Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Author:

Veronica Roth

Release Date:

It's already out! In paperback too.

Grade:

Does It Have a Trailer?

Cover:

I LOVE IT! My copy was in paperback and it was shiny and whatnot. AH! Oh, by the way, that's Dauntless' sign but just way more cooler. 

Add it on Goodreads here.

Summary/Synopsis

Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances.

After reading and listening to so much raving about this book I decided I would give Divergent a shot and guess what? I will be raving about it too!

Myra McEntire Interview!

Today I have the great pleasure to welcome Myra McEntire to Cover Analysis! If you don't know already she is the author of Hourglass and it's sequel, Timepiece, comes out June 12th 2012! Oh, and did you know what happened on NetGalley recently? Timepiece is now available on NetGalley and when the announcement was made ...A LOT of people requested it and NetGalley's server crashed or something. Can you believe it!? 

*clears throat* Okay, onto the interview . . .

Blogger Award! (1)

So, I have recently been given a blogger award! Yaay! This award was given to me by Stephanie from Reviewing What I'm Reading

....and I was one of the 15 blogs she wanted to pass to the award to so without further ago let's get to the fun part!

Waiting on Wednesday! (#9)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

What is Monica eagerly waiting? Well, I'm glad you asked, Monica! Let's find out, shall we?

I'll Miss You, I'm Sorry

Sorry, for the dramatic blog post title but it's true. I'm going to miss you guys . . . temporarily and I'm sorry about that.

Why? I believe in "A picture is worth a 1000 words" so let the GIFs do all the talking, shall we?

What I Got (#6)

What I Got is a weekly meme hosted by me! Monica from Cover Analysis! :) It's to show other readers What We Got throughout the week. 

Yeah, I'm back to typing! I didn't have enough time to set up the camera, and press the record button, and all that so my words here will have to do!!

This week I didn't get much but I added some stuff because I forgot to mention them in the last WHAT I GOT so I'm sorry! You guys came here to see what I got so let's move on . . shall we?

The winner is. . .

The winner of the Small Blogs, Big Dreams Giveaway Blog Hop is . . .

Review: Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Author:

Kristen Simmons

Grade:

Release Date:
It's available everywhere.

Does It Have a Trailer?

Nope.

Cover:

I have to say I am a fan of the cover! I love the little splash of red we get from Chase's shirt and title.

Summary/Synopsis:

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back. Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren't always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard for her to forget that people weren't always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It’s hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different. Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow. That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.

My Opinion:

I'm surprised I didn't love this book like I thought I would. With that said I think it's pretty clear that I don't love it or even liked it very much. Now, let me tell you why.

I didn't really have any connection with the characters especially, the main one, Ember. She was too, I don't know, whiny. She questioned EVERYTHING and it was just idiotic questions, no less. The way she perceived things were kind of bland.

To me a major part of a book is the characters. I always, ALWAYS, have an emotional connection with them. It doesn't matter if I yell at them, love them, hate them, root for them. I always have a connection with them and in Article 5 I was left with nothing. No tears, no smiles, no nothing. Just a quick read. To me, the plot was wicked awesome along with the world built around it but it was also written very boringly, you know?

Although, it wasn't until the end when Ember finally found her true purpose in life that she showed no-, she glowed and I think it was the exact moment when she decided what she was going to do was when I decided that I will read the rest of her journey. It was end that left me kind of "What? Wait, NO! C'mon! Where's the sequel!?"

Book Trailer Thursday! (#7)

Book Trailer Thursday is a weekly meme hosted at Libby Blog that features book trailers of books that are either just out in stores or are coming soon.

*faints*
Yes, that's how much I love this trailer.

Waiting on Wednesday! (#8)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

What is this blogger highly anticipating?

Giveaway!

No, I'm not having anoter giveaway. Oh heavens no but a friend of mine is! Melania from fangs, felines, fin, & fun fiction is! I'll leave a link for you to enter her giveaway! She's actually the blog where I won my first giveaway so her blog means a lot to me. Go enter! :D

Wait, why would you go? Oh yeah, she has a set of The Talents and The Marked to give away!! Yes, my friends, now please go forth and . . .enter! :D

http://nwfantasywriter.blogspot.com/2012/04/april-awesomeness-inara-scott-marked.html

Teaser Tuesday! (#8)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

-Grab your current read

-Open to a random page

-Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

*BE CAREFUL NOT INCLUDE SPOILERS!* Also, make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!

