Waiting On Wednesday- Ignite Me

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted there, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. It is hosted every week by Jill @ Breaking the Spine.

This week's book is Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi. 

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Available February 4, 2014

Book Three in Shatter Me Trilogy

The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, called “a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love.”

With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn’t know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won’t keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world . . . but that’s not all he wants with her.

The Shatter Me series is perfect for fans who crave action-packed young adult novels with tantalizing romance like Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Legend by Marie Lu. Tahereh Mafi has created a captivating and original story that combines the best of dystopian and paranormal, and was praised by Publishers Weekly as “a gripping read from an author who’s not afraid to take risks.” Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and satisfying end.

From the Back

One day I might break
One day I might break free

Nothing will ever be the same.

The fate of Omega Point is unknown. Everyone Juliette has ever cared about could be dead. The war could be over before it ever really began.

Juliette is the only one standing in The Reestablishment's way. She knows that if she's going to survive, The Reestablishment cannot.

But to take down The Reestablishment and the man who very nearly killed her, Juliette will need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together to bring down their enemy, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew—about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam—was wrong.

OMG! Ignite Me is almost here people (me biting fingernails). We know that Ransom Riggs spilled that ignite me is not only a romantic connotation but also something else (me praying to ancient Celtic gods to tell me because I'm that desperate. I really hope Juliette ends up with Warner. Can't wait must read all Warner POV out there. Plus the fact we end the scene with her and Warner living(ish) together. What happened to Omega Point? What happened to Adam? It all comes down to this (evil laugh by Tahereh).And what is this about the powers (me laughs like a maniac till Ignite Me comes out to pass time).

My Weekend Was Weird With a Keep it Awkward

So this weekend I was reading Hollow City by Ransom Riggs (sequel to Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children). I was also thinking about Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi (comes out next month) and how I can't wait for that book. I stumbled across the photo of Ransom Riggs which was done by Tahereh Mafi and I was thinking do they know each other? And then guess what I found out? 

                        What Do These People Have In Common?

 
                           Turns Out They're Married!

I know they're so cute together! The are our favorite new YA lit couple, I mean why isn't this on their back flap bio? They both have twitters, facebooks, tumblrs, and youtube channels below. But here they started their own youtube channel here are the vids from there.














So aren't those videos the funniest. I mean they are so cute together. I hope they have a great marriage. To many more YA lit couples to stalk! 

Ransoms & Tahereh's YouTube Channel 

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Tahereh's Stuff
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Reveiw Champion

Champion by Marie Lu

Available Now

Book 3 (Last) in Legend Trilogy

Bookologist Analysis: This book was hot, steamy, breathtaking, nailbiting, and  heartbreaking- overall a great conclusion!

The explosive finale to Marie Lu’s New York Times bestselling LEGEND trilogy—perfect for fans of THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT!

He is a Legend.
She is a Prodigy.
Who will be Champion?  
 
June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps Elect while Day has been assigned a high level military position. But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them once again. Just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything he has. With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion.

This book was on fire (sing that to the tune of this girl is on fire by Alicia Keys). This was really the book where everybody's life is on the line (SPOILER ALERT: everybody comes out alive, but not the way you want to think) there is no turning back- it's your country, your family, and your home.

The main character (Eden, Anden, June, and Day) are all linked. Anden likes June. Day likes June. June likes Day. June works with Anden. Eden is Day's brother. The problem in this book is that Eden is such a vocal point for all of Day's problems (I probably don't understand because I don't have a sibling) not any of his other friends like Pascao, Tess, or June. In this book Day and June are not dating, but they still have some pretty weird chemistry.  I feel like Anden was never really serious in this book to Day he is just a fly that is in charge of him (bad analogy).  Anden to June is just a thing that she can just fling out because she can control him at a whim. Anden is underdeveloped. The main character all pull at each other that is kind of tense and pushy.

I never will cease to be amazed by the world and human spirit.  Antarctica has its own language how cool is that (besides the fact there a state without real social heirachy that is determined by the state it reeks of control)!?! I mean also the fact is that they refuse to help the Republic (despite all its flaws is still a great country). The Colonies is like Panem with a horrible government, non helpful policeish people, extreme proverty, and not addressing the basic problems with its control (corporate state anybody??). Internationlism in this book is different because of the fact the countries are so big. It means more people and more land to govern that makes larger countries that much more powerful on the uneven power scale.Who is really more American the Colonies or the Republic (leave a comment below)?

