Passionate and Spectacular: Prodigy (Legend, #2) by Marie Lu

Prodigy (Legend, #2)
by Marie Lu

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Dystopia

Release Date: January 29, 2013

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Source: Bought/Own Copy

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Website

Synopsis:   

Injured and on the run, it has been seven days since June and Day barely escaped Los Angeles and the Republic with their lives. Day is believed dead having lost his own brother to an execution squad who thought they were assassinating him. June is now the Republic's most wanted traitor. Desperate for help, they turn to the Patriots - a vigilante rebel group sworn to bring down the Republic. But can they trust them or have they unwittingly become pawns in the most terrifying of political games?  

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Review:

"The first time I saw you, when you stepped into that skiz ring against Kaede, I thought you were the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen. I could've watched you forever. The first time I kissed you...well, that might as well have been my first kiss ever." 

It's a bit surprising for me to actually like the second book of a series, but much to my surprise, I actually like the second book better. Not only do we have a great sequel, it actually managed to avoid the pit of books that suffer from the second book syndrome! Prodigy managed to go above my mile-high expectations and then some. I was grasping the last couple of pages for dear life and crying and crying and crying. 

Lu, as expected, did not shatter my expectations; It even went beyond them. It was even better than it's legendary predecessor. It got better and bolder and it burned with a much brighter flame. In both writing and pacing, Prodigy is far more impeccable. I have to say that her take on the dystopian society turned out to be pretty astounding. I was enthralled in the world Lu created with little trouble at all. Though I have to say that many questions were being raised as to how the Republic's system works during Legend, but Prodigy has successfully managed to answer all the queries of the curious minds.

In Prodigy, Lu continues the story of Day and June after having escaped an execution attempt at Los Angeles. They are trying to bring down the government infected with corrupt officials and the only way to stop them is to destroy the system itself. The duo escape to the east side of what is known today as the United Stated of America where it's called the Colonies of America. The Patriots, or the rebels whose lives are dedicated to damage the Republic's system, and June and Day head out for a dangerous mission and they're having second thoughts. 

In the second installment of the Legend trilogy, Day still proves to be the modern day Robin Hood. Although, being the opposite of June, he still fails to disregard his emotions in making decisions. It always weighs more than the consequences, and that's what I love about him the most. He loves wholly, it's his nature AND GAAAAH THAT ENDING. I remember finishing this book and just staring at a blank spot on the wall for minutes that seemed like hours... Was I the only one? Okay, then.

As for June.. Hmm, there's just so much to be said about her. I loved her kick-ass-ness (Is there such a word?) I loved how she's capable of putting the enormity of the decision first, then her emotions later. She reminds me so much of the heroine in CW's show Nikita. Although Nikita's the criminal and Michael is the one hunting her down! (You should totes watch that show!) But I didn't like her towards the end of the book. LIKE WHY DID YOU LET SOMEONE LIKE DANIEL ALTAN WING GO? ONE IN THEIR RIGHT MIND DOES NOT DO THAT

Though Prodigy wasn't as fat-paced as I expected, it still blew my mind. I loved how Lu made to plot focused on the problem at hand and not the romantic relationships between the characters. The way she introduced the secondary characters that proved to be integral in this series's end. I loved how she writes them in dual POVs. It's like watching the same event in two different TV screens put beside each other, I agree that for some, that doesn't sound indulging, but I am telling you right now that I just can't tell people how awesome this book is because it's like love. And love is complicated as it is great, so just go ahead and pick up a copy and sink you teeth into this one!

Rating:

Waiting on Wednesday: Landline by Rainbow Rowell

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

This week's Waiting on Wednesday:

Landline

by Rainbow Rowell

Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Expected Publication Date: July 8, 2014

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Website

Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it’s been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply — but that almost seems besides the point now.

Maybe that was always besides the point.

Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can’t go. She’s a TV writer, and something’s come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her — Neal is always a little upset with Georgie — but she doesn’t expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her.

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything.

That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts . . .
Is that what she’s supposed to do?

Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?

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It's written by Rainbow Rowell. I think that, alone, is enough reason why I should be excited to read this book. :-) 

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About the Author:

Rainbow Rowell is the author of ATTACHMENTS. She has two novels coming out in 2013 -- ELEANOR & PARK in February and FANGIRL in the fall. 

Rainbow lives with her husband and two sons in Omaha, Nebraska. Right at this moment, she is probably arguing with someone about something that doesn't really matter in the big scheme of things -- or trying to figure out how Sherlock faked his death.Blog and other stuff at rainbowrowell.com.

