Veronica Mars Watch-Along Week 13

[Graphic designed by the lovely Judith of Paper Riot]

So, how does this work, super sleuths? Go check out the Watch-Along kick off post for the skinny. I'll give you a second just in case...

All caught up? Good.

In case you already know the basics and just forgot what episodes are up today, here's the list:

• "Normal is the Watchword"
• "Driver Ed"

And, for NEXT WEEK - AKA THE BEGINNING OF SEASON 2:

• "Cheatty Cheatty Bang Bang"
• "Green Eyed Monster"

NOW ONTO THE GOOD STUFF. 

THE NOIR

So with Lilly's murder solved, the big overarching story from Season 1 has been put to bed. Which stands to reason that something CRAZY has to happen in episode one. AND IT DOES. GOODBYE BUS WITH MEG AND 6 OTHER PEOPLE ON IT. GOODBYE. Now, based on what we know by the end of episode two, the driver of the bus WAS NOT suicidal. But obviously Lamb's a jackass and doesn't care, which leads Keith to enter the race to be Sheriff, running on the same ticket as Woody Goodman (AKA STEVE GUTTENBERG THE DAD FROM IT TAKES TWO).

But yeah, kinda crazy that Lilly's still haunting Veronica. And saving her from getting killed on that bus. Like WHAT? I don't even know, so I'm not going to prod that one any further.

And then V thinks she's done sleuthing (because, like, LOOK AT YOUR LIFE AND CHOICES, V. LOOK) but Wallace gets into trouble and no one's allowed to mess with WALLACE, so back the sleuthing truck up and let V hop back on because she's got some faked drug tests to sort out.

OH. AND SINCE WE'RE BACKING THE SLEUTH TRUCK UP: Might as well let Wallace on board, since he's going around saving damsels in distress and all that now-a-days. Even though I'm not feeling very impressed with the aforementioned damsel.

I think that pretty much covers all the mysteries. But I would like to take a second to laugh in Veronica's face. You really thought you could stop the sleuthing? Really? Lolz.

VERONICA AND HER BOYFRIENDS
I think you can all pretty much guess how ANNOYED I am at Veronica for dumping Logan in the midst of the worst summer of his life. I mean, his mom died, her father murdered his girlfriend, he got the crap beaten out of him on the bridge him mom jumped off of, he's accused (and acquitted) of murder AND he's in summer school. But Veronica's like: "No, Logan, stop running around making trouble." Like, this destructive nature is SO out of character and TOTALLY UNLIKE anything Logan would EVER do.

Girl, did you ever consider who you were dating? Seriously. Logan PURPOSELY messed with his father, the man who BEATS him. He ran bum fighting rings. He skips school, goes to Tijuana to pick up GHB, starts vicious rumors about you... the list goes on. You know exactly who he is and how he reacts under pressure. So I don't know what you thought was going to happen, but I'm definitely mad at you for pretending this was one big surprise.

I'm also SUPER annoyed you went back to Duncan. Like, lady, he's your PAST not your present or future. Are you really the same girl who fell in love with Duncan Kane, or are you RED SATIN? Duncan hasn't changed, but YOU HAVE. I mean, the miscommunication is totally apparent from minute one and I don't understand the delusion here. Like at all.

And even if you think Duncan's changed and I'm totally off the mark there, well, I don't actually care because ew. Donut. Ew.

GIRL FIGHT
Veronica and Meg are on the OUTS. Meg's all mad and, I have to say, I would be also. Meg was Veronica's GAL PAL. Her only gal pal, to be exact. And since V helped set Duncan and Meg up, it wasn't even taboo for the two of them to date. But without Meg's blessing, the girl code was totally broken and Meg has a right to be pissed.

Now, I know. Girl politics are crazy. But let's recall: MEG IS A CHEERLEADER. She might be the nicest 09er around, but she's still a cheerleader and that's only so much niceness in the world, y'know?

BRING ON THE SNARK

Veronica: "SENIORS RULE."

Lol.

Veronica: "Just when I think I'm out they PULL me back in."

Seriously? Out? You? 

Veronica: "I know a 24 year old floozy who things you're hot."

Keith: "This floozy, did you get her digits?

Wallace: "Hey, alright, now don't make me have to go home and tell my momma."

Keith: "Wallace, your mom and I have an understanding."
Veronica: "You do?"
Keith: "Yes, and it's this: I behave myself and she doesn't leave me. So please, tell her nothing, other than I worship the ground on which she treads."
Wallace: "I'm leaving now."
Keith: "Ground on which she treads. You might want to write that down."
Wallace: "Got it."

Loves Keith and Alicia.

Keith: "So, senior year. How was your first day of school, honey?"
Veronica: "Great. I beat up a freshman, stole his lunch money and then skipped out after lunch."
Keith: "What, no premarital sex?"
Veronica: "Oh, yeah, yes. But don't worry, Dad, I swear you're gonna like these guys."
Keith: "That's my girl."
Veronica: "I missed you."
Keith: "Aw, I missed you, too. Now where's my turkey pot pie, woman?"

ADORBS.

Veronica: "I should go, because my dad is probably watching us through a telescope."

Logan: "He's probably impressed with your virtue."
Veronica: "And that telescope is mounted on a rifle."
Logan: [whispers to the imaginary Keith] "Five more minutes."

This is probably the best ever until the PCHers take a shotgun to Logan's back window. WHERE DO YOU PEOPLE EVEN LIVE?

Veronica: "Wallace is having a little trouble giving me a urine sample."

Keith: "Can't you talk on the phone and paint your nails like other girls?"

I feel like Veronica could con Wallace into painting his nails if need be.

Dick: "Miss Dumbass."
Ms. Dumass: "It's "Dumahzz," Dick."
Dick: "Well, my name's pronounced "Re-shard""

Probs one of my favorite moments. I die every time. Dick, you're such a moron and I love you.

