. So, you know.
Anyway, I am super super excited to read this one!
Lovelovelove,
What are you waiting on this Wednesday?
Link me up! :)
Spark: REVIEW
Brigid Kemmerer
Publisher: Kensington Teen
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Source: Publisher
Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally.
Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can’t. Like the fire that killed his parents.
Gabriel has always had his brothers to rely on, especially his twin, Nick. But when an arsonist starts wreaking havoc on their town, all the signs point to Gabriel. Only he’s not doing it.
More than Gabriel’s pride is at stake -- this could cost him his family, maybe his life. And no one seems to hear him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance. Layne understands family problems, and she understands secrets. She has a few of her own.
Gabriel can’t let her guess about his brothers, about his abilities, about the danger that’s right at his heels. But there are some risks he can’t help taking.
The fuse is lit…
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CATCHALLSpark was very similar in many ways to its predecessor, but also markedly different. The heroine and the hero are both decidedly different from those in Storm, and the plot too is different. I loved Spark just like I loved Storm, and while it wasn't worse, it wasn't necessarily better. It really was just a bit too similar. The characters were developed even more and it was a lot of fun, but somehow it still lacks something for me.
THE HEROINE
LAYNE
Layne was a pretty hard girl to relate to at first. She doesn't have many friends, and we eventually learn that the one friend she does have isn't a very good one at all. I think most everyone can relate to the feeling of being alone at least somewhat, but it was her attitude about it that was difficult to grasp. Even so, I warmed up to her. She's not Becca, and probably not my favorite of all heroines, but she's got pluck. And she has self-respect, which is crazy nice to see. I admire that.
THE FIFTH
THE HEROINE
LAYNE
Layne was a pretty hard girl to relate to at first. She doesn't have many friends, and we eventually learn that the one friend she does have isn't a very good one at all. I think most everyone can relate to the feeling of being alone at least somewhat, but it was her attitude about it that was difficult to grasp. Even so, I warmed up to her. She's not Becca, and probably not my favorite of all heroines, but she's got pluck. And she has self-respect, which is crazy nice to see. I admire that.
THE FIFTH
HUNTER
Hunter was revealed in Storm to be the son of Guides. In this book, he befriends Gabriel, but at the same time he has his own agenda. It seems like he wants to help Gabriel. Maybe he does. But that's not his only plan. There are still secrets behind his smiles.
THE BROTHERS
MICHAEL
I love Michael. I especially loved how in this book it almost seems like he's beginning to soften. He still has that hard edge, but when someone needs him he pushes it aside. He has to be strong for his brothers, but it's revealed that maybe when he's alone he just kind of lets loose. Frees himself from responsibility, imagines what his life could have been. But he won't abandon his brothers.
NICK
Nick is Gabriel's twin, and we get to witness firsthand the jealousy he has for him. Gabriel thinks of nick as being perfect, the good twin, and it's crystal clear that Nick loves Gabriel and wants to be more like him. When he's thrown into a difficult situation, he wants to do what Gabriel would do. Despite what Gabriel (and occasionally I) think, Nick isn't perfect. But like the rest of us, he tries to be.
GABRIEL
Gabriel is center stage in this book, the focus of this novel, the one whose thoughts we get to peruse relentlessly. He lacks control. He's wild and reckless. Gabriel is the brother who never thinks twice, never thinks about the consequences. If he ever does, he does it too late. He can be difficult, but he's a good person. Even when his activities might get him into serious trouble, he can't stop. Because he knows he's helping people, and that's enough for him. Gabriel is a dynamic character too, very different in the beginning in the book than he is in the end. Awesome character arc.
CHRIS
Chris actually isn't in this book much, like at all. He's there a little, at the meeting with Becca's father or sometimes making cameos at the Merrick house. It's clear he still doesn't really trust Hunter. Not much to him in this book. I wish I could say more, but there's just not much to say.