-Share the title and author, too, so that TT (Teaser Tuesday) participants can add the book to their TBR (To Be Read) lists if they like your teasers!

Yes, I am finally reading Starters by Lissa Price! Yay!

Small Blogs, Big Dreams Giveaway Blog Hop

CONGRATULATIONS. . . . .

. . . .you have reached my stop in the "Small Blogs, Big Dreams Giveaway Blog Hop"!

The Small Blogs, Big Dreams giveaway blog hop is hosted by Forbidden Passions Reviews & Walking on Bookshelves

So, what's up for grabs?

What Faction Would I Choose?

I have just finished reading Divergent last night or earlier this morning, whatever works for you, and I kept thinking about the factions and which one I would choose. I personally have no clue but before I read the book I tried to make a blind choice off just by each faction's representation.

Amity: Peace

Me? Peace? I believe in whatever means necessary and sometimes peace isn't it.

Dauntless: Brave

Dude. I'm the world's most easily scared person let alone be brave.

Abnegation: Selfless

I can't even pronounced the name but selfless? Well, I always do put friends and family needs first instead of mine.

Erudite: Intelligent

Ah, the smarties. I love Math and I love knowing stuff. I always challenge my teachers on everything they say so I think I would belong in this faction.

Candor: Honest

I'm such a great liar but I never use it unless I really need to so the honest is out.

Keep in mind that all said about the factions is BEFORE I read Divergent so chill. Now, after I read Divergent I think I know what faction I would choose.

Amity: Peace

My mind has not changed much about Amity. They are exactly like I thought they would be. All fun-loving, respectful, and keep the peace and, trust me, I do not keep the peace from time to time so I wouldn't be Amity. They would ask me to leave on the first day of initiation.

Dauntless: Brave

Ah, the Dauntless. I have to say I admire them so much now especially because of Four. <3 But, truth be told, I do think I would consider them as a faction I would choose. I am definitely the type of person who gets so scared but feels like their drawn to that fear. For example, riding a roller coaster. DUDE! The rush is awesome even though I feel like I'm about to pee my pants! Plus, they wear dark clothes. :D

Abnegation: Selfless

I still can't pronounce the name but this is still a faction I would considering choosing. Wearing gray all the time, not having to put effort in standing out because your suppose to be invisible, and the fact that you have to put others before you at all times. That sounds pretty awesome to me. Helping others while being in the shadows but your never thinking about yourself which, for me, is good.  Mostly because I don't really focus that much on myself.

Erudite: Intelligent

The Erudite are the intelligent and, might I say, are so damn smart it's scary. Imagine what they could do with  all the information they get a hold of. War plans, bombs, and or even worse. They practically created everything in the factions. They know everything or, at least, try to but I would pick the Erudite because I'm a nerd. Being able to ask questions and actually get an answer is paradise but everything in Erudite is based on FACTS and I can't do that. I believe in Santa, the tooth fairy, the Easter bunny, etc are all real and I doubt Erudite would crush those fantasies of mine with statistics and whatnot. I'm just conflicted about Erudite but it would definitely be one I would take under consideration.

Candor: Honest

Telling anyone anything I want as long as it's honest? YEAH! I would so be perfect for that but the thing is ...I'm such an excellent liar. I can look you in the eye and tell you a lie but being able to let everything from your mind through your mouth is . . . awesome. Not only would you have no secrets but you never have to keep anything in!

So, looks like I've animated all but-, oh wait. I only eliminated Amity. I thought-, woah. Hold on. I kind of picked four factions. So, um, er....

Since, Divergent meant 3 ...so does Insurgent mean 4? Would I be Insurgent? Nah. Let's be practical. You know what. I'll let you guys choose! What faction would you actually seen in me in? Let me in the comments!

What I Got (#6)

Hey! So, today I will be presenting my first vlog. Tell me how I did ...I'm pretty sure I choked, and look like a fool but eh. We can't all be Dauntless. :)

Cover Analysis (#7)

It's Saturday! Do you know what that means? Yes, it's the beginning of the weekend but what else!? Yes, that's right! COVER ANALYSIS! :)

This week I present to you, my viewers, my analyzation of . . .

Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Author:

Kiera Cass

Release Date:

April 24th, 2012

Grade:

Does It Have a Trailer?
Yes! It can be found right here but shhh. It's exclusive! :)

Cover:

America looks so gorgeous in the cover! An icy blue to go along with her red hair and, oh, the background! *fans self*

Summary/Synopsis

Find it on Goodreads . . here.

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 the palace and compete for the heart of the 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.

I have to say that I started reading this novel completely blind and not expecting very much and finished it with much more than I ever though I would. :)

It felt like a futuristic princess story with a hint, okay maybe a lot, of romance. In The Selection we meet America Singer. A Five who has always learned to fend for herself along with her family through the arts. She's hopelessly in love UNTIL she's picked to be part of the Selection! Little did she know that she went completely focused on finding a way getting back home as soon as she could and get the money she needs for her family but she ends up finding something else. Friends, and love. What I love about America is that she never ONCE doubted who she was. She stayed true to herself and that, my friends, earns some serious points with me.

It's been a while since I have read about a love triangle and The Selection was definitely one that actually was a love triangle. All the drama, and especially the relationship with America and Aspen was just so entertaining and, of course, I already know what team I'm on. TEAM MAXON! Yes, I picked the prince but so what? He's incredibly kind and knows what he wants. The Selection will definitely leave it's readers, including me, wanting more. Wanting more the characters, more of America's world, and most importantly leaving us with a huge "What's going to happen next!?"

I know this novel has been compared to The Hunger Games and it should be. If you loved The Hunger Games and want to read something similar to it with a little more romance and less violence. The Selection is without a doubt . . is perfect for you! 

Credit Time!
I know if I don't thank this dude he is going to give me the silent treatment or, worse, a life filled with sarcasm. *screams in agony*
Just kiddin' but I seriously want to thank Benji AKA The Non-Reluctant Reader for letting me borrow his ARC of The Selection. :)

A Peek Into Our Bookshelves (Vol 1)

Let me tell you the tale of how this blog post became to be . . .

One day I was wandering around the world known as Twitter when I saw a bookshelf, some twitterers were talking about, I posted a picture of my bookshelf. Me and another twitterer talked about it and BAM! I decided to feature bookshelves and/or bookcases on a blog post! You know you are just as curious as I am when it comes to bookshelves. Don't deny it. Haha, so let's take a peek into some bookshelves, shall we?

ROCK THE DROP!

ROCK THE DROP! Yay! It's my first time. So, if you live or coming by New Jersey around the Union County area in Plainfield then COME ON BY! I will be leaving this bad bay at GREENBROOK PARK!

Just keep in mind that it will be a plastic bag due to the rainy season here in NJ. It will be by some of the picnic tables so no need to search the ENTIRE park. :)

Change of Plans:
Tempest will be at Hub Stein Field on the bleachers. ;)

Book Trailer Thursday! (#6)

Book Trailer Thursday is a weekly meme hosted at Libby Blog that features book trailers of books that are either just out in stores or are coming soon.

I have completely fallen in love with this trailer. It's just complete awesome sauce and I need it the novel NOW!

SLIDE giveaway winners are . . .

So, who won the awesome signed SLIDE bookmarks? Who won these bad boys?

Well, I tell ya. The winners are . . .

Waiting on Wednesday! (#7)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Let's see what I'm waiting for, shall we?

Cover Reveal! Foreign Identity by Becca Campbell

This is my first COVER REVEAL where I'm actually one of the few selected bloggers to actually show you guys a cover reveal. It feels good. :)

Becca Campbell's newest novel, Foreign Identity, finally has a cover! As you know I am a sucker for covers and this one is a little bit out of my comfort zone but it's creepy, mysterious, and will definitely intrigue all of you along with it's awesome synopsis. 

Are you ready for the cover? ARE YOU!?

Teaser Tuesday! (#7)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

-Grab your current read

-Open to a random page

-Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

*BE CAREFUL NOT INCLUDE SPOILERS!* Also, make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!

-Share the title and author, too, so that TT (Teaser Tuesday) participants can add the book to their TBR (To Be Read) lists if they like your teasers!