Lamb: "What are you up to, Veronica?"
Veronica: "The last question, actually, "Why do you want this position?" Honestly, and really tell me the truth, how much of an ass-kiss would I be if I admit it's to be close to you?"
[Lamb leads Veronica out of the station.]
Veronica: "Seriously, why do birds suddenly appear every time you're near?"

LOL.

THE BOYS
Quick and dirty this week since I mostly covered everything I want to say above.

• Logan: Losing his SHIT. But I still love him. But stop sleeping with Kendall. Gross.
• Dick: Oh Ri-shard.
• Cassidy: Pets Cassidy. Sad Cassidy.
• Wallace: GET IT WALLY.
• Weevil: What a clusterfrak of crazy. I'm feeling a little anxiety in regards to everyone's favorite biker now-a-days. We'll see how this goes.
• Duncan: UGH. Ugh.

FUN FACT:
Charisma Carpenter (Kendall) and Tara Reid (the actress who is mentioned to play Trina in her version of her the Aaron Echolls story - a movie in a show?) have both been in TV shows/movies with Alyson Hannigan (Trina). Charisma Carpenter and Alyson Hannigan were in Buffy together while Tara Reid and Alyson Hannigan were in the American Pie movies. I'm sure Alyson Hannigan has played opposite other people in this show, I'm just not thinking of those connections right now.

Now, episode 2 ended with a guy dead on the beach with Veronica's name on his hand. Which should lead to an interesting recap next weekend. Until then, be sure weigh in on the Logan vs. Duncan debate in the comments below. But know there's only one right answer. (*cough* Logan *cough*)

**ONE LAST REMINDER**
NEXT WEEK:

• "Cheatty Cheatty Bang Bang"
• "Green Eyed Monster"

PierceFest: Dating an Older Guy

IT IS TIME FOR THE THIRD AND FINAL DISCUSSION OF THE IMMORTALS PORTION OF #PIERCEFEST

Now, if it wasn't made clear to you guys in my reviews of the four books pictures above, I kind of love the romance in this particular quartet. Numair and Daine are one of my favorite couples of all time and the slow build in the first three books totally explodes into what is actually my favorite kissing scene ever. 

But I DO know that some people have a small problem with this extraordinary couple because Numair is kind of 30 whereas Daine is sort of 16... So that makes him twice her age. Part of the reason each of them is reluctant to be with the other is because Numair doesn't want Daine to wake up one day and find herself lying next to an old man and Daine's afraid Numair will turn around and realize he's with a baby. And neither of them wants that to happen because they care for each other SO MUCH as people. 

Numair and Daine makin' out as drawn by GILLIAN WHO'S REALLY TALENTED.

Also, there's kind of the issue that he's her teacher and, well, we know how that ends at lot of the time. (BUT LIKE LOOK AT THAT PICTURE GILLIAN DREW. LOOK AT IT. YOU CAN'T SAY NO TO THAT KIND OF GREATNESS.)

The thing is, while I AM known to have issues with questionable relationships - incest, age differences... I'm cool with it if it's done RIGHT. THAT'S how I feel about Numair and Daine's relationship. Tamora Pierce pieces together this relationship in such a way that I don't FEEL squicky about it. Like, the progression of their relationship WORKS. They don't meet when Daine's 13 and fall in love THEN. They grow together and they're both independent, strong willed, world saving individuals before they confess the love. Not to mention Numair's a scatterbrained, kind, non-taking-advantage-y academic (who has awesome battle magic skills) and Daine's the practical, daughter-of-gods, save everyone's ass type so, like, yeah.

It also totally helps that this is a foreign fantasy realm based kind of on Medieval England (I have most of my squicky issues in present day situations).

But in all seriousness, I will admit to having issues with BIG age differences in real life. Obvs, love who you love and I couldn't care what Joe Shmoe down the street is doing as long as he's happy, but if you're one of my friends and you're telling me you're with a guy who's 15 years older than you, I'm slightly more critical. Like, I want to know the who, what, where, when, why, how's of the whole thing, because I DO recognize that it's about who you are, what the situation is and what the relationship is. But I'm still gonna be critical.

Now, since my opinions don't dictate World Morality, I'd kind of like to know what you guys think. If you've read this series, what are your thoughts on the relationship in question? If you haven't read and you just have THOUGHTS on age difference, let me know about that too. I'm CURIOUS readers, so talk to me in the comments below!

And because I won't ask you the hard questions and then make you walk away without A GIVEAWAY to enter...

THE PRIZE:

1 set of any Tamora Pierce series (which is, at max, FOUR books)

THE RULES:

1. The giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY, as long as Book Depository ships to you.
2. All entries will be verified, so please do not forget to include the correct information.
3. Winner will be contacted as soon as they are chosen. They will have 48 hours to respond with the pertinent information, or their win will be forfeit and another will be chosen.
4. The bloggers will not be held responsible for condition or timeliness of the book shipment, as they are being shipped by a third party organization. Please note that we will try to keep you informed of the status of your prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

PierceFest: The Realms of the Gods

Joining us for the first time? Here's what you've missed: 

Pierce Fest Kick-Off

PierceFest: The Immortals Kick-Off

PierceFest: Wild Magic

PierceFest: Wolf-Speaker

PierceFest: Choose Your Own Magical Power

PierceFest: Emperor Mage

PierceFest: Companion Talk

Title: The Realms of the Gods (The Immortals #4)
Author: Tamora Pierce
Release Date: March 15th, 1996
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (Originally)
Page Count: 288
Source: Purchased
Rating: THE KISSING. AND THE EVERYTHING ELSE. MY HEART. MY. HEART.