THE BROTHER
SIMON
I adored Simon. He was sweet for sure, and though he didn't always seem brave he was definitely strong and when he needed to he stood up for himself and for Gabriel to do the right thing. He's stubborn, but not too stubborn. And he cares, that much is clear. He's had a difficult life, but he doesn't let it stop him.
THE PLOT
So, the plot! What happens in Spark?
The first things that really seems to happen is that Gabriel gets a new math teacher. One who won't put up with any of his old tricks. She expects him to get his own work done, or he's off his team. That's something that's important to him, so he goes to Layne, who helped him before, and asks her to tutor him. There are ups and downs before they finally get there, but that's what makes everything so interesting.
Gabriel also finds himself befriending Hunter, and they too get mixed up in very different activities together, ones involving fire. I won't say more than that, but it's very suspenseful and an excellent twist on the story. Moreover, it's clear that it's definitely going somewhere.
Basically, I loved the plot! I did feel that like Storm it dragged at some parts, but overall there was much more action. Spark held my interest much better than Storm and at every moment left me dying to turn the page.
Exciting, sparkling, dangerous. What more could I ask for?
THE ROMANCE
Romance! My favorite. Layne and Gabriel are clearly an unlikely pair—you don't have to be the brightest crayon in the box to know that. He's a jock who's surrounded by people. She's a brainiac and somewhat of a loner. Though they don't have the type of chemistry that crackles through the pages, they have a seriously strong connection and it's played out beautifully more than once. They really work together somehow, and the development of their relationship is sweet and sexy all at once.
THE WRITING
Brigid's writing seems less masterly somehow in this book. Not by much, but I didn't seem to love it as much as I did in the first. Maybe I'm just getting used to it, maybe not. Either way, I needed more. I had a difficult time connecting to Layne's voice, and though I could hear Gabriel's voice clearly hearing half of the story isn't enough for me. Somehow the writing seemed lacking, though her sense of humor was clearly intact. The banter between the brothers only grows and shines in the novel.
THE ENDING
Spark ended on a nice note. Gabriel's story and the development of it were taken far enough, a large part of the plot resolved, but still a ton of room for more. He and Layne are finally really trusting each other, and he's started to achieve the control he desires. But even though so much is going well for him, it's easy to see that his story isn't over. And this is all done without a huge cliffhanger. Just some suspense and a but of drama.
WRAPUP
Spark was a fun read that could have used more work but was also one of the best books I've ever read. The characters sparkles and the plot had enough action to keep me up past midnight and then some. I fell in love with the world all over again. I absolutely and completely recommend this series, and personally I believe it will be no chore to read Brigid's further works. If these books are anything, they are a joy to read, and who could give that up?
FINE.
Hunter was revealed in Storm to be the son of Guides. In this book, he befriends Gabriel, but at the same time he has his own agenda. It seems like he wants to help Gabriel. Maybe he does. But that's not his only plan. There are still secrets behind his smiles.
THE BROTHERS
MICHAEL
I love Michael. I especially loved how in this book it almost seems like he's beginning to soften. He still has that hard edge, but when someone needs him he pushes it aside. He has to be strong for his brothers, but it's revealed that maybe when he's alone he just kind of lets loose. Frees himself from responsibility, imagines what his life could have been. But he won't abandon his brothers.
NICK
Nick is Gabriel's twin, and we get to witness firsthand the jealousy he has for him. Gabriel thinks of nick as being perfect, the good twin, and it's crystal clear that Nick loves Gabriel and wants to be more like him. When he's thrown into a difficult situation, he wants to do what Gabriel would do. Despite what Gabriel (and occasionally I) think, Nick isn't perfect. But like the rest of us, he tries to be.
GABRIEL
Gabriel is center stage in this book, the focus of this novel, the one whose thoughts we get to peruse relentlessly. He lacks control. He's wild and reckless. Gabriel is the brother who never thinks twice, never thinks about the consequences. If he ever does, he does it too late. He can be difficult, but he's a good person. Even when his activities might get him into serious trouble, he can't stop. Because he knows he's helping people, and that's enough for him. Gabriel is a dynamic character too, very different in the beginning in the book than he is in the end. Awesome character arc.
