XVI by Julia Karr

XVI by Julia Karr

First in the XVI series

5 stars

In Nina Oberon’s world girls get a XVI tattoo on their wrist on their sixteenth birthday. Most girls can’t wait to be sixteen- legal, but not Nina. She knows that she has no choice in becoming legal, but if her life continues to be normal everything will be okay. When her mother dies secrets start unraveling and Nina starts to question everything. Everything she believed about her life is a lie and that there’s only one person that can help, Sal, who may be the only person with a key to her past. XVI is an amazing book. It’s as simple as that. This book is what I want most dystopians to be like. While I’m sure most people will disagree I think this book is probably one of the best dystopians I’ve read. Karr’s right was entrancing. I felt sucked into Nina’s world the minute I read the first word. XVI had interesting characters and great plots. The world created was realistic and explained well. I wish the book would have been longer though 325 pages just wasn’t enough.


The main female character is Nina. Nina is a strong character, not as strong as some heroines, but still a strong heroine. There were moments when I didn’t really like her, but the moments were rare.


Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 9

The main male character is Sal. I’m not a big fan of Sal. I don’t like him or hate him. He just doesn’t elicit emotion from me. Maybe it’s too soon in the series for me to like him. Even though he doesn’t make me feel any emotions I do think he is good for Nina. I’m looking forward to where the relationship goes.


Swoon Worthy Scale: 7.5

The Villain- I honestly don’t want to give this villain away. I feel like if I so much as say one little thing about the bad guy I’ll give away the adventure of reading.

Villain Scale: 9

Nina’s friends played such a great role in this novel especially Sandy. Nina’s sister and grandparents also play great roles in the novel and I’m looking forward to where all these characters go in the future.

Character Scale: 8.5

One thing I really liked was there was no love triangle. There could have been one, but Nina said no (Thank God!). Sometimes books don’t need love triangles and I don’t think this series needs one. Hopefully there won’t be one in the future books. This was a fantastic debut and I think Karr has a lot of talent. XVI really is a great book, but don’t take my word for it. Check it out yourself. I promise you won’t be completely disappointed. I look forward to the sequel, which I can’t wait to get my hands on.


Cover Thoughts: I like the cover and how the words XVI look like scissor cuts on the paper. I don’t really like how the cover looks on the computer though. It looks a thousand times better in person.

TV TALK: School Spirts

I know I'm sorry I'm late. I haven't done this in three weeks. I'm terrible. :( sorry So today I'll talk about a new series I've started watching on Syfy called

*drumroll please*




This show is about well haunted schools. It reminds me of this show I used to watch when I was little I think the show was called The Haunted. School Spirits interviews people with experiences surrounding spirits at schools. Sometimes the people they interview are just stupid and not scary at all. I like the creepy episodes that give me goosebumps and make me not want to go to bathroom alone or walk down a dark hall. Those are the episodes I watch if they don't do that I usually start to fade away and read my book. I'm reading Dark Side of the Moon right now so look out for that review. It's a pretty good show and I like it. There's nothing on Wednesdays right now so it's nice to have something to watch.

You can watch School Spirits on Wednesdays on Syfy ate 10/9c

Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper

Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper

First in the Jane Jameson series

5 stars

Jane Jameson’s day couldn’t get any worse. First she was fired from her job as a children’s librarian and was paid with a Shenanigans gift certificate. While spending her Shenanigans certificate on alcohol she meets Gabriel. She doesn’t think much about him other than he’s hot and he would probably never go for a girl like her. As she is going home her car breaks down and as she’s walking, she is mistaken for a deer and shot. Gabriel turns out to be a vampire and followed Jane home to make sure she was safe. Gabriel turns Jane into a vampire and now she must face the world of the undead. Let me just start by saying that I love the titles for the Jane Jameson books. They are always so funny. This book is hilarious. I don’t remember the last time I last so much. Harper’s writing is easy and fun which makes the tone of the book light and comedic. This book was a refreshing change from my usual adult vampire romance. I usually tend to read dark ones with comedy, but Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs was light and funny. The relationship between Jane and Gabriel is odd, but it’s not like stalker or an unhealthy relationship odd. Their relationship is just well odd. I like their relationship though and it’s not rushed. It gradually builds up and the end hints to something more. In the Jane Jameson world people know vampires exist. They know about werewolves and other creatures that have come out the closet, but that doesn’t mean they necessarily tolerate them.


The main female character is Jane. Jane Jameson is hands down one of my most favorite heroines ever. She’s funny, witty, sarcastic, and she’s honest. Jane is no Mary Sue. She has a backbone and Jane’s POV is hilarious. Harper has created a brilliant character with problems that can make you laugh and sympathize with. Jane is probably one of my favorite heroines I’ve ever read about.


Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 10

The main male character is Gabriel. I love Gabriel. I think Harper has a knack for creating characters that I either love or hate but can appreciate. Gabriel has his jerk moments in this novel, but he wasn’t that bad. I really like Gabriel and he’s perfect for Jane.