During a dire battle against the fearsome Skinners, Daine and her mage teacher Numair are swept into the Divine Realms. Though happy to be alive, they are not where they want to be. They are desperately needed back home, where their old enemy, Ozorne, and his army of strange creatures are waging war against Tortall. Trapped in the mystical realms Daine discovers her mysterious parentage. And as these secrets of her past are revealed so is the treacherous way back to Tortall. So they embark on an extraordinary journey home, where the fate of all Tortall rests with Daine and her wild magic.

[Summary Source: Goodreads]

*Lets out the world's biggest sigh*

I'm not sure if you guys know this, but my favorite kissing scene of all time takes place in this book. I'm sure you guys can guess it's between Daine and Numair, but I'm not going to say ANOTHER WORD, just in case you haven't read this book yet (I will never spoil such a brilliant moment in fiction. Not ever). But for serious. It's worth it to read all 7 books before THIS ONE SCENE (because, like, you havta read Alanna if you're gonna read Daine. I mean, you don't ACTUALLY have to, but it's better that way). And all the other scenes in this book are pretty amazing as well. So let's get into that.

This book starts fairly dramatically. The barrier between the REALMS OF THE GODS and the mortal world DROP and all of the immortals can go back and forth AS THEY PLEASE. Chaos is fighting the gods to get out of her prison and Ozorne's gone cray. The world's pretty topsy turvy aaaaand of course Daine and Numair get snatched out of thin air and into the realm of the gods. Because, like, they're about to die and all that. 

So who does the Daine and Numair snatching? Daine's Ma and Da. Obvs. OBVS. We know for sure they're gods now but we get a little more on that in the final installation of this series. We also get a little more on the gods, the realm of the gods, immortals, dragons... AND MORE ON DAINE AND NUMAIR'S RELATIONSHIP. Even beyond the kissing. Even. Beyond. Because this is the first book where Daine and Numair are really together the whole time. 

Okay, book one Numair's fairly present. But books two and three he steps back to let Daine mature or whatever. But now in book four it's a SERIOUS and AWESOME and DELICIOUS partnership. Numair sets the pace, Daine covers the back. They pack up camp so well they never bump into each other. They never fail to save each other from Immortal-shaped shenanigans. They're a delightful unit of awesome and you just want them to not have any hang ups about being together because there's nothing on planet earth that makes more sense than the two of them together, EVEN THOUGH DAINE IS STILL HALF HIS AGE.

I feel like the presence of most of my old favorites from The Song of the Lioness totally adds to my complete adoration of this book. Yeah, they're around in the other books, but hey, Jon's got the Dominion Jewel in action. And Daine makes a BIG, HERCULEAN (see my Disney reference there?) decision at the end of the book, which was decided in part by on her love for the characters I love too. And that's genius because I obviously try to put myself in the protagonist's position when I read and that final decision Daine makes at the end (WHICH I AM NOT GOING TO SPOIL SO BLATANTLY ON MY BLOG EVEN IF I DON'T MAKE SENSE) totally pulls out my heartstrings because I love the same people she loves. I get Daine. I have always gotten Daine and I will always get her for the rest of time.

*Sighs again* This book is just so action packed and dynamic. There's a bit from the gods and the mortals and so much from my favorite couple and it all just works so much for me. So much. It's the perfect end to the series. A perfect end to Daine's personal story. And as much as I OBVIOUSLY WOULD WANT MOREMOREMORE, Daine's really matured to the point where, if there was another book, it would just be adventures and relationship fluff and not growing-up centric. It's like with Alanna. Once she found her place, the series ended. Now Daine has her place and her series can end too. They're still there. They pop up in later books. But now it's time for Daine, like Alanna before her, to pass off the baton to the next girl whose story Tamora Pierce needs to tell.

Which basically means: GET READY FOR KELADRY OF MENDELAN LOVELIES.

Guys. The reviews of the series are over. I'm crying. So do me a favor and comment below to make me feel a little better about the end of my gush-sessions over these books, okay? (Although don't worry too much, I still have a discussion post and a wrap  up to go ^_^)

AND BECAUSE I KNOW YOU ALL LOVE GIVEAWAYS:
THE PRIZE:

1 set of any Tamora Pierce series (which is, at max, FOUR books)

THE RULES:

1. The giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY, as long as Book Depository ships to you.
2. All entries will be verified, so please do not forget to include the correct information.
3. Winner will be contacted as soon as they are chosen. They will have 48 hours to respond with the pertinent information, or their win will be forfeit and another will be chosen.
4. The bloggers will not be held responsible for condition or timeliness of the book shipment, as they are being shipped by a third party organization. Please note that we will try to keep you informed of the status of your prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

World of Books: Ash + Phoenix, Arizona

Everyone has their neighborhood bookstore or their local library they call home. Maybe both even. I know I do - in TWO different cities. World of Books if a bi-weekly feature that allows me - and any of YOU - to share the bookstores and libraries you love so much. If you want to be featured on World of Books too, make sure to go HERE and fill out the contact form!

Today's WORLD OF BOOKS was written by ASH about Phoenix, Arizona.

Gaby and I have recently become friends. I say this because while I have read her blog for awhile, I’ve only recently started to talk to her via twitter. Our friendship is currently something that goes like this:

Gaby: “ASHLEY YOU SHOULD DO THIS”
Me: “OKAY GABY”

I think Gaby agrees with me when I say I hope this never changes. So when she was all “SIGN UP FOR WORLD OF BOOKS” I was all “WHY NOT.” Then she sent me confirmation and the date and the panic hit me. The panic hit me for many reasons, mostly because recently I was on vacation (see photo below) doing nothing with one of my friends, that and because I never really leave the house. I recently graduated from graduate school and my life consists of not moving from my bed ingesting a lot of movies/TV shows and blogging at my blog. But for Gaby I left my bed. I hope she’s happy.

Welcome to the Phoenix Metro area! Where you can read this from your house and not actual Phoenix, because actual Phoenix is currently 115 out.