How about what I loved:
1) Ending - We leave off at a realistic ending, it wasn't a firey the world will die in flames (mwahahha) kind of ending it was more realistic with the I am going to leave you and get on with my life kind of ending. June is 17 she isn't going to have happy every after, she has a career in the military, friends, and grief with her brother to deal with.The epilouge shows that just because life in the future is  not so gong-ho; she makes mistakes and has bad relationships- maybe when Day comes back she can make peace, maybe. Day on the other hand has a brother, medical problems, and ambassador to the people role to lead. He has too much on his plate already.The ending left me at peace, I could deal that we wouldn't be bound to hear the rest of the story and that was okay. It really reminded of The Fray song How to Save a Life.

2) Fight - The Colonies and the Republic were once part of the glorious US. Now they're warring countries at each end of the spectrum, one is pure commercialism and one is militaristic and isloated. I think we have to learn a lesson from this. There are small countries like that (North Korea) and we have to learn that maybe everything we view as bad isn't so bad they are just fighting for something they believe in. War isn't fair. The Colonies attack because of something the Republic did by accident. Always be prepared. I like the fight scenes they're just really ampy.

Champion is a brilliant conclusion to the seires. The love, the bittersweetness, the reality (as much as you can get in a sci-fi book), and the choices are just so real along with the lessons. I realy loved the book it was just really touching and I learned that you should look at a person's chest if you are fighting- so many lessons! :P

Book Beginnings Champion by Marie Lu

Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.-Rose City Reader

Book Beginning:
"Out of all the disguises I've worn, this one might be my favorite."
Champion by Marie Lu

Feels: You feel the inner ninja of Day as you feel the disguises he wears to make his identity. You also get to hear the inner sarcasm as you hear this one might be my favorite. It just makes you want to find this famous sarcastic ninja! 

Review The Van Alen Legacy

The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa De La Cruz

Book 4 Blue Blood Series

Bookologist Analysis: A wedding veil on a cover surely means a true mystery.

With the stunning revelation surrounding Bliss's true identity comes the growing threat of the sinister Silver Bloods. Once left to live the glamorous life in New York City, the Blue Bloods now find themselves in an epic battle for survival. Not to worry, love is still in the air for the young vampires of the Upper East Side. Or is it? Jack and Schuyler are over. Oliver's brokenhearted. And only the cunning Mimi seems to be happily engaged.

Young, fanged, and fabulous, Melissa de la Cruz's vampires unite in this highly anticipated fourth installment of the Blue Bloods series.

This book was by far the best book in the series (yes, I spelled series right). We have three main protagonists- Bliss, Mimi, and Schuyler. The girls of high society who have decided to run away to the high seas and far away.

The action in this book was minimal. Mimi had a few fight scenes because she is now a Venator on a team with two non-talkative boys and Kingsley Martin. Bliss is having inner conflict with her devil (also known as the Visitor). Schuyler is just dealing with running from her kind and her growing sickness.

Tensions in the romance department are growing. Mimi subtly ran away from Jack by joining the Venators (lead by Kingsley). Schuyler has spent a year with Oliver and has grown to love him, but still dreams of Jack. Bliss had Dylan for a while before he was killed (think dead dead this time). When thing go wrong we all like to wrong because our minds resist change.

I liked the few subtle changes. The translations for the Sacred Language (is it Latin?), French, and everything else was covered thankfully, otherwise I would have been driven crazy. This book really stretches its arms as it embraces that the entire world have Blue Bloods from the European Conclave to the traitors in South America. The tragedy of Kingsley is nice to. Finally for the first time the chapters were labeled, so it didn’t take forever to learn who the narrators were. This book was about perfecting series.

I didn't like the singularity of Bliss’s narration where it was just her and the alternate persons and dimensions in her brain. The betrayal of some people was wrong because these people were supposed to be there, now the elders are either gone or stupid. It is just the teens (counted that they do have several lives in their mind). This book had a few minor problems that will be corrected in the next installment.

