Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Title: The Goddess Test
Author: Aimee Carter
Series: The Goddess Test
Book #: 1
Pages: 293
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating: -.5
Goodreads Rating: 3.89
Published: April 19th, 2011
by Harlequin

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

 
Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

Taschima's POV:

I received this book from Harlequin Teen as part of a YA panel thing. I had always been interested in it because, let's be honest, look at that cover. Oh, and also the story of Hades and Persephone, right. So I picked it up expecting nothing really, not even to finish it in less than a week. I would like to say that this book SURPRISED the hell out of me. I ENJOYED THIS BOOK. And I am not afraid to admit it. I've read reviews that call the book "badly written", "a joke", "fucks up Greek Mythology", etc etc (it appears you either really enjoy it or hate it). And you know what, not every book is for everyone, true. But this one is for me, and if you have read my reviews you know I have strong opinions when it comes to books I did not like. I read it in no freaking time. Why did I enjoy it so? I shall tell you.

The story was new, a real breath of fresh air from all the dystopian novels I've been reading lately (not that I don't love them). I wasn't expecting the book to follow the Greek Mythology to the letter, so I wasn't bothered when the author gave new personalities to the gods and went her own way. Like for example, Henry. He was Hades, and if you have ever watched Hercules (Disney movie) then you would expect a very temperamental pissed off God who doesn't want to rule the Underworld. But on this book Henry, after years of being alone ruling the vast Underworld, is just tired and kind of lonely and wants to give the reins to someone else for a change. If he does this though, he vanishes. Unless he finds a partner first though, someone to rule the Underworld with side by side. That's where our Kate comes in. I really enjoyed the portrayal of the Gods, and of Henry. I wasn't expecting Percy Jackson and The Olympians, and I was happy with the direction the author choose for her own world.

**EDIT ADD* How could I not tell you guys about Kate? She seemed a bit bitchy at the beginning. She pretty much ignored everyone and kept to herself (but I could understand where she was coming from really, with her mother being so sick and her circumstances and all) but once she lets you in, she really lets you in. Because if you had made it that far, that means you have some merit to your character. She doesn't just let everybody be her friend. And well, she is just so willing to help people, but when she gets pissed is when you see the Underworld ruler coming out and biting heads. Don't piss her off, you will really regret it, she really has a fun imagination when it comes to punishment. Can't wait to read more from her POV in the next novel Goddess Interrupted.

The relationship between Kate and Henry. Aaaaam, yeah, this one IS a weird one. The relationship is realistic as it isn't "Oh-my-god-he-is-just-so-perfect-I-must-have-him-now!", they start out as friends, if anything, and then it keeps growing from there. Truth be told I wanted to smack Henry a couple of times for being so oblivious. He seems to be totally in love with Persephone still, and so that makes the whole thing a bit awkward...

The ending was just so unexpected. It really caught me off guard (though the evil villain and some other things did not). When you really think about it, it's a little f up that ending, but I enjoyed it.

I liked the characters, the story, the progression... It all just seem to come together. I read this book super fast, and by the end was a bit sad when it ended (though it could have been a stand alone novel easily it appears it has a sequel, I shall read it). This book pretty much has it all!

I recommend it, read it!

Cover Winner of November; New Covers for December!!!

The votes are in, and our winner is...



I am throughly surprised that Crossed didn't win! Crossed is very popular (though not as good -in any way- as Matched), but Pledge is indeed a beauty, and it was a fair (and close) fight. I can't wait to read this book, have any of you read it? Any good? Leave any reviews of yours in comments if you have written one for this book.

Anyways, I am doing this 10 days late, I know, I am so sorry, but finals are in and they are kicking my ass. It seems college doesn't get eaiser with the passing of the years, who would have known?! But they are in now, and I would greatly appreciate it if you guys could vote for me here k? I will make another poll at the end of December where I will put all the best covers agasn't each other, see which one wins!

Breakdown Time:

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting - 33 (33%)

Crossed by Allie Condie - 30 (30%)

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi - 18 (18%)
 
The Sharp Time by Mary O'Connell - 13 (13%)
 
Last Breathe (Morganville Vampires #11) by Rachel Caine - 5 (5%)
 
Total Votes: 99

Shatter Me has an amazing cover as well, ugh who knew Crossed would surpase it?

December Contenders:


Good luck to all the contenders, but I think we all know which cover is winning this round don't we?

As always the voting in on the left sidebar, remember to vote! I want to read all of these =]

**The poll will only be opened till December 25th.

PS; All of these covers, and many many more, you can find at Bloody Bookaholic's Facebook Page. Check it out and you are welcome to "like" it.

Julie Kagawa: The Immortal Rules Cover Revealed!!!

Julie Kagawa teased us yesterday about the soon to be revealed cover of The Immortal Rules, my most anticipated book of 2012, and I thought she was going to reveal it... But she didn't, she just said that Hollywood Crush at MTV was going to be the ones to reveal it today. And guess what? They DID!!!

One...two...three...

Goodreads

Hardcover, 304 pages

Expected publication: April 24th 2012

by Harlequin Teen

You will kill. The only question is when.

In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive. 

Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire. 

Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.