I often complain about the Phoenix area but when it comes to book related things I luck out. This state has a library science school, which I went to. It has an awesome indie bookstore, which will be featured, an awesome used bookstore, and a really good public library system and that is really not even touching the surface of what Phoenix has to offer. Maybe I need to leave the house more often.

Sadly no photos taken of the inside of the places mostly because see the photo above. Plus, I’m lazy. Hello my name is Ashley and I’m lazy.

While Phoenix is huge, and it is, I luck out to live between two of the Phoenix Public Library branches. The Yucca (Yuck-a) branch is right down the street from me and it is open Tuesday-Saturday and the Cholla (Choy-a. Rhymes with Boy-a) branch, which is open Saturday-Thursday. The Phoenix library system is amazing. If a branch on the other side of town has a book, they will ship it to a closer branch for free. More importantly, to me, they have an awesome YA section. No really ALL THE YA BOOKS!

Although I frequent the libraries often, I also frequent two amazing bookstores. First there is Bookmans. Bookmans is this awesome place where all books are 50% off. Along with books they sell musical instruments, DVDs, CDs, Video Games, random knickknacks and they buy from people so their stock is always changing. I recently decided that I needed to go through all the books I own and before I donated them I went to Bookmans. I now have over $200 in Bookmans credit. I could have taken cash, and gotten less for the books, or I could take credit. I understandably took the credit. It is important to note that they don’t take everything and just because they don’t take something one day doesn’t mean they won’t take it another day.

Another hidden gem in the Phoenix area is Changing Hands in Tempe. Changing Hands is the local indie where I am known by name to most that work there. That is something I take pride in to be honest. Along with being an awesome indie they host a lot of author events and book signings. I own an embarrassing amount of autographed books because of this bookstore. I have seen a few authors so many times at Changing Hands that I’ve run out of things for them to sign and they think that I’m stalking them. The thing I love about Changing Hands is that it feels like home when I walk in there. I hang out with my best friends, have a mini-book group there, people watch, browse, eat, and of course buy books. It is this awesome little corner of the city.

I feel I need to point out these are my favorite places in Phoenix. If you ask one of my friends there is a whole other handful of places they’d pick which really continues to help make Phoenix awesome when it comes to book related places.

PierceFest: Companion Talk

IT'S TIME FOR YOUR SECOND DISCUSSION OF THE IMMORTALS PORTION OF #PIERCEFEST

A theme in a lot of Tamora Pierce books is the animal companion. Alanna had Faithful and Moonlight. Daine has Cloud and Kit, to name just two of her animal following. Even Kel has one - but we're not there yet, so we'll hold up on that front.

Now, familiars in magic are pretty standard. But I think what Tamora Pierce proves is that black cats and bunnies are not your only options. Hell, if we're taking Kel into account, you don't even have to have MAGIC to have a strong bond with an animal. You can just HAVE ONE. And it can be great. And it totally doesn't have to be just your standard master-pet situation. It can be so much more than that.

So I think my question here is: Do you have an animal in your life that you have a very special (familiar) bond with? Or maybe you WISH you had one, and if you do wish such a wish, what animal would you want a companion. And y'know what? Even if you have a pet and still want to branch out and have a different magical familiar, what would THAT be?

For me? Well. I think I'd want a phoenix. Like Dumbledore. Not because I love Dumbledore but because phoenixes are awesome. 

Well? What are you waiting for? Go answer all of my companion related questions in the comments below!

Top Ten Books I've Read So Far In 2013 (28)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This week's topic is Top Ten Books I've Read So Far In 2013. I've read 46 books this year, according to Goodreads, and while there are A LOT of books (*cough* all 6 Tamora Pierce books I've re-read to mention a few *cough*), here are the 10 that I think you all should make sure you get to in a very timely fashion. And when I say 10, I mean 12, because I've put two second-book-in-trilogy books on this list and OBVIOUSLY you need to read the first one first. Obviously.

1. Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Seraphina was my first book read in 2013 and it did NOT disappoint. I loved the dragons, the twists, I loved the writing... just about everything. I hadn’t read a dragon or high fantasy book in a very long time (mostly from fear that nothing would ever match up to Tamora Pierce - whom I love) and this book totally destroyed any and all fears I had about recent high fantasy publications ruining one of my favorite genres. And, just in case you’re having some trouble starting this one, skip the prologue and come back to it at the end. It’ll make more sense once you’re done. Oh, and be PATIENT. It’s worth it. (My Review)

2. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Even though I read this book when my windows were still frosted over this past winter, I could still feel the heat. The romance, the twists, the family relationships - even the cover is enough to make a person want to read this book. Seriously. Try to say no to that cover - especially now that we’ve made it to the summer months. I’d say it’s almost impossible to deny this potential beach read. And y’know, even if you curl up inside with the AC blasting while you make your way through this one, you’ll probably feel the summer humidity just like I did. And that’s not just the kisstastic relationship in the book doing the talking. (My Review)

3. Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

I picked Unravel Me for this list instead of Shatter Me in hopes that my nomination of this book will lead you to go read Shatter Me first so you can read this one (if you haven’t already devoured this series). That way I secretly/sneakily put two books in one item on this list. Why? Because this is one of those series that really makes the dystopian genre and trilogies in general look good. Not to mention I love the strike-throughs. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I sometimes like knowing there’s something different out there for me to dig into. It’s oddly comforting - even this book is so very much NOT comforting in any way. Also? SUPERHEROES. (My Review)

4. Ferryman by Claire McFall

Is it possible for a book to not really have a genre? If it is, this book really don’t have one. I would say it’s supernatural, if I had to pick one - maybe paranormal? But not really. If anything, it’s a contemporary book put in a supernatural/paranormal/Greek Mythology context. And, whatever genre you’d place it in, it’s wonderful. Probably one of my most favorite reads AND reviews of the year. Claire McFall might be a small time Scottish writer, but I definitely hope she A) gets the recognition she deserves and B) keeps writing! (My Review)

