Inked by Eric Smith

Title: Inked 
Author: Eric Smith
Publisher: Bloomsbury Spark
Publication date:  January 20, 2015
Pages: 191
Source/format: e-ARC from Netgalley

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Tattoos once were an act of rebellion.

Now they decide your destiny the moment the magical Ink settles under your skin.

And in a world where Ink controls your fate, Caenum can't escape soon enough. He is ready to run from his family, and his best friend Dreya, and the home he has known, just to have a chance at a choice.

But when he upsets the very Scribe scheduled to give him his Ink on his eighteenth birthday, he unwittingly sets in motion a series of events that sends the corrupt, magic-fearing government, The Citadel, after him and those he loves.

Now Caenum, Dreya, and their reluctant companion Kenzi must find their way to the Sanctuary, a secret town where those with the gift of magic are safe. Along the way, they learn the truth behind Ink, its dark origins, and why they are the only ones who can stop the Citadel.

Eric Smith takes you on a high-octane fantasy adventure, perfect for anyone who has dreamed of being different… only to discover that fate is more than skin deep.

My Thoughts:

Caenum is scared about his fate. When one turns 18, one will get inked. Dreya, his neighbor and his best friend, is already inked and is happy with her fate. Everyone tells Caenum not to worry about the Inking. When Caenum meets Kenzi, he thought it was odd that Kenzi's skin was bare. Kenzi is an apprentice scribe. When a Scribe comes of age, the Scribe performs his or her first Inking. However, the Scribe also gets Inked that same day. Something goes wrong with Kenzi's Inking and Caenum's grandmother knows the reason why. Kenzi is a Conduit.

The Citadel hunts Conduits because of their inherent magic is dangerous when they get inked. Molivar and the rest of the people of the Frosthaven believe that Kenzi is Unprinted and is wreaking havoc in the town.

Caenum volunteers to take Kenzi to the Conduit Sanctuary instead of his grandmother going. There are so many feels for what Caenum is going through with his grandmother and Dreya. And so many feels for what Dreya has to go through. I was literally seating on the edge of my seat almost in tears. When Caenum thinks he has lost all of his family, he uncovers a familiar face. I am so glad Caenum reunites with his only family he has left but there are secrets that are yet to be unveiled. This familiar person is not the same as who Caenum remembers from the past.

Dreya is the Hermione of the group. She knows about Caenum's grandmother's hints about the Sanctuary and the secret ingredient of Pepper Thistle in Caenum's grandmother's stew. She is very logical throughout the whole novel. When Caenum, Kenzi and Dreya are traveling to find the Sanctuary, it reminds me how Harry, Ron and Hermione are searching for the horcruxes. When Trackers Vikash and Tabor find the trio in Inked, it reminds me how the Snatchers found the Harry Potter trio in the Forbidden Forest. Both trios have magical abilities as well.

It's crazy how being inked is so important to the Citadel. It provides control over the masses. It provides order and it crushes dreams. The Citadel shuns the Unprinted like how the Factionless were shunned in Divergent. Conduits are treated like those who are Divergent. Both societies in both books fear those who are different. The origins of the ink for the Inking is shocking. I did not see that coming at all.

I love how Inked is reminiscent of Divergent and Harry Potter series. However, the novel is beautifully written and Eric Smith makes it his own. Smith is an amazing writer. I was drawn into the book from the first paragraph. Smith has a way with words. All the words flowed smoothly and there is enough dialogue and enough action to keep the book moving at a good pace. Smith describes everything in Inked with such detail. I love the book so much I wish Inked is part of a series! Seriously, it's that good! And the cover is absolutely stunning! I highly recommend Inked to anyone who loves a good fantasy read.

Pre-order your copy now if you haven't! Check out Smith's website for some pre-order goodies such as a signed poster and postcard!

Image from ericsmithrocks.com

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Speak; Dutton Juvenile (first)
Publication date:  July 16, 2013; December 2, 2010 (first published)
Pages: 372
Source/format: Paperback, gifted from Melissa at Novelty Podcast

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Can Anna find love in the City of Light? Anna is happy in Atlanta.

She has a loyal best friend and a crush on her coworker at the movie theater, who is just starting to return her affection. So she's less than thrilled when her father decides to send her to a boarding school in Paris for her senior year.