Rainbow elsewhere: Twitter | Website 

Cover Reveal

So today Cora Carmack has revealed the amazing cover of the novella in her series Losing It. The novella's name is Seeking Her and it's cover model is gorgeous! Without further ado, here's the cover.

Seeking Her (Losing It, #3.5)

by Cora Carmack

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Release Date: January 28, 2014

Publisher: William Morrow Impulse

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks

A few months after being honorably discharged from the military, Jackson Hunt is still struggling to adjust back to the real world. He needs to get a job and find a sense of normalcy if he’s going to keep his own demons at bay. The job that falls into his lap, though, is anything but normal. 

Bodyguard (and baby-sitter) to spoiled-rich-girl Kelsey Summers isn’t exactly what he’d been looking for, but it’s a chance to travel, to get away from the home that has felt stifling ever since his return. It would be a pretty sweet gig if it weren’t for the fact that Kelsey’s father doesn’t want Kelsey to know she’s being followed. Hunt feels guilty (and a little bit creepy) as he watches her from afar. She’s vibrant and infuriating, exciting and reckless, mysterious and familiar. When he sees her falling into the same patterns that he suffered years ago, he decides it’s time to stop watching and help her instead. But getting to know her is more difficult than he thought, especially because the more he knows her,the more he wants her.   

Tunes of Two Ends (1)

Tunes of Two Ends is a weekly meme hosted by none other than Two Ends of a Bookshelf, wherein we share our five-track playlist that calls to mind a book or series that we have recently read and is currently the focal point of our thoughts. 

This week's playlist is dedicated to:

1. When She Comes Around by Ben Rector

2. Stubborn Love by The Lumineers

3. Let Her Go (Acoustic) by Passenger

4. Slow Dancing in a Burning Room by John Mayer

5. Miserable At Best by Mayday Parade

*click on photo for a link to playlist

Aaaaand that's it for this week's new feature, Tunes of Two Ends! What tracks are you currently playing? Comment below! :-)

Waiting on Wednesday: The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

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

This week's Waiting on Wednesday:

The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines, #4)

by Richelle Mead

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Vampires, Fantasy

Expected Publication Date: November 19, 2013

Publisher: Razorbill

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Website

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure—and re-education—looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this thrilling fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe.

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The gut-wrenching last words of the Indigo Spell left me begging for more! I really, really can't wait for this book because of Zoe and Sydrian. But, guess what? I've managed to wait this long and you know what they say about patient people: Good things come to those who wait. So, until then, you can find me waiting for this book. 

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About the Author:

Scorpio Richelle Mead is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy books for both adults and teens. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington where she works on her three series full-time: Georgina Kincaid, Dark Swan, and Vampire Academy.

A life-long reader, Richelle has always loved mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses. She's a self-professed coffee addict and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous.

Richelle elsewhere: Twitter | Website | Facebook

Top Ten Tuesday: Covers I Wish I Could Redesign

Each week, particularly every tuesday, The Broke and Bookish host a Top Ten Tuesday based on a specific bibliophilic topic. Other bloggers are able to participate and post their own top ten list based on the topic of the week.

November 12: Top Ten Covers I Wish I Could Redesign

1.  Broken and Screwed 2 by Tijan

I absolutely loved this book, but the cover just doesn't do it for me. I feel like it could have been better like c'mon, look at the cover of Broken and Screwed! It's so pretty, but this one? Not that much. 







2. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell 

Yes, I want to redesign the cover. Why? Not because it looks ugly, but because I have so many ideas it. Don't get me wrong, I love the cover. More than love, actually, but I just wish I would redesign it, you know? I love the title of this book and I feel like redesigning the cover of this book would be so much fun.




3. Unearthly by Cynthia Hands

The girl looks pretty, but the COLOR. Ughhh. I wish it has more color.

4. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

I'm not really a huge fan of the cover of this book because it looks kind of child-ish?




5. Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor

Just like what Lois said, are those antlers?








6. That Boy by Jullian Dodd

There are two reasons why I want to redesign the cover of this book. First, it's too minimalist. Second, the same reason why I would like to redesign the cover of Fangirl; I like the title.

7. Raging Star by Moira Young

At first glance, I fangirled about the cover, but then things started slowly kicking in and I suddenly started not liking the cover. First is the color. GREEN. WHY? Second is they shouldn't have show the faces. It would've look way more cool.






