Relocation of my Blog

Hello My Beautiful Readers,

I have neglected using this blog and for a long time, I have been trying to decide what I want to do with this blog and what direction I want to take.

I have come to the conclusion that I am going to relocate this blog to: http://marinareviewsbooks.wordpress.com/

The content to expect their will be very similar but, I just wanted to try some thing new and different.

I hope you all keep on reading and have a chance to check out my new blog.

Sending lots of love and holiday blessings,

Marina

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Book: City of Ashes
By: Cassandra Clare
Pages: 453

Synopsis: All Clary, wants is for her life to go back to normal, before the demons, before the vampires, werewolves and fairies. But, when her father Valentine, steals the mortal instruments and downworlders are being drained of blood, Clary is determined to figure out what her father is up too and stop her brother Jace from betraying the shadowhunters to him. She is just one girl with hefty problems. 

Review: I gave this book a 3/5 stars. I enjoyed the action that filled the ending apart of the book. But, the first one-third of the book was very confusing. Firstly, they kept going back and forth if Jace and Clary are brother and sister, and once they "established" that they were siblings they had to add that they have feelings for each other. That part gets confusing for both the characters and the reader. 

The characters in the story I feel have grown a lot. Clary isn't as annoying as she was in the first book. I feel that she actually starting to connect with her feelings, where as in the first book she just expressed them but, I didn't feel that she felt what she was saying. 

As always I loved Simon, I thought that he was a great vampire and I loved the connection that he and Clary have. He is the best friend every girl wishes to have. I think that I prefer Simon rather than Jace because he isn't as cocky and he knows he has his own flaws.

Jace ones again was the pretty boy and at times I just wanted to whack him on the head because he always acts as if he is invincible and better than everyone else. It made him seem a little cocky.

My favorite character was Luke, I think that he was a very strong parental guide. I felt that he really cared for Clary and he allowed his emotions play out according to the situation. He didn't hold anything back. 

Overall: I loved the characters, I wasn't a huge fan of the plot and that it took a long time to get to the juicy parts of book. Therefore, I only gave it a 3/5 stars.

Blog Tour: Cherry Tart By Scarlett Jade

I was very fortunate to be able to be part of the "Cherry Tart" blog tour. Thank you to Scarlett and the wonderful Gael, at the Bookyramblesblog.

Author: Scarlett Jade
Pages: 203
Version: Kindle Digital Copy

Synopsis: Cherry Kilgore, is a mysterious maiden that works at a strip club, hiding every night behind a mask. She is haunted by a dark past that she can't seem to shake off. She uses men and leaves them,  never staying to long to fall for any one them. Until a green eyed stranger comes into her life and sends her world spinning upside down. Is she about to learn how to love, trust and become the barest she has ever been? In this fast passed novel with lovable characters Scarlett Jade, sucks you into a world of excitement, love and characters that one won't be able to forget.

Review: To be honest, I went into this book without any expectation's at all and I was so thoroughly surprised. This book was exciting and mysterious all at the same time. The writing was very intriguing, up until the end I didn't have any complaints. At the very end of the book, the writing began to get a little confusing and I felt that the ending itself didn't flow well with the book. It was very rushed and some unnecessary details were inserted int the book.

Characters:
The characters are all very enjoyable. Cherry, our main heroine is super fun and carries herself as such an independent woman that doesn't need a man in her life. She enjoys men playing her game of "love'en and leave'en, she doesn't let anyone get to close to her. Throughout the novel you see so many different sides of her character that it make you want to learn more about her. The novel explores her past, by following her on a journey to learn to love and be completely vulnerable.

Opposite her, we have a very sexy and intriguing man by the name of Kellen Morgan. Cherry puts his world in a whirlwind and he can't stop it from spinning out of control. He is drawn to her mysterious ways and as she tries hard to resist him, he can't help but be even more drawn to her fun, independent, and sexy personality. He see's pain in her eyes and he will stop at nothing to save her from herself and the darkness of the world that surrounds her.

