WHOLLY BOOKS!

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Audio Review: Rose Under Fire

6:00 AM | Posted by Ashley G. |

Title: Rose Under Fire

Author: Elizabeth Wein

Pages: 368

Format: Audio

Release Date: September 10, 2013

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Rating: 5 Cows

Goodreads Description:

While flying an Allied fighter plane from Paris to England, American ATA pilot and amateur poet, Rose Justice, is captured by the Nazis and sent to Ravensbr ck, the notorious women's concentration camp. Trapped in horrific circumstances, Rose finds hope in the impossible through the loyalty, bravery and friendship of her fellow prisoners. But will that be enough to endure the fate that's in store for her?

Elizabeth Wein, author of the critically-acclaimed and best-selling Code Name Verity, delivers another stunning WWII thriller. The unforgettable story of Rose Justice is forged from heart-wrenching courage, resolve, and the slim, bright chance of survival.

I honestly didn't think that I would be able to love Rose Under Fire as much as I loved Code Name Verity but somehow I did. Rose Under Fire is in ways even more gut-wretching than Code Name Verity but I suppose in other ways it was slightly less harsh.

I loved the fact that Maddie is part of Rose Under Fire. It was interesting to see Maddie's life after Code Name Verity and also to find out more details about other characters. It seems Maddie has a habit of befriending those that find themselves in terrible situations. (Though, terrible doesn't even began to cover what Rose and the others endured).

Rose is a strong character full of spirit and determination. I admired her for how strong willed she was. If I were put in her situation, as much as it pains me to admit, I don't think I could have done what she did. I'm afraid I would have taken the easiest road as much as possible.

While Code Name Verity portrayed the harshness of torture during war, Rose Under Fire, portrays the pure evil of Nazi Germany and the concentration camps. I've always had a fasnication with WWII. It's so hard for me to understand why the world would simply stand by while someone like this killed thousands upon thousands of innocent people. Then I hear people say that the U.S. needs to stay out of other countries affairs. Heck, at times, I'm sure I've said it. But reading Rose Under Fire really changed my perspective. I now realize that if someone is doing a great wrong, even if it's not to me or anyone I care about, they should be stopped at all cost. You can't stand idolly by.

I applaud Elizabeth Wein for her ability to capture the true evil that is present during war. I honestly feel like Wein opened my eyes to a whole new world. Rose Under Fire truly is a beautiful story!

Labels:5 cows,Review,Rose Under Fire | 0 comments

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday (42)

12:05 PM | Posted by Ashley G. |

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine .

Title: The Forever Song
Author: Julie Kagawa

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: April 15, 2014

Goodreads Description:

VENGEANCE WILL BE HERS

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster?

With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer.

MONSTER

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions—her creator, Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost—the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie.

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, triumph is short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.

Why I'm Waiting: That's easy I L-O-V-E anything Julie Kagawa writes and can't wait to read more about Allie and Zeke!!

Labels:Julie Kagawa,Waiting on Wednesday | 3 comments

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Top Ten Tuesday (48)

12:18 AM | Posted by Ashley G. |

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the Broke and the Bookish!

Ten Popular Authors I Have Never Read

I found this a really hard topic because I have at least tried most of the really popular writers out there. Still, I was able to come up with this list.

1. Meg Cabot- I actually bought one of her books a while but just haven't gotten around to reading it. I need to get to it!

2. Jennifer Armentrout- I think everyone loves her books but to be honest I don't even know what they are about. I know this is awful but I dislike the covers to her books and just can't get past them. (Yes, I judge a book by it's cover).

3. George R.R. Martin- I thought about reading his books but I'll admit I was a little intimidated. OKAY, OKAY A LOT INTIMIDATED. But seriously, have you seen the size of these books? They are huge!

4. Rainbow Rowell- I bought Eleanor and Park when it was on sale on Amazon during Cyber Monday but haven't gotten to it yet! I will though soon!

5. Marie Lu- I bought the box set of the Legend series on Cyber Monday as well. Haven't gotten to it either!

6. Ally Carter- I bought her books right after RT in 2012. She was so funny there I just knew I had to read her books. I'm at a loss as to why I haven't read them yet.

7. Ellen Hopkins- I just don't think these books would be my thing.

8. Neil Gaiman- I have at least one of his books on my kindle but just haven't gotten to it.

9. Holly Black- I have White Cat, Red Glove, and the Tithe series sitting on my shelves neglected and unread...

10. Anne Rice- I also bought one of her books one time just because she was at a book convention I was at and thought it would be cool to have a book signed by her. The outrageously long line stopped me though.

And there's my top ten! Who made yours??

Labels:Top Ten Tuesday | 6 comments

Friday, February 28, 2014

Review: Jersey Angel

1:44 AM | Posted by Ashley G. |

Title: Jersey Angel

Author: Beth Ann Bauman

Pages: 208

Format: Hardcover

Release Date: May 8,2012

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Rating: 3 Cows

Goodreads Description:

It’s the summer before senior year and the alluring Angel is ready to have fun. She’s not like her best friend, Inggy, who has a steady boyfriend, good grades, and college plans. Angel isn’t sure what she wants to do yet, but she has confidence and experience beyond her years. Still, her summer doesn’t start out as planned. Her good friend Joey doesn’t want to fool around anymore, he wants to be her boyfriend, while Angel doesn’t want to be tied down. As Joey pulls away, and Inggy tours colleges, Angel finds herself spending more time with Inggy’s boyfriend, Cork. With its cast of vivid and memorable characters, this tale from the Jersey shore is sure to make some waves.