5. The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna

This book is just so different from your usual dystopian - probably because the book doesn’t dwell on the dystopian. Instead it fleshes out the dystopian just enough and then focuses on the danger, the philosophical issues and the relationships between the characters. But, for once, the philosophical part is my favorite (that’s NOT usually the case for me) because the book asks you to consider what it is to be human and that’s something we should all consider on occasion. (My Review)

6. Graceling by Kristin Cashore

My favorite fantasy read of the year, Graceling is the book I should have read 5 years ago but didn’t. And with the number of times I picked it up, put it down and picked it up again? I’m honestly ashamed of past Gaby. This book is so fantastically fantastic. All of the everything is just so perfect and well paced. Seriously. If I could time travel, I would go back in disguise (y’know, as to not create a paradox or anything crazy like that - thanks for the time travel education, Doctor Who) and hand myself this book. Because 5-years-ago Gaby REALLY should have read this book. And so should all of you. (My Review)

7. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

Everything in this book is absolutely made of awesome and I believe everyone should read it - intolerance for slow/confusing beginnings be damned. It’s just so beautifully layered and complicated that no one should miss it, no matter what the excuse. FURTHERMORE, Melina Marchetta is a GENIUS because EVERYTHING in this book is in it for a reason. There are no extra words or unnecessary plot devices. This author is NOT wasting your time, nor does she think you anything less than clever. (My Review)

8. Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Yet another series where I mention the second in order to coerce you to read the first. Through the Ever Night is just so touching, wonderful and heroic. I finish the book and I feel like all of the characters are real people I should be able to spend my days with. Even more so, the relationships between these oh-so-real characters are so sigh-worthy that I could read about them all day and be perfectly content. Oh. Also. The action, danger and dystopia-ness in this serious is pretty crazy and awesome too. (My Review)

9. For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

Sometimes I read retelling and my reaction is: “That was great. I could go for another.” But at the end of this book I couldn’t even think of what I would read next because my mind was still on this book. And it wasn’t that I wanted to have more time with these characters. I actually felt fairly completely at the end of it all. I just needed to take a deep breath and process the fact that I’d finished such a brilliant book. I just needed to savor the ending and not rush past it to the next book in my stack.

10. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Sometimes, when I get to the end of a book, I tear through the last however many pages. It’s like a freefall into an ending that you know isn’t going to give you exactly what you wanted - but what you needed instead. But instead of getting upset at the book for not give you what you wanted (as opposed to the all knowing “needed”), you just close the book and sigh. Because it was THAT GOOD.

*ADDENDUM BECAUSE I'M FOOLISH AND I FORGOT*

11. Scarlet by Marissa Meyer 

Another second-book-in-series I have to put up here. I liked Cinder and LOVED Scarlet. I think it's because there were more characters to work with - the shifting POV was done PERFECTLY - but for whatever reason this fairytale retelling was in no way obvious. And even if the storyline WAS obvious, I DID NOT want it to happen that way. So. Go pick up this series RIGHT NOW because it's totally a new favorite of mine. (My Review)

Have you read any of these? This year? Last year? Any year? If you have, did you love? If you haven't, DO YOU WANT TO? Talk to me in the comments below!

PierceFest: Emperor Mage

Joining us for the first time? Here's what you've missed: 

Pierce Fest Kick-Off

PierceFest: The Immortals Kick-Off

PierceFest: Wild Magic

PierceFest: Wolf-Speaker

PierceFest: Choose Your Own Magical Power

Title: Emperor Mage (The Immortals #3)
Author: Tamora Pierce
Release Date: November 17th, 1994
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (Originally)
Page Count: 294
Source: Purchased
Rating: Resurrected Dinosaur Brilliance

Daine sails to Cathak as part of a peace treaty delegation from Tortall. There she is amazed by strange and wondrous sights, including rooms filled with dinosaur bones and the Emperor Mage's zoo. But she also senses a darkness beneath all the gold and glitter, a darkness that lies in wait. At the same time, Daine is discovering that her own wild magic is growing again, this time giving her powers both great and terrifying.

Emperor Mage is the third book in The Immortals series, which chronicles a time when the world is invaded by immortal creatures and a girl is born with a magical gift that could restore the very balance of nature.

[Summary Source: Goodreads]

Daine says one of my favorite lines of all time in this book. So I'm just gonna get to that first so I can roll around on the floor for a second and then get back to the rest of this.

"...Are you aware that the entire west wing and Astronomer's Tower are burning?"

She scuffed a foot ont he ground. "I thought they'd killed you. I lost my temper."

Numair's eyes danced. "Magelet, that is the greatest understatement I have heard in my life."

Emperor Mage pg. 281 (in the Random House mass market paperback) 

PRETTY sure that's the Graveyard Hag *fear*

SHE DESTROYED A CASTLE AND HALF A UNIVERSITY BECAUSE SHE THOUGHT NUMAIR WAS DEAD. I MEAN REALLY. REALLY.

The two of them just need to GET. IT. ON. already because this is just too much. I don't even care that he's twice her age. There's no better couple in the world.

And I feel like that could be the end of the review, but I suppose I'll keep going.

THANKS CHRISTINA

This is another book where there's not so much Numair action. Like, he's THERE, he's just off doing other stuff and flirting with Varice and I don't even know what else. He does pop up for a little bit to threaten Kaddar *fans self with hands* but, really, it wasn't much. So really we focus a lot on Daine. Which I obviously love because every step she takes forward is the definition of brilliance.

Aaaaand that's a mammoth. Brought back from the dead.