My Thoughts:
I rated this book a 4/5 stars. I loved the plot of the novel and the development of the characters. They were all intriguing and I couldn't wait to find out more about them. I loved the relationship that grew between Cherry and Kellen. It was sexy, fun and I was impatiently waiting to find out where the story is going to go.
I disliked the way the book ended, I felt that it was very messy and rushed, the ending wasn't very well thought out. The sex scenes in this book were done with class and respect, which I really enjoyed. Never once did I find anything awkward in them or felt embarrassed reading them. Overall, I think that Scarlett Jade did a good job, creating a story that one will have a hard time forgetting.

The Unknown By Lara Henley Cover Reveal

Good Morning to all the beautiful readers,
I am so excited to be part of this cover reveal. So, with out further or due....


Synopsis:

Misty found out early in life that things just don't come easy. She has learned to trust no one, and that you can't depend on anyone but yourself when the chips fall. Finally free of the states clutches she sets out on a whirl wind adventure called LIFE....

But she never expected Drake....

Drake... is Use to being in the lime light just graduated from college. Wondering what's next? Misty is a welcome surprise. So different from his everyday mundane experiences..

Can two completely different people share a journey that could change both of their lives forever? Or will they end up destroying each other in the process?

Escape to The UnKnown

Links
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7092327.Lara_Henley
Blog: http://www.larahenley.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/laraisadiva
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larahenl


About the Author
Lara Henley was born in the Midwest. She holds a degree in Fashion Marketing and loves all things creative. She enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her first love is writing and hopes to make it her full-time career. She first began her career as a writer with children's books and has since transitioned into writing young adult and adult romance.

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. This allows bloggers to share what they are looking forward to being released. Check out Jill's blog at http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/.

This week I am super excited to discover that one of my favorite authors is having a new book released. I was such a sucker for "The Perfect Chemistry" novels and was very sad to find that there won't be any more of them in the future. But, to my relief Simone Elkeles is releasing a new book on October 1st. So, mark your calenders my  fellow book lovers, because from the sound of the synopsis, this book won't disappoint.

Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles

Published by: Walker and Co.

Released: October 1, 2013

Overview: ( From www.barnesandnoble.com)

After getting kicked out of boarding school, bad boy Derek Fitzpatrick has no choice but to live with his ditzy stepmother while his military dad is deployed. Things quickly go from bad to worse when he finds out she plans to move them back to her childhood home in Illinois. Derek’s counting the days before he can be on his own, and the last thing he needs is to get involved with someone else’s family drama.

Ashtyn Parker knows one thing for certain—people you care about leave without a backward glance. A football scholarship would finally give her the chance to leave. So she pours everything into winning a state championship, until her boyfriend and star quarterback betrays them all by joining their rival team. Ashtyn needs a new game plan, but it requires trusting Derek—someone she barely knows, someone born to break the rules. Is she willing to put her heart on the line to try and win it all?

About the Author:

SIMONE ELKELES is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Perfect Chemistry series, Leaving Paradise series, and How to Ruin series. All three books in the Perfect Chemistry series have been YALSA Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers, and the Illinois Association of Teachers of English named Simone 2008 Author of the Year. Simone's funny way of looking at the world shines through in novels that are bursting with sarcastic wit, edgy characters, and exhilarating drama. You can find her atwww.simoneelkeles.com.(From www.barnesandnoble.com)

(Overview and About the author all property of Simone Elkeles)

September: To Be Read Pile

I am a huge YouTube junkie, and I have been hooked on watching the monthly To be Read Pile videos. So, I decided that I will make a blog edition. (which has probably already been created) But, any who for all of us bloggers out there that want to know what I am currently reading and what I will be reading for the month of September, keep reading and you will find out!!!!

Currently Reading!

At the moment, I am reading "City of Bones" By Cassandra Clare. This is a reread for me because I wanted to read it before seeing the movie, unfortunately I saw the movie when I was about half way through the book. It didn't ruin much since the movie is so much different from the book but, it did give hints as to what will happen in the future books and that sort of spoiled bits and pieces of books 2 and 3 which are "City of Ashes" and "City of Glass".


