Time - What we need, but don't have

Well, this was a very short-lived blog. Unfortunately I don't have the time to maintain it the way I wanted to and lately it has just made me very stressful - And that's never good. I'm going to keep posting reviews in English on GoodReads and maybe someday I'll come back to this blog - who knows?

Thanks to all of you who stopped by - I loved your comments and I hope to meet you on GoodReads :)

Walking Disaster - Jamie McGuire

Titel: Walking Disaster
Author: Jamie McGuire
Series: Beautiful #2
Publisher: Atria Books
Pages: 488
Publication Date: April 2, 2013
Source: ARC

Earlier in the series: Beautiful Disaster



Walking Disaster is Travis' POV.

How much is too much to love?

Travis Maddox learned two things from his mother before she died: Love hard. Fight harder.

In Walking Disaster, the life of Travis is full of fast women, underground gambling, and violence. Just when he thought he was invincible, Abby Abernathy brings him to his knees.

***

Did you happen to read my review of Beautiful Disaster? If you did, you'll know I was far from happy about it. But still, I decided to dive into the story of Travis to see if he was really the jerk I thought he was.

Travis doesn't really apologies for his actions throughout the book which shows that he is very determined and stands by his actions - even when they are stupid and unbelievable. I think the prologue was supposed to make Travis look like a broken child and somehow excuse his actions toward Abby and even though I get that he is hurting, he's still mostly just a jerk. He still comes off as deeply unstable and unpleasant.

Since the story is mostly the same as the previous one, it's kind of boring at times. New stuff does happen (like watching when Travis is throwing a tantrum because Abby left after sex - I was looking forward to reading that part from his POV and it was so disappointing). The ending of the book is different as well, because it continues after Beautiful Disaster ends. I liked the ending, even if I did find it completely unrealistic and I still loathe Abby. 

I do love Jamie McGuires writing so much and I wish she wrote different kinds of books - I'm sure I would read all of them! 

I liked Walking Disaster better than Beautiful Disaster because I would much rather read about Travis than Abby. At least he shows some depth were as Abby's transformation from strong protagonist to push-over is both boring and frustrating.

Read this book if you liked Beautiful Disaster or if you, like me, just can't get enough of yelling at stupid characters and smashing your head into your book!

The Sweetest Dark - Shana Abé

Titel: The Sweetest Dark
Author: Shana Abé
Series: The Sweetest Dark #1
Publisher: Bantam
Pages: 352
Publication Date: April 2, 2012
Source: ARC






“With every fiber of my being, I yearned to be normal. To glide through my days at Iverson without incident. But I’d have to face the fact that my life was about to unfold in a very, very different way than I’d ever envisioned. Normal would become forever out of reach.”

Lora Jones has always known that she’s different. On the outside, she appears to be an ordinary sixteen-year-old girl. Yet Lora’s been keeping a heartful of secrets: She hears songs that no one else can hear, dreams vividly of smoke and flight, and lives with a mysterious voice inside her that insists she’s far more than what she seems.

England, 1915. Raised in an orphanage in a rough corner of London, Lora quickly learns to hide her unique abilities and avoid attention. Then, much to her surprise, she is selected as the new charity student at Iverson, an elite boarding school on England’s southern coast. Iverson’s eerie, gothic castle is like nothing Lora has ever seen. And the two boys she meets there will open her eyes and forever change her destiny.

Jesse is the school’s groundskeeper—a beautiful boy who recognizes Lora for who and what she truly is. Armand is a darkly handsome and arrogant aristocrat who harbors a few closely guarded secrets of his own. Both hold the answers to her past. One is the key to her future. And both will aim to win her heart. As danger descends upon Iverson, Lora must harness the powers she’s only just begun to understand, or else lose everything she dearly loves.

***

I didn't read a single review before I started The Sweetest Dark which means I had no idea what kind of magic I was about to witness - and I'm so glad I didn't! I'll make sure this review contains no spoilers of any kind, including the essence of the magic.

Those nights, in the sweetest dark, we shared our dreams.

It took me a while to get into the story, mainly because I didn't like Lora - She is a vicious bitch most of the time She's just not a very pleasant person. She did grow on me, however, and the more she got involved with the other characters, the more I liked her; she stopped being annoying for the purpose of being annoying and started defending herself only when necessary. Her past is revealed bits by bits and shows a strong and determined girl whose distrust is easily understood.

I completely and utterly adore Jesse - he is amazing and his music is so beautifully described, I can hear it every time I think of him. I like Armand too, but it took me a while longer to care for him. Even though the summary makes it seem like there is going to be a classic love triangle this is not the case! The feelings between the characters are slowly developed, they seem realistic and at the same time they seem unbelievable. It's so beautiful and captivating.

The ending is perfect, yet heartbreaking and left me both wanting to read the next book right away and rereading this book all over. 

The writing is absolutely stunning! It's poetic at times, compelling and hauntingly beautiful. I loved every second I spent reading this book and I felt like I was right there with Lora, being a part of everything she went through.

