Review:The Fine Art of Truth or Dare

The Fine Art of Truth Or Dare

by Melissa Jensen

Published by: Speak

Released on: February 16th,2012

Pages:380 paperback

Buy here

Ella is nearly invisible at the Willing School, and that's just fine by her. She's got her friends - the fabulous Frankie and their sweet cohort Sadie. She's got her art - and her idol, the unappreciated 19th-century painter Edward Willing. Still, it's hard being a nobody and having a crush on the biggest somebody in the school: Alex Bainbridge. Especially when he is your French tutor, and lessons have started becoming, well, certainly more interesting than French ever has been before. But can the invisible girl actually end up with a happily ever after with the golden boy, when no one even knows they're dating? And is Ella going to dare to be that girl?

 

    The Fine Art of Truth or Dare sounds like a cute read and it was but it just wasn't as good as I expected. The first couple chapters we're introduced to Ella an art junkie who is in love with Edward Willing who happens to be dead. And her two best friends; Frankie and Sadie. I loved Frankie he was one of those characters you can't help but want to be friends with them in real life. Sadie I felt like we didn't get to know her as much as Frankie but I still liked her. Ella's like any other love struck teenage girl. She likes this guy Alex Bainbridge one of the most popular guys at Willing. I didn't really think much of Alex because I was sort of in and out of the book but in the end I neither liked him or disliked him. He was just kind of blah. He's pretty much like another stereotypical athletic-boy-who-is-dating-the-most-popular-girl-but-who-then-starts-to-fall-in-love-with-the-quiet-invisible-girl-and-makes-her-feel-special. Not that there's anything wrong with that but it's just so overused. Overall this book was ok it was pretty long for my taste but I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.

Happy Reading,

Ashlinn

Review:Where She Went

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

(#2 If I Stay)

Published by:Dutton Juvenile

Released on:April 5th,2011

Pages:260 Hardcover

Buy here

It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.

Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.


 Sorry for the hiatus but when its close to the end of the year I'm a busy girl. Anyways about a week ago I finished Where She Went which is the sequel to If I Stay by Gayle Forman. I loved it, even more than If I Stay. Instead of Mia's point of view we get a look inside Adam Wildes "crazy celebrity" life. We learn that things aren't so,what's the saying?Cherry?Peachy?As it all seems. One night while both in New York they meet and wander across New York where things are discussed about where their relationship went and where it stands now. Adam is furious that Mia left but yet still understands. Mia is of course sorry and wants to reconnect and talk about his life. Adam isn't even talking to the band,his girlfriend is always off doing her own thing. And when he's alone all he can think about it her and what happened. Overall it was a great book I rate it 5 out of 5 stars!

Have a Happy New Year!

Ashlinn

Review:Tallen

Tallen by M.L. Saywer

(Quest of the Demon Aftermath)

Published by:Equilibrium Books

Released on:December 1st,2011

Pages:251

Buy here

Growing up not far from the road to Chinta on the edge of the Jungle Dragon, Tallen is excited to have her two brothers home. Recent times have been hard, Tallen herself barely surviving an attack by a derelict stranger in their very own barn.

The war that never was has relieved them of their duty at Chinta, so much so, that her father, the Sergeant of the Guard, is able to return for a visit, bringing news of a possible suitor for Tallen, given that she is almost of that age.

Tallen is not sure what she wants, and the man her father brings home is not what anyone expected. But at least she knows that her family has her best interests at heart when the pompous, self-interested merchant's son is sent back to Chinta.

The aftermath of the Offworlder's quest remains uncertain, the battle apparently lost. But for a reluctant Tallen, the journey is only just beginning, upon a path from which there may be no return.

Thank you Ms.Sawyer for a copy!

 I reviewed Quest of the Demon the first book a while back here is the link. I liked Quest of the Demon and I think I liked Tallen even more. We were introduced to Tallen in Quest of the Demon when Darby and her were attacked by a man in Tallen's barn. I like Tallen a lot. In QOD I thought she was very young and naive but she really is a strong young lady. I just want to say that Ms.Sawyers writing has improved since her first novel! If your looking for a fun and adventurous read this is your calling....I rate this 4 out of 5 stars!Check it out.