What I'll be Reading in September:
So, I am sure by now, you can guess what I will be reading in the month of September. I will be carrying on with the series and hopefully getting through, "City of Ashes" and "City of Glass" both by Cassandra Clare.

During September I will also, be participating in a Read-a-Thon! The Read-a-Thon, is going to be hosted by the  Bibliophilesisters. The week of the read-a-Thon, is coincidentally also the week of banned books. If you don't know what Banned Book week is, it is pretty much a week that book lovers and bloggers dedicated in the month of September to read some banned books.

What are banned books? Banned books, are books that are challenged for there content. Banned book week, is established to celebrate the freedom in being able to read any type of book you want. It is an annual event that is held in the month of September during the 22-28. If you want to learn more about banned books and banned book week check out: http://www.ala.org/bbooks/bannedbooksweek

So, in order to pay my respects to banned book week. I will be sneaking in a little banned book into this month as well. So, for my banned book, I will be reading "When it Happens" By Suzanne Colasanti


If you want more information about the Read-a-Thon, check out this great blog, with daily read-a-Thon challenges.
http://bibliophilesisters.wordpress.com/fall-into-reading-read-a-thon/

Keep checking back in here for all my Read-a-Thon, daily updates.

Happy Reading!!!

XOXO,

Booksinw0nderland
(All Images belonging to Cassandra Clare and Susane Colasanti)

Novel Rambles: Losing It By Cora Carmack

• Print Length: 289 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (December 5, 2012)
• Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers
• Author: Cora Carmack
• Authorwebsite: http://coracarmack.blogspot.com/ 

Synopsis: At 22, Bliss is still a virgin. Her best friend Kelsey, is determined to change all that, during one hot night of bar hopping. As they scope out the possible candidates, Bliss's eyes land on a blonde stranger by the name of Garrick, who is reading a "Shakespeare" play in the middle of the a bar. Overly, confident from the many shots that she has drunk she makes her way toward him and engages him in a conversation. The night takes the most expected turn as they decide to go back to Bliss's place. As the chemistry between them gets hot and steamy, Bliss realizes this isn't the way she wants to lose her virginity, making up a ridiculous lie she takes off in to the night leaving her mysterious Romeo, naked in her bed. Thinking that her mortification is over, she tells herself that she will never seen him again. To her big surprise, there path is just beginning to cross and this stranger just might be the one to turn her life upside down. 

Review: Lets, first discuss the cover, as most book lovers I tend to look at the cover and make predication's about what the book is going to be about. When, I first looked at the cover I thought this book was going to a one night stand type of story where the girl is desperate to lose her virginity. Although, it did have an element of that, I thought the cover was a little trashy for the story that was written. The story is about sex, but from the cover you think that, that its a one night stand and then the characters are going to deal with their emotions through out the book.  Surprisingly, enough this story is a lot deeper than that and I think that although the cover attracts attention, it sets the reader up for a completely different story that is initially written.

Our characters are all very easy to fall in love with. Our "man in shinning armor" Garrick, has many heroic characteristics about him and the way he holds himself throughout the novel was very admirable. There were times when, his deep dark gaze was discussed that I found myself comparing him a little to "Christian Grey", but he was a very gentle and loving character that I just couldn't get enough off. There was also an element of mystery surrounding him. Whenever you find out one thing about him, Bliss (our heroine  makes an assumption about something else in his life and you are always trying to figure out what this man is about. Even, when you want to convince yourself that he is bad news, his honest domineer comes through and you can't help but fall in love all over again. 

Bliss, was a great character too. She was written perfectly, as a girl who is scared to have sex the first time. The worry and the emotions that showed through out the book radiated true and you sense her nervousness and her mind racing with worry, and always wondering if what she was doing was right.

The minor characters were a lot of fun to get to know too. You have Bliss's slightly slutty best friend Kelsey, who eggs her on to just lose her virginity and is always ready for a good party. And what kind of story would it be without, the best friend that is secretly in love with our Bliss? Cade, is a fun character to see grow, he shows all the raw emotions of a young man that is trying to get through the heartbreak of watching the girl he is in love with be happy with another man.   

