Top 10 Books I'm Looking Forward to in 2012

Top 10 Books I'm Looking Forward to in 2012

Whoaa...this is going to be DIFFICULT narrowing down all these fantastic 2012 releases down to 10!

But, I'll try my best <3

The Immortal Rules

by Julie Kagawa

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Released: April 24th 2012

The Hunt 

by Andrew Fukuda

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin/Simon and Schuster Australia

Released: May 8th 2012

INSURGENT

by Veronica Roth

Publisher: HarperCollins

Released: May 1st 2012

PARTIALS

by Dan Wells 

Publisher: HarperCollins

Released: February 28th 2012

PANDEMONIUM

by Lauren Oliver

Publisher: HarperTeen/Hachette

Released: February 28th 2012

GOLDEN LILY

by Richelle Mead

Publisher: Penguin

Released: June 19th 2012

SWEET EVIL

by Wendy Higgins

Publisher: HarperTeen

Released: May 1st 2012

THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF YOU AND ME

by Jess Rothenberg 

Publisher: Penguin 

Released: February 21st 2012

HARBINGER

by Sarah Wilson Etienne 

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons BYR

Released: February 2nd 2012

COLD FURY

by T.M Goeglein

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile 

Released: July 24th 2012

Yepp..that's my list! 

What books are you looking forward to in 2012?

Follow Friday #17

Follow  Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison can Read!

Q: The New Year is here — and everyone wants to know your New Years Blogging Resolution! What are you going to try to revise, revamp and redo for 2012 on your blog?

Blog Design: I love pretty blogs! I also get tired of a certain blog design if I have it for too long. But too bad I'm not much of designer :/ Still...I'll have to do re-design for my blog in 2012 :D

Reviews: Definitely have to read more and write more reviews! [Even though this year's the most important year in terms of studies, but I have to learn to balance out reading + studying!]

Facebook: I really should either create an account or make a page for my blog! I'm currently using my personal account to comment & interact...

Be organised: Yes, I'm a lazy person *sigh*. I should be more organised, especially with writing reviews and posting them!

and....

Meet other bloggers! 

Blog Tour: Dark Seeker by Taryn Browning- Review

Find Taryn:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog

Find Dark Seeker:

Smashwords | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Facebook | Goodreads

~Review~

Title: Dark Seeker
Author: Taryn Browning 
Publisher: Self-published
Release Date: October 4th, 2011 
Format: ebook
Source: Author for review (Thank you!)

For 17-year-old Seeker, Janie Grey, ridding the Baltimore streets of the undead is an inherited duty passed down from her Cherokee ancestors. Seeker Training Lesson #1: Never trust the undead. After her father’s tragic death, Janie creates her own life lesson: Love isn’t worth the risk. Both lessons are easy to follow until she encounters the flawed Kai Sterdam. At first, she believes he is the hybrid she is trained to hunt. But, when he has human traits, she determines she doesn’t know what he is. As Janie’s intrigue over who Kai is pushes her deeper into his mysterious past, she discovers a shocking truth that is even more harrowing than the evil they are up against. It’s a secret Kai wants to keep hidden, especially from Janie.

I’m so glad Dark Seeker lived up to the hype! I remember seeing an average of 5 stars on goodreads a while back, and thought ‘Wow, seriously? No 4 stars? 3 even? All 5? Could it be THAT good?”. And guess what? After reading Dark Seeker, it’s safe to say that, it definitely deserves a full 5 stars from me!

I love books with fantastic characters, so I’ll start with the characters first. Dark Seeker definitely has a cast of amazing and likeable characters! First off, we have Janie, our kick-as protagonist who is a Seeker and her job is to rid Baltimore of the undead.(i.e. vampires, Daychildren, demons). Every night, she goes around killing any creature that may be of harm to humans; and she does her job well. Seriously, the girl is awesome! She’s confident, courageous and certainly stubborn as well! I loved how she would risk her life to save her friends, family and the town even if the possibility of succeeding is low; but she would never give up. Definitely an admirable character!

There’s also Kai, who is a Daychild-turned-good, and wow, he’s a swoon-worthy character! I loved everything about him; from his incredibly good looks, to his arrogance, constant sarcasm and also his witty remarks were all so amusing to me! He was also super protective of Janie, and would always be there to help her out or save her if she was in trouble.

Plus, there’s also the delicious romance- Janie and Kai are perfect for each other! It was also the sort of forbidden romance that I love. There was sufficient spine-tingling romance for me to enjoy, but it wasn’t excessive. I was so glad the story didn’t lose its plot to focus largely on the romance; there was an exciting plot AND the sweet romance! But theone thing I was a bit wary of was the fact that Janie and Kai seemed to have fallen in love in a matter of days. I admit a lot happened in those few days, and the development didn’t seem nor feel fast, but I guess I would’ve liked the romance to have developed over a few months at least. But that’s just me.

