Out With The Old, In With The New!

I have been MIA from this blog for far too long and that is all changing starting today!
I am going to UtopYAcon 2014 in Nashville, TN this weekend and it has sparked my old interest in doing reviews!
I have been so busy with school and family life, not to mention modeling (did I mention I was actually ON a book cover?! I'll post it below!), that I got caught up in the whirlwind and neglected to continue doing something I loved!
Starting today I am reviving, and revamping, my blog along with the Facebook Page for this blog and plan to post more frequently as well as doing a ton of NEW reviews!!!
Since I have been out of the loop for awhile i'm at a loss for new series' so if you have any that you love and think are a "must read" just leave me a comment below and I will definitely try and get to them all!
Thanks so much,
Kendra

The book cover I am on!
"Alluring Seduction" By: Skye Turner

Shadowcry Review

Title: Shadowcry (Wintercraft #1)


Author: Jenna Burtenshaw


Publication Date: 6/21/2011


My Rating: ★★★★★


Synopsis:


The Night of Souls—when the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest—is only days away.

Albion is at war . . . and losing.

The wardens have descended, kidnapping innocent citizens for their army, but looking for one in particular.

And fifteen-year-old Kate Winters has just raised a blackbird from the dead.

As her home is torn apart by the wardens, Kate's discovery that she is one of the Skilled—the rare people who can cross the veil between life and death—makes her the most hunted person in all of Albion. Only she can unlock the secrets of Wintercraft, the ancient book of dangerous knowledge. Captured and taken to the graveyard city of Fume—with its secret tunnels and underground villages, and where her own parents met their deaths ten years ago—Kate must harness her extraordinary powers to save herself, her country, and the two men she cares for most. And she'll make a pact with a murderer to do it.

Those who wish to see the dark, be ready to pay your price.



I have already read this book, but since Blackwatch, the second in this series, has just come out I decided to read it again to really get the jist of everything again. Reading this book a second time I was just as thoroughly impressed and entranced by it as the first time I read it. That is why this book is on the list of my favorite series'.

For years Kate's hometown has been safe from a harvest, a time where wardens come and take people away to fight in the war that Albion is having with the Continent. Kate never thought that she'd have to face another harvest in her lifetime, especially after the last harvest took her parents away from her. Living in a bookshop with her uncle, Kate woke up a few days before the Night of Souls, a time when everyone celebrates and remembers the dead that have passed before them. She never thought that that that day would change her life forever. Wardens came into her town and her and another assistant named Edgar hid in the cellar of the bookshop. When a dead bird got revived in her very hands Kate didn't know what to think. But at that point everyone knew she was a part of the Skilled. A group of people that can see within the veil between life and death and can manipulate it. Her and Edgar had to flee from wardens that had gotten her uncle and while running she meets Silas Dane. A man who is not alive, yet not dead. He is the most feared person in Albion and Kate had the unfortunate pleasure of running into him.

After being taken by Silas into the city of Fume, Kate's journey picks up and there are all kinds of mishaps, deceitful people, and new things that Kate ends up going through. The journey to find Wintercraft, a book written by her ancestors and others of the Skilled, is the main point of her journey in this book. Once found, a whole nother world is revealed to Kate that she never dreamed was possible, and especially for her.

The way Jenna writes all of the scenes as well as all of the feelings that Kate has is just remarkable. I have only read a few books that keep me so engrossed in the story like this one has. The synopsis of this book is an amazing summary but even it doesn't give the book the justice it deserves. As the reader you will feel sympathy, anger, sadness, and excitement as you have never before with a book. And with the ending that it has? It will leave you wanting more! I am so glad that I re read this book and that I also already have the second book to start on!

Insurgent Review

Title: Insurgent (Divergent #2)


Author: Veronica Roth


Publish Date: 5/1/2012


My Rating: ★★★★★


Synopsis:

One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.



I haven't written a review about Divergent, this first book in this series, because I read it a long time ago and I can't remember much so I don't think it would be fair to write a half review because I can tell you, this series is AMAZING! So if you haven't read the first book, you may not want to read this review!

So after initiation and all the hell that went along with it Tris finally thinks she'll be able to relax a little. But she had no idea about all the things that were going to take place. Everyone must choose a side in this war between the factions, those who do not, end up with the factionless, and the Divergent are supposed to be sought out and killed. Tris and her boyfriend Four are two of those Divergent and end up having to run all over the place to avoid being killed.

This story is amazing. I can't even do it justice in a review, it's THAT good. This book is all about betrayal and will to survive, all while trying to save the ones you love and all that you hold dear. The world of all the factions is about to change drastically and Tris has to betray some people in order to gain knowledge about the "true" reason for the war.