 It is CREEPY and by Creepy I mean AWESOME!!! It's different, not a girl with a pretty dress which I like! And well it is not like The Iron Fey covers, but I think it can grow on it's own. It's very dark, and sure I may be biased cause I love Julie Kagawa and can't wait for this series to come out but whatever!

What do you think? Do you like it?

Would You Read Me? Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover (4)

Last Week's Book Was...

Goodreads

Paperback, 272 pages

Expected publication: May 29th 2012

by HarperTeen

I have major issues with this book (and it isn't even out yet).

Okay, why do you have to essentially copy the cover of the Fallen series? When I look at this book I can only think "The Fallen Series" and that ain't a compliment. Originality is also highly valued by customers.

ALSO HOLD YOUR HORSES, is this summary strangely alike Julie Kagawa's new vampire series, The Immortal Rules? Dystopian world where vampires have control over the humans and humans have to give them their blood to survive?

I. AM. WATCHING. YOU... And I'm not amused.

After seeing the cover, and hearing my thoughts, how many of your minds have changed?

On to the next one then!

Let's play another little game shall we? I am going to give you guys a summary of a book that may or may not sound good (you be the judge) but I am not going to give you an image to accompany the book. This way we can find out if you would read it or not even if the image of the book sucks a lot.

For thirty-five girls, the selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined

So, now, all you have to do is say if you would read it or not!

(Yes or no will suffice if you don't wanna write a lot)

Next Wednesday I will post a new summary with no image,

I will also post the cover and book information of this week.

PS; If you know the name, image or whatever of this book do not say anything. Don't give any sort of information away please.

Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Shatter Me
Author: Tehereh Mafi
Series: Shatter Me
Book #: 1
Pages: 338
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating: 
Goodreads Rating: 4.18
Published: Nov 15th, 2011
by HarperCollins

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Taschima's POV:

Shatter Me was definitely addicting. The novel was, new and refreshing and great. The writing was my favorite part! The repeated words, the stricken words like this, it all made sense since Juliette has a very fractured mind. At times the writing was very poetic, I really like it, though it could also be its downfall if used unwisely or if you get tired too quickly of all the pretty writing (the constant metaphors at times were a bit much, I kept thinking "I get it, you perfected the trick, I'm proud of you, now move on") and just want something coming straight at you. Juliette is an interesting character to read. She is so different from my usual type (sarcastic, kick ass chick) but she still works and I am looking forward to her controlling her abilities and making sense of her life and her persona. She is more crazy than sane for most of the novel and to be quite honest kind of needy, though it's understood when no one in your life has never even dared to touch you or showed you any kind of affection. But still girl, keep it in your pants. By the end she redeems herself by standing on her own two feet though, so kudos Juliette you have made it into my "Heroines to look out for in 2012" list.

Adam, the male flame in this f-up world, is a guy with a lot of mystery. He is a guy with a lot of questions that have been left unanswered (also, he is so sweeeeet). He doesn't intend to be so mysterious all the time, but by the end of the novels I was left with more questions about Adam than answers. Like, for example... how can he touch Juliette? How is it that he is immune? Luck? Also the other guys in the book are something to look out for. Warner for example, though he is the bad guy he is a very complex character. At times I felt bad for him, and wanted to help him out, but then he'd do something like put a bullet through someone's head and I'd reconsider. Kenji is introduced pretty far ahead in the story, but he is the Puck of the story, the funny comic relief that we all need.

The world the author has created is all her own. She didn't take from any other dystopian novels, it's the same background but with different flavor. She took the superhero formula and combined it with the dystopian one to create a whole new super kick ass flavor (more importantly she didn't fed either of these down out throats). This book is all about the Reestablishment and getting to know your characters and enemies, the next one will hopefully show us a bit more of the "hero" side of the world since it was cut short in the end there (not a cliffhanger, but it still leaves you hanging) and answer some unanswered questions that are burning deep within my soul.

Oh and, careful cause this book is HOT. I have nothing against it, hell bring more of it on, but in every other scene it seemed like Juliette and Adam were having a pretty intense make out section. The sections are pretty hot, and only remain PG-13 cause nothing other than making out actually happens (though it is not due to a lack of trying). Beware, be warned, and above all enjoy.

PS; such a shame I don't have that striking cover T_T

Goodreads Process:

Julie Kagawa's Iron fey Series: I Cast The Iron Few Winter Court - Home Tour

As I was tumblr-ing around at my job, I found these pictures of a hotel named Hôtel de Glace, located just outside of downtown Quebec City in Quebec, Canada, and as soon as I saw them I instantly thought "This is how the Winter Court must look like" more specifically Ash's home and were Meghan had to hang out for the beginning of The Iron Daughter.

I gotta visit Canada sometime, they have the coolest stuff. Anyways, how did you imagine the Winter Court to look like? That last picture is for when the faeries are having the bedroom parties, all the lights and stuff lolz I could imagine Ash sleeping in that room though (second picture).

The Hunger Games, Movie Tie In Covers

Not a big shock, I mean they do it for almost every movie that turns into a book, and the cover does look great! I am curious about the next two books though... Anyways, thought you guys should see the covers =]