Coffee Talk #6: Ghost Adventures

Warning: this is a rant that I toned down A LOT when edited it.  Therefore, it may or may not make sense.

I've always loved the paranormal.  I've been watching paranormal shows since elementary school.  The idea that there is something beyond science fascinates me.

My latest favourite is Ghost Adventures.  In essence, the show follows three investigators who go into some of the most notoriously haunted locations (I'm watching the Waverly Hills episode as I type this!).  They go into these locations on their own, and are their own camera crew.  They're on to something with thing, and catch some crazy evidence in pretty much every episode.  I'm seriously hooked.  This is basically all I've done for several days.

I have one huge issue with this show.  These guys are all believers, and their is nothing wrong with that.  The problem is that, in my opinion, you still need to approach these investigations with a healthy dose of skepticism.  These guys approach their investigations with no skepticism, and it sometimes feels like they're pulling evidence out of nothing.  They can circle orbs and I still won't see them.  Some of their EVPs are questionable.

I love this stuff, and I do believe in ghosts.  That being said, a lot of claims can be disproved as other, natural things.  There are things beyond science that we don't understand.  I am a strong believer in science, but science isn't fool-proof.  Maybe someday we'll know what comes after death, but until then...

On to the Stanley Hotel episode!

Much love, Samantha

Book Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Published August 7th, 2012
Bloomsbury
416 pages (Hardcover)

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. 

Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. 

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. 

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined. (From Goodreads)

I've had my eyes on Throne Of Glass for a while.  I am so happy to say that it lived up to the hype.  Throne Of Glass had me from start to finish.  It was one of those books that makes you wonder why you had to read it right away, but you will gladly embrace the suffering until the sequel.

If there is one thing to know about me, beyond that I like reading and coffee, it's that I like a good assassin.  They're dangerous and intriguing.  Celaena is also witty.  A snarky assassin?  Sold.

But beyond Celaena, all of the characters had there own mysterious elements and layers.  I found myself wanting to figure them all out, and know they're secrets.  This book offers the perspective of multiple characters, rather than just Celaena, which left Throne Of Glass playing out like a movie in my head.

Then there is the love triangle.  I like how the romance is kind of down played, not taking much of the attention until later in the book.  It's also not overly complicated, and works out all too well for me not to suspect some SERIOUS drama in future books.

And for the record, I am fully on Team Choal.

Now off to got find me those FOUR e-novellas that were released before the book.

Much love, Samantha

Road Trip Wednesday: Best of August

It's Road Trip Wednesday, a "Blog Carnival" hosted by the lovely ladies over at YA Highway.  They pose a weekly reading/writing question, and through the comments, you can explore and find out everyone's take on the topic.

Favourite Book Read in August!

This one likely won't be a shocker to anyone.  Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout was freaking amazing.  This woman is a genius.  Just when I thought I couldn't fall further in love with her writing, I did.  And she has another book coming out this month!  I'm just going to channel my inner-Katy and say... Awsomesause with extra sauce.

I have a review of Onyx written that will be posted in the very near future.

In other, non-related news, I am officially moved back to school!  I don't actually have my first class until the 11th, but I was ready to move back.  I live in a house with four other girls, but there are only two of us here for now.  All-in-all, today will be spent unpacking and killing the hoards of spiders that seem to have taken control of the house.  I hate spiders.

Anyone have any tips for killing giant spiders?  Or just want to share their favourite book of August?

Much love, Samantha

Book Review: Anna Dressed In Blood by Kendare Blake

Published August 30th, 2011
Tor Teen
320 pages (Paperback)

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead. 

So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. They follow legends and local lore, destroy the murderous dead, and keep pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

Searching for a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas expects the usual: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

Yet she spares Cas's life. (From Goodreads)

You know when you pick up a book and you really, really just want to fall in love with it, but can't?  That was Anna Dressed In Blood for me.

I'll give Kendare Blake points for originality.  The concept is super unique and unlike anything I have ever read.  I love a good ghost story too, and Anna definitely had the makings of that.

However, I found the characters to be really flat.  I couldn't relate to them and they were kind of boring.  They showed very little emotion.  Again, Anna was about the only character that I felt anything whatsoever for, and that is likely thanks to the whole dual personality-esqe thing she had going on.

I did enjoy the last about 20-ish pages.  That being said, I skimmed over entire chunks.  From what I did read, I was left with enough questions that I will likely give the sequel, Girl of Nightmares, a go.  Maybe.