So last book, Daine did a lot of taking charge. She figures out her powers and really makes her life hers. This book, Daine is knows exactly who she is, who matters to her and what she's going to defend what matters to her - even if the powers she uses to defend what matters to her aren't exactly hers to start with. 

If anyone finds a set of this edition & wants to buy them for me for my birthday, I'd die of joy.

But yeah, Daine totally solidifies her HERO STATUS in this book. Like if this were the Disney animated Hercules movie, she'd be made an immortal goddess person on Olympus and we'd all be worshipping her instead of the Graveyard Hag (CORRECTION: We'd ALSO worship the Graveyard Hag - let's remember she controls the rats and can make dead things walk around like they're living). Daine totally throws down in this book and she WINS. At least, for now, because Ozorne is still alive in some capacity and Goddess knows he's gonna be more trouble than ever in Stormwing form.

I dunno, guys. This series is just so full of awesome. It's not just Daine or Numair or Kit or Zek or Bonedancer or Lindhall or Kaddar (I could go on for a while). It's all of them together and what they do. And it's the craziness that Tamora Pierce pulls out of her brain. Like, where does she come from? What is her inspiration for all of the everything? I just don't even know. But, let me tell you, I'm so glad she somehow makes these stories happen because I actually don't know who I'd be today without them.

How much did you freak when you read that line I can't stop freaking out over above? Maybe you haven't read the series and now WANT to? Really, the important thing here is that you go to the comment box below and TELL ME HOW MUCH YOU LOVE THIS SERIES (AND NUMAIR - BUT HANDS OFF BECAUSE IF HE'S NOT DAINE'S HE'S MINE). 

AND OH. A GIVEAWAY.
THE PRIZE:

1 set of any Tamora Pierce series (which is, at max, FOUR books)

THE RULES:

1. The giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY, as long as Book Depository ships to you.
2. All entries will be verified, so please do not forget to include the correct information.
3. Winner will be contacted as soon as they are chosen. They will have 48 hours to respond with the pertinent information, or their win will be forfeit and another will be chosen.
4. The bloggers will not be held responsible for condition or timeliness of the book shipment, as they are being shipped by a third party organization. Please note that we will try to keep you informed of the status of your prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

PierceFest: Choose Your Own Magical Power

WELCOME TO THE FIRST DISCUSSION SECTION FOR THE IMMORTALS PORTION OF #PIERCEFEST!

Are you ready, are you ready, are you READY? *Bounces* I totally hope you're ready because I'm so excited I'm probably not going to wait a second longer to get started.

*One Second Passes*

LOOK AT ALL MY RESTRAINT.

Anyway, I think one COOLEST aspect found in Tamora Pierce's fantasy is THE MAGIC. 

Alanna and her twin brother, Thom have it. Jon and George can make magical things (literally, not just that they're magical men. Which they are.) happen as well. Numair, Duke Gareth (Sr.), Ozorne, Tristan, Roger, Maude, Daine (obvsies) and countless others are all GIFTED.

Now, in this series there's a lot of different KINDS of magic. There's the GREAT "UNLIMITED" POWER HUNGRY MAGIC you find with Ozorne and Tristan. Numair's pretty all powerful, what with his theory, war magic AND transforming into a bird thing he's got going for him. Duke Gareth can start fires and other small, useful things. Maude's a healer, like Alanna (who also cultivates war magic). George's gift heightens his instinct. Jon and Thom are the ambitious scholars (like Numair, I suppose).

There are also all of the immortals. Like, that stuff Kit can do with locks? YEAH.

Let's ignore what happens to Veruca next...

So I think now's as good as any place to stop a second and ask yourself what kind of magic YOU'D want for yourself if you lived in Tortall. I feel like this is similar to the standard "What is your Superhero power of choice?" question, but different. Because we're playing by Tortallan rules. And, because I'm evil, you have to pick ONE. Numair might be a war mage AND a shape shifter AND an academic, but you can't be all of that. He's like a black robe and, let's be real, none of US are that good. 

What would I pick, you ask? Well, I'd want to talk to animals like Daine. Ideally I'd cultivate my skills to include healing said animals and shapeshifting, but like, if I'm following my own rules, JUST talking to animals. Yeah. Totally.

So go ahead now, pick your ONE MAGICAL TORTALLAN POWER. Are you like Daine? Alanna? George? How about Numair, Ozorne or Roger? There's no judgement here - VILLAINS WELCOME - I just want you to tell me all about it in the comments below!

And because I'd never send you home with out the chance of going home not empty handed - whoa, that's a nonsensical sentence... whatever, hush, because it's GIVEAWAY TIME.

THE PRIZE:

1 set of any Tamora Pierce series (which is, at max, FOUR books)

THE RULES:

1. The giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY, as long as Book Depository ships to you.
2. All entries will be verified, so please do not forget to include the correct information.
3. Winner will be contacted as soon as they are chosen. They will have 48 hours to respond with the pertinent information, or their win will be forfeit and another will be chosen.
4. The bloggers will not be held responsible for condition or timeliness of the book shipment, as they are being shipped by a third party organization. Please note that we will try to keep you informed of the status of your prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Title: Pushing the Limits (Pushing the Limits #1)
Author: Katie McGarry
Release Date: July 31st, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Page Count: 392
Source: Borrowed from the New York Public Library
Rating: Emotional Rollercoaster Ride, Baby

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

[Summary Source: Goodreads]

THE REVIEW

Echo was a popular girl dating a hot guy. But then, one day, this crazy, scary, tragic event goes down and Echo can't remember any of it. AND she walks out of it with scars all up and down her arms. She dumps her boyfriend and retreats into herself while sort of keeping her friends. A bunch of time passes - y'know, just enough to put Echo safely in the high school outcast category AND out of the immediate danger zone of whatever happened to her - before she ends up in the office of yet ANOTHER school guidance counselor at the start of the book.

