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Saturday, January 28, 2012

Busting the Newbie Blues!


Busting the Newbie Blues is a meme hosted by Small Reviews for new YA book bloggers!


  1. When did you start your blog?
    I started Understanding Shae's Story on October 29, 2011. I'm new :)
  2. Why did you start your blog?
    I started my blog for the same reason everyone else did. I love to read, but my friends and family don't really share my love of reading, or they do but don't read the same kind of books as me. So I couldn't really talk to them about awesome reads without boring them to tears.

  3. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
    Getting my blog to look like how I want it to look has been an issue, but I finally got it to look right!  Also, finding the right things to post about, to interest both myself and the viewer are hard.
  4. What do you find most discouraging about being a new blogger?
    I guess... not having a "rhythm" yet. Old bloggers usually have a set way of doing things, and I haven't found my niche yet. I just kind of post random things on whatever day I feel like it :)
  5. What do you find most encouraging?
    People writing nice comments on my posts make me smile. And when authors email me to review their book. I sometimes want to ask them if they're sure about that hehe.
  6. What do you like best about the blogs you read? Have you tried to replicate this in your blog?
    I try to make my blog as simple AND decorative as possible. Also, I like when I can get a hint of the person behind the blog in their posts so I try to add as much personality as possible.
  7. What do you dislike about blogs you’ve read? Do you try to avoid this?
    Busyness & Confusion. Enough said.
  8. Any advice for other new bloggers?
    Love it, or don't do it. 
  9. Any questions you'd like to ask newbie or established bloggers?
    Um... what's your favorite color? Lol I couldn't think of anything else.
  10. Is there anything you’d like to tell us about your blog?
    Understanding Shae's Story is a new book blog, mostly about YA books, but I don't limit myself to JUST Young Adult. If it seems interesting, I'll read it! 

    Thank you so much for taking the time to read a little more about me. Comment below if you want me to visit your blog :)

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Review + Excerpt: Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Three angels – Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, the youngest and most human – are sent by Heaven to bring good to a world falling under the influence of darkness. They must work hard to conceal their luminous glow, superhuman powers, and, most dangerous of all, their wings, all the while avoiding all human attachments.Then Bethany meets Xavier Woods, and neither of them is able to resist the attraction between them. Gabriel and Ivy do everything in their power to intervene, but the bond between Xavier and Bethany seems too strong. Then comes the brooding and popular new transfer, Jake Thorn... who just so happens to be in Bethany's class. Something about Jake seems to be hiding something darker, something more powerful than expected. That thing, and Xavier, distracts Bethany to a point that Gabriel and Ivy are concerned.The angel’s mission is urgent, and dark forces are threatening. Will love ruin Bethany or save her?

Overall Thoughts:
I had a few expectations for this book, and it didn't completely live up to them.

Halo is about 3 angels coming down to earth to help people. There's: Gabriel, the super attractive serious one, who's like Beth's brother; Ivy, the enticing and beautiful one, who's like Beth's sister; and Beth, the most human one. They were assigned Venus Cove, a really small town. And it's their job to stop all the destruction and hate and crap going on there.

First off, this book had INSTA-LOVE in it! I don't like insta-love! That makes the whole entire story seem fake and corny! Beth and Xavier shouldn't have "fallen in love" as fast as they did!
"...When I met his eyes, something entirely different happened. I had an instant, gut-wrenching physical reaction as if the world were falling from under me and I had to steady myself to stop from falling with it." 

See what I mean?! That quote was found on page 38. Page 38?! So... that part I didn't like. But I will say that the plot is very unique. I can honestly say that I haven't read a story exactly like this one, which I like. But even though Beth was the main character, my favorite had to be Xavier. Beth was so... fragile. She was kind of the opposite of what I expected an angel to be. Xavier was strong and confident, and I love strong main characters.

What I liked about this book:
Like I said, the plot was really different. Also, Gabriel & Xavier were described as cuties so that's always a plus! And the cover is so gorgeous!

What I didn't like about this book:
Insta-love. period. Oh, and Beth was kind of a weak main character.

Verdict:
This book was definitely good enough to make me want to purchase the next one. There were times when the book turned a bit predictable, but overall, it's an interesting read. I just didn't like the insta-love :(

The next book is Hades, and it's already out! I will definitely be reading it, probably just not anytime soon.


3 TARGETS!


Excerpt:

I continued with the history task while he finished writing his report. He still had a stack of homework left, but in the end I proved too much of a distraction. He had just completed his third trig problem when I felt his hand wander over to my lap. I slapped it gently.

"Keep studying," I said when he looked up from the page. "No one said you could stop."

He smiled and scrawled something at the bottom of the answer sheet. The solution now read:

X = Beth

"Stop goofing around!" I said.

