Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Release date: November 15, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 342
Format: Advance Reader's Copy
Source: Page & Palette Bookstore
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository
Ebook available from: Barnes & Noble | Amazon

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. 

Oh my goodness, I have no idea where to start with this book y'all. Shatter Me is written in a way that makes me want to literally climb into the pages and lounge about in them. I don't really know what climbing into the pages would accomplish, but it'd make me feel better somehow. I've waited a little while to write this review because my brain's only output after finishing translated into something like, "Pfft.dklas;kljdf.zxvkldfkl;jweiorjzx,.m." For real. I'm sorry if this review ends up in the gutter because I'm too busy swooning/freaking.


First and foremost I absolutely have to talk about how Juliette's narration is written. It is utterly fabulous. It does take a little bit of getting used to, but once you know what's going on, you'll die it works so well. Here's an example (taken from an ARC, but once I have a finished copy I'll update this if it is different from the final text):

6,336 hours since I've touched another human being. 

"You're getting a cellmate roommate," they said to me.

"We hope you rot to death in this place For good behavior," they said to me.

"Another psycho just like you No more isolation," they said to me.

I love love love the strikeouts. It gives a sense of what's going unsaid, which is sometimes hard to imagine in a story not of your own creation. We see that Juliette sees through all of the bull given to her, too. BUT, the strikeouts aren't the only quirky bit of writing. At times Juliette's narration is more like a stream of consciousness than a traditional narration. The way Tahereh Mafi has written certain scenes makes the reader feel exactly what Juliette is feeling at these times. When Juliette is having a panic attack, I felt like I was having one too. When she was running for her life, with only getting to safety on her mind, that's all I could think of. At these times there's little to no punctuation, which only accentuates the urgency of how Juliette is feeling. This style may not be for everyone, but I couldn't get enough of it. Reading should be a visceral experience, don't you think?


When we first meet Juliette, she is a jumbled mess of emotions and fear. As she gets to know Adam and as we get to know her, she comes out of her shell, and we see what a strong, fearless, and engaging heroine she is. We hear how she grew up with parents who never touched her, how she was shunned in school, and learn exactly how she came to be in isolation. Juliette's story is one of sadness and loneliness, but as the story goes on, it becomes one of hope and love.


And, ohhhhh, Adam. What an utterly perfect guy. I just couldn't get enough of him, and the more we learned about him, the more I loved him. One moment he'd break my heart with sadness and the next he'd have me smiling like the biggest idiot in the world. Adam's opposite in most every way is Warner. He's presented as a villain who only wants Juliette for the power she can give him, but at the same time we get the idea that there's a lot more to him. And I can't help but want to know! It doesn't hurt that he's completely gorgeous, charming in a sly way, and has a wounded soul thing going for him. :)


On my little list of wonderful things I have yet to cover and don't want to bore you with my gushing:

• James, who is sweet and vulnerable, and just makes me want to hug him at all times
• Kenji, who I'm thinking we'll see a good deal more of, which doesn't bother me in the least :)
• THAT ENDING. It was totally perfect and totally cruel, and now I just need to know what happens next!!

Tahereh Mafi's style is riveting, different, and utterly engaging. It's hard not to immediately be absorbed into Juliette's world and even harder to extricate yourself. There is probably no way I could recommend that you read Shatter Me more.

Risk a paper cut? There is nothing that could deter me from shoving this book into the hands of every person I meet and telling them to suck it up if it cuts them. I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MUCH I LOVED IT. :)

The Dig by Audrey Hart

Release date: November 7, 2011
Publisher: Backlit Fiction
Pages: 208
Format: Ebook
Source: Advance copy provided by the author
Buy the book: Amazon

Zoe Calder has always been an outsider. Stashed away in boarding schools since her parents died, Zoe buries herself in the study of ancient worlds. Her greatest thrill is spending her summers with her archeologist aunt and uncle on digs around the world. And one day, while investigating a newly unearthed temple in Crete, Zoe discovers a luminous artifact that transports her to ancient Greece. 


As Zoe quickly learns, the Olympian Gods are real, living people—humans with mysterious powers… Powers that Zoe quickly realizes she has come to possess, as well. However, when the people of ancient Greece mistake Zoe for an Olympian, the Gods must restore the balance of the ancient world… No matter what. 


Zoe is forced to play a confusing and dangerous game as Hera rallies the gods against her—all except for Zeus, the beautiful, winged young god who risks everything to save her.

 I have always had a love of Greek mythology. I don't consider myself an expert on it or anything, but the stories of the gods and all the crazy creatures has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. I've seen a whole lot of interpretations of the stories, and the The Dig is definitely one of my favorites. All of our favorite gods are there--Zeus, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, Aphrodite, Hermes--but they're human teenagers. I really love this idea, because I always felt like the gods seemed like big, powerful teenagers anyways, with their scrabbling over stupid things and falling in love with their own reflections. Audrey Hart has incorporated all of the things we love about Greek mythology within the coming-of-age story of Zoe Calder, and it's a fun ride.

