Review: Forest of Adventures by Katie M. John

Release Date: December 1 2010
Publisher: Little Bird Publishing
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 384
Type: E~book
Source: Smashwords
Author: Katie M. John
Website
Goodreads

For seventeen year old Mina Singer, falling in love with an Authurian Knight on a white horse was never part of the plan--- especially being that she's an ordinary college girl living in the twenty-first century. As Mina finds herself catapulted into a land she believed only existed in the bedtime stories of her childhood, she soon discovers that Fairyland is not quiet as innocent as she imagined.

The question is.......... who will come out alive?

-- Goodreads Description


Mina Singer is just an ordinary seventeen-year old girl. She spends most of her time going to school, and hanging out with her friends and long-term boyfriend Sam. The only things she has to worry about are typical teenage things; such as, homework, tests, and what plans she has for the weekends. That all changes when Blake Beldevier arrives at school and into her life. The moment he arrives she feels a pull towards him, which is crazy right, because she doesn't even know him.

This gorgeous, sweet man arrives on the scene and Mina's world turns into a rollercoaster of ups and downs. She starts questioning her feelings and future with Sam, as her feelings for Blake grow stronger. And she starts questioning her sanity as her normal world merges with a unbelievable one where magic and knights in shinning armor really do exist.

This book is magically romantic. It grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let me go. I was swept up in the poetic pages, and pulled between ancient medieval times and modern day, where knights live among the norms and no ones the wiser.

I fell in love with Blake almost the instant Mina did. He's a tall, dark, handsome gentleman, but also a dangerous and mysterious knight. He also loves books and smells like "wild-flower meadows and sun-kissed barley fields" for goodness sake!!

I also love Sam and feel bad for the guy once Blake enters the scene. He's your typical attractive, athletic, outgoing, blonde haired, blue-eyed sweet guy. But he has nothing on Blake in my eyes.

I absolutely loved Mina too!! She is just a normal-quiet-girl who likes to read and enjoys art. She would rather keep to herself and stay out of the lime light. Once Blake enters her life that all changes. Her world gets rocked, and she has to face trials and fears she never knew she had the courage nor the strength to face. I loved watching her grow and become such a strong character.

All in All, Forest of Adventures was captivating and very unique. Katie M. John knows how to mesmerize you and keep you reading. And the ending is a fricken bombshell! I loved every moment of it, and can't wait to read the sequel.

Overall Rating = A+


If you haven’t read this book yet you MUST !!!!
Go do it RIGHT NOW!!!!!
If you have then you defiantly should check out the sequel Immortal Beloved which was just recently released Aug. 25 2011. Be looking for my review in the near future.

Waiting on Wednesday (10) :



Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Its about what books you just can't wait to get your hands on.

Daughter of Smoke & Bone:
By Laini Taylor

Release Date: September 27 2011
Publisher: Little Brown


Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky. In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low. And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherworldly war.

Meet Karou, she fills her sketch-books with monsters that may or may not be real, she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands." She speaks many languages--- not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--- beautiful, haunted Akiva-- fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

-- Goodreads Description



My Thoughts:

I sooooooooo can't wait for this book. It sounds epic, and right up my alley. You know now after reading my TGIF what books I am really into and this has it all. Supernatural aspects, Good vs. Evil (assuming this one), Romance, and I am sure kissing. A sexy male character. I mean Akiva already sounds sexy, and all I know about him is he's beautiful and has fire-colored eyes..... swoon.  Also the main character Karou sounds like a tough chick. I sooooo can't wait to read this. I wish I could go buy it right now!!!! I know I don't have much longer to wait, but you know me when I see a book I love just from the cover and description I need it that moment. Out of all the books that came out this year I am dying to read this one.