The way this story ends is a wow of a cliff hanger. I was literally stunned by this book and I will be one of the first to buy the next one in this series. Divergent was amazing as well and I will read it again soon so I can write a review about it. Just know that this is a series you couldn't go wrong with. I think all kinds of people who love all different genres will find something to love about this series!

Ravenstoke Review

Title: Ravenstoke (Universe Unbound #2)


Author: Augusta Blythe


Publication Date: 12/4/2011


My Rating: ★★★★☆


Synopsis:


In Winterborne, Loie and Mia's seventeenth birthdays brought more drama and surprises than they ever expected. Now, in Ravenstoke, they are adjusting to the aftermath and struggling to keep those newfound powers in check. When Andreas is called away to England under mysterious circumstances, a new guy is sent to Salcey Ridge in his place. Cian is smarmy and cocksure and Loie wants nothing more than to unleash a hellhound on him. Unfortunately, Cian isn't the only complication in their lives as the girls must also contend with the reappearance of Mr. Winterborne himself and Loie's most dreaded fear of all - a part in the school musical. Can the girls survive the rest of junior year unscathed?



I'm pretty sure that I liked this book more than the first, if that's even possible! I love how fast paced the story was and this book is so much more intense and filled with so much emotion it just radiates from the pages!

I thought whenever Cian entered the picture that something was off, I just wasn't sure what. Boy was I in for a surprise though with Loie's father reappearing and taking her into Sanctuary. In this book you dig deeper into Loie as a person and how she feels and handles certain things. I love that this book expresses her individuality and portrays her as a heroine. The twist that I was left with made me pretty upset that I didn't already have the next book!

This is definitely one of those "never forgotten" series' and I will be adding it to my referral list on "Best Series'". I am so thankful that I got the chance to read and review this book!

*Special thank you to the Author for allowing me to read and review her book! I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the next installment!*

Winterborne Review

Title: Winterborne (Universe Unbound #1)


Author: Augusta Blythe


Publication Date: 4/24/2011


My Rating: ★★★★☆


Synopsis:


Sixteen-year old Mia Winterborne is destined to be special. Details are sketchy, though, as her dad disappeared with all the answers when she was five. Mia only knows that she’ll inherit her kickass superpowers on her seventeenth birthday. Helping Mia prepare for her anticipated ascendancy is Loie Bryce, her best friend and eternal sidekick extraordinaire. The girls’ intense friendship has never wavered until now, when Andreas arrives in Salcey Ridge. They both fall hard for the British hottie, who quickly becomes a fixture in their lives. When they discover that Andreas is not who he appears to be, the frightening reality of Mia’s powers finally hits home. The nearer Mia’s birthday draws, the more the danger escalates and long-buried lies are exposed, putting the girls on a path that they never expected.



Oh my gosh, such an amazing book! Defintely fast paced, read in one day, but it's one of those that you do not want to put down!

By reading the synopsis you think that the story will be from Mia's point of view but it's actually from Loie's and I defintely think that made the story. Poor Loie has lost both of her parents and her grandpa in a very short amount of time and has been mostly raised by her bitter grandma who seems like she couldn't care less about her until she forgets to clean the bath tub. She spends all of her extra time with her best friend and when I say best, I mean it. The were born the same day, same time, and in the very same room. Mia's father even named her because her mom thought she was a boy and her father couldn't make it to the birth. It's only later in the story that you realize why all of this is so relevent.

This is one of those books that I can hardly talk about with out leaking spoilers because it is that intense and fast paced. I have to admit that I figured out early on that something fishy was going on when Mia was trying to work with Loie on harnessing her powers, but there were many jaw dropping moments that I literally said "Oh my gosh" or laughed out loud and my husband just looked at me like I was crazy. I am so glad that I already have the second book to this and I am going to start right after this review! If you like mythical creatures with some mystery and love in the mix then this is just the book for you! I will definitely be reading this one again!

*A special thank you to the author for allowing me to read and review this book and sending me her second to read and review as well.*

Eden's Root (Eden's Trilogy Book #1)

Title: Eden's Root (Eden's Root Trilogy Book #1)


Author: Rachel Fisher


Publication Date: 12/17/2011


My Rating: ★★★★☆


Synopsis:


The year is 2033 and the world hovers on the edge of explosion as unexplained crop deaths lead to severe global food shortages. In the United States, the Sickness is taking lives slowly, creeping its way into every family. Fi Kelly has already faced the Sickness in her own family, toughening her beyond her years. But a shocking confession from her dying father will push her toughness to its absolute limits. Saddled with an impossible secret and the mission of saving her little sister, Fi sets out to transform herself into the warrior that she must become to survive the coming collapse. Along the way, she will discover that evil can be accidental and that love can be intentional.




Wow, I must say when I first read the synopsis I was worried that I may not really like the book. It was a very long read but my gosh I am so glad I took the time to read it!