Much love, Samantha

TGIF (5): Back To School Reading

TGIF is a weekly meme hosted by Ginger over at GReads!  She asks a question, and everyone can get involved!

And today's question is...
Back To School Reading: Which books would you like to see in today's high school literature classrooms?

As someone who made it through high school reading very little of what they told me to, I like this question.  The book that comes to mind instantly is The List by Siobhan Vivian, which deals with what is beautiful and what is ugly.  I wish I had read this when I was at that stag of my life.

If they don't enjoy it, students aren't going to read it.  Books like Divergent, The Hunger Games, anything by Cassandra Clare or James Patterson should be staples.  Books that appeal to teenagers can be just as important as Shakespeare or Fitzgerald.  If you want them to read, give them material they can enjoy.  

Now, I ask you guys.  What would you keep in your literature classroom?

Much love, Samantha

Book Review: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Published May 1st 2012
HarperTeen
447 pages (Paperback)

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?

This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.

Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns? (From Goodreads)

I loved Wendy Higgins original take on the classic angel/demon story!

More of the focus of Sweet Evil is directed at the demon side of the classic struggle, which is what kept me so attached to this book.  It had an edgy side, something that I enjoy, but always seem to find lacking in the sort of YA novels.

The plot moved along nicely, but never seemed rushed.  I was impressed by how much actually occurred in the book, but never felt like I was speeding through the book.  The ending was kind of perfect as well.  And by perfect, I mean that it was a solid ending, as well as infuriating.

Then there is Kaiden.  Oh, Kaiden.  Drum-playing, swoon-worthy, British-speaking demon Kaiden.  Seriously, I would recommend this book to any female just for him.  Also, I may have started using some British slang in everyday conversation (sorry, but I'm not sorry).

In conclusion, read this book.  Just do it.  You won't regret it.

Much love, Samantha

Road Trip Wednesday: Love List

It's Road Trip Wednesday, a "Blog Carnival" hosted by the lovely ladies over at YA Highway.  They pose a weekly reading/writing question, and through the comments, you can explore and find out everyone's take on the topic.

What is your novel's "Love List"?

Again, I did this from a reader's perspective, rather than a writer's.  The list of things I love in books is a little odd and all over the place.  I sat down with a piece of paper and just started writing down random things I like in books.  I hope you enjoy this exhibition of sarcasm!

• leather pants
• sexual tension
• sharp, pointy things
• guys with big guns (take that as you will)
• assassins
• fighting classes
• hot neighbours
• drunken monolouges
• falling in love
• smart-ass comments
• exotic locations
• masquerades
• long adventures
• best friends
• balancing bravery with stupidity
• first kisses

Now you tell me.  What's on your "love list"?

Much love, Samantha

Top Ten Tuesday: Books Since The Birth Of This Blog

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful ladies over at

The Broke And The Bookish!

This week, the topic is...
Top Ten Books Read in the Lifespan of My Blog

I like this week's topic.  The last few have been really difficult, so an easy question is a refreshing change.  Reading-AndCoffee was born on May 12th, 2012, about three and a half months ago.  I've been able to read a lot of great stuff this summer, so this was a fun list to make.  I fully recommend any of these books!  My reviews are linked, or will be posted in the near future.

1. Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Frankly, this list could be almost entirely JLA books.  I chose one.)
2. Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
3. Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
4. Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris
5. Before I Wake by Rachel Vincent
6. The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
7. Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready
8. City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
9. Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
10. Black Dawn by Rachel Caine

Much Love, Samantha

Sam Reads Classics!

Hey guys!  So let me tell you about my relationship with classic works of literature.  It's pretty much non-existent.  I managed to get through high school reading what I wanted, rather than what they wanted.  Yes, I know that's a bad attitude to have, but I hated being told what to read and what to think about it.

Now that I've grown up a bit (ha!), and have a Kobo loaded with 100 classics, I decided I needed to read them.  ALL of them.  Daunting challenge?  Yes, it is, and it's likely going to take me the rest of my life, but it's a goal I made for myself.

To keep me committed, I'm inviting you guys along for the ride!  I've created a tab above listing the 100 works I will tackle.  Of the 100, I have already read two pre-Kobo.  BAM, 2% of the way done, and I loved them both!