CHRIS
Chris actually isn't in this book much, like at all. He's there a little, at the meeting with Becca's father or sometimes making cameos at the Merrick house. It's clear he still doesn't really trust Hunter. Not much to him in this book. I wish I could say more, but there's just not much to say.
THE BROTHER
SIMON
I adored Simon. He was sweet for sure, and though he didn't always seem brave he was definitely strong and when he needed to he stood up for himself and for Gabriel to do the right thing. He's stubborn, but not too stubborn. And he cares, that much is clear. He's had a difficult life, but he doesn't let it stop him.
THE PLOT
So, the plot! What happens in Spark?
The first things that really seems to happen is that Gabriel gets a new math teacher. One who won't put up with any of his old tricks. She expects him to get his own work done, or he's off his team. That's something that's important to him, so he goes to Layne, who helped him before, and asks her to tutor him. There are ups and downs before they finally get there, but that's what makes everything so interesting.
Gabriel also finds himself befriending Hunter, and they too get mixed up in very different activities together, ones involving fire. I won't say more than that, but it's very suspenseful and an excellent twist on the story. Moreover, it's clear that it's definitely going somewhere.
Basically, I loved the plot! I did feel that like Storm it dragged at some parts, but overall there was much more action. Spark held my interest much better than Storm and at every moment left me dying to turn the page.
Exciting, sparkling, dangerous. What more could I ask for?
THE ROMANCE
Romance! My favorite. Layne and Gabriel are clearly an unlikely pair—you don't have to be the brightest crayon in the box to know that. He's a jock who's surrounded by people. She's a brainiac and somewhat of a loner. Though they don't have the type of chemistry that crackles through the pages, they have a seriously strong connection and it's played out beautifully more than once. They really work together somehow, and the development of their relationship is sweet and sexy all at once.
THE WRITING
Brigid's writing seems less masterly somehow in this book. Not by much, but I didn't seem to love it as much as I did in the first. Maybe I'm just getting used to it, maybe not. Either way, I needed more. I had a difficult time connecting to Layne's voice, and though I could hear Gabriel's voice clearly hearing half of the story isn't enough for me. Somehow the writing seemed lacking, though her sense of humor was clearly intact. The banter between the brothers only grows and shines in the novel.
THE ENDING
Spark ended on a nice note. Gabriel's story and the development of it were taken far enough, a large part of the plot resolved, but still a ton of room for more. He and Layne are finally really trusting each other, and he's started to achieve the control he desires. But even though so much is going well for him, it's easy to see that his story isn't over. And this is all done without a huge cliffhanger. Just some suspense and a but of drama.
WRAPUP
Spark was a fun read that could have used more work but was also one of the best books I've ever read. The characters sparkles and the plot had enough action to keep me up past midnight and then some. I fell in love with the world all over again. I absolutely and completely recommend this series, and personally I believe it will be no chore to read Brigid's further works. If these books are anything, they are a joy to read, and who could give that up?
FINE.
****FINAL RATING: 4.20 RED ROSES****
Magic Monday (22)
Anyway, being that it's Monday, it is of course time for yet another Magic Monday! And I know you all love those.
So, what is my giveaway for this week? I'll give you one guess.
Technically I can't actually limit your guesses, plus you can probably see the title and cover, so I'm not sure if there's really a point to the whole guessing thing.
Anyway…I'm rambling. So let's move on.
Hidden
Sophie Jordan
Something else has him...is with him. His fear tastes different...more acrid.
And doesn't it sounds amazing?
I'm always right, so of course it does. :)
Time to enter! Just please read my Giveaways page first, loves.
Good luck, darling roses! I love you all so much, you have no idea.