The run in Paris was a scary one, but it was anticlimactic. The plots are usually predictable except at then end where everything was just a twist. I hated Bliss's identity issues. The Mimi depression was bad. The book overall was okay.

The book was enjoyable. I loved learning Then ending left you bittersweet where you know it was bound to happen, but still it didn't have to go down that way. The book was one I liked with a touch of mystery and love. 

Review Revelations

Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz

Available Now

Book Three in Blue Blood Series

Bookologist Analysis: Why not take this story down south to Brazil?

Schuyler Van Alen's blood legacy has just been called into question: is the young vampire in fact a Blue Blood, or is it the sinister Silver Blood that runs through her veins? As controversy swirls, Schuyler is left stranded in the Force household, trapped under the same roof as her cunning nemesis, Mimi Force, and her forbidden crush, Jack Force.

When an ancient place of power is threatened in Rio de Janeiro, however, the Blue Bloods need Schuyler on their side. The stakes are high, the battle is bloody; and through it all Schuyler is torn between duty and passion, love and freedom.

Romance, glamour, and vampire lore collide in the highly anticipated third book in best-selling author Melissa de la Cruz's Blue Bloods series.

This book is about revelations, hence the title (get it?). We got to see who bothers not to be careful and shows that they are indeed the enemy. I mean Mimi is now a voting member on the Conclave and has a perfect life planning a bond with Jack after Kingsley's revelation as a reformed Silver Blood.

We are already talking about Mimi, why don't we continue? So, after Charles (Michael) steps down Mimi takes over for her House, at her age she is already a voting member (power stealer ? is that a term). Jack and Schuyler are doing their little affair thing, so what does Mimi do, start planning a bonding to get back what is hers. Plus, she hates that Kingsley, who brought up his Silver Blood is able to come back strutting into society. Overall, Mimi is trying to grasp back at traditions this book to make sure everything goes according to HER plan.

Let's talk about Schuyler Van Alen. Her grandfather Lawrence is back. He is also granted back his seat on the Conclave as a voting member. Schuyler is learning all she can from him at the moment; she is learning the way of the vampire (star wars parody, sorry) everything from super speed to super memory. She's also having her time with Jack Force. For this book Schuyler is very scatter brained, not knowing what to do or how to do it.

Bliss. Oh Bliss. Her problems range from blackouts and not knowing what is going on to a weird little sister acting more strangely than usual. Modeling with Schuyler is also extremely fun. Friendships with Mimi and Schuyler suffer, with any sort of parental bond she had with Forsyth and BobbiAnne. Let's not forget the death of Dylan which is just sad. Bliss is just a weird, lost sort of character.

Other characters- A.K.A. supporting characters that I love.

Oliver- He is still fighting for the love of Schuyler that is going unnoticed. Oliver is the friend that we all want, he juss goes along with Schuyler without hesitation, but it is more than being a Conduit- it is being a TRUE FRIEND.

Jack- Why must they all be heartbreakers? Just look at him. He's taking Mimi down with him just as he turn his back on the bond. Schuyler is falling for this boy without realizing who he is.

Lawrence- He's an Emortal. This means he has been alive for a long time- longer than your great grandfather. His wisdom has been lost since he VOLUNTARILY went into exile. Yet the Conclave he feels has lost its way. So, Lawrence brings it upon himself to teach Schuyler.

This was overall a great  book with a couple of little mistakes. It was overall something that I would recommend reading with the  entire Blue Blood Series. 

Review Masquerade

Masquerade by Melissa De La Cruz

Book Two in Blue Bloods Series

Bookologist's Analysis: A mystery deep inside the city of mysteries.

Schuyler Van Alen wants an explanation for the mysterious deaths of young Blue Bloods. Her search brings her to Venice, Italy, in the hopes of finding the one person who can help. Meanwhile, back in New York, preparations are feverishly underway for the famous Four Hundred Ball, an exclusive gala hosted by the city’s wealthy, powerful, and unhuman—a true Blue Blood affair. But it’s at the after-party masquerade that the true danger lurks. Hidden behind the masks is a revelation that will change the course of a young vampire’s destiny.

Rich with glamour, attitude, and vampire lore, this second installment in the Blue Bloods saga will leave readers thirsty for more.