Around grade 8-ish, I read Little Women.  My dance recital that year was inspired by books, and my ballet dance was to Little Women.  There were four of us in the class, so we got to be the four sisters.  I was Jo (this was not a surprise to anyone...).  Being in this dance, I was inspired to read the story, and loved it.

I read Anna Karenina for my grade 12 independent unit for English.  I just had to go and choose Russian literature.  It wasn't my smartest move, but I'm surprised how much I actually enjoyed the book.  The setting was kind of magical, and it did have a ridiculously complex, yet romantic, plot.

Currently, I'm working on A Tale of Two Cities.  Yes, we can all thank Will Cassandra Clare for that one...

So as I embark on my classical journey, feel free to join along, or recommend what I read next.  Let's have some fun with this!

Much love, Samantha

Book Review: Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

Published May 4th, 2010
Simon Pulse
309 pages (Paperback)

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding--and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift. (From Goodreads)

I had heard of this series many times, and never really thought much of them.  They just never sparked my interest.  However, I would like to thank the YA Crush Tourney for steering me straight.  You see, when I investigated into what the heck "Team Kilt" was, I found that spark I needed to attempt this trilogy.

And, boy, am I glad I did.

I fell instantly for the love triangle in this book.  It's not your typical girl-must-choose-between-two-hot-boys book, seeing as only one of the two is actually alive.  Aura is simply going through a process of trying to let go of her dead boyfriend and accept her feelings for the new guy, and the ghost complication makes for a good story!

I liked this book more for Logan and Zachary than for Aura.  Nothing against her, but she isn't the type of female protagonist that grabs my attention.  The guys in this book steal the show.  Logan's death shocked me, and made a part of me wishes he would stay forever.  However, Zachary's Scottish-ness was far too attractive to ignore.

And then there's a cliffhanger ending...

I can say I'm glad I waited to read this, seeing as I can now devour Shift immediately!  Yipee for not having to wait a year for publication!

Much love, Samantha

TGIF (4): Pimp Your Review

TGIF is a weekly meme hosted by Ginger over at GReads!  She asks a question, and everyone can get involved!

And today's question is...
Pimp Your Review: Feature a favourite book review you've written in the past that you feel deserves more love!

I choose my review of Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood!  Not so much because it's an epic review, but because I simply love this book.  I'm also going to suggest this DOUBLE review of Half-Blood and Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout.  I know I've been talking about her lots lately, but she deserves it!  Her writing is spectacular.

Alright, that's all for today.  I'm going back to bed for a bit.  I've spent the week being somewhat sick and sleep deprived.  Hope you all have a fantastic day!

Much love, Samantha

Road Trip Wednesday: Sports Books

It's Road Trip Wednesday, a "Blog Carnival" hosted by the lovely ladies over at YA Highway.  They pose a weekly reading/writing question, and through the comments, you can explore and find out everyone's take on the topic.

In honour of the Olympics, what is your favourite sports book?

For someone who spends as much time watching sports as I do, this should not be a hard question.  If it's a sport, I will watch it.  If I don't get it, I make up my own rules until I figure it out.  Seriously, try that sometime.  Sometimes it's more fun than the sport itself (ie I loathe Basketball).

I cannot think of a single book about sports that I've read, other than possibly some children's books about ballerinas, back in the day.  

This actually bothers me, so I am asking for recommendations!  If you've read any books related to sports, leave me a comment!  As long as it's not about basketball.  I can't stand basketball.

Much love, Samantha

Top Ten Tuesday: Couples Outside Of Their Books

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful ladies over at

The Broke And The Bookish!

This week, the topic is...
Top Ten Romances That You Think Would Make It In The Real World
(Or Would They?)

As usual, I'm cheating a little.  I have five for each side.  We all want the hero to fall helplessly in love, but let's face it, YA books aren't always realistic.  So without further delay...

5 Relationships That Would Last...

1. Oliver and Hadley (The Statistical Probability of Love At First Sight): Okay, so this one may be a little out there, but I have complete faith in these two!
2. Jack and Saba (Blood Red Road): These two went through enough crap to last a while.  Rebel Heart, don't disappoint me...
3. Claire and Shane (Morganville Vampires): Again, after 12 books worth of villians trying to rip them apart, I have complete faith in their relationship.
4. Grey and Dylan (First Comes Love): These two just balance each other out perfectly.  Soul mates, if you believe in such a thing.
5. Cate and Finn (Born Wicked):  They may not be officially together yet, but mark my words, it is meant to be!

And 5 That May Not...