Lovelovelove,
New ear candy;-)
Got these great head phones today that I've longed to buy and I want to have them in the long us tour and since they sell them at Copenhagen airport I got them on my way home. Love this colour!
Seth is gonna try these and if he likes them I'll get him a pair in USA.
Like the colour?;-) These are the studio ones with sound reduction but there's lots of other ones from Dr Dre too to choose from. - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Seth is gonna try these and if he likes them I'll get him a pair in USA.
Like the colour?;-) These are the studio ones with sound reduction but there's lots of other ones from Dr Dre too to choose from. - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Covermance! (31)
Seventeen-year-old Vane Weston has no idea how he survived the category five tornado that killed his parents. And he has no idea if the beautiful, dark-haired girl who’s swept through his dreams every night since the storm is real. But he hopes she is.
Seventeen-year-old Audra is a sylph, an air elemental. She walks on the wind, can translate its alluring songs, and can even coax it into a weapon with a simple string of commands. She’s also a guardian—Vane’s guardian—and has sworn an oath to protect Vane at all costs. Even if it means sacrificing her own life.
When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra’s forced to help Vane remember who he is. He has a power to claim—the secret language of the West Wind, which only he can understand. But unlocking his heritage will also unlock the memory Audra needs him to forget. And their greatest danger is not the warriors coming to destroy them—but the forbidden romance that’s grown between them.
PREORDER LET THE SKY FALL!
Tusen tack Trondheim!!!
Tack för att ni trotsade regnet och t o m skrek att ni ville ha extranummer!! :-) wow! Och jag fick äran att träffa Kari Rueslåtten efteråt;-) perfekt kväll! And now in English; Thanks Trondheim for defying the rain and even screaming for encores;-) wow! And I had the honour to meet Kari Rueslåtten afterwards:-) a perfect evening! Now sleep well all of you! - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
The Catastrophic History of You and Me: REVIEW
Jess Rothenberg
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Release Date: February 21, 2012
Source: Won
Dying of a broken heart is just the beginning.... Welcome to forever.
BRIE'S LIFE ENDS AT SIXTEEN: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart—literally.
But now that she's D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost—and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after.
With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?
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CATCHALLWOW. Talk about a tearjerker and an emotional roller coaster ride. As ft as that's concerned, this book took me everywhere. From sadness to happiness, from laughter to tears. It wasn't steady at all, and I loved every second of it. The emotions I went through while reading this book were insane. It wasn't perfect, but it was pretty damn close. The title is too long, but it also does fit the book. The Catastrophic History of You and Me was seriously one of the awesomest and most unique books I've ever read. Spontaneous and fun, sweet and sad, it was heart aching and healing all at once.
THE HEROINE
BRIE
Brie is sweet and sassy and at times is a bit too stubborn and occasionally has too much of an attitude, yet these same flaws are what make her so likable. She isn't perfect. She wants to do things her way even though it's not always the right way and she doesn't always consider the consequences. But most importantly, she knows when to admit that she's wrong. And that's one of the best traits a heroine can hope to have.
THE LOVE INTEREST
PATRICK
Patrick is beautiful. I rarely use that word to describe guys because they get insulted, but I don't think Patrick would mind and he really is beautiful. Broken, too. He's been hurt by love in the past, and when that love returns, the same but also different, he doesn't know how to handle it. He tries to in the best way he knows how, wanting to do right by Brie. And he's so sweet, and he carries so much sadness with him. He tragic, but gorgeous. Lost but not broken beyond repair.
THE BOYFRIEND
JACOB
Jacob is the boyfriend who broke Brie's heart. For a while, like her, I didn't like him at all. But he turned out to not be such a bad guy. I even liked him. He just went through some really difficult things, and he wasn't who he expected to be. When he had something to say to Brie, he wasn't really sure how to say it. He went about it the wrong way, but he tried. And Brie and I both realized at about the same time that that's what matters.