Noah is a foster kid and a pothead. Only, there's more to it than that. He's got two little brothers who live with a family who hates Noah and never lets him see them - because obvs Noah got in trouble for beating up his foster dad who was beating his own kid. So at the beginning of this book, Noah's on his way to the new guidance counselor's office to talk bottom line when he bumps into Echo, thereby setting off this whole story.

Let's break this down:

Who do I love in this story?

• Noah: Tough, aggressive, protecting, loyal... throw down some of my favorite adjectives, why don't you? He's the perfect combination of fierce and tender, which is supah hard to balance. I also love his interactions with his friends. Beth and Isaiah are great and terrible a lot of the time (okay, maybe just Beth) but he STICKS WITH THEM ALWAYS because it's not just the daily interactions that make their friendship what it is, it's the history, the love, the loyalty and all the other good stuff it doesn't SEEM like they have but are really the bedrock of what true friendship is. 
• Echo: I feel like Echo might come off as weak, because she kind of hides behind everything, but she's really crazy strong. She went through this terrible trauma, can't remember any of it and still manages to walk all human-like every day. I would probably bang my head against the wall until they put me in a straight jacket so I couldn't hurt myself anymore. I also totally get her headspace. Her friends want her to GET OVER IT and OWN IT but I GET why she can't and I'm SO MAD at her friends for getting all nastypants about it.
• Mrs. Collins: WOMAN IS THE SHIT. Let's have more guidance counselors JUST LIKE HER. That's really all I have to say about her. 

So I love these characters and I love everything they go through with each other, with the support of each other, apart, whatever - it doesn't matter. All of the personal, emotional developments just beat at me and I was like UUUUGGGGGHHHH LET NOAH HAVE HIS BROTHERS AND CAN ECHO PLEASE REMEMBER AND FIND BETTER PARENTS. Meanwhile, I was pickingna bottle of wine to share with Mrs. Collins, who I love so much.

All of that being said, the romance was a little off to me. It wasn't the pace or anything like that. Echo and Noah make a REALLY compelling couple and they totally make sense. But I found the writing to make me groan every time the two of them got close and personal (I'm not referring to the kissing parts. The kissing was GOOD). What I am referring to is Noah with the siren songs, nymphs and babys and Echo totally losing her head when Noah gets close to her. It was laid on pretty thick. That's not to say I didn't LOVE the relationship and the bond the two of these characters have, I just didn't love how the interactions within the relationship were told through the prose (again, except for the kissing).

But can I go back to talking about how much my heart ached for both these characters? Because, like, whoa. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Noah made my eyes water like every page in the second half of the book. Echo made me so anxious I cannot even. I just wanted their lives to stop sucking so much I had real reactions to what was happening to them. And that's what's important in a book to me, not the terms of endearment used (although the usage of the word "baby" really was a little excessive). 

I also really liked the dynamic of Echo's support system. Not in a "oh, they're so good to her" kind of way but In a "oh this is SUPER COMPLICATED and layer and by no means what Echo thinks it is" kind of way. 

The long and short of it?

Plot: Really complex and tough to get through, but super amazing all at the same time.
World Building: The set up for this book was so perfect - which made it a little convenient - but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Character Development: I love Echo and Noah. So much. From beginning to end, the choices eh make and etchings they discover truly shape who they are and you can TELL.
Prose: This was he one negative for me. The dialogue was a little cheesy and, because of the way the POV is done, sometimes the narration was a little much. But the story the words told was just so powerful and fantastic. 

Would I Recommend This Book?: If you like a good girl meets bad boy book, this one's for you. If you love a good, powerful issue book, again, this one's for you. IF you can't stomach cheesy writing, maybe skip it. 

Could you stand all of the baby-talk? Or did that hurt the way you saw Echo and Noah's relationship? How about all the parental issues? The emotional stuff? Share your feels, guys, this is a safe place. 

Ratings: To Have or Not to Have, That is the Question

Fact: I don't like coffee. I just like saying Coffee Clutch in my best and deepest New York accent. Considering I'm a New Yorker, I'm pretty freaking good at it. So I've got my tea and I hope you have your heated beverage of choice, because it's time to gab the day away.

In my opinion, ratings is one of those hidden, secret obstacles you don't realize is going to stress you out when you start blogging/decide to start blogging but then you write your first review and ENTER THE KEYBOARD SLAMMING AND CUSSING (you heard me - CUSSING).

How do I know this? Well in addition to having more than one serious conversation with blogger friends about ratings, I also went back and forth on this when I first started blogging. At first I was like: YEAH RATINGS OBVSIES. But then I was like: but my books don't all rate on the same scale. Seriously. Try putting The Mediator Series and The Fault in Our Stars on the same, 5-star scale. If you can do it, you have my utmost respect. 

But I bet, if you've read a review on my blog, you're mentally asking me: GABY, YOU HAVE RATINGS ON YOUR BLOG. WHAT THE WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT RIGHT NOW?

Well, I was conferring with my friend who is currently majoring in business (he's a smart kid. Really smart. HI JOEL) and he was all: "Gaby, if you wanna be critical and be taken seriously, you've got to have RATINGS." 

And, REALLY, who doesn't want to be critical and taken seriously?

So if this crisis happened nearly 7 months ago, why am I talking about it now? 

Well, in the last couple weeks I've been having issues rating books. I THINK this is because I've become more comfortable with my voice on my blog. It's also possible I no longer care about being critical or taken seriously. I just want to have fun, read some books and hang out with my blogger friends. I ALSO think that sometimes people just look at the ratings and leave before reading the words and, while that's a totally legit life choice, I feel like it misrepresents my opinion. Which I definitely don't want.

