Updates and more

FINALLY bought a new layout and read a book that got me out of my slump (Carrier #1-- Click here to check out my review). New posts on their way as we speak.

I finally purchased a new laptop, my last one was beginning to have hardrive failure

I visited a few new countries. The Galapagos Islands was my most recent trip and I LOVED everything about it. New travel blog to come soon. Here are some pictures to give you a sneak peek

gloomy day @ Isla Santa Fe. We didn't get sun until 2hrs after this pic

Such an amazing day @ Isla Isabel

Teaching is going superbly. I never thought I'd love teaching so much. Everything about my job makes me happy (well, maybe not waking up at 6AM everyday, but you get the main idea... haha!). This year I've got some great kids and we have a weekly YA book club. Man... life is grreatttt!

Review: The Collector (Dante Walker #1)

Title: The Collector (Dante Walker #1)
Author: Victoria Scott
Publisher:
Pages: 352

My Rating:

Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence have made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple: weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag. Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal-opportunity collector and doesn't want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment: Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within ten days.
Dante doesn't know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect, he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector…and uncover emotions deeply buried. -goodreads.com

This is honestly the perfect read for halloween. It's fast paced, unique and it's got a bit of a creep factor... There were some instances where I didn't know where the hell the story was going. I would find myself thinking, "WHAT DID SHE DO?"... With that being said, I think the author took a big risk in having an "ugly" mc, but to be honest that was one of the things I loved most about this book. I didn't fully understand the whole Collector story and how there's only 6 in the whole world, but the story kept me very intrigued until the very end.

I loved Charlie as our main character. She's loyal and kind from the inside out. Dante?... Well, let's just say I wasn't his biggest fan in the beginning. I will admit he grew on me towards the end but there were certain moments where he was TOO much of a jerk. It was as if the author was trying too hard for him to be a "bod boy with a heart of gold". My favorite scene was the party/corn field scene. It wasn't Charlie's best night, but that was when I realized Dante was alright in my book.

Overall, the story itself was unique and kept me interested until the very end. A few plot holes, but this is a trilogy so I'm sure more things will be explained later on.

Review: Dreamology by Lucy Keating

Title: Dreamology
Author: Lucy Keating
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336

My Rating:

For as long as Alice can remember, she has dreamed of Max. Together, they have travelled the world and fallen deliriously, hopelessly in love. Max is the boy of her dreams—and only her dreams. Because he doesn’t exist.  But when Alice walks into class on her first day at a new school, there he is. Real Max is nothing like Dream Max. He’s stubborn and complicated. And he has a whole life Alice isn’t a part of. Getting to know each other in reality isn’t as perfect as Alice always hoped.  Alarmingly, when their dreams start to bleed into their waking hours, the pair realize that they might have to put an end to a lifetime of dreaming about each other. But when you fall in love in your dreams, can reality ever be enough? -goodreads.com

This was such a dreamingly magical read! I'm honestly having a very hard time accepting the fact that this is a stand alone novel. Reading this book makes you feel like your floating/bouncing up in the clouds. The main story revolves around Alice and Max. Two teens whom literally have been dreaming of each other since they were kids. Alice, our mc, is completely in love with Max, even though he isn't real... Or so she thought. After moving HS's Alice is terrified the day she see's Max (HER Max, the one from her dreams) walk in to class. Later on they discovered the reason they dream of each other was because [spoiler-- highlight to read] they attended a dream study center as kids, and then went their separate ways BUT they continued to dream of each other. [end spoiler]. Although there were a few unanswered questions about the story, overall I'm kinda wishing there was a book two.

Although Alice was a bit whiny at times, I liked her. The only thing that was a big no-no in my book was how she practically stole Max from his gf. The only character that kind of drove me mad was Max... Don't get me wrong, I really liked Max BUT he could be really rude at times, and he was always confused about his feelings... like come on, get your shit together!

In my honest opinion, the best thing about this book is how realistic the dreams were. Dreams hardly ever make sense and they don't always reflect things you have on your mind. The dreams in this book are the most realistic I have ever come across; they're random, colorful and all over the place. I loved Alice's dreams.

Review: Immortal City (Immortal Series #1)

Title: Immortal City (Immortal Series #1)
Author: Scott Speer
Publisher: Penguin Group
Pages: 368

My Rating:

Jackson Godspeed is the hottest Angel in a city that revolves around idolizing Immortals like him. He grew up in the spotlight, and in less than a week he'll become the youngest full-fledged Guardian ever. People around the world are lining up to pay for him to keep them safe. His lifelong dream of becoming a hero is finally within his grasp - and he can't afford to let the parties, paparazzi, or red carpets distract him. But Jackson's high-profile life takes an unexpected turn when he meets seventeen-year-old Maddy. She's smart and down-to-earth, and sees Jackson for who he is and not for his celebrity. They forge an instant - and electric - connection. Their vastly different backgrounds seem like the only obstacle in their path to being together... until something much more dangerous threatens to destroy their chance at love. Because not everyone worships the Angels: a bitter killer is murdering the Guardians one by one. And it's up Maddy to save Jackson - he's next in the killer's sights. -goodreads.com

I don't know why, but I freaking LOVED this book. It's been a while since I've sped-read, and I can honestly tell you that I finished Immortal City in one day. Imagine a futuristic world where we not only KNOW angels exist, but we pay for them to keep us safe. You got cash? Well guess what, you're pretty much untouchable. I was immediately drawn into the world Speer created and I loved every single second of it!