I could smell the coming summer still, just as I had my first evening here, as I'd stepped from the train. It was warmer and lusher now, less a tinge in the air than a sultry blossoming. It traveled across the sea and laced through these woods. It slipped up my arms and neck and face and kissed me with the faintest hint of bitter salt.

Let's talk about the magic! It's unlike anything I have ever read about and I felt like I once again was a part of times gone by; back when someone read fairy tales out loud to me and I could dream away to the soothing voice. It was beautiful, amazing and quite an adventure. Being able to mix WWI, boarding schools, class differences, magic and love without ever making it seem unnatural or weird is some achievement. Shana Abé is a brilliant story teller and I can't wait to read the next in this series. The Sweetest Dark has my highest praises!

Fragments - Dan Wells

Titel: Fragments
Author: Dan Wells
Series: Partials #2
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: 564
Publication Date: February 26, 2013
Source: ARC

Earlier in the series: Partials.




Kira Walker has found the cure for RM, but the battle for the survival of humans and Partials is just beginning. Kira has left East Meadow in a desperate search for clues to who she is. That the Partials themselves hold the cure for RM in their blood cannot be a coincidence--it must be part of a larger plan, a plan that involves Kira, a plan that could save both races. Her companions are Afa Demoux, an unhinged drifter and former employee of ParaGen, and Samm and Heron, the Partials who betrayed her and saved her life, the only ones who know her secret. But can she trust them?

Meanwhile, back on Long Island, what's left of humanity is gearing up for war with the Partials, and Marcus knows his only hope is to delay them until Kira returns. But Kira's journey will take her deep into the overgrown wasteland of postapocalyptic America, and Kira and Marcus both will discover that their greatest enemy may be one they didn't even know existed.

***

Since I adored Partials my expectations for this one were huge! Thankfully Dan Wells wrote an amazing sequel which I loved from the very beginning.

Kira is so my kind of protagonist! She is strong, but sensitive. She sticks to her opinions and isn't afraid of being herself. She's also very independent but she's getting better at letting other people have a say. She goes through a lot in Fragments and starts doubting herself at some point, but still manages to keep her integrity and her hopes intact. I simple love her. Her journey with Afa, Heron and Samm is super exciting and shows the reader just how screwed up the world has gotten.

Both Kira's journey and Marcus' battle 'back home' has surprises and twist I did not anticipate, but it was awesome! If a writer knows how to surprise the reader, I'm a fan! The humor in the story is just as great as the last one and especially Marucs was hilarious (I may be biased, since I really like him and his part in the story).

Marcus froze, suddenly realizing why the voice sounded so familiar. "Kira?" "Hey, babe," said Kira. "Miss me?" "What?" Marcus stumbled for words. "Where are you? What's going on? Why is Dr. Morgan looking for me?" "Probably because she wants me," said Kira. "The good news is, she has no idea where I am." "Well that's a relief," said Haru derisevely. "I'm so glad Kira's safe." Marcus thumbed the radio button. "Haru says hi."

The entire story is intriguing and even though a lot of questions are answered, just as many new ones pop up - it left me wanting more. The pace is a bit slow at times without the story being boring. The story is, however, a bit more detailed and thorough about the science and the reasons behind the crisis than most in the YA dystopian genre, but that only made me love it more.

The Partials series is quickly becoming one of my favorites!

In My Mailbox & Stacking the Shelves (4)

Both In My Mailbox and Stacking the Shelves are weekly memes and they are about sharing books you received during the past week. IMM is hosted by The Story Siren and STS is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.

FOR REVIEW:

*The Mystery of Mercy Close by Marian Keyes

*Pretty Dark Nothing by Heather L. Reid

* School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins

The Mystery of Mercy Close I got in Danish for review and since I adore Marian Keyes I can't wait to read it! 

BOUGHT:

*The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen

*Splintered by A.G. Howard

I loved The False Prince so I look forward to this one!

*MILA 2.0 by Debra Driza

* Poison by Bridget Zinn

I already read and review MILA 2.0 but it's so gorgeous I had to have it as a physical copy as well.

*The Spooks Apprentice by Joseph Delaney

*Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

I already read and reviewed  Beautiful Disaster.

*Everneath by Brodi Ashton 

*Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

*Ashes & Ice by Rochelle Maya Callen

All three were cheap Kindle buys :) 

Did you receive anything good this week? Leave me a comment and a link :)

Beautiful Disaster - Jamie McGuire

Titel: Beautiful Disaster
Author: Jamie McGuire
Series: Beautiful #1
Publisher: Atria Books
Pages: 437
Publication Date: August 14, 2012
Source: Bought for Kindle





The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University's Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.

***

Warning: This is not a review as much as me ranting on about stuff!

Never in my time as a reader have I had so much trouble rating a book. I thought this was a cute love story, but it turned out to be something entirely different.