But despite not speaking a word of French, Anna meets some cool new people, including the handsome Étienne St. Clair, who quickly becomes her best friend. Unfortunately, he's taken —and Anna might be, too. Will a year of romantic near misses end with the French kiss she's waiting for?

My Thoughts:

Stephanie Perkins is an amazing writer. I love her writing style. The only piece I've read by her was her short story in My True Love Gave to Me. The first page of the book was the perfect start to Anna attending the School of America in Paris aka SOAP. There she meets Meredith who lives next door. Meredith introduces her to some friends in the circle and that's when Anna is acquainted with Étienne St. Clair. Anna is smitten with him at first sight. Anna can't resist Étienne but Étienne has a girlfriend.

The novel is super cute. I understand how she became to love Étienne overtime but the whole love at first sight sometimes turns me off. I mean, Étienne has a girlfriend. Anna should know not to step over those boundaries even though Étienne keeps flirting with her. And Anna should also be wary about Christopher aka Toph.

However, Anna keeps questioning herself whether if she likes Étienne or Toph. There was one point she wasn't sure if she likes Dave. I was quite upset when she was hanging out with Dave just to piss off Étienne. I think Anna needs to decide who she likes and who she wants to be with. Also, it doesn't help that Étienne secretly likes Anna but is still with Ellie but Étienne and Ellie are having relationship problems. But then again, it doesn't help with Anna's best friend from back home is dating Toph and doesn't tell Anna. There is so much relationship drama in this novel! And there is so much cheating. I am okay with certain love triangles but I am not okay with cheating.

I am glad that Anna found something she likes to do in Paris other than flirting with Étienne day and night. I know at first Paris was overwhelming and intimidating but Anna found the courage to venture out of SOAP. Her love for cinema helped her enjoy the city to it's finest. She loves watching films and reviewing them on her Femme Film Freak website.

I kind of laughed when I found out Matt is Anna's ex-boyfriend. He still cares for her as a friend. It reminds me of Matt Donovan in The Vampire Diaries and how he is still good friends with his ex-girlfriend, Elena Gilbert. I thought it was cute how Anna Oliphant has a nickname of Banana Elephant. I love how Étienne gifted Anna the glass banana bead. He is super thoughtful when it comes to gifts like when he gave her the left handed note book for taking notes for her film reviews.

I was so sad when Étienne found out about his mom having cancer and how his controlling dad wouldn't let Étienne visit his mother. It was heartbreaking. The different family dynamics that Perkins includes in Anna and the French Kiss shows readers that families aren't perfect and there are always obstacles that everyone has to face. Running away does not help diffuse the family problems and issues. Anna helped Étienne face his father and to stand up to him!

I am looking forward to reading Lola and the Boy Next Door and also Isla and the Happily Ever After. I hope they are a tad better than Anna and the French Kiss. I thought it was awesome that we get to meet Isla Martin in Anna and the French Kiss. I also respect Isla for backing up Anna when Anna had that fight with Amanda. I cannot wait to read more about Isla and her happily ever after.

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

Title: Rebel Belle
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Publication date:  April 8, 2014
Pages: 345
Source/format: Hardcover, Purchased

Rating: ☆☆☆ 1/2

Synopsis (from Goodreads):
 
Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him—and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth. 

With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more. 

My Thoughts:

Harper Jane Price is a southern girl attending Grove Academy in Pine Grove, Alabama. She is living her normal life as president of the SGA and head cheerleader. She hopes to be crowned Homecoming Queen. However, life as a teenage girl is difficult when she obtains powers of the Paladin. The janitor, Mr. Hall, dies right after she obtains her powers and her history teacher is trying to kill her on the day of Homecoming. Even though Harper becomes Homecoming Queen, she has other things on her mind.

Harper finds out she is a Paladin who has to protect the Oracle. Unfortunately for Harper, the Oracle happens to be her nemesis, David James Stark. I laughed when I read the name David James Stark. It reminded me of James Stark from The House of Night series. People are out there trying to kill David because he is a male Oracle. Most Oracles are female. Harper and David are living a dangerous life and trying to avoid being killed.

I love reading about the Cotillion. Even though my high school has an annual Cotillion, it's not as intense as Grove Academy's. However, I can relate to Harper about how Cotillion is super important and it has to be almost perfect.

