Krazy Elf's Favorite Reads of 2012

For 2012 I have reached my goal of reading 50 books and have got a bit beyond. While it’s nothing next to my sister's (Caaleros) 130 books it’s quite an accomplishment for me.lol It’s so hard to put any books in order of my favorite so only my top three favorites are in order, the rest aren’t. This list also does not count books that I have reread this year. So without further ado, I give you the krazy elf’s list of favorite reads of 2012.

1. The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus #3) by Rick Riordan

Easily my favorite book of the year! Riordan is simply MAGNIFICENT and gave readers (or just me at least) exactly what they wanted. Also, nothing can beat the sugary sweetness of Percybeth!

2. Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

My first mermaid book and I was totally in love with all the characters and the world. I couldn’t help but smile every time the main characters were on the page together; I also couldn’t stop smiling long after I had set the book down, it was just one of those books!

3. Rebel Heart (Dustlands #2) by Moira Young

Young’s unique way of storytelling is so captivating that once you get pulled in you don’t want to leave. Saba’s the reluctant hero who keeps getting pulled into messes that she would rather have avoided and I love seeing the relationships in the book get tried and tested.

 
Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

Loads of action, lots of desperation, characters at their weakest and strongest, what’s not to love? Tris is awesome and I must say that I enjoyed this much better than Divergent.

Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

A female thief in Robin Hood’s band of Merry Men? I LOVE IT!!! I totally went all fangirl reading this book!

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

A futuristic retelling a Cinderella? Yes please! Cinder is a cyborg mechanic and totally cool. A must read for those who love fairytales!

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Finally jumped on the bandwagon and read it and I was hooked. There’s just something about it that made me keep turning the pages faster and faster; and then there was my huge crush on Luke.lol

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

Another retelling, this time of one of favorite books: Persuasion by Jane Austen. While, for those who have read Persuasion, there are many similarities, and Peterfreund really captures the feelings and essence Austen’s book, it holds its own and brings us an amazing story of love, heartache, and forgiveness. It’s also got some cool sci-fi stuff too!

Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2) by Richelle Mead

I don’t actually read many vampire books but I must say Mead does it perfectly! I love the whole world and with a snarky, sometimes violent, but loyal, main character what’s not to love?

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

My sister has been trying for years to get me to read this book. She finally just sat down in the kitchen while I was cooking and started reading it out loud. I was quickly hooked. I haven’t read many faerie books yet but this is easily my favorite!

Hey, it's Friday! Follow Friday

This is a meme hosted by Parajunkee of Parajunkee's View and Alison of Alison Can Read.  It's a blog hop to help expand your readership.

This week's question:

Christmas in July! Someone gives you a gift card for two books (whatever that costs). What two books will you buy?

 

 OK, so both of the books I really want right now are not out yet, The Mark of Athena (Rick Riordan) and Rebel Heart (Moira Young), both come out in October. I love the other books in their series' so much and I can't wait to read these. However, if I had to choose books that were already out I would pick For Darkness Shows the Stars (A beautiful retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion by Diana Peterfreund) and Insurgent by Veronica Roth. I seem to have a lot of dystopians on my list but thats cool ^_^


Sorry that I haven't been updating in a while. I meant to then things just kept getting in the way and I haven't been reading as much. I'll try to get back to it.

Review for City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)

Author: Cassandra Clare

Genre: YA Paranormal

Pages: 485

Summary from Goodreads…

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

The Good, The Bad, The Krazyness…

I was a little unsure of how I would like this popular series by Cassandra Clare when I first checked it out from the library. Many people say that it’s a great series even though they think The Infernal Devices is better but in my case I have already read the Infernal Devices and, though I liked them, they just didn’t hook me;  That turned out not to be the case here.

The author paints us an intriguing world of the supernatural that’s woven delicately within our own. We are introduced to the policing force called the Shadowhunters; mortals with some angel blood charged with protecting the human race from the supernatural creatures called Downworlders. They have their own mother city and live by their own laws. All across the world they have institutes set up so that the Shadowhunters can more easily keep an eye on the Downworlders. I love the concept and execution of Clare’s world. It feels so real and if I had any higher suspension of disbelief I would be keeping my eyes out for krazy faeries or pointy ears.