Waterfall Wednesdays: Chaps. 1-6:

Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren:

Disscussion Schedule:

Aug. 31st: Chapters 1-6: Hosted by Tina @ Tinasbookreviews

Sept. 7th : Chapters 7-11: Hosted by Missie @ The Unread Reader

Sept. 14th: Chapters 12-17: Hosted by Jay & Serena

@ Edgy Inspirational Romance

Sept. 21st: Chapters 18-23: Hosted by Jenny

@ Supernatural Snark

Sept. 28th: Chapters 24-28 & Wrap Up: Hosted by Nic

@ Irresistable Reads



Disscussion Questions & Answers for Chapters 1-6:

1. Waterfall opens up with the introduction of Gabi, she's depressed, a little angry, and is dealing with feelings of loneliness. Are you connecting with her this soon in the novel? Do you see things you like or dislike?

I could relate to her right of the bat. She is an easy character to fall in love with. I understand why she is feeling a bit lonely. Her mom seems the type to be in her own little world, and forgetting about her daughters a bit.  Also losing someone so close to each of them will make people sad and also turn a bit to themselves to deal with that grief. I think her mom might be a little bit more determinde and into her work to find what her husband dreamed of finding.


I also feel bad for her because she is trapped with her mother on a dig, and can't even help all that much. I mean I would love...love.....LOVE to be stuck in Italy for a summer, but not around a dig site I can't even go into how boring.


I love the way this story is written right from the beginning. It pulled me in from the start and hasn't let me go yet.

2. Gabi gets to time travel back to 14th century Italy--- The Dark Ages in its prime. Is there any time in history that fascinates you and would you travel back if you could?

I would love to go back to medieval times. The times of Kings and Queens and real Knights in shining armor would be awesome to see. Also the castles. I have always wanted to see a castle. It would be awesome to live in one. Well at least for a couple of days.......because I think I would get cold or too hot easily. I would also like to see the world when it was still new.

Also I would like to travel back to ancient Egypt. I am sure it was beautiful to see all of Egypt in its glory days. It is something I love reading about. Pyramids, Palaces, mummies...etc it would be just real interesting to see.

However, I would only go back if I was guaranteed to return when I wanted, because I would miss running water, hot showers, and technology among many other things.
 

3. Most of the men, including Marcello, have a very set opinion about a women's place. Gabi gets manhandled a bit in these first few chapters, and even gets asked if she's a witch. The men are shocked when Gabi rides on a horse like a man, and shimmies down the castle walls. What do you think of men's mentality back then? Gentlemanly, chauvinistic, simple-minded?

I think it's just how things were back then. They are not used to women being anything close to what Gabi is. They see themselves as being the strong ones, the providers and protectors. I think they are trying to be more gentlemanly, but they are also simple-minded as well. They look at Gabi like she can't do things even though she is determined to. Example when she asks for a sword to help defend herself. Most of the time I didn't mind it because that is the way the men are back then. They were raised that way and its drilled into their heads, but then other times I get a little mad because I think the guys need to broaden their minds. If you actually taught the women a little self defense they might be able to help themselves when the men lose or when the enemies get around the men.

That being said the reason I am like this is because I like being independent and doing things for myself. But I do like my husband to help me out a bit. Not because I can't do it, but because I like him to feel like he is needed.....lol     Shhhhh don't tell him :)

4.  When Gabi becomes apart of this era, the people are immediately intrigued, but suspicious of her. Many judge her by her difference. Do you think this is fair? Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like an outsider or that others were misjudging you?

I think that if someone showed up wearing medieval clothes or a full body of armor on a horse talking the old way that they do we would look at them a bit strange, and say they were crazy. We might even put them in a looney bin.

But, I defiantly think you shouldn't judge people by the way they look. For example some people think all Goths are devil worshipers or are weird. I love me some Goth people and people that are different in general.