I love the idea of having this kick ass female guardian in a private academy setting. It reminds me of Vampire Academy of how Rose is Lissa's guardian and needs to protect her at all costs. The Mages who work with the Paladins and the Oracle remind me of the Alchemists who conceal any crazy shenanigans that have to do with the Paladins and the Oracle from mundanes.

The word choice for the teenager dialogue could be a bit better. I felt like the way Harper and Blythe talk to one another is not what 17-year-olds would say. I expected them to be a bit more mature. I do have to admit that Rebel Belle is pretty hilarious. I was laughing most of them time when I was reading. It wasn't up to par with the Hex Hall series though. Maybe I had high expectations since the Hex Hall series is pretty amazing.

Top Ten Most Anticipated Debut Novels For 2015

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's Top Ten Tuesday asks bloggers to list their top ten most anticipated debut novels for 2015. The following books are in no particular order.

1. The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker sounds pretty intense and intriguing. Elizabeth Grey is a witch hunter but is accused of being a witch. She is thrown into a world full of witches, ghosts, healers and pirates.

2. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard is pretty high on my TBR list. It sounds amazing and I cannot wait to read it! Fantasy and dystopian genres merge to make this epic read.

3. The Girl at Midnight by Melissa Grey is an urban fantasy about a girl named Echo who is on the hunt for the legendary Firebird. The cover is absolutely gorgeous as well.

4. Playlist for the Dead by Michelle Falkoff is definitely a book that I need to read this year. I am a sucker for coming-of-age stories and this one reminds me of The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

5. The Sin Eater's Daughter by Melinda Salisbury sounds very interesting. This is the first book in the Sin Eater's Daughter series. I am curious about what will happen to Twylla who yields the touch of death.

6. Becoming Jinn by Lori Goldstein is the first book in the Becoming Jinn series. I haven't read any books about genies but the synopsis grabbed my attention.

7. Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee is a historical fiction novel taken place in the mid 1800's. I love the fact that the novel will include the Oregon Trail and the two girls rely on each other's friendship for survival. I don't read too many books about the Wild West but this one sounded interesting partially due to the Oregon Trail because I loved the Oregon Trail when I was younger.

8. Unspeakable by Abbie Rushton is about a mute girl named Megan who ends up meeting bubbly Jasmine. This standalone contemporary looks very promising.

9. Dove Arising by Karen Bao has been on by TBR list for quite awhile. It's a sci-fi story that takes place on the moon. This is the first book in the Dove Chronicles trilogy.

10. Shutter by Courtney Alameda is YA horror novel about Micheline Helsing who can see auras of the undead. She captures the spiritual energy with her analog SLR camera with her ghost hunting crew. I can't wait to read this one. It is definitely perfect for an October read.

Reckoning by Kerry Wilkinson

Title: Reckoning
Authors: Kerry Wilkinson
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (US)
Publication date:  July 1, 2014 (US)
Pages: 368
Source/format: Library, Hardcover

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from Goodreads): 

One girl. One chance. One destiny.

In the village of Martindale, hundreds of miles north of the new English capital of Windsor, sixteen-year-old Silver Blackthorne takes the Reckoning. This coming-of- age test not only decides her place in society – Elite, Member, Inter or Trog – but also determines that Silver is to become an Offering for King Victor. But these are uncertain times and no one really knows what happens to the teenagers who disappear into Windsor Castle. Is being an Offering the privilege everyone assumes it to be, or do the walls of the castle have something to hide? Trapped in a maze of ancient corridors, Silver finds herself in a warped world of suspicion where it is difficult to know who to trust and who to fear. The one thing Silver does know is that she must find a way out . . . The heart-stopping first book in a new trilogy by UK author Kerry Wilkinson, Reckoning is the story of one girl's determination to escape the whims of a cruel king, and what she must do to survive against all odds.

My Thoughts:

This book is fantastic! As with all dystopians written lately, the plot starts with some coming-of-age test. Silver Blackthorn of Martindale and of the North is 16-years-old and of age to take the Reckoning test to find her place in society. This part of the story reminds me of Divergent when Tris is deciding what faction is best for her. However, in Reckoning, one cannot choose what "faction" to join. One is placed into one of the four ranks of Elite, Member, Inter or Trog.

The UK is split into four realms. All four realms compete during the Reckoning to bring in more Elites than the others in order to gain more rations for their realm. Thinkwatches and Thinkpads control everything to make sure everyone is productive in society.