At the beginning of the book we are introduced to Clary Frey who thought her problems consistent only of school and fights with her mother, until she witnesses a murder that no human was ever supposed to see. Though Clary may be seen as a damsel in distress because she needs saving from certain Downworlders, she is hardly a weak female. I love Clary’s strength and determination and willingness to do what is needed. Unlike some cringe-worthy teen characters I thought that Clary was very aware of her limits and would listen to others when they told her to “stay behind me”. Jace is your typical badboy with a reckless streak and a wall around his heart. The hunt is his life and he’s not exactly a people person. Anyone who’s not a Shadowhunter he calls either “Downworlder” or “Mundie” (human). Clary finds him irritating right off and they spend a lot of time arguing, which could be interpreted as flirting, while some of the others in their life look on longingly. Yes, I am talking about a love triangle… or a couple of them… yeah. If you’ve read my reviews you know I hate love triangles mostly because they break my heart. I especially feel sorry for the best friend type of character who never seems to stand a chance.

This book was definitely a page turner but I couldn’t help but feel that the writing wasn’t as polished as it could have been. Sometimes I felt like I was in one of my creative writing classes and I kept wanting to mark sentence and description that I thought were repetitious or didn’t work. I also notice a lot of metaphors. I don’t mind a few every now and then but I noticed enough to irritate me a little. I also didn’t care for the big shocking twist at the end. It was very uncomfortable and I thought unnecessary. Though it wasn’t really a show for me because I stupidly read the summary for the second book before I read this one; I hate when I find spoilers in the summaries.lol There was also a smaller twist not long before this one that I had actually predicted but it was cool and added some great tension that can be used throughout the series.

Krush of the Book: There were so many guys in this book that were completely crushable! We have the badboy, the sweet nerd, the krazy warlock, and the quiet hunter. But I gotta tell you guy’s, while I liked the others, I was totally crushing on Luke! He was just so cool and he owned a bookstore I couldn’t help it! Who was your crush of the book?

 4 Elf Cookies

Waiting on Wednesday (3)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we can't wait to read.

Mark of Athena
Author: Rick Riordan
Release Date: Oct. 2 2012
Summary from Goodreads...

 In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six--who will complete the Prophecy of Seven?
The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land to find the Doors of Death. What exactly are the Doors of Death? Much of the prophesy remains a mystery. . . . With old friends and new friends joining forces, a marvelous ship, fearsome foes, and an exotic setting, The Mark of Athena promises to be another unforgettable adventure by master storyteller Rick Riordan.

Ever since finishing The Son of Neptune I've been eagerly anticipating this book! Rick Riordan is one of my favorite author and and can't wait to see what happens next with the demigods!

Review for Of Poseidon (Of Poseidon #1)

Of Poseidon (Of Poseidon #1)

Author: Anna Banks

Genre: Fantasy>Mermaids

Pages: 324

Source: Library

Summery from Goodreads…

Galen, a Syrena prince, searches land for a girl he's heard can communicate with fish. It’s while Emma is on vacation at the beach that she meets Galen. Although their connection is immediate and powerful, Galen's not fully convinced that Emma's the one he's been  looking for. That is, until a deadly encounter with a shark proves  that Emma and her Gift may be the only thing that can save his kingdom. He needs her help--no matter what the risk.

Review for Insergent (Divergent #2)

Insurgent (Divergent #2)

Author: Veronica Roth

Genre: YA Dystopian

Pages: 525

Source: Library

Summery from Goodreads…

One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

"New York Times" bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian "Divergent" series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

Review for Grave Mercy

Grave Mercy

Author: Robin LaFevers

Pages: 549

Genre: YA Fantasy/Historical Fiction

Source: Library

Summery from GoodReads…

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

Review for The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus #1)

The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus #1)

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Fantasy/Mythology

Pages: 551

Source: Library Book Sale Buy

Summery From Goodreads…

Jason has a problem. He doesn’t remember anything before waking up in a bus full of kids on a field trip. Apparently he has a girlfriend named Piper and a best friend named Leo. They’re all students at a boarding school for “bad kids.” What did Jason do to end up here? And where is here, exactly?

Piper has a secret. Her father has been missing for three days, ever since she had that terrifying nightmare. Piper doesn’t understand her dream, or why her boyfriend suddenly doesn’t recognize her. When a freak storm hits, unleashing strange creatures and whisking her, Jason, and Leo away to someplace called Camp Half-Blood, she has a feeling she’s going to find out.