Review: Happy Birthday To Me

Happy Birthday To Me
by Brian Rowe

(#1 Birthday Trilogy)

Released by:CreateSpace

Published:April 11th,2011

Pages:322 Paperback

Buy here

Seventeen-year-old Cameron Martin has a huge problem: he’s aging a whole year of his life with each passing day. High school is hard enough; imagine rapidly aging from seventeen to seventy in a matter of weeks, with no logical explanation, and with prom, graduation, and the state championship basketball game on the horizon. That’s what happens to Cameron, a mischievous pretty boy who has never had to face a day looking anything but perfect. It starts with a slowing metabolism, followed by gray hair, wrinkles, and heart palpitations. Within days his girlfriend dumps him, his plastic surgeon father forces him to get a facelift, and his terrifying high school librarian seduces him to have sex with her. All he wants to do is go back to normal, but no one, not even the best doctors, can diagnose his condition. When he finds love with a young woman who may or may not be an all-powerful witch, he realizes that the only hope for his survival might be with the one person who instigated his condition in the first place...
  
WOW!!!Such a great book with a great storyline. I didn't know exactly what this book would be like. It kinda reminds me of 17 Again with Zac Efron which I liked so that's not a bad thing! Anyways Cameron was a likable main character; he's outgoing, funny, arrogant, like many teenage boys.But he doesn't stay like that the whole story and I was impressed with the character he became. I also really like Lissel the young woman who puts the curse on him. I really am happy that they're together because I always am a fan for happy endings and this book has one. Bottom line I rate this 4 out of 5 stars!Check it out and make sure to check out my review on Happy Birthday to Me Again when I post it! Thank you Mr.Rowe for the opportunity!

Have a great day,

Ashlinn

Review: If I Stay

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Published by:Dutton Juvenile

Released:April 9th,2009

Pages:199 paperback

Buy here

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen year- old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make -and the ultimate choice Mia commands.
 Review
   Coming into this book I didn't know what to expect. I thought it would be depressing and talk about her recovery but it wasn't....at all...this book has it's own special quality.

   Mia loves her family so much and she has so many other great things in life; a caring boyfriend, a best friend, and a ride to Julliard with her cello. But all of it is taken away in an instant and Mia is left to figure if she wants to stay with the other great people in life or go somewhere else. Mia was such a lovable character and truly one of my favorites out of all the books I've ever read. I think I love her so much because I find similar qualities between us. It's heartbreaking to know that what happened to her can happen to any of us at any time especially at times where we don't want to go. I thought it was interesting the way the author explained where Mia was. Catholics believe you have heaven, purgatory, and hell. But the way the author described was different and enjoyable. You could call it an out of body experience for Mia. She was floating in between all of it. 


  This book was beautiful and one of my new favorites I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. It's a sad story but filled with happiness, comedy,and love. I'm very excited to see what Where She Went is like.

Have a great day and always tell your loved ones you love them!

~Ashlinn

  

Review: Hopeless Magic

Hopeless Magic by Rachel Higginson

(#2 Star-Crossed Series)

Published by:Rachel Higginson via Smashwords

Released:August 10th,2011

Pages:Ebook

Buy here

After returning home from Romania, and successfully saving her best friend Lilly, Eden Matthews must now come to terms with her future as an Immortal. She is in love with the Crowned Prince, but he is betrothed to someone else. Her family desperately wants her to join their rebellion, but that would mean fighting against her one, true love, Kiran Kendrick. She must fight off assassins that want her dead, an Immortal rite of passage that takes her to India and a deadly disease that no one has thus far survived. Danger seems to lurk around every corner as Eden struggles to keep her true identity a secret and protect those that she loves. Eden must find a way to be with Kiran, or turn her back on him forever and fight to save her people. Hopeless Magic is the second installment of the Star-Crossed series.

*This was sent to me but that does not effect my review*
 Here is the first book Reckless Magic review.
 I was so excited to start this because I had high expectations from the first one and let me say this totally went above and beyond! 
    
     As I said above this was even better than Reckless Magic! Ms. Higginson has a wonderful and vivid writing style that I love. Seriously she should be more recognized. Eden, the main character is one of the most realest characters ever. Don't get me wrong her friends are wonderful as well. Eden is seriously just like a teenage girl; she complains, falls in love to easily, and is still trying to find herself, like many other teenagers. If you read my review on Reckless Magic you will see I left the book liking Kiran a lot but I have changed my mind and don't like him for various reasons which I won't reveal.Hahaha anyways there's not much more to say except that I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars! Seriosley go check out Reckless Magic and for that matter Hopeless Magic as well.

Happy Reading!!

Ashlinn

Review: Heist Society

Heist Society by Ally Carter

Published by: Hyperion Book CH

Released:February 9th,2010

Pages:287 Paperback

Buy here

When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre…to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria…to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own—scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving “the life” for a normal life proves harder than she’d expected.

Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring Kat back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has a good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat’s dad needs her help.