Swoon Worthy Scale: 9

The Villain- Read it and you’ll find out who causes Jane’s problems.

Villain Scale: 7.5

Jane’s recently deceased aunt, Aunt Jettie, who takes up residence in her home is hilarious and brings just as much fun to the novel as Jane. Jane’s best friend, Zeb, balances Jane out perfectly. Andrea, a girl that let’s vampires feed off of her (I can’t remember what they are called) starts to show that she’ll be an important part of the series. Dick, another vampire, is just funny and makes me laugh as much as the rest of the characters. I applaud you Molly Harper for creating an outstanding cast of characters.


Character Scale: 9.5

Harper is a great writer and she creates great characters, but also an entertaining world. She’s definitely a writer to look out for and if you’re in the mood for a light, funny paranormal novel I suggest picking this up. Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs is a terrific novel and I can’t say more because I don’t want to spoil anything.


Cover Thoughts: I like the cover. I think it is light and fun just like the book. I don’t really like how the guy is standing behind her and it bothers me for some reason.

Love in the Time of Dragons by Katie MacAlister

Love in the Time of Dragons by Katie MacAlister

First in the Light Dragons series

4 stars

Tully Sullivan has always thought she was normal. Well as normal as she could be until she gets blackouts for really long periods of time. This time during one of those blackouts she wakes up in a room full of dragons. The dragons claim that she is Ysolde de Bouchier who was once mated to Baltic, a villainous dragon, in her previous life. The thing is Tully doesn’t remember any of this, but as her memories start to gradually come back she starts to think they are telling the truth. I picked up Love in the Time of Dragons at my library not realizing it was a spin-off series to MacAlisters previous dragon series, Aisling Grey and Silver Dragons, which I haven’t read. I’ll admit I was a little lost once or twice, but not lost enough not to understand anything. I really enjoyed this book. My biggest problem was the fact that I was lost during some parts. I didn’t know who Baltic was, but apparently he’s the bad guy from the other two series. I plan on reading the other two dragon series, but I don’t think I’ll hate Baltic (I’ll explain why later).


The main female character is Tully and Ysolde. I’m calling the main character Ysolde since that’s who she really is and once you read the book you’ll understand what I’m talking about. I liked Ysolde. She was a good character. I didn’t enjoy her for the first part of the novel, but I loved the parts when she would have memories of her past. Towards the end I started to like her a lot more and even though she’s not like she was in her past life, I think she’s even more awesome.


Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 8

The main male character is Baltic. Apparently Baltic is supposed to be this big bad dragon. I’m sorry, but he doesn’t seem very villainous to me. In fact I really like Baltic. I think he’s a great character and he’s like an onion. You have to pull back the layers one at a time (Yes I just quoted Shrek.
I'm sorry I can't resist putting a Donkey gif. I just love him. Don’t hate). I’m sure when I read the other two series I mentioned earlier that I won’t be able to see Baltic as this hateful dragon out to get everyone and make everyone miserable. I like Baltic. Yeah there are times when he’s a jerk, but I still like him.

Swoon Worthy Scale: 8.5

The Villain- Those other dragons that Baltic apparently messed with their lives in the previous series, they are out for revenge. IMO I think they look like a bunch of asses and they annoy me. I was rolling my eyes at the last chapter, but I’m looking forward to the next novel ‘because I know there will be drama.


Villain Scale: 7

There’s this really funny talking demon dog named Jim. Jim is funny and he’s horny. Every time he would show up he would say something funny and make me laugh or giggle. Ysolde’s son, Brom is so adorable. I like his weird obsession with mummies and taxidermy.


Character Scale: 8.5

There were times when I felt like Ysolde and Baltic weren’t in love, but it’s still the first novel and she’s still gaining back her memories. MacAlister is a funny writer. She knows how to make people laugh and her writing is clever and entertaining. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on the sequel and sinking my claws (see what I did there? ;) into it.


Cover Thoughts: I love the cover. The coloring is so cool and the tattoo on Baltic is awesome. I think it’s a great cover.

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

First in the Starcrossed trilogy

4.5 stars
Helen Hamilton lives on the island of Nantucket and all she wants is to break free of the island and explore the world. Helen has always known she was different and she’s felt like she’s never belonged. When Lucas Delos comes to the island, Helen starts to have the strangest urge to kill him and his family. As Helen discovers a new world where Greek mythology is actually real she struggles with adjusting to who she is and what she will become. I know this book is incredibly cheesy and stupid and really a huge cliché, but when I was reading it I enjoyed it and there was only a handful of problems I had with it which I’ll address later in this review. I love Greek mythology. I’m a Greek mythology nerd. Anything with the words Greek mythology in a review or summary have me sold on reading the book. Let’s face it Greek mythology is like chocolate to people on diets. It’s my kryptonite when it comes to books. So that being my kryptonite I was all “OMG I can’t wait to read this! I’m gonna read this when I’m done with the book I’m reading.” The first chapter was boring as hell and I almost gave up. It was such a snooze fest.