This book is all about finding who is who. I mean we all know that masks can hide everything- your face, your life, your name, your identity. I mean though, this book has three viewpoints- Bliss, Schuyler, and Mimi's. I love Schuyler the misfit, halfling the most because I really find this is HER story.

The Four Hundred Ball just seals the deal with Mimi and Jack's bonding or should we Azrael and Abaddon respectively.  The real thing though is that each of the love another, but being Blue Bloods or shall we say vampire love each other too as destined soulmates. Talk about hierarchy in mean at the top of the popular group without being available, a pity isn't.

Bliss is this weird little thing. I mean she could be the top of the social ladder, but still ends up being in two friend groups Schuyler and Mimi,and talk about her relationship with Dylan just unusual. 

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Fav Quotes

"The gondolas were lined up on the docks, empty, their striped-shirted gondoliers leaning on their oars..."

This is what Olive and Schuyler observe as they are in Venice looking for Schuyler's grandfather, Lawrence. Lawrence is a very old and wise vampire. He will become the Regis and is all about killing the Blue Bloods and was Cordelia's bondmate.

"They had grown up together- skinny-dipping in the pond behind her grandmother's house in Nantucket, spending sleepovers curled up next to each other in the same double-wide sleeping bag. They were as close as siblings, but lately she had found that she was reacting to his presence with a new found self-consciousness she couldn't explain. It was as if she had woken up one day and discovered her best friend was also a boy- and a very good looking one a that."

First, I saw this as way too much information, but this is what Schuyler first views Oliver this way. I mean this is how I guess you grow up with your guy best friend, but this time Schuyler's getting a crush.

Review Blue Bloods

Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz

First Book in Blue Bloods

Bookologist Analysis: This books is throat cutting till the very end (pun intended).

Schuyler Van Alen is confused about what is happening to her. Her veins are starting to turn blue, and she's starting to crave raw meat. Soon, her world is thrust into an intricate maze of secret societies and bitter intrigue. Schuyler has never been a part of the trendy crowd at her prestigious New York private school. Now, all of a sudden, Jack Force, the most popular guy in school, is showing an interest in her. And when one of the popular girls is found dead, Schuyler and Jack are determined to get to the bottom of it.

Schuyler wants to find out the secrets of the mysterious Blue Bloods. But is she putting herself in danger? Melissa de la Cruz's vampire mythology, set against the glitzy backdrop of New York City, is a juicy and intoxicating read. 

New York is a city of glitz and danger. I should know that I lived there when I was younger- back in the day you know... but I won't get back onto Memory Lane and bored you. Let's get this fact straight- Blue Bloods the book is different than the TV show. The book is about rich New York vampires NOT cops. Okay, not that we're all clear. let's get this show on the road.

Schuyler (now that is a cool name) is a Blue Blood from an historically important family with a dwindling fortune. She is wierdo that sits at the back of the corner with her best friend Oliver not caring that she is different.  She hates the popular Force twins- until she sees Jack Force get hit by a taxi- which is of course, a trick of light. Then let's say she has a slight crush on him.

Schuyler (doesn't this sound like a last name?) becomes friends with Bliss Llewellyn, a Texan transplant, after they do a photo shoot together.  Together, they find out they are both Blue Bloods living through this Expression (sort of life cycle). There's a catch however, despite being immortal something is magically killing Blue Bloods. Last count three Blue Bloods were killed [insert cyber gasp].

The world is changing for Schuyler- no more is she a misfit with one friend (who turns out to be a human that knows about Blue Bloods and in their family is supposed to be a personal servant to them), she is now a special elite vampire. No on ever said life is fair or expected.

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Hey guys! Just wanted to apologize for the short review. I have a lot going on with school and a new semester and all that. Hey if you have any suggestions for me to read- email me at bookologists@gmail.com. Or you can email me about random stuff- I don't mind. Remember follow, comment and read.

Review Prodigy

Prodigy by Marie Lu

Second Book in Legend Series 

Bookologoists Analysis: What is the difference between a Legend and a Prodigy? [It is supposed to be cryptic]

Featured on Entertainment Weekly's MUST-LIST!

The highly anticipated second book in Marie Lu's New York Times bestseller, LEGEND—perfect for fans of THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT!