In Reckoning, King Victor supposedly put stop to a war 25 years ago. As repayment for stopping the war, every year during the Reckoning, 30 kids (15 boys and 15 girls) are chosen from the four ranks as Offerings to King Victor. The Offerings' families will receive extra credits and rations but will never see the children again. The Offerings are taken to the Windsor Castle where King Victor resides. It is suppose to be seen as a privilege to be an Offering. However, the name gives it away that it is worse than death.

This part of the story reminded me of the The Hunger Games where one boy and one girl from each of the 12 districts are chosen as tributes. King Victor is the equivalent to President Snow. The show is for his own entertainment. He can do whatever he pleases with his subjects.

Silver finds out that she must do what she needs to stay alive and that means that she must do enough to get by but not too much to put her in the spotlight. She makes secret alliances with Imrin and Hart. King Victor does not want any of the Offerings to be friendly with each other. Instead, he wants to pit them against each other. The way he makes Offerings fight each other is reminiscent of the The Hunger Games. It can be pretty brutal if one wants to stay alive.

Each of the Offerings will be placed into certain sectors for work. Silver was the only on in her group to be placed in the technology lab. The placement is based on the Reckoning results. Pietra, one of the female Offerings, reminded me of Celeste from The Selection series. At first she is selfish and only cares about herself but later on she changes. Silver is very likable. She is a determined, compassionate, free thinking and a curious individual. She is a strong young lady and is trying to find a way out of the Windsor Castle.

The ending blew me away. Reckoning is a story about trust, survival and finding out the truth. It is action packed and it literally will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. I was surprised by the twist at the ending since I didn't catch it right away. I seriously thought Imrin betrayed Silver. Freaking amazing! I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I stayed up all night to finish the rest of the book. If you are looking for a dystopian read reminiscent of The Hunger Games, Divergent and The Selection, check out Reckoning.

Flights of Fantasy 2015

 

Alexa from Alexa Loves Books and Rachel from Hello, Chelly are hosting the Flights of Fantasy Reading Challenge. This challenge does not have a minimum number of books to read. You can read as little or as many fantasy books as you want. 

I plan to read at least 20 fantasy books. I would like to commit to higher number but I need to share the love with my contemporary and dystopian books. I hope I can read most of the books on the list below.

1. The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

2. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard   READ

3. The Sin Eater's Daughter by Melissa Salisbury  READ

4. Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare (Edit: This book is not longer being released in 2015)

5. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell  READ

6. Half Wild by Sally Green

7. The Rose Society by Marie Lu   READ

8. Fairest by Marissa Meyer    READ

9. The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan 

10. Pennyroyal Academy by M.A. Larson   READ

11. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
12. The Copper Gauntlet by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare   READ
13. The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead    READ

If you decide to participate in the challenge, make sure you post your review or blog entry to the monthly linky on Alexa's or Rachel's blog. Spread the word on social media with #flightsoffantasy. 

How many fantasy books are you planning to read?

My True Love Gave To Me edited by Stephanie Perkins

Title: My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories
Authors: Holly Black, Ally Carter, Matt de la Peña, Gayle Forman, Jenny Han, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Myra McEntire, Stephanie Perkins, Rainbow Rowell, Laini Taylor and Kiersten White
Publisher: St. Martin's Press (US) and Macmillan (UK)
Publication date:  October 14, 2014 (US) and October 9, 2014 (UK)
Pages: 320 (US) and 335 (UK)
Source/format: Purchased, Hardcover

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from Goodreads): 

US version: If you love holiday stories, holiday movies, made-for-TV-holiday specials, holiday episodes of your favorite sitcoms and, especially, if you love holiday anthologies, you’re going to fall in love with MY TRUE LOVE GAVE TO ME: TWELVE HOLIDAY STORIES by twelve bestselling young adult writers, edited by international bestselling author Stephanie Perkins.

Midnights by Rainbow Rowell

I love this story. It's so simple yet relatable and realistic. I enjoyed reading about Mags and Noel and how their friendship blossomed every New Year's Eve. I think it's cute how Rainbow shows us three years of friendship in three days. The story reminds me a bit of Landline, a bit of Eleanor & Park and a bit of Fangirl. Rainbow Rowell is the queen of contemporary! The story is just that good!