ALL OF THIS BEING SAID: I get the other side of it. Clearly. Because I had ratings on my blog for the last 6 months. But I also see reasoning for NOT having them - or for not having a numerical, star system. So I'm picking a happy medium (I think). I'm gonna keep my little sum up at the end of my reviews, which I feel like are good for readers who want the quick and dirty and swap out the stars for adjectives. Or emotional short sentences. Because I'm a flail-y, emotional kind of girl. And, well, like, Goodreads will just have to be a gut reaction star thing, I guess (stupid Goodreads).

So did I use this post as a sounding board to figure out my personal blog issues? Yeah. Did it help you guys too? I hope so. Either way, be sure to let me know what system YOU use to rate books. Just don't tempt me to change my mind again, okay?

Review: Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Title: Through the Ever Night (Under the Never Sky #2)
Author: Veronica Rossi
Release Date: January 8th, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Page Count: 352
Source: Borrowed from the New York Public Library
Rating: Delicious/Stunning/Heartwrenching/ASJKSNRYHJ (etc.)

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both. Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder,Can their love survive through the ever night? In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

[Summary Source: Goodreads]

THE REVIEW

After a long winter apart, Aria (along with Roar) makes her way back to Perry,mostly to find out that the Tides ain't having it. Especially the ladies who are all like "YO. Perry's berries are mine." (I can't even believe I just wrote that, but whatever.) But, like, those are the least of EVERYONE'S worries. The Aether storms are getting worse, people are disgruntled with Perry's management skills (to say the least), there are raiders and, there's the question that plagued us all book 1: WHERE THE HELL IS LIV?

Let's Break This Down:

Okay. I just need to start with: GLORY HALLELUJAH THERE IS AN EXPLANATION FOR THE AETHER. I think there was like one long paragraph in the whole book that quickly explained everything enough for me to be like: OKAY I'M ON BOARD VERONICA ROSSI. I think I sighed of relief when I read it.

There's also something of a clearer picture of how the Aether works and what it looks like. It's still not something I can totally imagine, but that's fine, because I don't need that. Like, I'm not one of those people who can picture described faces and placed and whatever. I just get blurry images and feels and that's enough. And now I have BOTH of those for the Aether and the dystopian/sci-fi world Veronica Rossi's built for the readers.

Now that I've gotten my GLORY HALLELUJAH out, I'd like to drop to the floor and roll around in pure, giddy glee over the whole Aria/Perry relationship. It's the most perfect relationship I have ever read. Ever. They're both a little insecure in the whole thing in totally believable, amazing ways. But when these two are together? It's like the whole freaking world stands still. There were lines that made me squeal and squirm, lines that had me sighing in content/joy/amazement. I wish I had more words to push this ship across the relationship sea, but I just don't. I'm actually sitting here right now, sighing and smiling as I think about it.

And NOW I'm all relationship bliss-ed out.

What else did I love? Well, I LOVED Roar and Liv. Liv and Roar. Roar and Liv. My heart and my second, wannabe Gallifreyan heart are sobbing over this pair right here. They're so tragic and lovely and broken and UGH. If you've read my review of Under the Never Sky (which you SHOULD), you know I LOVE Roar. He's just so unbelievably amazing, even just in book 1 when Liv wasn't actually around. And then you throw in Liv and that whole thing with the angst and the stuff and the spoilers and I JUST CANNOT. There's also his relationship with Aria, which is similarly delightful and complex and amazing.

Yeah. That last paragraph really made no sense (as usual), but ugh. UGH. If you've read, you know and if you haven't read, I really have no idea what you're doing here because you should have this book in your hands, eyes speeding across the pages RIGHT NOW.

It's also worth noting that sometimes Book 2 in trilogies aren't so great/surprise the pants off you in a jarring way you either take in stride or walk away from. They'll either fall flat or confuse or take you somewhere completely unexpected. But Through the Ever Night goes everywhere I wanted it to and more. It confronted the issues and questions I had and made me feel amazing about this series in a way I don't think any other second book has managed. Not to mention, the writing - both the dialogue between characters AND the prose - is smooth and lovely (even BETTER than the first book, I think).

Oh. And Cinder? Talon? BESTIES. MY. BESTIES. I love the two of them and I only want GOOD THINGS for them. Always.

I totally want to keep talking and freaking out about this book but I really feel that if you don't already want to read this series based on what I've written so far, you're never going to want to read this book. In which case we can never speak again.

(Just kidding.)

(Not really.)

(But yes. Kidding.)

The long and short of it?

Plot: This books it the winner of The Plot Perfection Prize.
World Building: An amazing addition to an already pretty great series that really elevates the whole thing.
Character Development: ARIA. PERRY. ROAR. LIV. CINDER. TALON. WHAT? UGH. Keep with the development, my darlings. Keep.
Prose: Can I read words like these always? ALWAYS? I mean:
“"Do you ever miss anything?" Perry smiled. "You, all the time."” And I totally wasn't going to quote anything this review because I would end up quoting the whole book but that one COULD NOT go unmentioned.
Would I Recommend This Book?: I think the first book in this series is A LITTLE rough around the edges, which might put some people off, but I'd say push through on the first one because the second is JUST THAT GOOD. This is even one of the dystopians I'd recommend to NON-dystopian readers, it's so good. And maybe that's because there's a little sci-fi thrown in, or maybe just because the romance is astounding. But yeah. Read this series.

Love Perry? Love Roar? How about Aria and Liv? Tell me ALL about your preferences in the comments below - even if you've only read Under the Never Sky. But if you haven't read that one, GET TO IT, WOULD YOU?

BUT WAIT. THERE'S MORE:

JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED IT. EW HOSTED THE COVER REVEAL FOR INTO THE STILL BLUE THIS MORNING AND IT IS GLORIOUS. I'm not going to jack the image off the EW website because APPARENTLY you can read the first 3 chapters on the site, so clearly you're gonna wanna do that.

Are you still here? YOU SHOULDN'T BE. GO. GOGOGOGO.