And yes I have felt misjudged at different parts in my life. I have worn glasses since I was five and I got made fun of because I was a little different. I was called four eyes, and nerd a ton. Then I was a blonde growing up, I am a brunette now but I am a natural blonde and people look at blondes as being stupid and airheads, when in actuality I am smarter then those who used to treat me that way. Even now people think I am a bit weird with my glasses wearing, book and science loving nerdy self. I however love my uniqueness. Though at times it is hard to see how people judge me with their eyes and words. I just remind myself that I am special and have a lot of people who love me for the way I am.

5. What do you think the coolest thing would be about living in the Dark Ages? What would be the worst?


Coolest:
- Riding on horses, and not paying for gas!!! ( I love horses)
- Living in cool castles
- There was less pollution back then
- The yummy handsome real knights in shining armor.
- Also I would love to see how the world was before it became a concrete jungle.

The Worst:- Women not being treated equally and even looked at as being week and only useful for making babies and dealing with the house stuff.
- No electricity which seems like it would be a bad thing for a lot of people. Here in VA people freak out with only a couple of days without it. I admit that it would be really hard.
- No toilets or running clean water.
- No shavers or deodorant.
- No libraries or printed books YIKES!!!!!
- No iced coffee or sodas.
- No ice cream or anything real cold.
- And no glasses or medical advances. I would be walking around blind and people die from the smallest of illnesses.

Review: Wicked Lovely: Graphic Novel Vol. 1:

Wicked Lovely: Dessert Tales:
Book 1: Sanctuary:

By: Melissa Marr
Art by: Xian Nu Studio
Release Date:  April 21, 2009
Publisher: HarperCollins
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 176
Type: Paperback/ Graphic Novel
Source: Won from the adorable Paula @ PaulaSHx

The desert is far away from the schemes of the Faerie Courts......
and that's how Rika likes it. Once a mortal and now a faery, Rika seeks isolation and revels in her ability to appear invisible to humans. Then, she meets him. Artistic and kind, Jayce is the last person Rika wants to hide from. But change is coming, challenging Rika's freedom and her new romance, as her past pursues her, even into the heart of the desert.

-- Back Cover Description



*If you have not read the Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr you shouldn't read ahead.*





I really enjoyed the Wicked Lovely series. It's about a girl named Ash (Aislinn), who can see faeries. The Summer King is looking for his Queen, and has his eyes set on Ash. In order for Keenan (Summer King) to get his full powers back he must find his Summer Queen. However each candidate must go through the winter chill test. The girl must reach for the Winter Queen's staff, and if the cold doesn't consume her, then they are the Summer Queen. If they don't past the test, they must carry winters chill inside of them until someone else takes the test. This is not an easy task because many have tried and failed.

Rika was one of the girls from Keenan's past who fell in love with him, tried the test, and failed. She has much resentment towards him because he took her mortality, tricked her into loving him, and left her to her fate. Rika no longer has winter's chill, but she will forever be a faery, and isolated from the rest of the world, in order to stay away from Keenan and her past.

Rika is sad, and just trying to survive day to day in the isolated desert. The desert faeries don't like her, and she doesn't have anything to do with them. The only friend she has is Sionnach, another faery, but he secretly manipulates Rika for his on purposes. She is lonely and sad until she meets Jayce. Once he comes into her life she changes forever, and not her past or her present can keep them apart.

I really enjoyed this graphic novel. The illustrations are beautiful even in black and white. I always wondered what happened to the former winter girls if they didn't become summer girls. This graphic novel gives us a little insight into one of their lives. The only thing I didn't like was it seemed super short, and left a few things up in the air. I hope that some of my questions are answered in the second volume.

All in all, if you enjoyed Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series, you will enjoy the graphic novels. It brings the characters to life on the pages, and gives you more insight on the minor characters personalities and lives. I recommend reading the series first before diving into the graphic novels, just so you have an idea of what is going on.

Overall Rating: B

In My Mailbox (11):



In my Mailbox is a weekly post, hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren ,  about what new books we got this week.

Well the Hurricane came and went, and our power only went out for a little while. No damage and only damage that occurred to friends and family was cosmetic. Thanks for all the prayers.