Right now I am reading Stolen by Lucy Christopher and it's so good so far even though I'm on page 20-something.
Now, shall I present the teaser?

Meet & Greet w/ Lissa Price + Giveaway!

AHHHH! Yes, yes, yes! I have finally met my first author EVER! I was so fortunate and grateful to meet Lissa Price! The author of Starters! The first book in a duology and blah, blah, blah. Let's talk about me and how I met her, shall we?

Cover Analysis! (#6)

This week the gorgeous, incomparable, Monica brings you. . .

Haha, just kidding! But it is Saturday meaning it's time for Monica to bring to you her weekly Cover Analysis with . . .

Review: Fated by Alyson Noel

Fated by Alyson Noel

11h Book Review of 2012

Author:

Alyson Noel

Grade:

Does It Have A Trailer?

Not that I'm aware of. I just spent the last hour searching for it. 

Cover:

The cover is divine! Daire looks so gorgeous with her brunette hair and ravens swirling around her!

Lately strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, and glowing people appear out of nowhere. Worried that Daire is having a nervous breakdown, her mother packs her off to stay in the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico with a grandmother she’s never met. There she crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes who she’s encountered before...but only in her dreams. And she’ll get to know her grandmother—a woman who recognizes Daire’s bizarre episodes for what they are. A call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, one who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead. Her grandmother immediately begins teaching her to harness her powers—but it’s an art that must be mastered quickly. Because Dace’s brother is an evil shape-shifter who’s out to steal her powers. Now Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and find out if Dace is one guy she’s meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she’s destined to destroy.

My Opinion:

I just finished Fated just a couple of minutes ago and I have to say "Alyson Noel has surpassed all of my exceptions with a new world filled with  magick, trust, and love."

I am such a huge fan of Noel's writing and Fated wasn't an exception. I'm just completed stunned right now because I think it has been a while where I actually find myself smiling like a fool, slamming my fist on my bed, yelling, and much more in long time for a book. In Noel's Immortal series she made think, you know? It made me think about the world around us and think about all of the secrets it may contain but, overall, it made me dream and that's exactly what Fated brought me too.

Noel did such a great job ending such a great series to start up a new one, The Soul Seekers, with Fated. The FIRST book to the series. I absolutely adored the characters, especially Daire and, of course, DACE! I completely and utterly fell in love with all of the characters and, yes, even the bad ones. This novel has everything and anything you would want. I found myself not reading the pages fast enough, and completely devouring this book much faster than I thought.

It just mesmerizes me how Alyson can create a world filled with fast-pacing, heart-breaking plots along with awesome characters and such a magical world. It's just I'm stunned, and absolutely speechless but one thing is for sure. Daire isn't over with her story just yet. Oh no, it is just beginning and might I say the end of her first adventure has left me with so any questions and I am already dying to read the next book in the series . . Echo. 

Fated is out this May! The 22nd to be exact and you guys. Trust me, really trust me, when I say you will not regret it! :)

TBR List (April Edition)

What's up, guys? Me? Oh, nothing much just planning what I'm going to read this month. *looks around* OH! You want to know what I plan on reading this month? 

Well, click "Read More" and you'll find out! :)

Book Trailer Thursday! (#5)

Book Trailer Thursday!

Book Trailer Thursday is a weekly meme hosted at Libby Blog that features book trailers of books that are either just out in stores or are coming soon.

So, I have recently watched this EPIC trailer and I loved it!! Oh, right! I gotta show you! 

Just click "Read More"

Waiting On Wednesday! (#6)

Waiting on Wednesday!

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Let's see what I can't wait for, shall we?

Jill Hathaway Interview + Giveaway!

Hey, guys! I am so grateful and pleased to have Jill Hathaway here at Cover Analysis! Her debut novel, Slide, had just been released for a week now so I caught up with the author to ask her a few questions . . .

1) What inspired you to write Slide?

I thought it would be really cool to write about someone finding themselves standing over a dead body with no idea how they got there. That's where the idea of sliding came from.

Cool? I find that kind of terrifying but intriguing? Yes, indeed. :)

2) I have heard you always loved writing as a child, so when do you think was the moment you decided "I'm going to be an author."? 

I don't know that there was any one moment. When I started teaching, I kind of gave up on the writing dream--until I started researching the process of getting published on the internet. And I saw people who were actually DOING IT, making their dream come true. So I decided to try.