THE FRIEND
LARKIN
Larkin. At first she's just a lonely girl who wants a friend, but she ends up being a lot more than that. She's got her own agenda, things she wants to get done, things that need to be settled. And she gets her own specific ending. Not necessarily happy, but not altogether sad. Bittersweet. Teary.
THE PLOT
The plot of this book is a bit erratic. At times all over the place. Often confusing. It jumps from place to place. And don't get me started on the timing. Sometimes seconds will pass in a chapter, sometimes months. It frustrated me to no end.
Nevertheless, it held my interest. Brie's story was definitely beautiful, but at times it could only be tragically beautiful. Sad. Because when you're dead, things can't always work out perfectly. And they don't. Some good is lost. There's sadness mixed in with the happiness. Everything is balanced.
Brie's story is a life after death story. We all want to know what happens after, but no one knows what really does. Here's one idea.
When you die, you have to go through the five stages of grief. Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Sadness, and finally, Acceptance. Brie's journey is tumultuous and occasionally unclear, and though she gives up sometimes she always eventually realizes what really matters.
Though the pacing is odd, I absolutely loved everything about this. It's beautiful.
There were so many twists that I never could have seem coming. The suspense wasn't too much, and yet use when I thought I had everything figured out, I realized I didn't. Because no matter what, there was always more to the story than what lay on the surface.
THE ROMANCE
The romance developed slowly and sweetly and didn't use history as a crutch for instalove. Instead, the love has to build itself again between Brie and Patrick as they learn to get to know each other. And it's so beautiful. Maybe even—dare I say it—some of the best-written romance I've ever read. It's doesn't rely on sparks and chemistry to get its message across, though that does exist and strongly. Jess uses sweet words, kind motions, and the still sharper parts of love—the arguments and the anger—to building the caring between Brie and Patrick, to make the love between them not just realistic but real.
THE WRITING
Jess has such awesome writing. Her sense of humor sparkles everywhere. Sometimes she lets serious moments be serious, but when she can she'll lighten them up with her glowing humor. It's honestly one of the best wits I've ever come across and Brie's voice is just absolutely achingly real. I can hear her in every word Jess writes. Her descriptions aren't spectacular, and I wish there has been more imagery, but the detail was immaculate. And I love how the chapter titles are song lyrics.
THE ENDING
Wow. A little bit too perfect and clean-cut, things wrapped up just a bit too nicely and smoothly. But still happily and beautifully, and I love my happily-ever-afters probably more than the next person. I was crying and smiling as this book ended—tears of happiness, mostly. Because this book drove me in everything direction on the emotions spectrum, and recovery wasn't easy. I loved this book and its ending, but it was much more heavily emotional than your average book. And I drink that kind of stuff up.
WRAPUP
The Catastrophic History of You and Me was an incredible, heartwrenching book that tore me apart and put me back together. Sounds awfully dramatic and probably cliché too, but it's true. There were parts in which I sobbed so hard I would have sworn I would never be happy again. And yet somehow this book still surprised me and turned everything around to give me the happy ending that I longed for. I absolutely and wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone. Really.
FINE.
****FINAL RATING: 4.25 RED ROSES****
As the sun...
... goes up, I am on the train to Copenhagen and my morning flight to Trondheim;-)
Some gossip to read and tea and sandwich and the sand in my eyes will hopefully fade away.
I am thankful that I have plenty of time to sleep in the hotel when we arrive:-) As I walked to the train I saw all the drunken young people going home after a long party night and I must say I'm happy I wasn't in their shoes... Hangover is the worst thing;-( See u in Norway!! - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Some gossip to read and tea and sandwich and the sand in my eyes will hopefully fade away.
I am thankful that I have plenty of time to sleep in the hotel when we arrive:-) As I walked to the train I saw all the drunken young people going home after a long party night and I must say I'm happy I wasn't in their shoes... Hangover is the worst thing;-( See u in Norway!! - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Slow
After a day yesterday that was full of activities and where I did not take a single break I woke up tired today so it´s been one of those days when we´ve been just doing nothing;=)
But now time to get dressed and get out to the post office and then packing for Norway.... time to try and get out of the "vacation" mode;=)
Hope your friday is wonderful!