Now for my IMM. I had a really great week this week.

Bought:

- The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

Bought at B & N

- Divergent by Veronica Roth

Bought from B & N

Thanks to the wonderful Victoria Schwab & her giveaway. I won a $25 gift card. I was able to buy the first two books with this!!!!

- Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

I bought this for only $7 at Sam's Club!!!

Thanks to the Zombie Queen for recommending this.

Review:

( E~ books)

- Oddfellows Orphanage by Emily Winfield Martin

( Thanks NetGalley & Random House)

- Little Wings #1: Willa Bean's Cloud Dreams

By Cecillia Gatonte

( Thanks NetGalley & Random House )

- Mr. & Mrs. Bunny Detectives Extraordinaire

By Polly Horvath

( Thanks NetGalley & Random House )

- Alice-Miranda on Vacation

By Jacqueline Harvey

(Thanks NetGalley & Random House)

- Graffiti Moon By Cath Crowley

(Thanks NetGalley & Random House)

- Wanderlove By Kristen Hubbard

( Thanks so much! NetGalley & Random House)

- Daughter of the Centaurs

By K. K. Ross

( Thanks NetGalley & Random House)

- My Big Book of Bible Stories

By Phil A. Smouse

(Thanks NetGalley & Barbour Publishing)

Other:

- Blood of the White Witch

By Lacey Weatherford

( Thanks Lacey Weatherford & Ashley @ Bookish Brunette )

- Wanted- Hero: Prelude to a Hero

By Jamie Buckley

( Yay !!!!)



     

TGIF and Weekly Recap (10):



TGIF is hosted by Ginger at Greads. It's about recapping on what we posted for the week, and also asking our readers a book related question. The question posted by Ginger today is?

Book Associations:  Which genre, authors, or particular books do you think people associate with your reading style?



Well, Im all about giving clues so here goes.....




I like books that have.......

Supernatural Aspects

Good vs.....

Evil

Some Romance.....

And kissing !!!!!

A sexy male character

 And last but not least...

A strong female character.

All of these make my perfect books.

Here are a few of my favorite authors

-Cassandra Clare

-Maggie Stiefvater

-Stephenie Meyer

-L. J. Smith

-Melissa de la Cruz

-Lauren Kate

-Becca Fitzpatrick

-Melissa Marr

- P. C. Cast

-Charlaine Harris

-Patricia Cornwell

These are the authors I read all the time.

Here are a few of my new favorites.

-Katie M. John

- Abbi Glines

-Aimee Carter

-Tera Lynn Childs

- Rusty Fischer

-Cayla Kluver

Well if you know me well, that is probably what you would associate me with.

Just a little side note the people in the romance and kissing pictures are me and my hubby :)

Friday: TGIF & Weekly Recap (9): The Reviews We Don't Write

Sunday: In My Mailbox (10)

Tuesday: Giveaway Winner

Wednesday: Waiting on Wednesday (9): Shatter Me

Thursday: Getting Ready & Apology







Getting Ready and Apology:

To all my readers and followers I just want to say that I am sorry I have been a bit MIA lately. Im not trying to make excuses, but I want to let you know why my blog has been a little neglected lately.

First....

 I have been trying to catch up on my reading, but now I need to catch up on my reviews and posts. Which I plan on doing this weekend.

Then........

My Bestie Laura Gray, had her precious baby boy!!!!  Enough said there :)

NEXT........

I have started to baby-sit my, soon to be 3 year old, nephew everyday. I have started to teach him stuff that they teach in pre-school to get him ready. Shapes, colors, numbers.....etc.  So I have been a bit busy the past week or so, and will be for a couple of months.

NOW....

I live in VA, and with mother nature acting a fool, I have had to get ready for an upcoming hurricane. I will have my TGIF and Weekly Recap posted for tomorrow, but I can't promise anything for the rest of the weekend. I plan to be back on here as soon as I can, and on twitter chatting you guys up.