When you start the story Fi is only 13 and her father tells her a huge secret. The food that everyone has been eating is what has been causing Cancer. Her father is dying of cancer in the beginning of the book and you see just how tight she is with her father and how she wants his approval on everything. At just 13 she starts hard core training. She takes herself to the limit with fighting and learning to use a bow and a gun. When it all finally comes to a head and she is forced to take herself and her Family, including the family next door, it is fast paced and very intense. This girl who is now only 14 years old is fighting for survival of not only herself but many other people as well.

Maggie is Fi's mother and the way the author portrays her is wonderful. There's a part in the story that says "you only need five minutes to fall in love with Maggie" and I definitely think that is true. Now I hate spoilers and I try not to have them in my reviews, but there was a point in the story where Maggie deteriorates very quickly and I actually cried. Now those who know me know that I am not a big cry type person, but yes, I actually cried. You come to love Maggie so much in this story it feels like a huge loss without her.

I love how the author makes Fi into such a strong woman even though she is only a child. I found myself forgetting that she was only 14-15 throughout the story and it took my breath away to have that fact brought to light every time her age was brought up. I like that she is fearless but she states that it isn't bravery that drives her, its rage. I can definitely understand where her rage is coming from. She lost her parents and is now moving an entire family across the U.S. to get to Eden which she isn't 100% sure she'll find.

The love that blossoms between Fi and Asher is quick and expected. I definitely figured out that they would end up together from the beginning of Asher in the story. But it was still a great read.

There was so much to take in while reading this book so this isn't even half of the stuff that I could possibly say about it. But it was an amazing read. It actually made me think about the food that we do have and how this quite possibly could be a real life situation. Kind of makes me want to only eat fruits and veggies that I myself grow and learn how to fight and survive on my own in case I ever had to do that. Definitely a great read for anyone who likes dystopian type books. I will most certainly be recommending this and can't wait to read the next book in this series.

*Thank you very much to the author, Rachel Fisher, for allowing me to read and review her book. It was amazing!*

Sickness Sucks

So I have been increasingly sick over the weekend. Saturday I got car sick going to the cook out, I never get car sick, and Sunday I just didn't feel very good all day and around eleven p.m. I started throwing up. Every time I tried to eat I would get a really bad pain in my stomach, like someone was stabbing me with a knife, and I would throw up. I finally decided to go to the doctor yesterday afternoon. I went to Urgent Care in Springfield but there were so many people there and after an old couple told me that they had been there for over two hours and the only thing they had done was draw blood, I knew I would be better off going to the hospital.

After getting to the hospital and seeing that not many people were there I thought it was going to be fairly quick and I was glad that I didn't stay at Urgent Care. They drew my blood and got vitals done pretty quickly and then I went and sat back down in the waiting room until they called me to go to a room.

The doctor’s thought I had something going on with my gallbladder because I have had several problems with it in the past but haven't had it out yet, so after an IV and Ultrasound added to the blood and urine tests, and about 6 hours later the doctor told me that I had Gastritis caused by H Pylori bacteria. Basically this means the bacteria in my stomach had made the lining of my stomach inflamed and irritated causing it to thin out and if I had not treated it, it would've created an Ulcer in my stomach. I'm glad I went to the hospital when I did because I've heard Ulcers are horrible to deal with!

They put me on an antibiotic, nausea meds, pain meds, and an antacid to help keep the acid in my stomach down so it can heal. I feel a little better today, yesterday I had no strength what so ever, but I hate that I am on a liquid diet until tomorrow. I feel like I'm pretty much starving here! But hopefully by this time tomorrow I will feel more like myself and be able to keep solid food down and not throw them all up!

Book Review's

I am almost done with this Comp and Math course for the summer so hopefully I will be able to start reading a lot more! It is killing me to not be able to read every day! I am 3/4 of the way through Eden's Root and I love it so far! It is an amazing read and I am sure the author can't wait to read my review as well as others on my blog.

There are many books that I have on the "to read" shelf and I can't wait to get to them! I have 5 right now that are "priority" but so many of my favorite book series have come out with the newest books and as soon as I am able I am going to go back to my "reading one book every three days" routine and get these things knocked out!

I love to read and I am so thankful when authors give me their books to read and review. It's a true blessing to get to read and post my reviews so that other people may want to read the same books and enjoy the same things that I have loved in each of the books that I read.

I am trying to think of new ways to spice this old blog up but I’m not quite sure how to do it yet. I'm thinking about doing some giveaways or just posting info about books that others might like to read. I read a lot of the same genre type books so maybe there are others who like one book and think "well I wonder what other books I would like that are like this one?" so maybe I will start posting about books that are similar to one another and if you like this one you might also like this other one!

So as I said before, fellow blog followers, please bare with me while I am trying to finish up these summer courses and get my reading back on schedule!