But now time to get dressed and get out to the post office and then packing for Norway.... time to try and get out of the "vacation" mode;=)
Hope your friday is wonderful!
The Forsaken: REVIEW
Lisa M. Stasse
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Source: Won
A thought-provoking and exciting start to a riveting new dystopian trilogy for fans of The Hunger Games.As an obedient orphan of the U.N.A. (the super-country that was once Mexico, the U.S., and Canada), Alenna learned at an early age to blend in and be quiet—having your parents taken by the police will do that to a girl. But Alenna can’t help but stand out when she fails a test that all sixteen-year-olds have to take: The test says she has a high capacity for brutal violence, and so she is sent to The Wheel, an island where all would-be criminals end up.
The life expectancy of prisoners on The Wheel is just two years, but with dirty, violent, and chaotic conditions, the time seems a lot longer as Alenna is forced to deal with civil wars for land ownership and machines that snatch kids out of their makeshift homes. Desperate, she and the other prisoners concoct a potentially fatal plan to flee the island. Survival may seem impossible, but Alenna is determined to achieve it anyway.
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CATCHALLI'm not sure where to begin. There's no doubt in my mind that I absolutely loved The Forsaken—but I also had some issues with it too. To begin with, it is too similar to many dystopians that are out. A bit…formulaic, if you will. Definitely different and fun, but while it was special it lacks that bit of extra oomph I look for. I thought it was a lot of fun and I absolutely loved it. So don't get me wrong. It was a crazy-awesome book, but it could have been better.
THE HEROINE
ALENNA
Alenna is a sweet girl, if too naïve at first. She annoyed me for the first part of the book, but once she adjusts to living of the Wheel, and wanting to learn what happened to her parents and who she is, she really steps up to the plate and gets stronger. she makes mistakes, sure, but that's what makes her so human. She isn't perfect, even though at times she tries to be. She's an incredibly relatable heroine and really identifiable. I found myself wanting what she wanted and hoping what she hoped for. I rarely make that type of super strong connection to a character.
THE LOVE INTEREST
LIAM
Liam is wonderful, if a bit stereotypical and too perfect. He's pretty much the Ideal Man, the best at absolutely everything and one of the village's best assets. Everyone loves him. Everyone also either wants to be with him or get with him. Well, not everyone, but it usually seems that way. You get the idea. I will admit that I find the idea of him very appealing, and though I think his character could have been explored more Lisa did a good job with his development. He has a background story, which is great, and clearly an interesting future ahead of him.
THE FRIENDS
GADYA
Ahhh. I liked Gayda at first, because she befriended Alenna and took her under her wing when she was alone. Then she made a one-eighty and turned out to be a two-faced bipolar freak who was a close friend to Alenna one moment and plotting her demise the next. I couldn't stand her. I wanted to like her, but I absolutely couldn't. She drove me crazy, and not in a good way.
DAVID
David is smart, clearly, and as one of the first characters we really meet in the novel we see him more and more often as time goes on. I certainly didn't expect him to be as important as he is, and his role is completely dynamic. I hope to see more of him in the future installments. A wonderfully fleshed-out character, but despite all we learn about him I imagine he still has his secrets. And I for one can't wait to learn them.
VEIDMAN
I actually liked Veidman, and I would've wanted to learn more about him. He was an extremely interesting character. A leader, but also just a boy. Strong but still vulnerable, and probably hiding some secrets that we may or may not learn. Dynamic.
SINXEN
Sinxen may have been among my favorite characters, because he has a spectacular character arc. When we meet him he's playful and flirty—by his final scene all hints of that are gone, replaced by someone new. Stronger. A warrior who isn't afraid to give his life. I loved him.