And I'm glad you did! You know I just went to Barnes & Noble only to find one copy left?

3) What other authors have inspired you?

I grew up reading R.L. Stine, Christopher Pike, and Stephen King.

I use to read R.L. Stine's books. His books always gave me the chills and let's just say he is the reason I don't read much horror books today. ;)

4) If writing (and teaching) wasn't a job/career, what do you see your self pursuing? 

Oreo quality control.

If my heart wasn't set on doing something in the medical field I would definitely do that too! 

5) Slide was finally released on Tuesday, how does it feel? 

It's pretty weird. On Tuesday, I went to go visit Barnes & Noble. When I saw Slide on the shelf, I started crying. It's been a long haul.

Wow. I'm just speechless (in a good way). 

Now, enough with the heavy. Let's move on to the FUN questions!

1) Favorite book? 

On Writing by Stephen King.

Never heard of it but I will check it out!

2) Favorite color? 

Green.

Ah, green and here I thought it was purple! I love the color purple. Kind of one of the reasons why I love Slide's cover so much!

3) Why do you love burritos so much? 

They are the perfect balance of meat, dairy, and grease.

I had no idea . . . *runs off to store and buys burritos*

4) The Hunger Games, Twilight, or Harry Potter? 

The Hunger Games.

YEAH! *high fives*

5) What places have you traveled to? Or hope to travel to?

I spent a summer in Germany when I was in college. Went to London, Paris, and Rome on my honeymoon. That's about it. I'd like to visit Japan someday.

Me and my best friend are dying to go to Japan! Oh, and London AND Paris! *awestruck*

Thank you, Jill! :)

Teaser Tuesday! (#6)

Teaser Tuesday!

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

-Grab your current read

-Open to a random page

-Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

*BE CAREFUL NOT INCLUDE SPOILERS!* Also, make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!

-Share the title and author, too, so that TT (Teaser Tuesday) participants can add the book to their TBR (To Be Read) lists if they like your teasers!

Alright, so right now I am reading *tries to suppress squeal* . . . 

FATED by Alyson Noel!!!

I think I picked out a nice teaser for you guys so without further ado . . .

What I Got (#5)

So, for the first half of the week I was kind of sad and all because there wasn't anything in my mail but, THEN on Wednesday and beyond. Everything changed . . .

Haha, kidding but I did get some things in the mail this week! GREAT things!!

OMG!

I GOT INSURGENT IN THE MAIL! YES, THE INSURGENT BY VERONICA ROTH!! I'M TEAM CANDOR! AHHHH!!!! Maybe it's a mail mix up or something but I HAVE IT!!

CLICK "READ MORE" TO SEE THE PIC!! I. DARE. YOU! 

Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Legend by Marie Lu
10th Book Review of 2012

Author:
Marie Lu


Grade:

Does It Have A Trailer?
Yup! It's pretty good! :)

Cover:
It's golden. I believe that insignia belongs to the Republic. It's perfect. Straight to the point. WAIT! Silver AND Gold! I just noticed that . . .nice touch. Nice touch, indeed.


Summary/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.

My Opinion:
If you follow me on Twitter then you surely know how much I was mad, happy, surprised, etc with this book. I have never, EVER, been so bi-polar with a book. One minute I was completely in love with June and Day and then next I was rooting for Day while I wanted June to die or, at least, smack her upside the head. Sometimes it was the other way around.

Yes, that's how much I hated her or Day at points but, then out of no where I would completely understand them and love them! My point is that I have never, EVER, felt this way about a book. Characters, no less. Marie Lu made me feel happy, sad, excited, hopeful, depressed throughout this entire novel. I even laughed and cried in a couple parts. I don't usually cry while I read so that is saying something.

Marie Lu set up a perfect futuristic world with great characters who have grown and went through so many things from the beginning of this novel all the way until the last page. There was NEVER a part where I wasn't thinking vigorously to find out the truth. I just kept reading and reading knowing that I HAD TO KNOW what was going to happen! Sometimes, I thought I had it when Marie throws in this twist and, to me, that's what makes a great book. Unpredictability.

I am definitely looking forward to Book 2 of the Legend trilogy . . Patriot!