"I'm not! I'm stating a truth. You're my solution to everything," Xavier replied. "The end result is always you. X always equals Beth."
Page: 271-272

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Teaser Tuesday #3: Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should be Reading.






Xavier wrapped an arm around my shoulder, and I drew close to him, breathing in his clean crisp scent.

"Some people really need to be taught some manners," he said disdainfully. I stared up at him.

"Would you really have gotten into a fight for me?"

"Of course." He didn't hesitate.

"But there were four of them."

"Beth, I'd take on Megatron's army to protect you."

"Who?"

Xavier shook his head and laughed.

"I keep forgetting we have different reference points. Let's just say, I'm not scared of four little punks."

Page: 250

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Review + Excerpt: Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Sometimes sorry isn't enough....It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...
Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.
On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.
In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.
Em and Chase have been chosen.
Overall Thoughts:
I had some issues with this book. It was entertaining enough, but something happened in it that is one of my book pet peeves!

Fury is about two teenagers, Emily and Chase. They are normal, regular kids. Emily is the perfect young lady. She's supportive of her friends, popular, pretty, smart, everything you could as for! But she makes a mistake. A mistake that ends up breaking her best friend's heart. She is in love with her best friend's boyfriend, Zach. She can't help it. And when her bff is out of the picture, Emily acts on her impulses and kisses Zach. Then, they actually end up getting into it. You know what I mean! They don't go all the way though, seeing that Emily suddenly has a conscience and feels all bad. And though Emily is guilt-ridden and feels terrible for what she's done, the Furies think it's not enough, and they're going to do everything in their power to destroy her heart.

Chase's story is different. He didn't cheat. He didn't steal. He didn't lie. But long story short, he indirectly ends up causing one of his ex-childhood friends to attempt suicide. Yeah... pretty deep stuff. And you know what that means, folks? The Furies will have to find someway for him to pay.

In my opinion, both Emily and Chase are good kids, that made bad decisions. The Furies are just 3 evil witches with no life so they want to end others.

What I liked about this book:
It was a light read. Nothing too heavy. But it was a bit scary in places, so... caution.

What I disliked about this book:
I'm not going to say anything... BUT, one of my biggest pet peeves in books is when the author kills off one of the main characters. You have us get all attached to them, and develop feelings and opinions of the character... then you just kill them off?!? No sir!

Verdict:
This book was okay; very so-so. It had a few twists to it that kept me interested, but nothing extremely special.

The next book in this trilogy is Envy. It comes out in October 2012!

3 TARGETS!


Excerpt:
Emily Winters stood in front of her bedroom mirror, a fluffy white towel wrapped around her torso, as she tried to work a tangle from her dark, dripping hair.

The room was quiet, except for the radiator next to her closet—it made its trademark ticking sound, one that had kept her awake as a child. She always imagined an old witch trying to claw her way out of the wall. But she was used to it by now. Just like the tiny mole above her right eyebrow—she’d had it since birth, and the only time she ever noticed it was when someone else commented on it.


Someone like Zach McCord, for example. Last week in earth science, the class no one ever paid attention in, he’d leaned toward her to steal a peek at her quiz. Then he’d looked up into her eyes and touched the edge of her eyebrow. “Beauty mark,” he’d said. A shiver had run through her as he turned around, and that was that.

Page: 5

Thursday, January 19, 2012

New Blog Design!

Hey guys,

'Tis true, I have changed my blog around... alot. I knew it was going to happen soon, I just didn't know when. It turned out pretty well. I'm still a relatively new blogger so... it may or may not change again, I'm not sure. And yes, I'm well aware of the fact that I'm very indecisive. Sue me! 
Anywho, *gets serious* I'm trying my hardest to be the best blogger I can be. So if you guys have any suggestions on what I should do, let me know! Pwease? Like... what kind of posts do you like reading? Which are your favorite? For instance, my favorite posts are In My Mailbox and Dirty Little Secret. Now what's yours? I hear crickets... LET ME KNOW! 

Now if that doesn't sway you, maybe a picture of a cute little cat will?

And a big thanks to Amy from Obsessions of a Bookaholic for helping me with my blog! Hers is too cute, go check it out!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Link to Wither by Lauren DeStefano Giveaway

 
Obviously, something went terribly wrong. Genetic mutations have festered, reducing human longevity to twenty-five, even less for most women. To prevent extinction, young girls are kidnapped, mated in polygamous marriages with men eager to procreate. Sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery, a recent victim of this breeding farm mentality, has vowed to break loose from its fetters; but finding allies and a safe way out is a challenge she can only hope she will survive. A dystopian fantasy series starter with wings.