Another aspect I enjoyed about Dark Seeker was how the author managed to use vampire lore and make it into her own thing. We have vampires, demons and also Daychildren- who are vampires that can walk in sunlight and also possess demonic abilities. Then, there are the Seekers, who protects the human population and kills the vampires/demons/daychildren. But there’s also Kai, who is one of the Daychildren but he has a human conscience, and instead of feeding off humans like his own kind, he helps kill the Daychildren. The whole world-building with all these different types of undead creatures really fascinated me!

Oh, and how could I forget? There’s ACTION; and by action, I mean lots of heart-pounding action! My eyes were literally glued to my iPad (yes, I was reading this on my IPad) while reading the action and Janie-kicking-vampire’s-butt scenes!

Dark Seeker is an original and action-packed adventure that will leave you kicking and screaming for the next installment! With endearing characters, a breathtaking romance, fabulous world-building and a spectacular storyline, Dark Seeker will surely impress readers! Please, please, PLEASE let me read the next book already!!

Liked my review? Desperate for a copy now? Don't fret! You can enter to win a copy HERE!

The next (and last) stop is at Maji Bookshelf, where she'll be doing an Author Interview!

Top 10 Characters of 2011

Top 10 Characters of 2011

Rose from Vampire Academy

By far the most kick-ass heroine in YA! I don't think there will ever be a second Rose. She's just THAT unique!

Warner from Shatter Me

So, he's more of a villain that I like! Warner's definitely one of the most messed up guys, (and pitiful too) but I loved his character all the same! 

Kenji from Shatter Me

I swear, Shatter Me has the most amazing and unique characters! Kenji was featured in my Top 10 Boyfriends of 2011, but I can't help but add him to this list as well! Sarcastic, witty, and arrogant; he's definitely one of my favourite characters!

Grimalkin from The Iron Fey series

Awwww....the little KITTY! (Ooops, he's going to kill me for calling him that!) But seriously, you can't NOT like Grimalkin! 

Puck from The Iron Fey series

I'd love to have Puck as my best friend! I'll never be sad or angry ever again, because he'll always be there to put a smile on my face!

Ash from The Iron Fey series

I just love Ash's character! I must have a soft spot for cold looking, heartless, seemingly uncaring but is actually very protective men :D

 Vivian from Hushed

Okay, Vivian is selfish, clingy and possessive. So basically every single negative word you can conjure applies to her. BUT she's not necessarily bad. Her actions may not be acceptable but they're definitely understandable. I loved how she was a really complex character!

 Sydney from Bloodlines

Ooohhh the girl may not be kick-ass like Rose, but she's kick-ass and intelligent in her own way. Plus, she's gradually changing Adrian, so bravo Sydney!

Truman from Smoulder

The poor guy is screwed up; drinking heavily , smoking, doesn't care if he dies or not, but he only does this to forget and stop his inner pain and torture. I really felt for him while reading Smoulder. 

Roar from Under the Never Sky

Roar unfortunately didn't make my Top 10 Boyfriends of 2011, but he's definitely one of my favourite characters! And he's a great best friend to Perry! 

** I've mentioned villains, main characters, side characters, but I really wanted to name a best friend (of a female main character) but I couldn't think of any...Help?

Who are your favourite characters of 2011?

Book Review: Crave by Melissa Darnell

Title: Crave (The Clann #1)
Author: Melissa Darnell
Publisher: Harlequin Teen Australia
Release Date: December 2011
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher for review (Thank you!)

Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.

For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences...

Ever since Savannah ‘married’ Tristen in fourth grade, her best friends (who are all members of the Clann) started ignoring her. For six years, Savannah still had no idea why her friends abandoned her so suddenly and the secrets of the Clann, until she mysteriously becomes sick for a week. After she recovers, she realises she has ‘changed’ and learns that she is a dhampir (Okay I was so excited when I saw that word! And what did I think of right away? VAMPIRE ACADEMY!); half-vampire and half-witch. Soon, she learns more about her unique abilities (possessing both the abilities of a witch and vampire), and also the reason why the Clann members refused to associate with her, and also the fact that her abilities may pose a threat to both the Clann and the vampires.

With the main focus being the romance between Savannah and Tristen, I suppose I should talk about the romance first. I must admit, I did love the passionate romance and pure longing between the two characters, but to a certain extent. As much as I loved the romance, it did seem excessive. I’ve lost count of how many times both the characters said things like “oh, I can’t stay away from him/her” and “it’s so painful not being with him/her”. Then there were the constant inner struggles both characters had to experience countless times that really got on my nerves after 300 or so pages. It would’ve helped if their struggles had something to do with other things rather than how much they wanted each other. Nevertheless, there really was chemistry between Savannah and Tristen and I loved the gradual romance between the two – it was so sweet and romantic at times! Oh, and I’m a sucker for forbidden romance. There’s no way I can NOT like any type of forbidden romance!

As for the characters, Savannah definitely won’t make my list of all-time-favourite-YA-protagonists. There was nothing wrong with her (apart from those annoying thoughts where she’s debating whether Tristen likes her or not, BUT I suppose it’s pretty normal for teenagers to think like that, right? ) I guess Savannah just seemed like the type of girl who was fragile and required protection from everyone, and not the responsible and intelligent character that I like.