The main female character is Helen. Some of the things Helen said annoyed the crap out of me and made go

Example: If Lucas would turn out to be gay, I would have to get a sex change or something along those lines. I read the book in April I can’t remember the quote word for word. But really who would do that or say that? Helen is supposed to be this brilliant person and apparently so is Lucas and his family, but Angelini proved these people are dumber than calculators. *MILD SPOILER AHEAD READ PAST IF YOU DON’T WANT SPOILERS * Helen is stupid as hell. Ajax is obviously not your frickin dad if he died two years before you were born. These demigods are supposed to be so intelligent, but they are obviously dumb because they can’t do math. Someone get Helen and Lucas a calculator.  
 
I really liked Helen at the beginning. I thought she was strong and relatable. Then when she met Lucas and got involved with him her smaricle particles deteriorated. Maybe that’s why she can’t do Kindergarten math. Instead of her seeming strong she became annoying and just stupid. I hate when a heroine goes from awesome to annoying. Even when reading the book I was like 


Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 5.5
The main male character is Lucas. Lucas was annoying, but there were times when I did like him. I didn’t love Lucas and he was nothing special in the YA world. In fact while I’m writing this review I can’t even remember anything good about him. I probably should have said something about him the first time I wrote my review.


Swoon Worthy Scale: 6

The Villain- Too much work to explain without giving spoilers and since I gave one already I’ll try to keep the rest of the review spoiler fee.

Villain Scale: 7.5

I liked Lucas’s family. Especially Hector who I would have enjoyed Helen being with a lot more. You know what, no I wouldn’t, I would want him for myself at least for a day. I liked Helen’s friend, Claire, but there were times when Helen seemed rude to Claire and I didn’t like that.


Character Scale: 7


After reading this book my mind was blown and I had to wait a whole day before I could write a somewhat decent review. I liked how there wasn’t a love triangle, but I heard there is in the sequel. I hate love triangles, but now that I think about it I might not mind if he’s a lot cooler than Lucas. I’m looking forward to reading Dreamless, because I loved Starcrossed even if the characters weren’t all that great. I enjoyed the story and can’t wait for more.


Cover Thoughts: The cover is really pretty, but Helen seems awkwardly placed. I still really like the cover though.   

I'm Officially Done With Camp!!

What does that mean well it means that you can expect to me be more active again in the blogging world. Here's some things to expect of me for getting caught up.

REVIEWS! And lots of them! I'll be rereviewing a bunch of books that I've read previously this year or maybe a long time ago. Before Band Camp I did an exclusive Goodreads review of a Stephen King book I  read two years ago and that can be found here. Check it out and leave comments or like it. Please. Be on the look out for those reviews I promise they'll be worth reading. :D

TV TALK! That's right I'm bringing TV Talk back. I got behind the last couple of weeks and forgot completely about it. I'll post a TV TALK later today to catch up for the one I missed. If you don't know what TV TALK is it's a little thing I do here where I talk about a TV show that I watched during the week.

Music! Yep that's right I just discovered this new video from one of my favorite bands that I have yet to watch so be on the look out for that. I also hope to download the new Pierce the Veil album and I can't wait for the King for a Day video featuring Kellin from Sleeping with Sirens (another favorite band). Hopefully I'll be able to talk about more music which I haven't done in a while. I'll also probably talk about old music videos from bands that I love.

I want to talk about my Band Camp experience now. So I've never been to Band Camp before. I've never been in the band nor have I played an instrument. But since I'm in colorguard we march with the band during football season we are apart of the band which means I had to attend Band Camp or I wouldn't be on the guard anymore. My band camp experience was fun. Even though I've never sweat so much in my life and I have really bad tan lines that will not look attractive at homecoming I had fun. The work was hard, but it paid off. We had a band performance last night and it was good. I thought I did terrible since I messed up on my parallel (a toss) and I had to jump in five counts behind everyone, but I did a great recovery (YAY!). My parents and friends thought I did good, but you know I thought they were just saying that because well they are supportive of me whether I'm good or bad at what I'm doing, but when I was leaving my instructor told me I did a great job. That made me so happy to know that my instructor thought I did a good job even though I messed up. So yeah Band Camp went pretty well. The best thing about camp though was the food and the breaks we would get Popsicles or Sonic slushies. That was some of my band camp experience. It was fun. I'm looking forward to next year.

Thanks for reading this really long post. Sorry there were no gifs or pictures in this post, but I'll definitely have them in my reviews.

Almost Done....

Tomorrow is the last day of Band Camp!

I'm so happy I'm almost done. Band Camp is horrendous. The only good thing is the food and that I'm with my friends and making new ones. The work is terrible. I work five times harder than the people on the band and hearing them complain about doing ten push-ups while the guard does 50 annoys me. I can't wait to be able to walk again! I have been limping around 'cause the heels of feet hurt and I have blisters on the second two toes on both of my feet.

Hopefully I'll catch up on everything I've missed.

P.S. If you're a new follower and I haven't followed you back yet, I'm sorry I'll do it as soon as I can.