8. The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

I actually like Sydney in the cover, but Adrian. WHAT HAPPENED TO HIS HAIR? It's like he joined the army and had his hair cut off. Nonetheless, he still looks handsome.






9. Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan

I actually like the cover of this book. The only reason why I want to redesign it is so that I can buy it. Why can't I buy it the way it is? My parents might panic when they see the cover.

10. Wallbanger by Alice Clayton
As for this one, I also like the cover, but I want to read it, so I want to redesign it. Again, my parents might panic when they see the cover.








*this list is of no particular order and NO WAY attacking those who made the cover for the books listed above

So that's our Top Ten Tuesday for this week! Comments? Leave them below! :-)

Unputdownable and Compelling: Legend by Marie Lu

Legend (Legend, #1)
by Marie Lu

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Dystopia

Release Date: November 29, 2011

Publisher: Putnam Juvenila

Source: Bought/Own Copy

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Website

Synopsis:   

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.  

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Review:

“Each day means a new twenty-four hours. Each day means everything's possible again. You live in the moment, you die in the moment, you take it all one day at a time.”

The feeling of apprehensiveness was creeping up on me while I was contemplating whether to buy this book or not. I was really hesitant because people (and the reviews on the cover) carry the message that this book has a great amount of correspondence with Hunger Games—and it is a well-known fact that I am not a big fan of Hunger Games—, but I kept my mind open. And thank God because it was love at first word. 

I am at loss for words because there's just so much to say that I can't verbalize. Right now, I am sitting in stunned silence because of the beauty of this book. And that means so much considering I talk almost every minute of waking. Wow, just wow.

With the influx of YA novels this past few years, only a handful tend to impress me. And Legend is amongst that handful because Marie Lu's debut novel is nothing if not ambitious. We are presented with a book that has complicated love story, a distant war, and attempts of execution. The twists and turns of this book were not expected and Legend really does deserve an award for the most unforeseen plot twists! And that's coming from a person who, by reading one too many novels, has mastered the twists and turns of the YA genre. 

Legend tells the story of two 15-year-olds, Day and June, who couldn't be more different, living on The Republic or known as the West side of US. Day, the Republic's most wanted criminal, also a kid form the poor sectors struggles to keep his family together because of his status. June, on the other hand, has grown up in one of the wealthiest sectors and has a bright future ahead of her. Their paths cross after June's brother, a soldier of the Republic, is found dead during a break-in attempt by Day at a hospital. Now, June is hellbent on getting revenge for his brother and The Republic uses her thirst for justice and is having her track Day. However, as more secrets are revealed, her world tilts off it's axis and she finds herself shifting from one allegiance to another.  

The plot was incredible! It was fast-paced, and nothing was ever just a filler. At the very first chapter, Lu gets right to the point and introduces June Iparis as The Republic's Prodigy and Day as The Republic's most wanted criminal. At the beginning of the book, Metias, June's brother, dies and the interesting parts go on from there. Now you might think that the build-up would, sooner rather than later, be boring. But I am telling you right now that it did not! While writing this paragraph, there's a phrase on my mind that sums up this whole paragraph: Everything just keeps getting better and better. And better did it get.

Now onto Day, or Daniel Altan Wing (Don't even get me started on how good he looks and how his hair feels when I run my fingers through it) He's like the modern day Aladdin because he steals from the rich and give them to the less to his side of town. He steals goodies for the poor, will do everything and I mean everything for his family. (Isn't that heartwarming?) He's such a sweet, caring, optimistic, and charismatic guy. I could go on and on, but I chose not to because this review might hold the record for Longest Book Review of All Time indefinitely. 

As for June, I really loved her character. She's the mirror image of Day—only born richer. What made me say that? She's selfless and she will do anything to bring his brother justice. I really like the way Lu portrays us girls because in some books they take care of us as though we're spineless, though a little bit of pampering's nice too, I really like reading books with strong female heroins because it makes me feel badass. I really understand where she comes from. She didn't question The Republic and their motives because that's what she grew up with. That's how she sees The Republic, honest and wants the best for their people. But as secrets unfold, she became the warrior that I saw her to be. She sucked it up and went with the flow. When life gives you lemons you ought to make lemonade right? 