Let's talk character development... I liked Maddy, eh... well, I liked her enough to not roll my eyes when she made dumb decisions (I tend to have high expectations for my females mc's). I think she was a little too relatable... if that makes any sense. Yes, she was innocent but that doesn't mean she has to be weak too. I liked the scenes where she was in charge and kicking butt! That was the REAL Maddy, the one I wanted for Jackson. Speaking of... Jackson freaking Godspeed. I loved him from the start. I've read other reviews where people claim he was a bit of a jerk in the beginning, but I didn't him that way AT ALL. He and Maddy come from two completely different worlds yet he still put in the effort to make it work.

The murder aspect gave this book a bit of a detective feeling which I enjoyed. I suspected who the murder was but even then, the end(ing) scene was intense. If you have time and are in the need for a angel/romance/detective book, pick this one up. 

Review: The One (The Selection #3)

Title: The One (The Selection #3)
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 323

My Rating: 

The time has come for one winner to be crowned.  When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants. -goodreads.com

Alright, so... I have mixed feelings. This series was an easy read, because there's no real action in them. Yes, I know the rebels exist, but in all honesty they never once felt like a real threat. Not one time! Whenever they would show up I would think to myself, "Oh yeah, I forgot there's outside forces trying to break in". The ending was happy, and I'm a sucker for happy endings, but it all felt so rushed.

I might be hated for this [please forgive me] BUT.... The whole love triangle didn't even seem real. Of course I was Team Maxon but that was only because Aspen never really had his moment to shine. Yeah he was a guard and risked everything to be with America, but I feel like we never really got to know him. I always compare love triangles to the MOTHER of all love triangles; Twilight. In New Moon we got a whole book to get to know Jacob (did I like it in the beginning? Hell freaking no, BUT it gave us the chance to possibly consider someone that wasn't Edward). In The Selection series, I feel like Aspen was kinda just THERE... Like a fly that won't go away even after you shoo it.

Overall, I enjoyed this series and it did have it's romantic moments (Maxon's letter), but at the end of the day that's all it was romance. Which usually I don't complain about, but I just couldn't make it work for me personally when it came to this book. 

Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass (The Selection #2)

Title: The Elite (The Selection #2)
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: HaperTeen
Pages: 336

My Rating:

The Selection began with thirty-five girls. Now with the group narrowed down to the six Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's heart is fiercer than ever—and America is still struggling to decide where her heart truly lies. Is it with Maxon, who could make her life a fairy tale? Or with her first love, Aspen?  America is desperate for more time. But the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want—and America's chance to choose is about to slip away. -goodreads.com

Not as good as the first, but just as enjoyable. I honestly don't know what "team" I belong to... Leaning more towards Maxon but it's hard to say simply because I didn't like him as much in book two as I did in one.  I did very much enjoy the background/history of Ilea, and the explanations for the castes. I honestly wish we would have got a bit more action. Every time I thought America might be in trouble, she was magically rescued. Like come on, Cass! She's a big girl, she can take care of herself. It's almost as the author is afraid to write action scenes from the fear of them not having the desired effect with the audience...? Just my opinion.

America was a little too wimpy for my taste in The Elite. "I don't know who to choose, I love them both!" Get your head out of your ass woman! You have a crown to claim and a country to run. You talk the talk but can you walk it? At this point I'm not sure. I really didn't care for any of the other girls. I get that I'm not supposed to since they're practically the competition of our mc, but even then I don't think I enjoyed reading about them.

The more I write the review the more I wonder why the hell I gave it 4 stars, but the truth is I liked it. I don't know what's wrong with me.... I'm a sucker for these hopeless romantic stories, and even though I did roll my eyes a few times (actually, very often haha), you can bet your bottom I already have book three on my night stand waiting for my to crack that spine open! 

Review: The Selection by Kierra Cass (The Selection #1)

Title: The Selection (The Selection #1)
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages:336

Rating: 

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.  But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.  Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined. -goodreads.com

I don't know what it is about these types of books, but I'm a sucker for them. I've read countless reviews on how sexist and poorly written this series is, yet here I am... Having finished book one and actually looking very much forward to book two.

I have to admit, The Selection was a quick fun read. Only thing that really bugged me was the fact that Maxon was such a wimp at times. "I don't know what to do when women cry!"..... REALLYYYY!???? You're holding a Selection with 35 other women, yet you don't know how to handle a little bit of tears??? Hon, you're in for a whirlwind of problems! I liked America, she's easy to relate to and I truly did find myself rooting for her. I feel like Aspen and America's relationship really wasn't developed and felt too childish. I understand they're both teenagers, but even then they both just seemed so immature.

So if you're thinking, "Why the hell did you give it 5 stars?", my answer is I have no damn clue! hahaha! I'm serious, I just really liked the fact that I finished it so fast and it held my attention until the very end. The cliffhanger was inevitable so I'm kinda excited to start book two.