I was really excited when I got the opportunity to read and review Jersey Angel. I was in the mood for a contemporary book and Jersey Angel sounded like the perfect match for my reading desires. While I did enjoy Jersey Angel, I didn't like it as much as I had hoped.

I read Jersey Angel during the middle of the winter storm that was plaguing the south. I hoped that a summer romance would heat up the winter chill I was becoming accustomed too. Jersey Angel was entertaining and I felt the Jersey shore backdrop did knock the chill out just a bit. Still, I felt there was something missing from this book.

I really wanted to love Angel. I hate the double standard when it comes to men and women and sex. I thought Angel would be a strong girl that I could connect with. I hoped that the uniqueness of her character would make an interesting story. However, I found it hard to like Angel and it didn't have as much to do with the fact of her sleeping around as much as it did who she was sleeping around with. As I said before, I hate the double standard but what I also hate is girls that screw over their best friend. I really didn't understand why Angel would do that to her best friend. If she wanted to sleep around, fine, but couldn't she have at least found someone else to sleep around with? Surely there are other willing guys in town.

The other problem I had with the book was that there wasn't much of a plot. I thought there would be. I thought I knew where the story was headed but I was shocked by how things turned out. Not because there is this killer plot twist but because of the lack of one. Nothing really happens. Well, I guess something happens but not enough happens. There are no consequences. There are no real regrets. And honestly, I wonder if Angel grew any as a character.

Jersey Angel is a short, quick read. I do think that some readers would really enjoy this book but it just wasn't for me. If you are looking for a light read to take to the beach this book may be for you.

| 0 comments

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday (41)

2:16 AM | Posted by Ashley G. |

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Title: Ruin and Rising
Author: Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Release Date: June 17, 2014

Goodreads Description:

The capital has fallen. The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.

Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.

Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.

Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova's amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling's secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for.

Why I'm Waiting: This series is one of my all time favorites and I can't wait to see how it ends! This is probably my MOST anticipated book of 2014!!

| 6 comments

Kindle Fire Giveaway

1:46 AM | Posted by Ashley G. |

Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT!

Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7" (or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash).

All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)

Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

Giveaway Sponsors

Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Fire Giveaway:

http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups

Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).

There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7".

Ends 3/16/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

| 0 comments

Monday, February 24, 2014

Review: The Promise of Amazing

12:00 AM | Posted by Ashley G. |

Title: The Promise of Amazing

Author: Robin Constantine

Pages: 371

Format: ARC 

Release Date: December 31, 2013

Publisher: Balzer & Bray

Rating: 3.5-4 Cows

Goodreads Desciption:

Wren Caswell is average. Ranked in the middle of her class at Sacred Heart, she’s not popular, but not a social misfit. Wren is the quiet, “good” girl who's always done what she's supposed to—only now in her junior year, this passive strategy is backfiring. She wants to change, but doesn’t know how.

Grayson Barrett was the king of St. Gabe’s. Star of the lacrosse team, top of his class, on a fast track to a brilliant future—until he was expelled for being a “term paper pimp.” Now Gray is in a downward spiral and needs to change, but doesn’t know how.

One fateful night their paths cross when Wren, working at her family’s Arthurian-themed catering hall, performs the Heimlich on Gray as he chokes on a cocktail weenie, saving his life literally and figuratively. What follows is the complicated, awkward, hilarious, and tender tale of two teens shedding their pasts, figuring out who they are—and falling in love.

I must admit that I have seen several bad reviews forTHE PROMISE OF AMAZING. However, I must say that I rather liked it. It wasn’t spectacular or anything but I did enjoy and thought it was quite cute.

First things, first, I should point that I have soft spot in my heart for bad boys named Grayson because, well, that’s my son’s name and at five he definitely has some bad moments. So Grayson Barrett caught a break from me right out the gate. Names aside, Grayson did win me over. Being able to see things from his point of view, I was able to see that Grayson’s feelings for Wren were true and he was trying to be better. (However, he still made some major mistakes but that’s all teenage guys, right?)

I really liked Wren and thought she was rather adorable. The excuses she came up with to be alone with Grayson were hilarious. I enjoyed seeing her grow and change and finally find herself. I feel like both Wren and Grayson were lost and trying to find their place in the world and the differences in their personalities helped them to help each other.

I know a lot of people complained about instalove in this book but honestly it didn’t bother me. I’m okay with it as long as I can see the connection and I could for Wren and Grayson. And seriously, we are talking about teenagers here. There are going to be times when instalove happens because isn’t that how teenagers are? I know my sister loved every guy she ever dated and he was just the sweetest guy in the world until…he wasn’t anymore. The point I’m trying to make is that I think people get carried away dissinginstalove when it’s something that does happen, especially with teenagers.

Overall, I thought THE PROMISE OF AMAZING was a good book. It didn’t completely blow me away but I think for a debut writer Robin Constantine has a lot of potential and I am definitely looking forward to more books by her in the future.