With a novel this complex and intriguing, only one stays constant: the writing. Lu's writing is one of the best! She doesn't make it too long to eventually get tired and mark it as DNF, and not too short to make it seem as though it's a novella. She uses the right complexity of words that won't get you running for your dictionary most of the time, and uses just the right amount of descriptive words to make your surroundings match those of the book's. I really felt like I was a June or Day when they were fighting and it was a nice experience since I don't come out of the house that much often. Thank you Marie Lu for making me feel like I can scale a 10-storey building! Haha.

To sum up, Legend was a breath of fresh air! A novel standing out from those cliché ones that don't even surprise me. If you're still stubborn and won't read Legend even if I put it on a pedestal, then it's your loss because Legend is Legendary.

Rating:

Top Ten Tuesday: Sequels I Can't Wait To Get My Hands On

Each week, particularly every tuesday, The Broke and Bookish host a Top Ten Tuesday based on a specific bibliophilic topic. Other bloggers are able to participate and post their own top ten list based on the topic of the week.

November 5: Top Ten Sequels I Can't Wait To Get My Hands On

1.  Ruin and Rising (The Grisha, #3)

I've been wanting this book since I finished the second one! [whispers] Alarkling 5ever!

2. The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines, #4)

Having read the Vampire Academy series, I've been hooked to the world created by the wonderful Richelle Mead. That being said, I cannot control myself from reading her spin-off series, Bloodlines! (It may have something to do with Adrian Ivashkov..)

3. Into the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky, #3)

I badly want to know how they'll find and get Into the Still Blue! If you haven't read the first two books in this trilogy, you better do, soon. BECAUSE YOUR LIFE IS SO BORING WITHOUT ROAR. And Perry. ;)

4. Aristeia (Goddess War, #2)

With the last words of Antigoddess, really, who wouldn't want the sequel?

5. Ignite Me (Shatter Me, #3)

THIS. BOOK. I really, really need it because I so need to get more of the action in Unravel Me's chapter 62. *wink wink*

6. The One (The Selection, #3)

Who will America choose? Prince Maxon or Aspen? I NEED TO KNOW. FAST.

7. The Retribution of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #3)

Let me ask you a question: Who doesn't need this book?

8. Dreams of Gods & Monsters (Daughter of Smoke & Bone #3)

ARGH. NO WORDS CAN EXPRESS HOW MUCH I NEED THIS BOOK RIGHT NOW.

9. Cress (Lunar Chronicles #3)

Yes, I'm a sucker for retellings, and so far, Marissa Meyer's the best one I've read of the retellings genre. And Scarlet lacks Prince Kai x Cinder moments, so I'm hoping for more of their (if they meet in this book) adorable scenes!

10. City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6) I have mixed feelings about thin one because of Cassandra Clare's snippets.. "They're all dead." NOOOOOOOOOOOO.

*this list is of no particular order

That concludes our Top Ten Tuesday for this week. What are your most anticipated sequels? Comment below! :-)

Release Day Launch + Giveaway: Four Seconds to Lose by K.A. Tucker

*Click banner to see the host's blog

Hi! Welcome to my stop in Four Seconds to Lose's release day launch hosted by Kelly of InkSlinger PR. A giveaway awaits you below!

Four Seconds to Lose
by K.A. Tucker

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Release Date: November 4, 2013

Publisher: Atria Books

Links: Goodreads | Barnes & Noble  | Amazon | Author's Website | Simon and Schuster

Synopsis:   

Owning a strip club isn’t the fantasy most guys expect it to be. With long hours, a staff with enough issues to keep a psych ward in business, and the police regularly on his case, twenty-nine year old Cain is starting to second guess his unspoken mission to save the women he employs. And then blond, brown-eyed Charlie Rourke walks through his door, and things get really complicated. Cain abides by a strict “no sleeping with the staff” rule. But being around Charlie challenges Cain’s self-control…and it’s been a long time since any woman has done that.

Twenty-two-year old Charlie Rourke needs a lot of money, really fast, in order to vanish before it’s too late. Taking her clothes off for men makes her stomach curl but Charlie tells herself that at least she’s putting her acting and dancing skills to good use. And though her fellow dancers seem eager to nab their sexy, sophisticated, and genuinely caring boss, she’s not interested. After all, Charlie Rourke doesn’t really exist—and the girl pretending to be her doesn’t need to complicate her life with romance.

Unfortunately, Charlie soon discovers that developing feelings for Cain is inevitable, that those feelings may not be unrequited—but losing him when he finds out what she’s involved with will be more painful than any other sentence awaiting her.

GIVEAWAY:

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.

Kathleen elsewhere:

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