For Kat, there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in her family's history--and, with any luck, steal her life back along the way.

My Review:

    Katarina Bishop has a life that many have never heard of; shes a con artist. It's a family business that has been going on too long to remember. She leaves the business to try and lead as normal of a life as she can have. But the handsome Hale brings here back and it's a good reason to. Her father is in trouble because an evil man named Arturo Taccone who says that her father stole his paintings. But how? That's what Kat and her team have to figure out otherwise something bad could happen to her father.....


   Let me tell you all I was so excited to start this book. I mean come on a heist society how awesome is that, it's a very original idea which is what drew me in. (This is going to be kind of a short review fyi.) Kat was an interesting character and Ms.Carter has an interesting writing style. To be honest I wasn't particularly fond of it, she added so much that didn't have to be used. Regardless I didn't have problems reading the rest of the book its just it dragged on and was confusing. 


   I thought the characters worked really great with one another and I'm glad that I saw growth in them. Hale swoon was amazing seriously I would love to hear that story from his point of view! I liked Kat but I felt like I wasn't being told everything which I know cons are supposed to hide stuff but come on, its a book! Overall it was a great book I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. I will read the next one but will most likely check it out from the library. I still recommend you all to read it and if you have share with me your thoughts in the comments!

Toddles for now!

<3Ashlinn

P.s. I'm reading Hopeless Magic by Rachel Higginson

P.s.s If you have a a kindle and want an amazing free book here is the

link.

 

Review: The Odd Job Squad

The Odd Job Squad 

by Karl Fields

Published by:Self Published

Released:June 14th,2011

Pages:205 Kindle

Buy here

The best way to get even is to get Odd.

Thirteen-year-old Ander Cartwright is an expert on two subjects: fortune cookies and payback.

Especially payback.

When he’s not struggling with algebra, Ander is the leader of an anonymous revenge club that operates within the walls of Marina Middle School. Got a beef with a classmate? Email Ander’s crew and, if your case if legit, they’ll get even on your behalf.

It’s not easy to right wrongs and stay under the radar at the same time. That’s why Ander developed three simple rules designed to help him and his friends from blowing their cover.

But when Ander spots the opportunity to settle an old score of his own, he ignores his own rules, setting off a chain of events that threatens to blow his cover, and it’ll take all the butt-kicking, detention-dodging skill the guys can muster to keep a lid on their secret.

*Thank you Karl for the book*

My Thoughts-

   The Odd Job Squad is about 4 best friends who run an underground revenge business. Their business started when a mean girl was going to far with Shooter(One of the main characters.) After that they continued to get revenge for the underdogs. But when a series of events happens, the best friends secret business starts to unfold and if anyone did find out who was really behind all those pranks; it would be the end for The Odd Job Squad.

 There wasn't anything in the story that I disliked. There's a little bit of romance in there but not enough to make a boy hurl or something and I give Karl props for that. The book is just perfect for both boys and girls.
Another thing I liked about this book was that it wasn't confusing at all.Although it was face paced I found myself never confused. It's defiantly one of those books where when you sit down to read it you get sucked into it because it's a light and fun read.All of the characters were wonderful and I loved them all!

  Like I stated above, this book is just perfect for boys and girls. But I would have to say this is more of a middle school type book instead of YA. I rate this 5 out of 5 stars! It's a fun and easy read so I defiantly recommended to check it out! And don't forget to read my interview with Karl himself!

Happy Reading!

Ashlinn 

Review: Quest of the Demon

Quest of the Demon by M L Sawyer

Published by: M L Sawyer via Smashwords

Released:January 28th,2011

Pages:277 e-book

Buy here

Darci is a popular sixteen-year-old girl who plays basketball and lives in an ordinary country town. But her life is changed forever when she is accidentally transported to the land of Nahaba by a young apprentice wizard called Taslessian.

Within hours of her unexpected arrival, both teens are thrust into a dangerous journey to the cave of Grisham the Great in the hope that he would be able to send her home.

Upon reaching the cave, however, Darci quickly discovers that there is no such thing as accidents, and that their journey is only just beginning.
The Quest of the Demon has begun.

*Thank you Ms.Sawyer for sending me a copy.*


My thoughts-
 The book starts out when Darci is brought to another world by an inexperienced wizard named Taslessian. They quickly figure out that she is in a lot of danger because an evil wizard wants to capture her so he can become stronger and do more evil things. The classic evil wizard trying to take over the world. Along the way they run into trouble and then they meet the powerful dragon Grisham who tells the two that a war is going on between the North and South and they will have to participate in it.