Abby is supposed to be this good girl, but aside from a pink cardigan in the beginning of the story I just don't see it. She obviously knows how to drink already! I really liked her in the beginning; she talks back, believes in herself, shows strength and seems so smart. But the more she got involved with Travis, the less I liked her. She puts up with too much and all of a sudden she doesn't know how to say no (although she did say it a lot in the beginning). Some of the things he asks of her are seriously weird and not okay! Half the time Abby tries to convince herself, and everybody else, that she is not in love with Travis and that they don't belong together (I agree on that last part!). The other half she spends trying to be with him and making him jealous. She makes excuses for him, puts up with his insane behavior and is certain that she is the problem - this just screams abusive and unhealthy relationship! How did this book ever get a reputation as romantic and how is Travis anybody’s dream guy?!?

Yeah, let's talk about Travis. He is a jerk at first, but he gets better on some notes throughout the book. Unfortunately, he has some issues I can't stand! He is so violent, jealous and possessive which is a very bad mix. He beats up every guy who tries to get close to or touch Abby (and at one point she actually tells Travis to teach a guy some manners - so he beats the crap out of him). He even tells her to change her cloth when they go out because she's wearing something that shows off a little skin. This is sick! I can't stand the way he treats her (and other people). He's such a douchebag! Every once in a blue moon he shows some good quality and then I really like him, but most of the time he is waaaaay to much of an asshole. Still, by the end of the book, I like him better than Abby which tells a lot about Abby.

I liked America and Shep at the beginning, but America turns out to be the worst friend EVER:

"Travis is a fucking wreck! He won't talk to us, he's trashed the apartment, threw the stereo across the room (...) He took a swing at Shep when he found out we helped you leave (...) He's gone fucking nuts! I heard him call your name, and then he stomped all over the apartment looking for you. (...) He ripped his sheets off the bed, and threw them away, threw his pillows away, shattered his mirror with his fist, kicked his door ... broke it from the hinges! It was the scariest thing I've ever seen in my life! (...) You have to call him."

Seriously?! Did she just tell her friend to call a guy who acts like that? What the hell is wrong with her? This is NOT acceptable behavior. Kara, Abby's roommate, is the only one who sees how wrong their relationship is, but frankly she is portrayed as somewhat of a bitch and her opinion doesn't count.

I LOATHE the ending! Really, loathe it! Obviously, I can't tell you why, but it's idiotic and stupid and urgh!!! I hate it!

I do love the writing though! It captivated me from the very first page and I had a hard time putting the book aside. It made me so frustrated and it annoyed me, but it also made me smile and I loved it a couple of times. I have never had such a hard time rating a book and my rating primarily shows my issues with Travis' extreme behavior and the amount of violence in the book

"I know we're fucked up, all right? I'm impulsive and hot-tempered, and you get under my skin like no one else. You act like you hate me one minute, and then you need me the next. I never get anything right, and I don't deserve you ... but I fucking love you, Abby. I love you more than I've loved anyone or anything, ever. When you're around, I don't need booze or money or the fighting or the one-night stands ... all I need is you. You're all I think about. You're all I dream about. You're all I want."

Mini spoiler

Oh yeah, and by the way: You do not buy someone a dog as a present unless it's a wish and you do not get your girlfriend's/boyfriend's name tattooed on you! IDIOTIC!

Partials - Dan Wells

Titel: Partials
Author: Dan Wells
Series: Partials #1
Publisher: Balzer+Bray
Pages: 468
Publication Date: February 28, 2012
Source: Bought





The human race is all but extinct after a war with Partials--engineered organic beings identical to humans--has decimated the population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by RM, a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island while the Partials have mysteriously retreated. The threat of the Partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to RM in more than a decade. Our time is running out.

Kira, a sixteen-year-old medic-in-training, is on the front lines of this battle, seeing RM ravage the community while mandatory pregnancy laws have pushed what's left of humanity to the brink of civil war, and she's not content to stand by and watch. But as she makes a desperate decision to save the last of her race, she will find that the survival of humans and Partials alike rests in her attempts to uncover the connections between them--connections that humanity has forgotten, or perhaps never even knew were there.

***

Partials has everything I want in a great dystopian novel and then some; amazing writing, awesome characters, great world building and a lot of surprises,

I really like the protagonist, Kira, although she's a bit pushy at times. But she's also smart, energetic and not afraid to speak her mind. She changes so much trough the book and I'm sure her change continues during the second book - seems that way to me. There are so many different characters in this book and I got to know all of them pretty well. I especially adored Marcus; he's so much fun.

"Well, thanks for not shooting anyone, I guess," said Marcus. "My contribution was to somehow refrain from peeing myself. You can thank me later." (s. 344)

The story has a great balance between action and touchy-feely-stuff. There's a lot of considering and planning, but it gets us through a lot of emotions, including love and betrayal. There's a lot of politics, but it works so well and doesn't get boring at all. It just all comes together.

Both the story and the world in the book is coherent - you can really sense how much work Dan Wells put in to it - no plot holes at all! I loved reading about a dystopian world so close to our own time - it makes it scarier in some way. The book may appear to be about saving humanity (which it is!), but it's also about believing in yourself and fighting for what you believe in. Kira chases the truth as much as she chases a cure and she fights hard for her case. She's very idealistic, yet not unrealistic. I just plain love her :)

I'm gonna start the next in the series as soon as possible - Dan Wells has a new fan!