1. Aria and Ezra (Pretty Little Liars): I know it doesn't work out as well in the books as on TV, but in real life, these two have no chance.
2. Cas and Anna (Anna Dressed In Blood): A ghost and a human would never work.
3. Edward and Bella (Twilight): Not even going there.
4. Perry and Aria (Under The Never Sky): The circumstances of the book are the only reason these two are together.  I doubt these two would make it in our world.
5. Samantha and Bishop (Dark Kiss):  Somehow, I think that whole I-must-touch-you-or-go-insane-bit may be a little too exaggerated for a real life scenario.  Plus, Samantha would totally be falling for Kraven.

Much love, Samantha

Book Review: Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Originally Published November 29th, 2011
Entangled Teen
335 pages (Paperback, 2nd edition)

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens. 

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. 

If I don't kill him first, that is. (From Goodreads)

To start, excuse me while I fan-girl over Onyx (book 2) being out TOMORROW!

I've said it before, and I will say it again.  It's like Jennifer L. Armentrout writes her books based exactly on what I like.  Obsidian has hot characters, sexual tension, drama, action, suspense and death.  All that's missing is leather pants...

Katy, our protagonist, is a book blogger.  That's right, she reads books and then rants on the internet.  Naturally, I instantly liked her.  Katy just felt like a very real character.  She's dealing with moving to a new town, trying to make friends, and hating the asshole next door.  It's impossible not to relate to Katy!

Did I mention Onyx is out tomorrow?

Armentrout described Daemon best when she wrote:

"Beautiful face.  Beautiful body.  Horrible attitude.  It was the holy trinity of hot boys."

Armentrout has this natural ability to make her characters seem so real.  Her writing mixes paranormal with real life in such a way that it seems entirely possible, and makes me question how human my neighbours are (not that any of them are 20-something guys, I wouldn't be so lucky).

I became entranced by the story instantly.  Obsidian is action packed and non-stop.  Like I said, Obisidian has it all.  Action.  Suspense.  Romance.  Even a few tear.  Okay, several tears.

I also read Shadows, the prequel novella about Daemon's brother, Dawson, and the relationship with a human girl that ultimately lead to his death.  If you love Daemon, you will love Dawson.  I promise.  It also really helps you understand why Daemon is the way he is.

If you can't tell by this point, I loved Obsidian.  A lot.  And I should likely mention that Onyx is out tomorrow!  I guarantee you will be hearing all about it in the near future!

Much love, Samantha
P.S.  I also recommend reading some of the bonus scenes written from Daemon's point of view!  They're a great addition to a great book.

Book Review: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

December 1st, 2009
Little, Brown and Company
592 pages (Paperback)

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything. (From Goodreads)

Here's my issue with this book:  If you're going to write a nearly 600 page book, you have to keep the reader interested for 600 pages.

Beautiful Creatures started strong, then weakened.  The book started to drag on, and while a few interesting moments did pop up, I found myself wishing that the book was about 100 pages (or more) shorter.  I'm not one to be bothered by larger books, so long as the writing can hold it's own.

I did like the narration by Ethan.  I love reading from a guy's perspective.  I also liked the small town setting, as it was something I could relate to.

Overall, Beautiful Creatures was an okay read.  I didn't hate it.  I didn't love it.

Much love, Samantha

TGIF (3): Unexpected Books

TGIF is a weekly meme hosted by Ginger over at GReads!  She asks a question, and everyone can get involved!

And today's question is...

Unexpected Books: Which books did you have reservations about reading, but ended up loving once you did?

Easy.  Vampire Academy.  Yes, the same Vampire Academy that I know rave about on a regular basis.  It was orginally the title that got me.  Vampire Academy wasn't really an appealling title to me, but my mom bought me it anyways, and the rest is history.  

Another was The Iron King by Julie Kagawa.  Again, this was bought for me by my mother, and it ended up sitting on my shelf for a long time.  It wasn't so much that I had reservations against reading, just that I never felt like reading it.  I actually just tackled it a few months ago, when I had no interest in studying for midterms.  I had that whole series done in under a week.  

What books do you have reservations about reading?  Did you end up loving them?

Much love, Samantha

Book Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Published November 1st, 2011
Allen & Unwin
338 pages (Paperback)

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. (From Goodreads) 

From what I had heard, I really wasn't expecting to enjoy this book nearly as much as I did.  Shatter Me offered an interesting, yet simple, take on a dystopian society, and left me craving more.