Rating: 5/5

The Lady and the Fox by Kelly Link

I didn't really enjoy this story. It wasn't super horrible but I couldn't connect with any of the characters and I couldn't get into the story.

Rating: 2/5

Angels in the Snow by Matt de la Peña

I like Matt de la Peña's writing style in this story. The way he tells the story through first person works very well. I love how Shy and Haley meet. It's cute how Shy and Haley share stories about themselves to get to know each other better but the only thing that put me off was the cheating in the story since Haley didn't break off her relationship with Justin until the end of the story.

Rating 4/5

Polaris is Where You Will Find Me by Jenny Han

I laughed when I read about the Great Hall. All I can think of is Harry Potter. I think it's cute how Natalie is adopted by Santa and how she gets to travel with him in the sleigh while he works. I loved this story about Natalie and how Flynn doesn't want to get hurt. He would basically do anything for Natalie. I just wished the story was a tad bit longer.

Rating: 4.5/5

It's a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown by Stephanie Perkins

Marigold is interested in Christmas Tree Lot Boy aka North Drummond. He is everything opposite of the boys she is usually attracted to. But ultimately she needed his voice. She needed his help with her YouTube comedic animated short films. But of course Marigold plays it off saying she is just looking for a tree and not any tree but a Charlie Brown tree. I thought it was so cute how North and Marigold interacted. It was adorable and heart warming. It turns out that Marigold likes North more than just for his voice.

Rating: 5/5

Your Temporary Santa by David Levithan

I think it's so cute how Connor say Pweeeeeease. The story was just okay. I wanted more interaction between the two boys. Maybe some more dialogue.

Rating: 3/5

Krampuslauf by Holly Black

All I can think of is Harry Potter when I read the part about the cloak, crystal balls and magical potion. The whole Krampus part of the story still confused me even after I read the story but I loved when Oscar snorted with laughter and said, "That is Harry Potter shit." The wishing for magic on the wish list is pretty crazy. Anything is possible.

Rating: 3.5/5

What the Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth? by Gayle Forman

I love the writing style of this story. The story actually reminds me of being back in college. I laughed at the part how Sophie argued with the bookstore clerk about how textbooks should go digital and should be updated automatically. I think we all know that the selling your books back to the bookstore is a rip off. Sophie's interaction with Russell is genuine. It's so cute how they meet at the caroling concert and get pie and coffee at a diner. I love how Russell celebrated the last day of Hanukkah with Sophie even though she is not home with her family. The ending was perfect too! Loved it!

Rating: 4.5/5

Beer Buckets and Baby Jesus by Myra McEntire

I was sucked into the story the second I read the first line. Vaughn is your typical trickster who ends up in trouble. He has to do community service and ends up helping with the Christmas pageant. There he gets to know Gracie Robinson, the Pastor's daughter. She is everything completely opposite from him. This actually reminded me of A Walk to Remember and how Landon ends meeting Jamie, the minister's daughter, and they participated in The Christmas Angel. This story was cute.

Rating: 4/5

Welcome to Christmas, CA by Kiersten White

I like how we are introduced to a small town named Christmas and how Maria works at a cafe/diner in the town. Maria meets the new cook, Ben, who is genuinely nice and makes a mean gingerbread cookie. Ben is seriously whipping up some yummy foods and my mouth was watering when I was reading this story. I really want to try some of those eggnog chocolate chip cookies. I also enjoyed reading about Maria's mom and the mom's boyfriend. The relationship that Maria has with her mom is quite special and I thought it was sweet when Maria asked Ben to help her make rice pudding for her mom. I loved how this story was all about giving.

Rating: 4.5/5

Star of Bethlehem by Ally Carter

This story is so cute. I love how Lydia and Hulda switch plane tickets near the holidays. One ends up in New York and the other in Oklahoma. I don't want to spoil the story but it's the perfect holiday story about a girl finding a new family who loves her very much. I wish there was a bit more romance though.

Rating 4/5

The Girl Who Woke the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

I did not like this story. I couldn't get into it and the writing style was not my cup of tea.

Rating 2/5

Overall

I loved reading these short stories during the holidays. It's perfect for when I want to only read a small amount of pages per day. It was easy to pace myself to read all the stories and the best time to read them is during the last two weeks of December. I actually just finished reading the whole anthology today which is perfect. I loved how each story is different and how many of the stories including diversity of all sorts.