Leo has a way with tools. When he sees his cabin at Camp Half-Blood, filled with power tools and machine parts, he feels right at home. But there’s weird stuff, too—like the curse everyone keeps talking about. Weirdest of all, his bunkmates insist that each of them—including Leo—is related to a god.

Top Ten Tuesday (2)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. 

Want to know more? Click here.

Top Ten Books I'd Recommend As Good Beach Reads

Oh, this is going to be difficult. The closest “beach” is the fake one at the lake and I rarely go there.lol But I’ll give it shot and imagine myself laying out in the sun, toenails painted, sunglasses on and a well-loved paperback in my hand as my sister threatens to throw wet sand at me if I don’t put the stupid book down and get in the water.lol And here is my top ten—

1) Percy Jackson and the Olympian Series: I just love these books. They’re easy, fun reads and you can imagine you’re a child of Poseidon controlling the waters.

2) Stephanie Plum novels: These books will just make you laugh. Like the Olympian series they aren’t long and they’re just fun. No complex plot to follow just pure entertainment.

3) Pride and Prejudice: So, you may not think that a classic would make for a good beach read but I actually took it with me last time I went to the lake. Kicking back on the “beach” (or what passes as one) amidst all that beauty and reading the wittiness that is Austen was simply amazing.

4) Any Once Upon a Time Book: Fairy-tales, need I say more.

5) Blood and Chocolate: Don’t know why I chose this one… okay, I choose it for Gabriel. He’s just so hot =D

6) Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: Pure nonsense = Awesomeness!

7) Harry Potter Series: I know this should probably be higher on my list but the books are more serious (at least the later ones) and I don’t want to end up crying at the beach.lol

8) The Hobbit: Like P&P the language in this is just beautiful and it’s not a hard read like LOTR. And poor Bilbo had the adventure he never wanted.

9) A Christmas Carol: I’m just a sucker for this book, especially the opening paragraphs. And it involves Christmas! You can enjoy Christmas in the summer right?

10) Fearless FBI: Kill Game: The first book in the Fearless FBI series. I love Gaia’s character and the rivalry between her and Will is fun to watch.

Review for Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1)

Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1)

Author: Marissa Meyer

Genre: Fairy-Tale Retelling

Pages: 400

Source: B&N Gift Card

Summery from Goodreads…

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, the ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Review for Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables

Author: L.M. Montgomery

Genre: Classic

Pages: 307

Summery from Goodreads…

When Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert of Green Gables send for a boy orphan to help them out at their farm, they mistakenly get Anne Shirley, a feisty, independent, but warm-hearted eleven-year-old girl. Fortunately, her sunny nature and quirky imagination win the hearts of her reluctant foster parents and everyone in the community. But not a day goes by without some memorable adventure or prank in the tragicomedy of her life.

Waiting on Wednesday [2]

 Waiting on Wednesday' is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

 Rebel Heart (Dustlands #2)
Author: Moira Young
Release Date: October 30th 2012


Summery from Goodreads...

The Tonton have been defeated. Lugh has been rescued.
The heartstone has brought Saba and Jack together.
Now, Saba and her family head west to meet him and start a new life. All should be well.
But shadows of the dead are stalking Saba.
And another kind of shadow is creeping over the dustlands.
Then a messenger shows up.
With news of Jack.

 Loved the first book (Blood Red Road) so much, I so can't wait until this comes out! 

Review for the Ruby in the Smoke

The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart #1)

Author: Philip Pullman

Genre: Historical Mystery

Pages: 230

Source: Bought at Library Booksale

Summery from Goodreads…

Sally is sixteen and uncommonly pretty. Her knowledge of English literature, French, history, art and music is non-existent, but she has a thorough grounding in military tactics, can run a business, ride like a Cossack and shoot straight with a pistol.

When her dear father is drowned in suspicious circumstances in the South China Sea, Sally is left to fend for herself, an orphan and alone in the smoky fog of Victorian London. Though she doesn't know it, Sally is already in terrible danger. Soon the mystery and the danger will deepen - and at the rotten heart of it all lies the deadly secret of the ruby in the smoke...