Zoe was definitely a highlight of the book. I know there are a lot of "introverted" young adult protagonists, but Zoe felt like the most genuine and realistic interpretation of this, and I felt like she and I would get along. She's smart and intuitive. Sure, she freaks out about somehow ending up in ancient Greece, but she doesn't whine about it for the whole book: she does something about it. Her insecurities felt real and much like how I felt in high school. She doesn't have the same interests as her classmates, and can't quite relate, but somehow knows there's really nothing wrong with that. At the same time, Zoe's journey is a trip to find herself. Though she knew she was strong, she never had to really show it, and she learns just what kind of person she is.

I also thought the relationship between Zoe and Zeus was well-developed, which is a rarity recently. In true teenager fashion, Zoe rushes into labels for what they are and thinks she's way more in love than she really is, but their real relationship (not the one in Zoe's head) moves at a good pace. There's no insta-love, just attraction, and their relationship develops over time spent together having a good time, not brooding stares. Zeus is also a very worthy love interest. I'm definitely looking forward to more of him. 

The Dig is a very fast-paced and fun read. At just above 200 pages, you can read it in one sitting and be very satisfied with how you've spent your last few hours. It is packed full with action, mythology, and romance that all blend together for a great adventure, and I can't wait for the rest of the trilogy!

Risk a paper cut? It only comes in digital form right now, so there's no danger! Muahahaha. But even if there were danger of a paper cut, I'd still advise you to read The Dig as soon as possible.

I need to extend a big thanks to Audrey Hart for contacting me about reviewing The Dig and for providing me with an advance copy! You're the best!

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Release date: September 27, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 452
Format: Hardcover
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository
Ebook available from: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Google

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.
She's wrong.

So. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. Yeah, I loved it. Sure, I had problems with it. Nonetheless, it is definitely a new favorite. First, look at that cover!!! Oh my gahhh. It's so lovely, and once you've read the book, the idea of it just fits. Mara Dyer was nothing that I expected it to be, but so much more.

Michelle did an excellent job of portraying Mara's mental state. Many times I couldn't tell the difference between reality and Mara's delusions. And while I was confused much of the time, it wasn't a confusion that made the book in and of itself confusing. I knew what was going on, but I felt like I was living Mara's reality, which was awesome. And while nothing was really revealed, I was entertained for the whole book, and am quite ready for the second.

Mr. Noah Shaw needs his own paragraph. For a long time I couldn't figure out if I liked him or not, or if he was worthy of my diligence in deciding. But once we got to know him better, I decided positively on both counts. I found it a little cliche that he's "misunderstood", but he was convincing enough in that so I let him be misunderstood, and I understood Mara's obsession. By the end of the book I was quite endeared by him.(Though I didn't get him driving a Prius. Were I in his situation, I'd have something at least a little better. I don't like Priuses. [Is that the plural of Prius??])

My only real problem with the book lies with Mara, and only at times. I did feel like she ignored what was right in front of her face, just because of a boy. Sure, Noah was definitely someone you could ignore a lot for, but not when people are dying all around you. You'd think she would notice a trend there... I think the story needed more focus on what was going on, rather than Noah. Also, what was with her at the end? I mean, really?? Gahhhh.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer was a book I was dying to read, and my excitement was justified and paid back quite well. The book was filled with mystery, romance, uncertainty, crazy, and fear. It had me on my knees (figuratively) for the entirety of the book, and I can't wait for the next one to find out more about Mara and Noah!

Risk a paper cut? A paper cut is the least of your fears when you're around Mara Dyer. (If that's unclear, yes, risk a paper cut!)

In My Mailbox (1): The Very First!

Hey guys! So I decided to do In My Mailbox this week, and I'm a little bit excited. In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren featuring books that we've bought/received/borrowed during the last week. 

I'm thinking I was just excited, and had a lot to say to you guys, so this video is like 10 minutes long. I'm sorry for that. I'm a talker, and I like to share... :) I think next time I'll be better. Plus, sorry about all the random and slightly disturbing faces I make. I have a feeling I make those normally, and now I wonder what people think of me... Eek. I'm hoping with practice this will get better... Or maybe I'm just this awkward. We'll see!





Books mentioned:

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake (my review!)
Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber
Double by Jenny Valentine
iBoy by Kevin Brooks
The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison
Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
The Calling by Kelley Armstrong

I also received these from Netgalley:

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Pure by Julianna Baggott 

Thanks to HarperTeen, Grand Central, and Feiwel & Friends for the books!