June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong

Day a.k.a. Daniel Wing is on the run AGAIN (that has to be the story of his life), but this time he is with none other than June Iparis, over the top genius prodigy darling of the Republic, just another day in the life of Day. The Patriots- a rag tag bunch of people who want the Colonies and Republic to rejoin together to become the US again who Day and June are running to. 

The map of the book was really useful. You could finally see the actual borders between the Republic and Colonies and all the landmass that was taken over by flooding and other world disasters. I also liked how the global aspect was mentioned. I mean in other YA dystopians only the US is ever mentioned. Here, there are people living in Antarctica because there is no more ice there. I mean I was shocked when I heard that the UN was viewed the Republic as a small military isolationist country (doesn't that remind you of North Korea?). I also loved how so many people are mixed race.

There are however, somethings that weren't totally enjoyable. I disliked Day's boiling emotions (seriously dude thanks for making your mind up in the end, but it DIDN'T have to take so long!) and ever doubting June's ability, despite her proving herself multiple times. June in this book though seems to come to terms with her emotions, only now is she hitting the brick wall with Metias dying. I didn't like seeing her suffer through that type of pain and not being able to keep her head above her shoulders.

I loved all the supporting characters too. They all were suited to their mission and who they are (or will be? you know this is in the future). Anden was perfectly suited to be the policy changing, save the country son. Tess to be (I thought this from the beginning) little girl who grows up and has fallen in love with the boy who rescued her. Razor (DeSoto) to be the turncoat leader of a group of rebels.  All wonderfully made.

This was so much better than Legend. The passion was so much hotter and passionate (ha). The plot thickens with a new Elector Primo. A mission to kill and to kill a mission. Just read it and do me a favor. You know the drill - follow, comment, and do what you guys do best- READ.

This Year in 2013 YA Books

Okay, this year was huge in YA fiction. I read so much this year I don't know how to rank them. Literally this whole year I was like a victory dance: 

So, of course I can't possibly rank them since that would against my conscience and that would be too hard for me since I'm so indecisive. This year there were starts and ends and middles to great YA books and series.

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

I mean it I loved this book. I've always liked fantasy, mostly urban and high, but this book made me love high fantasy some much more. I mean there is Mal who you can't help but despise because the Darkling is such a better choice (that may be a little biased). The new power with the weird new dragons and then him showing up in ghost-like formation. Mal goes out brawling just because he is not Grisha talk about weakness. Alina tries to salvage her relationship with Mal, but as always ends up running. She takes refuge with the Apparat in underground caves. I loved how we saw more of the world, but according to spoilers in Ruin and Rising the Darkling and Alina can hold a civil conversation!



Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Unravel Me was really about Juliet growing up. She isn't a victim anymore; she can take on the world. The main problem in this books is Juliet's adjustment to a new world and that she isn't the only special one. Adam is pulling away, but you can see that Juliet is confused. Friends are found and friends leave. Just for your information, I did fall for Adam in the first book, but I found that Adam was too perfect. As always I fall for the bad guy and love Warners. I mean he is volatile with is unwavering devotion to Juliet. Can't wait for Ignite Me.







House of Hades by Rick Riordan

This installment was just character development. We saw Percy and Annabeth build their relationship after struggling in Tartarus. Jason and Piper get over the whole I'm sorta Roman sorta Greek and picked it up. And then, oh, Nico came out that he had a crush on Percy for the longest time- I mean talk about surprises, I just thought Nico was getting a girlfriend this time around. Leo was never going to fit in; we saw that back in the Lost Hero, but I mean Calypso and Leo- that was pushing it. Don't forget seeing that evil is never as it always seems because not everybody is labeled correctly like Bob. I liked that we are seeing Europe and the evil side of Octavian. Bob says hi to the stars and moon.   



Endless Knight by Kresley Cole

I don't normally fall head over heels with fantasy dystopians because they are usually just too out there. I immensely (don't you like my word choice?) enjoyed the Tarot cards and powers that each character has. I mean look at Death and how he wants Empress Evie. Ohh she wants Death, but does her heart still belong to Jack. Let's not forget how the Devil and the others are trying to kill her some with very original ideas.








Here are some other books/series that I loved reading in 2013, but weren't necessarily published in 2013:   

Sorry, this is coming in the New Year, I know I was a little late because of traveling and everything. I want to wish you a happy 2014. And too more reading!