Overall I thought the book was pretty good. Some parts kind of drug on especially the parts leading up to the battles. I liked the relationship between Darci and Taslessian, and I'm interested in how it will progress. If you are looking for a fantasy novel with interesting characters and quite a bit of action you have found your book. I rate this 3 out of 5 stars!

If you are interested in trying out the book I have a coupon code for smashwords that reduces the price to $0.99 email me at bbbbooks@yahoo.com if you are interested!

Happy Reading,

<3 Ashlinn

Review: Tower of Parlen Min

Tower of Parlen Min by Matt Xell

Published by:XLA Publishing Group

Released:July 23, 2010

Pages:375 e-book

Buy: here
Amazon links:
Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3

Ves Asirin, an orphaned and introverted boy with a complicated memory loss disorder, wins a trip to the TOWER OF PARLEN MIN, the home of the wealthiest inventor of the time, Jacobius Trent. There, with 19 other children, he must compete in the Sword Challenge; a series of intricate puzzles and daring tasks, for a prize of $12 million. As dazzling, glorious and liberating as the Tower seems to be for him, Ves finds that it keeps a dark and secret history that he has been unknowingly connected to for over 150 years, a secret that will define his future and destiny ... if he can escape The shadow; a powerful and seemingly unstoppable, supernatural serial killer.

My Thoughts-
 This book follows Ves Asirin an orphan who suffers from a memory loss disorder. I liked Ves in the beginning and I did feel sympathy for him, but when he arrived at the Tower he turned into somewhat of a jerk. But the one trait I admired was that Ves was always up for an adventure and liked to learn new things.But many times he would get himself in trouble with the adults and children while doing that.

I only had three problems with the story and the writing. There was a fair amount of grammatical errors throughout the book. Second, we were introduced to all 19 of the children at once, and they were all described at once.Now thinking about it, I should have wrote it all down so I wouldn't be confused.Third, some parts where really slow and others happened very quickly. That wasn't a huge issue though, now onto the things I liked!

First I just want to say I give props to Matt Xell and his team for all the research they conducted! Probably my favorite part was the sword fighting. Those scenes were described awesome!There was so much detail and I learned something about jousting! Second, there was a couple parts that included some mythology and if you didn't know I'm a sucker for mythology specifically Greek which it did include a little of.Third, the wolves and their language, I thought it was a great idea and I liked that the wolves weren't really as they seemed....

Bottom line, the book is a good read although it is quite long,it's perfect for the reader who loves fantasy. I rate this 3 out of 5 stars. So if you want to try this book out you are in luck!I will be giving away five copies for free!!!

Review: The Next Shakespeare

The Next Shakespeare by Wanda Ernstberger

Published by:Etopia Press

Released:June 17,2011

Pages:20 e-book

Buy on amazon 


Who thought a poem would trigger World War Three?

Tristan Gunner—skateboard fanatic, junk food junkie, award-winning poet. But you’d think he just got detention instead of the school’s grand prize for poetry. And even though Chris won five Math and Science awards, the next Einstein is crying because he’s not the next Shakespeare. Astra wants them both to cut the drama, and caught between a mortified winner and a crybaby loser, she hopes Chris can get over his attitude before World War Three erupts in her kitchen.

*I was contacted by the author to review but the review is all my own opinion.* 


My thoughts-

First off I just want to say that this book is really short!And I'm actually really glad it is. I read this all in one sitting, and I thought that 20 pages was the perfect amount for this story but not enough to connect with the characters.


The point of view is Astra's. She has two guy friends Chris and Tristan. Chris is a really smart guy but thinks he's better than everyone one else because of that. Tristan is a sweet guy that comes from a broken home and I think just wants to make it out of high school and start a new life.I liked that Ms.Ernstberger added in some lessons such as, value your friends and treat others with respect no matter where they come from or who they are.


Overall, the book is an easy and light read that you will probably finish in one sitting. I gave this book 3 stars because although I think the story is good I just didn't connect with the characters as I would have liked to!But I do recommend to check it out! And stay tuned for an author interview with Ms.Enstberger!

Review: The Beast Call

The Beast Call by Anne Tibbets

Published:Premier Digital Publishing LLC

Released:May 4th,2011

Pages:72 e-book version

Buy here


Seventeen year old Dray is no ordinary human. But possessing a magical capability to talk to animals in a land where magic is feared, is dangerous. When Dray's adventure hungry brother leaves the family farm to join a rebel militia, Dray follows him, but as Dray discovers her natural warrior capabilities, and word of her magical talents are discovered by the rebel General, Dray becomes an intricate part of the revolution, and the evil King Nuro would like nothing more than to see her destroyed. 