I gave this book a 3/5 stars, and I as much as I enjoyed it there just wasn't that catch factor that made me want to jump around and squeak like a girl who, is just discovering a new crush. But, with that said I felt that the was very fast paced and the tension between the characters made me worry and smile with glee. I would have liked to see more how Garrick and Bliss fall in love and savior those moments, rather than seeing a blunt statement "Oh, we are in love!" But, I thought that the tension between all the character's was remarkable, it was as if everyone knew something was going on but, just couldn't figure out what. Another, touch that I thought would have been nice was  suspense where someone almost finds out about the relationship between out main characters and tries to threaten it. I think it would have made a nice touch and taken away from all the high school drama feel. This book really reminded me of  the movie"Center stage" and book "Easy" by Tammara Webber. If you like "new adult" fiction, I think you should give this book a try. 

Book Cover and Book Property of: Cora Carmack  

Novel Rambles: Phantasma (Phantasma #1)

Paperback: 262 pages 
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (March 24, 2013)
Author'sWebsite: http://penelopereece.blogspot.com/

Synopsis: The story follows a young girl, by the name of Alphie, for as long as she can remember, she has been battling narcolepsy (which is a sleeping disorder that she can't control). Alphie, struggles with bullying and wishes that her condition would just go away so, she can be a normal girl and live a normal life. What Alphie, doesn't know is that her condition goes deeper than just a sleeping disorder.  As her condition worsens, she meets a spirit named Noer, who begins haunting her. Alphie, is determined to get rid of him and will do anything in her power but, as her life becomes threatened by a masked intruder that is after a necklace, left behind by her grandfather, Alphie begins to question maybe Noer is the only one that can save her and make sense of what is happening in her life. 

REVIEW: First, lets begin by talking about the plot. I thought that the plot was quiet interesting. I enjoy, reading about sleeping disorder fantasy, having only read one book on the topic before, I was very intrigued by what the author is going to do with this story. The plot revolves around Alphie, our main character, she is a very spunky and dark girl. The story takes off when Alphie and her sister Robyn are having a garage sell, their mother instructed that they must sell all of their grandfather's belongings. While, setting the sell up Alphie, discovers a strange necklace that she couldn't help but keep for herself. The necklace, intrigues Alphie and there is something about it that tells her it is more than just a necklace, when she is fiddling with it she discovers that the necklace opens and it has mysterious lettering in the inside of it. Without really knowing what she is doing she lets a spirit by the name of Noer, out of entrapment.

Neor is an amazing character, he is spooky and mysterious.Yet, Alphie is determined to get rid of him. When her life becomes endangered  and the only person that is there to save her is Neor, she knows that a friendship is about to begin. I loved Neor, for those of us who are "Deathnote" fans, Neor really reminded me Ryuk. 

The book was a little confusing to me at parts, where it just didn't flow. I had to do a lot of guess work on what was happening which was one of the reasons I gave it a 3/5 stars. I think that the idea for the novel itself was very interesting and has a lot of potential. I would have enjoyed the book a little more if, there was some background description. Throughout the novel, there was a lot of jumping around between the spirit world and the world that Alphie lived in, as well as some out of body experiences that occurred. They were great at the beginning where the character as well as the reader are trying to figure out what is going on, with Alphie's narcolepsy. As the story progress and we find more about the reason why Alphie struggles from sleeping spells background information would have really help tie the lose ends.

There were a lot of minor characters that really played big parts in the story. For example Robyn, Alphie's big sister; was in my mind, a great mother figure. Although, there was a character specifically written as "the mother" she was absent a majority of the book. Robyn, played Alphie's friend and adult figure to look up too as well. I think that the relationship created between them played out really well. She also, tide up all the lose ends between, Alphie's love interest Cary as well. 

Cary, was one of my least favorite characters. I didn't really understand the obsession that the girls had with him until the very end of the novel where everything was put together. At the end you can tell that the he was destined for a big part in the book, but wasn't given enough background for the reader to connect with him.