Also, a big big thanks to Amanda at Stuck in YA Books, Michelle Hodkin, The Survivors Series on Twitter and Page & Palette Bookstore! My video wouldn't have been as long without you!

Follow Friday #16

Friday again already! The weeks seem to go by so quickly, not that I'm complaining, since every week gone is another week closer till I'm in Disney! :) It's finally November, and that means real fall weather, and Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays.

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read each week and is a joint effort between all of us bloggers to find new blogs to read, love, and obsess over. Plus each week a different question is answered, so we can all learn a little bit more about the bloggers whose opinions matter to us. :) Tally ho!

Q. Today's question is something new, an activity. We want to see what you look like! Take a pic with you and your current read! Too shy? Boo! Just post a fun pic you want to share.
ME. Well you see, we have a problem. I have absolutely no camera handy. Bleh. So, I'm going to post a picture of me, and a picture of what I'm currently reading, and that'll just have to suffice. Picture us molded together. :) You should get the gist!

Me oh my... I'm resorting to what is probably my most favorite picture of me ever. It's not because it's a super wonderful picture, but it seems to capture how I feel that I am most of the time. Staring off into space, yet having a lovely time, dancing all by myself. It's from my junior year of high school, and we did Bye Bye Birdie for the spring musical. I played Mrs. MacAfee, which is why I'm not in a poodle skirt or something like that. My dress was fantastic. It had clocks on it, and I still own it for it's amazingness, though I've yet to find another occasion to wear it... :)

I am currently reading Anathema by Megg Jensen. I'm about half-way through, and so far I'm really liking it. :)

Well that's all I have to say. The sad thing is that I've only one question to answer this week, and I've become even more rambly than normal. Sad, really. Anyways, have a lovely weekend, and root for Alabama when we play LSU on Saturday!! :) So leave me links to your Follow Friday posts and I'll visit back!

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Release date: August 30, 2011
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 316
Format: Hardcover
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository
Ebook available from: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Google

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. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.


When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: 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.


But she, for whatever reason, spares Cas's life.

If you know me at all, you know I don't like scary movies in the least. In fact, I watched a couple last Monday night, and couldn't sleep four complete hours that night. It was terrible. I avoid haunted houses like the plague. Scary things and I are not even acquaintances. But, sometimes something comes along that's so good that the frightening parts are completely overshadowed by the mindblowingness of the awesomeness. (<==that phrase is an odd one...) Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake was just that. Sure, I can't walk under my attic at home without of thinking of a certain scene, but who cares? The experience and fun of reading the book was totally worth the fear.


Anna Dressed in Blood is perfectly plotted and executed. It is creepy enough to make you want to keep all the lights on, yet so interesting you have to keep reading, despite how creeped out you are. Luckily, I managed to read most of the book during the day, though I did read the last 50 pages or so at night, and was super creeped out. I felt like a lot more was accomplished in the book than most YA novels I've been reading. Rather than having one complication for Cas to overcome in the one book, things just keep getting thrown at him. This kept the book from feeling nothing like the first of a series, even though it is.


Every character felt like a fully developed construct, not a filler. Cas was a wonderful narrator, with a very individual voice and specific demeanor. Cas is also the most gutsy seventeen year old I've read about in a long time. Killing those that are already supposed to be dead is something that would make me ruin my pants, personally, and Cas just runs in gung-ho, and for that I salute him.


Though Anna Dressed in Blood is narrated by and follows Cas, Anna is really the character that takes the focus, no mean feat for a book filled with so many good characters. At the beginning, the reader knows only what Cas knows: that Anna Dressed in Blood is a ruthless ghost that pulls those who enter her house into little pieces. Little do we know what lies behind that exterior. Anna is described as pale with long hair as dark as ink, and when she gets angry, it's a sight to behold. When we learn why Anna is the way she is we feel her pain and are horrified at her circumstances.


If you're looking for a YA horror book that will scare you out of your pants, yet is tolerable for even the biggest wimps (like me!) then look no further. Anna Dressed in Blood has answered the call, and you will not be disappointed. It can be as scary as you can imagine it. Once you finish it all you will be able to think about is that sequel, Girl of Nightmares, that is coming out next year.


Risk a paper cut? YES INDEEDY. Anna Korlov will scare your face off, but melt your heart at the same time.

Random Acts of Kindness: November 2011!

It's November! This means it's time for another month of RAK. I actually skipped last month because I knew I wasn't going to have the time to look through lists and send out books, but I'm back on board for November! :) I've had a great time the last couple of months I did it, so I'm excited.




Random Acts of Kindness is hosted by Book Soulmates and anyone can sign up! It's a fun way to make some new friends and share your love of books. If this sounds like something you're interested in (and why wouldn't it be?), go here to check out more information.

And, of course, here's a link to my wishlist! :)

Have a happy November, and happy RAKing!