THE PLOT
Like I said, rather formulaic. The plot was different, but also not. Does that makes any sense? If it doesn't, don't tell me.
I mean, there were totally some entirely unique aspects. But at the same time, a lot of things had a feel that was a but too familiar to be comfortable. Still, I liked it better than the dystopian Matched, and that one was arguably more unique.
The Forsaken had a plot that constantly bounced from place to place, action at every moment. Not too much info in this one, not too much background. Just enough to keep the story moving along smoothly, to keep everyone from getting confused.
Some things? Too coincidental. Yet somehow, these things worked. Sometimes they worked out too perfectly—but thy worked out. And I guess that's what matters.
Alenna's totalitarian government is different and also not. I never expected the revelation about the Minister, or about learning what really happened to the people who disappeared. and the unique elements like the feelers kept me on my toes, always guessing as to what would happen next. Constantly waiting, eagerly. Impatiently.
THE ROMANCE
The romance was—well, unfortunately it kind of falls under the instalove category. It just didn't really ring realistically to me. Liam and Alenna definitely have chemistry…but chemistry isn't always enough. There wasn't enough development for me to be satisfied. I could have dealt with some feelings being existent, but the whole falling in love thing was totally lost on me because it just didn't work.
THE WRITING
Lisa has lovely and beautiful writing. Alenna's voice could use some work—it definitely wobbles, but it also sounds the way I imagine it would. She doesn't always sound genuine or stay true to herself. Still, even so, her voice is pretty wonderfully developed and she sounds like a human girl who goes through fear and tragedy and loss and such while growing a backbone at the same time. And the description is perfect. There is nothing and no one in this book I can't picture.
THE ENDING
The ending was bittersweet. There's some sadness, but mostly happiness and hope for the future. I love the note this book ends on. Actually, it's perfect. There's rising action to the climax and then falling action to meet the ending. Which, as aforementioned, is perfect. I like that there's not a major cliffhanger. It left me wanting to know what's next, but not too desperate. There was also something that was expected, and something that wasn't. The best combination, since, like, ever.
WRAPUP
Unless you're sick of dystopians and never want to see another one ever again, I honestly and heartfeltly (Is that a word? I don't think so, but oh well.) recommend The Forsaken. It has a likable heroine and a sexy love interest, and the plot is tense and exciting. Though it's far from perfect and I'll be looking for more in the sequels, I think that this is such an exciting book that it's bound to be popular among both boys and girls. A brill debut by Lisa Stasse!
FINE.
****FINAL RATING: 3.75 RED ROSES****
Believe
Back from a really hard gym exercise with Linda;=)
I am so "dead" and today we really did lots of hard stuff. One thing we talked about is that a lot of the things we believe we can´t do in life, is purely in our head. Cause we can do ANYTHING if we just believe in ourselves!
And one thing Linda mentioned last time is that the more she exercises and gets in shape, the more she loves herself. This is really important! It´s only YOU and noone else who can give you that feeling. The feeling that you are worth anything, that you are beautiful, that you are stronger than you thought and that you are worth so much more!
Another person cant give you that love and remember: If you do not love yourself, how can anyone else do it?;=)
I also thought that Linda and me are gonna do some videos for you from the gym with exercises so that those of you who want to try them can!
Enjoy this day and take care of your body and yourselves;=)
I am so "dead" and today we really did lots of hard stuff. One thing we talked about is that a lot of the things we believe we can´t do in life, is purely in our head. Cause we can do ANYTHING if we just believe in ourselves!
And one thing Linda mentioned last time is that the more she exercises and gets in shape, the more she loves herself. This is really important! It´s only YOU and noone else who can give you that feeling. The feeling that you are worth anything, that you are beautiful, that you are stronger than you thought and that you are worth so much more!
Another person cant give you that love and remember: If you do not love yourself, how can anyone else do it?;=)
Enjoy this day and take care of your body and yourselves;=)
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