Lauren DeStefano is giving away 2 signed copies of Wither! It's international! And it ends on January 12, 2012. All you have to do is click on the link below and read the rules of the giveaway!
http://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/1913568-paperback-giveaway



Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Review + Excerpt: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead



When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

Overall Thoughts:
WHY DID IT HAVE TO END?!?!? This book was pure entertainment.

Bloodlines pretty much revolved around Sydney, Jill, Adrian, and a few others. Sydney's new Alchemist job is to be Jill's protector because her life is in danger, seeing as she is Queen Lissa Dragomir's only live blood relative. Those who don't want Lissa as queen see Jill as the easiest way to get her out of her position. So Sydney, Jill, and Eddie all set out to Palm Springs, California to attend a boarding school in the hopes that they retain a low profile and keep Princess Jill safe and sound.

Adrian appears a lot in this book, which actually kind of swayed me to Team Adrian! He and Rose didn't end off on good terms in The Last Sacrifice and we get to see some of the effects their split has had on Adrian. It makes me so... What's the word?... protective over Adrian now. He's become one of my favorite characters in this series. Next to Rose, that is. Oh, the irony. Adrian actually grows and develops a lot and I couldn't be more proud. Towards the end, there's a little special interaction between Adrian... and I'm not going to name any names here but... the girl with the golden lily (See what I did there?) which definitely hints that something may happen between them in the next installments.

Past characters from the Vampire Academy series showed their faces in this book, i.e. Rose, Sonya, Abe, and others. I was especially interested when Rose showed up. It was so weird reading how Sydney described her. I was so used to Rose's perspective that when it changed and someone else viewed her, it took me back a little.

Things I didn't like about this book:
There were a few slow parts in this book but not many.

Things I liked about this book:
I think it's safe to say, that I will like any book that Richelle Mead writes.

Verdict:
I definitely recommend this book to any Vampire Academy fan out there. It's definitely not as good or action-packed, but it will not disappoint!

Makes sure to check out The Golden Lily, which comes out on June 19, 2012. Its already at the top of my To Be Read List.



5 Targets!


Excerpt:
"Adrian was standing against the wall, on the opposite side of the room. His arms were crossed defensively, and there was a rigidness to his posture that conflicted with the lazy smile he wore. I couldn't be sure, but it looked as though he was purposely positioning himself as far from Rose as possible."  Page: 64-65

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Christmas Haul / In My Mailbox #7


In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. Every week you are to share the books you received that week. It could either be ones you bought, or gotten at the library, and ones that you'd receive to review on the blog.

  

 



The 58th Keeper by R.G. Bullet - Received for Review
Across the Universe Swag by Beth Revis - Received from Beth Revis

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Review + Excerpt: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, #2) by Suzanne Collins

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph. Instead, they have become the poster children for a rebellion that they never planned to lead. That new, unwanted status puts them in the bull's-eye for merciless revenge by The Capitol...


Overall Thoughts:
I WAS HOOKED! I was so obsessed with this book, it wasn't even funny!

Just when Katniss and Peeta think they're clear of the Hunger Games for the rest of their lives, it pulls them back in! Katniss also figures out that she may have indirectly started a revolution to overthrow the Capitol! And just when you think things couldn't get even more maddening, she was often conflicted by her feelings for both Gale and Peeta! Whew, what a life!

I was constantly stunned by how often this book threw me for a loop. I'd often guess at what would happen next, and would have to force myself to not read ahead. It was crazy how absorbed I was in this book. I couldn't put it down, and if I did, I was left thinking about when I could have it in my hands again! I finished it within a couple of days, but I will probably re-read it over and over again! 


Honestly, this series is so pure genius! I truly believe everyone would like it, and would be able to take something away from it. When I read about all the things Katniss has to go through; all the hardships; all trials and tribulations, that makes me stronger. I strive to be as physically and mentally capable as she is!

Things I disliked about this book: 
There was a HUGE cliffhanger at the end that made me want to have Mockingjay in my hands right when I finished!! But of course, I didn't have it and was left thinking about what could of been.  

Things I liked about this book:
How many times do I have to tell you?! It was absolutely perfect! I loved everything!

Verdict:
A-MAZ-ING! I'd give it 10 targets if possible, but... it's not going to happen.

The final *starts crying* book in the Hunger Games trilogy is Mockingjay. It's out right now, so go get it! I'm getting it soon hopefully because I don't know how long I will last with my Hunger Games withdrawal. It's a killer.



5 TARGETS!


Excerpt:

One night, as I'm walking Gale back into town, he even admits, "It'd be better if he were easier to hate."
"Tell me about it," I say. "If I could've just hated him in the arena, we all wouldn't be in this mess now. He'd be dead, and I'd be a happy little victor all by myself."
"And where would we be, Katniss?" asks Gale.
Page: 185