Tristen, on the other hand, is a completely different story. Man, I’d love to have a boyfriend like Tristen! Aside from his annoying endless thoughts about Savannah,(which brings me to ask, do guys actually think like that? Like seriously? All day, 24/7 ,all he thinks about is Savannah!). the guy's really is a sweetheart! He’s always looking out for Savannah, always there to save the day and protect her from anyone that may cause her harm. And as much as I didn’t like how his thoughts always revolved around her, they were caring and considerate thoughts.

Darnellhas created an interesting world where vampires and witches co-exist (and it’s implied that there are also ghosts and demons!) but both species are forbidden to interact with the other. The world-building definitely took a backseat to the forbidden romance so I guess I would have liked to know more about the Clann and even more about the treaty between the vampires and witches.

But on a positive note, I fell in love with Darnell’s writing! If it weren’t for her beautiful writing style and how it’s easily read and understandable, I *might* have stopped reading half-way through. But at times, I actually wanted to continue reading; her writing somehow urged me to read on.

So, while I’m not a fan of books that focus heavily on romance, I’m anticipating the release of the second book, Covet. The ending certainly didn’t leave me aching for more, but I have this feeling that there will be much more action, and more of a plot in the next book!

Top 10 Book Boyfriends of 2011

Top 10 Book Boyfriends of 2011

*Note: In NO particular order!

Alex from Hunting Lila
Alexxxxx <3 That sexy beast! 

Ash from The Iron Knight
ASH. My Ice Prince! After everything he's willing to do; going to the End of the World, going through all those impossible trials just to claim a soul in order to be with Meghan, how can you NOT fall in love with him!??!

Adam from Shatter Me 
He's kind-hearted, incredibly protective and most of all, he truly loves Juliette!

Kenji from Shatter Me
KENJIIIII <3 Man, I loved him in Shatter Me! I'll never get sick of his sarcasm and witty comebacks!! Oh, and I love his SPECTACULAR face :D  

Adrian from Bloodlines
OMG. Does anyone NOT like Adrian?!?! I loved Dimitri in VA but Adrian definitely proved himself worthy of my respect and love in Bloodlines! 

Four from Divergent
FOUR!!! So strong, and loving and considerate and understanding and and.....HE'S PERFECT <3

Perry from Under the Never Sky
PERRRRYYYYYY <333 He's so kindhearted and loyal, always taking care of those around him and willing to risk his life for those he loves. 

Jace from The Mortal Instruments
I fell in love with Jace the first time he appeared in City of Bones! He's so arrogant and sarcastic and gives off this I'm-better-than-you aura that one can't help but LOVE.

Will from Angelfire
Oh, Will! I loved how he was so faithful and protective of Ellie! He's been her guardian/protector for centuries and never once has he neglected his duty. <3 

St. Clair from Anna and the French Kiss
He's half British and half French. He has an English accent. He's funny. He loves Anna. And his only flaw is his height. <3 AHHHH ST CLAIR!!

Honourable Mentions:

Alex (Delirium), Alex (Fateful), Ivan (Mammon), Tristen (Crave), Cricket (Lola and the Boy Next Door), Rodden (Blood Song), Archer (Hex Hall), Patch (Silence), Dimitri (VA), Jem (Clockwork Angel/Prince), Will (Clockwork Angel/Prince), Peeta (Hunger Games), Kai(Dark Seeker), Roar (Under the Never Sky), Luc(Personal Demons), Puck (Iron Fey series)

What about you? Who are your 2011 book boyfriends? :D

Top 10 Book Covers of 2011

Top 10 Book Covers of 2011:

Exiled by RaShelle Workman

Wahhh...I LOVE the sparkly colours, and the pretty butterflies <3 I remember this immediately caught my attention when I saw it in a blogger friend's IMM post!  

Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsay

Isn't this GORGEOUS?!?! I love covers with girls in dresses no matter how over-done it's becoming! I love how the dress gradually evolves into scattered rose petals <3 

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Oh My Goodness. How can you NOT love this?!? Girl & Guy underwater? This is definitely one to die for!

Anna dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

How spooky does this look? Just looking at it creeps me out; I don't know if I can even finish reading this, considering how scary it is :/ But, still love the cover <3

Darker Still Leanna Renee Hieber

Another girl in a beautiful dress <3 Seriously, I'm a sucker for gorgeous dresses!

Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart

I really like the shiny cover & the sparkly title! Plus, I love how the model's looking back; the cover read suits the book!

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini (US cover)

Love the background, and the dress!! The cover is so much better than the AUS cover of Starcrossed.

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Wow.Just.Wow. What's even better than a model in a beautiful dress? A girl in a stunning white dress! Plus, I love the crossed out words on the top!

Remembrance by Michelle Madow 

Oooohh, the alluring golden mask <3 I haven't read the book yet, but from what I've heard, the cover really suits the book!

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Pretty model, breath-taking dress + Purplish cover = Perfect! 

What about you? What were your favourite covers of 2011?