Shatter Me has a very lyrical/poetic feel to the writing.  A lot of detail when into descriptions of settings, feelings, etc.  Personally, I prefer the writing to be more blunt and to the point.  That being said, I completely understand why the book is written in this manner, and will admit that it suits the book.  This is exactly how Juliette would have narrated a book.

It took a  long time for me to get into the story, but once I did, I was hooked.  I actually didn't want to put it down.  The ending left me very curious to know what would happen next, and what was next for Juliette.

Book two, Unravel Me, is due out February 2013.

Much love, Samantha
P.S. I much prefer the new cover design.

Road Trip Wednesday: Summer Soundtrack

It's Road Trip Wednesday, a "Blog Carnival" hosted by the lovely ladies over at YA Highway.  They pose a weekly reading/writing question, and through the comments, you can explore and find out everyone's take on the topic.

This week, the topic is your Summer Soundtrack!

I'm one of those people who listens to a little bit of everything.  Heavy metal, country, pop, classical, it all does it for me.  

Heart Vacancy - The Wanted: British Boy Bands have been a staple in any playlist I've made this summer.  They just get me pumped up.

I Believe - Nikki Yanofsky: This was Canada's song at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, and it has continued over into this summer.  Not gonna lie, I tear up every time.

Bad Romance (Skrillex Radio Remix) - Lady Gaga: Dubstep has been a new love of mine.  It makes for good driving music.

Chicks Dig It - Chris Cagle: I dig it.  ;-)

What's been your go to song this summer?

Much love, Samantha

I'm Back!

Hello everyone!

It's been a week, but I am back.

It was a long weekend here in Canada, so I took off and visited friends in the Ottawa region for the weekend.  For the record, 7 and a half hours is a long time to drive by yourself.  I got back late yesterday to find no internet connection at my house.  This morning, I went and got a new modem, so everything is back up and running!

Expect a Road Trip Wednesday tomorrow morning!

Much love, Samantha

Book Review: A Million Suns by Beth Revis

Published January 10th, 2012
Razorbill
386 pages (Hardcover)

Godspeed was once fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos. It’s been three months. In that time, Amy has learned to hide who she is. Elder is trying to be the leader he’s always wanted to be. But as the ship gets more and more out of control, only one thing is certain: They have to get off the ship. (From Goodreads)

I actually flew through this book in a few short hours.  Another frexing good book!  More lies revealed!

If you read my review of Across The Universe, you know wasn't a fan of Amy.  I am happy to say she grew on me, but still...  I understand that Amy is alone, on a spaceship where everyone else is monoethnic and doesn't understand how trapped they are, but geez.  She's annoying and refuses to understand their perspective.  I just want her to grow up a little.

I also still love Elder.  Not only is he now the youngest person on the ship, but he's in charge.  Poor guy.  I wouldn't wish that upon anyone.

My problem with this book... the lack of romance.  Yeah, there are a few roadblocks and conflicting emotions, but come on.  Seriously kids, you've proven you need each other, and all the feelings seem to be there. I understood the lack in Across The Universe, but I would have liked to see more on the romance front from this book.

Book 3, Shades of Earth, is due out January 2013.  I'm excited to see where the story is headed, given the ending of A Million Suns.

Much love, Samantha

Road Trip Wednesday: Best Of July

It's Road Trip Wednesday, a "Blog Carnival" hosted by the lovely ladies over at YA Highway.  They pose a weekly reading/writing question, and through the comments, you can explore and find out everyone's take on the topic.

This week, the topic is your favourite reads of July.

When I looked at what I read this month, I noticed I didn't have a favourite book.  I had a favourite author.

Jennifer L. Armentrout

In July, I read Half-Blood, Pure, Obsidian, and Shadows.  I have also pre-ordered Onyx, and, in writing this post, have managed to remind myself how badly I want Deity.  In the past 30 days, I have discovered a new favourite author.  Her books simply have an ability to suck you in, tear your heart apart, and never fully let you go, but you love the whole torturous ride.  She also writes exceptionally hot characters.  And can seriously do sexual tension.  It's like she knows exactly what I like in books, and put it into words.

However, I would like give an honourable mention to Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins.  I have a review coming up very soon for this book, which I completely adored.  It isn't all that often that I enjoy an angel/demon story!

What was your favourite read of July?  My TBR can always go for some new titles!

Much love, Samantha