I did enjoy, reading this book but as I said before I just wish there was some more background information on the characters and their story line's so you can better connect with them. There is going to be a second book in the series, and although I wasn't completely sold on this on, I am interested to see where the story takes off and if the reader will be provided with more in depth resources on the different worlds that the book revolves around and the different spirits that occupy them.

Phantasma (Book and Book Cover (Picture) by Penelope Reece

Novel Rambles: Warm Bodies By Isaac Marion

Paperback: 256 pages

Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books; Reprint edition (December 25, 2012)
Authors Website: http://www.isaacmarion.com/

Synopsis:There is a zombie apocalypse taking over the world. Countries are falling apart and the population is dying out at a very rapid pace. One city tries to preserve the humanity. They block out a section of the city and no body gets in or out without going through tough security measures and immigration routine. The man in charge is known as General Grigio. He trains the youth of the city to fight zombie's. He hopes that one day they can get rid of the zombies by finding a cure for the virus that is possessing everyone, but in the meantime training everyone to hold their ground is the best that he provide for the people he has vowed to protect.

The main character of story is his daughter, Julie.As her life takes a turn, she befriends a zombie by the name of "R". The relationship between the two character is unexpected, and takes us on a wild exploration of the art of love.

Review 

When I picked up the book, I knew what the general story line of the book was going to be about, it also helped that I watched the movie a week or so before starting the novel. I was pleasantly surprised with the story detail of the book vs. the movie.

Movie-to-Book Adaptation

First lets discuss, the movie.  I'm going to begin by saying the movie was made by "Summit Entertainment". Just knowing that, I was already expecting the movie to be a lot like "Twilight". As soon as the movie began I quickly began noticing some similarities between the two. Some of the events that occurred in "Twilight" could be compared to the events that happened in "Warm Bodies". For example "The Bonies" are very similar to "The Volturi" in "Twilight". Secondly, I don't know if it was only me but I felt that the actress, Teresa Palmer that played "Julie" looked a lot like Kirsten Stewart.

The movie was a bit of a disappointment for me because I spent the whole time finding similarities between "Warm Bodies" and "Twilight". I thought that the actor "Nicholas Hoult did an amazing job playing a zombie. After reading the book, I feel his acting was just prefect. The way that I pictured "R" in the book was exactly how he was portrayed in the movie. I loved the make up that was done on all the zombies, especially if you look at before and after pictures, Hoult is barley recognizable.

                      V.S             

I felt that the movie left out a lot of very important parts that the book touched upon. Overall, the movie was mindless entertainment and I give it  a 3/5 rating.

Book

Wowzer's, I am going to start by saying that if you watched the movie but, haven't read the book go read it right now. 

I was pleasantly surprised with the detail and the background information that the book gave.  I love the very well developed characters because not one character had a simple story line to them. You get to see "R" and Julie go through some very emotional and personal issues which they have to learn to deal with. They are such beautiful and complex characters,  that with each turn of the page you want to learn more and more about them.

I really enjoyed seeing how the book portrayed Perry ( Julie's Boyfriend), as well as seeing more of his input through out the novel. 

The character's really mature from page to page and you are on the edge of your seat watching a complicated friendship begin to develop.  Even the minor character, leave an impact as they are used as action builders. 

The book explores the theme of love. You get engrossed in an action filled plot and as a reader are introduced to the different perspectives of what love is from the many different characters that make this book so memorable. You get to view it from five different perspectives (General, Perry,R, Julie, and  M) and each of them see love in a different way depending on their life circumstances. You also, get to glimpse the way the characters see the life they are living and how it effects their mental state as well. It was very interesting to see how every single major character had a thread attached to them and how their actions influenced and caused circumstances that other characters had to deal with. Even the minor character played a huge part, they tied all the loose ends between the major characters and created a nice balance.

This was a great story, with amazing and memorable characters that quickly become your friends. I give it a 5/5 stars, I can't wait to get my hands on the 0.5 novella "The New Hunger" and 0.6 "Boarded Window" both written by Issac Marion. 

Picture: Warm Bodies- Property of Isaac Marion, Nicholas Hoult- Property of Nicholas Hoult and Summit Entertainment