*I was contacted by the author to review but the review is all my own opinion.* 

My Thoughts- 

My pre-judgment about this book was wrong! I was expecting a book mainly focusing on this "warrior women." But man was I wrong!

Dray was probably one of the best heroine that I have ever read. She wasn't cocky and didn't tell everyone how good she is at fighting, instead she was quite humble. I know she was humble so she wouldn't hurt her brother(Lurin) feelings, and I thought that was a great trait of Dray.

Madis,the world Dray lives in is different from what I thought it would be. The book starts out with Dray on her parents farm, and wow her parents are crazy! But along with this rural countryside there's other "cities" as I liked to think of them. Then there's the enchanted forest filled with many different creatures......


Ms.Tibbets does a wonderful job creating very visual scenes with her in depth descriptions. I also want to mention that this book was very short, but many characters were described so well. I can't wait to see what's in store for Dray and her new friends! I rate this book 5 stars check it out!

Review: Reborn

Reborn by Ley Mesina

Published: Ley Mesina

Released: May 26th, 2011

Pages: 85 pages e-book

Buy here
(Also on Barnes&Noble,and smashwords.com)

Lily Westbrook knows she is anything but ordinary. When her powers fully mature on her eighteenth birthday, she realizes that being half witch and half vampire is more of a challenge then she was let on to believe.

After being accepted to Kensington University in Cedar Creek, Massachusetts, she sets out on a journey that pulls her deeper into the world of witches and vampires, uncovering the truth about her past and discovering who she is meant to be.

*I was contacted by the author to review but the review is all my own opinion.*

Reborn is an awesome first novella! Reborn follows Lily, a half witch half vampire(how awesome!), trying to find her parents that are supposedly dead while learning how to control her powers.The first couple of chapters were confusing character wise. We were introduced to many different characters in a short amount of time and at times I had to stop and think who this character was related to. Lily was great but I wish I would have gotten to know her feelings better but I think as the series progresses she will as well. I loved Aunt Trudy, she was the type of motherly person everyone wants in their life! I'm also excited to see how the romance between Roxy and Drew, and Xander and Lily progress!I wish that the book would have been longer, but it's a novella so it's supposed to be short! It's perfect for the vampire/wizard lover!My overall rating is 4 stars!

P.s. Ms.Mesina has said that the second book should be out at the end of the summer!

Review: Solid

Solid by Shelley Workinger

Published:CreateSpace

Released:July 9,2010

Pages:221 pages(Paperback)

Buy here

From Amazon

Eighteen years ago, a rogue Army doctor secretly experimented with a chromosomal drug on unknowing pregnant women. When he was killed not long after the children were born, any knowledge and evidence seemed to die with him - except for the living, breathing, human products of his work.

Almost two decades later, the newly self-proclaimed "open-book" military unearths the truth about the experiment, bringing Clio Kaid and the other affected teens to a state-of-the-art, isolated campus where they soon discover that C9x did indeed alter their chromosomes, its mutations presenting as super-human abilities. The military kids, who come from across the nation and all walks of life, come into their own as lighter-than-air 'athletes'; 'indies' as solid as stone walls; teens who can make themselves invisible and others who can blind with their brilliance.

While exploring her own special ability, forging new friendships and embarking on first love, Clio also stumbles onto information indicating that the military may not have been entirely forthcoming with them and that all may not be as it seems... 

  I was contacted by the author to review but the review is all my own opinion.

   Where do I start with Solid? The plot of this book is fresh and new, it's definitely not something I've ever read before! Ms.Workinger has an amazing writing style, as well as interesting characters which made in my opinion the story come to life. The story follows Clio your average teen as she comes to grips with the harsh reality of this rouge experiment.

    I really really liked Clio! I loved her friendship with the main characters: Bliss, Garrett, Miranda and Jack.....oh how I loved the romance between Clio and Jack! I seriously can't wait to see their romance blossom.The story had one real climatic point where the "bad guy" was revealed and to be honest I kinda figured who this "bad guy" was, but was still shocked at some of the side details. Yep thanks to my crime show addiction I figured it out! But I really didn't mind that one climatic point, because I could really focus on the story and the development of characters instead of trying to keep up with every event.

  The book in all was a 5 out of 5 stars! I loved everything about it! I seriously can't wait for the release of Settling which is set to be released July 4th of this year! Solid is the first in Ms.Workinger's s Solid series! Here is the book cover of Settling:

  

Happy Reading!

~Ash!<3:)

P.s. Here is the official Solid website: http://www.solidnovel.com/

As well as facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SolidNovel

As well as twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/SolidNovel