I also would like to send out my concern and prayers to all that this hurricane has and will effect. My prayers are with you. I hope it comes and goes quickly. That there is little to no damage and that all are safe. 

Please check out my TGIF question and answer tomorrow, and be looking forward to some great reviews this upcoming week.

Some of the next reviews to come are:

-Wicked Lovely Graphic Novel Vol. 1 by Melissa Marr

-Forest of Adventures by Katie M. John

-Zombies Don't Cry by Rusty Fischer







Waiting on Wednesday (9):



Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Its about what books you just can't wait to get your hands on.

Shatter Me:

by Tahereh Mafi

Release Date: November 15 2011

Publisher: HarperCollins

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was a 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 to 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 is 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.

--Goodreads Description

My Thoughts:

O my, this is the book, releasing this year, that I am looking forward to the MOST! After hearing so many people raving about it, I can't wait to get my hands on it. I just wish I could get my hands on it now!
The story sounds so amazing and intriguing, and Juliette sounds like such a tough and strong character. I just can't wait to know what happens. Also just look at that cover. If the cover and the description doesn't draw you in then I don't know what will, and your crazy by the way............ just kidding, sort of!
I can't wait!!!!!

Also this is a bit off topic, but I live in Henrico VA, and I just wanted to say that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you who felt the 5.8 earthquake yesterday. It totally freaked me out, but if anyone had damage or got hurt my payers are with you. I know that this is not that bad of an earthquake for those who are used to them, but here in VA we are not. The first thought that came to my mind was a plane crashed in my back yard and not earthquake. Again my prayers go out to all of those who had damage and who got hurt, and also to those who deal with them often. I don't know how you do it. Ok enough with the heavy.




What book can't you wait to get your hands on?????

Giveaway Winner !!!!

And the winner of the signed paperback of Shiver is..........

Juju @ Tales of Whimsy

Congrats girl. I know you really wanted this :)

I will be emailing you shortly.

The winner was chosen by ramdom.org.  I would like to thank all of those who entered. If you did not win this time don't worry. I will be having another giveaway soon, so be looking for it.

In My Mailbox (10):



In my Mailbox is a weekly post, hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren ,  about what new books we got this week.

Ok Im sorry guys I have been behind on my posts lately.

This is late. I was going to have it up Sunday, but something happened that was amazing.

I can't really say I got this in my mailbox, but......

My BFF of all time had her baby boy!!!

Im super excited because I have a new nephew.

So that is why this is a little late.

Now for my Mailbox.

Review:

- The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees

(Thanks NetGalley & Harlequin)

I really love this cover, can't wait to read this!

Bought:

- Anna & the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

 I have really been wanting this book after all the recommendations so I bought it from B & N

Right now my sister is barrowing it while I read some other books I need to get done first, but then I will be diving into it.

- Vampire Stalker by Alison Van Diepen

Heard great things about this too, and it sounded amazing so had to get it.

(Bought it from B & N as well)

- Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton

I have really been into Mythology since I read The Goddess Test, so I looked around and heard great things about this one.

(Bought from B & N)

- Evernight by Claudia Gray

(Bought from the Library for .50 !!!)



- Alis by Naomi Rich

(Bought from the Library for $1 !!)

- Sunsational Cook Book by Junior League of Orlando-Winter Park

This is a great cook book. I love the cute pictures throughout it of the alligators.

(Bought from the Library for $1)

Other:

- Forever (Arc) by Maggie Stiefvater

I won this from Tania @ Literary Cravings , Thanks so much girl!

Since I already bought my copy of Forever at the release, I sent it to a friend.

If you haven't checked out T's blog please do its really great.

- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

When I was on my River Retreat my wonderful mother bought me this. I'v had this on my TBR list forever. So I figured I needed to read it soon. Especially with the movie coming out.

Super excited to start this series.