Review: Ruby Red

Title: Ruby Red
Author: Kerstin Gier
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.
Category: Young Adult
Page Count: 324 
Release Date: May 10, 2011
Series: Edelstein-Trilogie #1
Source: ARC from publisher
Challenge: 2011 DAC 
Quick Rating: 5/5
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Sixteen-year-old Gwen lives with her extended - and eccentric - family in an exclusive London neighborhood. In spite of her ancestors’ peculiar history, she’s had a relatively normal life so far. The time-traveling gene that runs like a secret thread through the female half of the family is supposed to have skipped over Gwen. So it comes as a surprise when she starts taking sudden leaps into the past.

She’s totally unprepared for time travel, not to mention all that comes with it: the fancy clothes, a mysterious secret society, and Gideon, who’s obnoxious, a know-it-all, and possibly the best-looking guy she’s seen in any century…

Secret societies, amazingly beautiful clothes, and a very swoon-worthy boy: what more could a girl want from a book?

From the very beginning, Ruby Red dishes out the mystique and intrigue, and has you dying to read more. I had serious problems putting this book down to either sleep or go to work. I am definitely a sucker for time-travel novels, and I really love the unique premise Kerstin Gier created. Time-traveling is limited to only a very few people - women from one ancestry, men from another. They are all connected to a complicated riddle about precious gems and special magical abilities. There is a special chronograph used to control the time and place of time-travel, and it requires the blood of all twelve travelers throughout history to be “complete”. What happens when it is complete is still a mystery, though I think I’m siding with Gwen that it seems a little sinister.

Gwen herself is a delightful main character. She is very much so a normal girl. Her and her best friend are amazingly close, and they do what most girlfriends do. They watch movies and drool over hot guys. I also appreciated the fact that Gwen was not a secretly brilliant student, bubbling over with a wealth of knowledge. In fact, she doesn’t pay attention in history, and she easily forgets important dates. Not the best trait for time-traveling safety. You feel almost as overwhelmed as Gwen in those first moments of uncontrolled travel. Not knowing where you are, totally unprepared to be thrust back into time? Pretty scary. Gwen also has the ability to see and talk to ghosts - she’s particular friends with a young gentleman who used to live at her school. And along with ghosts, she can also see gargoyles. Gargoyles weren’t necessarily explained very well in this one, but I hope we see some sort of development in this area. Having your own cute gargoyles following you around seems absolutely wonderful! (Not to mention she apparently has Hello Kitty pj’s, which totally makes her awesome in my book.)

And the love interest? Serious swoonage! Gideon is cocky and condescending, and is totally used to everyone doing exactly what he says. Gwen totally throws him for a loop when she blatantly disregards his orders, and won’t take his snarky comments standing down. But of course, as irritating as Gwen finds him to be, she can’t help but notice his stunning good looks, and the glimmers of a really sweet, caring nature hidden under the know-it-all, oh-so-serious façade. He definitely has a touch of adventure in his blood, and I think he’ll easily develop into a rebel right along with Gwen.

The secondary cast of characters isn’t too shabby either. Grace, Gwen’s mother, definitely knows something she isn’t telling anyone. Great-aunt Maddy is a hoot, and her visions are oddly creepy. Lesley, the best friend, is probably one of the best girlfriends to ever have, since she believes all the outlandish things Gwen tells her without skipping a beat. There’s something strange about Mr. Whitman, the English teacher. He’s part of the secret society dealing with all the time-traveling, but it hasn’t been revealed in what capacity. Falk de Villiers and Dr. Jacob White of the society definitely give me the creeps, and little Mr. George is just adorable! Count Saint-Germain probably takes the cake as creepster of the novel, with Rakoczy taking a firm second. I also loved seeing some of Gwen’s ancestors, particularly Paul and Lucy. I really believe not everything has been revealed about Gwen’s parentage. There’s a sneaking suspicion she may not be who she thinks she is.

There really were no true flaws with this book, other than the fact that the language took a little while to get used to. However, since this book is originally German, I’m chalking it up to the fact that some things may not translate to English perfectly. However, the characters really feel British, and you end up getting so absorbed in the story, you don’t even notice! Besides that, there was an almost overwhelming amount of characters and names to keep track of, though there is a handy little index in the back of the book.

Truly, I was very, very impressed with Ruby Red. While the ending was a total cliffhanger (and might I add a little frustrating!), nothing was really thoroughly wrapped up. There are still a lot of loose threads, and plenty of mysteries to be solved in the next installments. While I would have liked one or two things figured out for certain at the end, it definitely makes me eager for Sapphire Blue to hurry up and get here!

The Final Word: A wonderful, fast-paced novel that will leave you on the edge of your seat. It has time-travel, secret societies, cute boys, ghosts, and mysteries galore. While nothing is wrapped up or solved at the end, there are still two more books to come, and Ruby Red will definitely make you want them!

Overall:
Characters:
Concept:
Cover:

Cover Thoughts: I love this cover! The silver foil filigree is stunning, especially with all the little “rubies” all over it. The red and silver just looks so elegant together - I love it!

Tea: Since Gwen is the “ruby” of the chronograph, I chose a lovely Ruby Chai from Numi Organic Teas.

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Win an ARC of Ruby Red!

So I happen to have gotten my hands on another ARC edition of Ruby Red, and since I loved it so much, I absolutely have to give it away! 

• U. S. entries only please! I'd love to do international, but I can't afford the shipping right now.
• You must be 13 years of age or older to enter.
• No emails or addresses will be sold or given away to third parties. I will always respect your privacy.
• Winners will be chosen using random.org
• The giveaway will run from May 23rd, 2011, to midnight (EST) May 30th, 2011.
• Following is not required for this giveaway, but it will earn you one extra entry.
• Reblogging or tweeting is not required, but it will earn you one extra entry as well.
• I am also not responsible for any packages lost in the mail - anything that does not arrive, or goes missing, I am under no obligation to replace.

Click here to enter!

Waiting on Wednesday { 16 }

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

Want to participate?

•  Head on over to Breaking the Spine.
• Grab the logo, or make your own!
• Post your WoW entry on your blog.
• Sign the Mr. Linky.
• Visit all the other linked blogs, and watch your TBR pile grow to ginormous proportions!

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 Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

by Andrew Bolton, Harold Koda

(May 31, 2011 -- Metropolitan Museum of Art)

Alexander McQueen (1969-2010) was one of the most influential, imaginative, and inspirational designers at the turn of the millennium. His fashions both challenged and expanded the conventional parameters of clothing beyond utility to a compelling expression of culture, politics, and identity. Focusing on the most iconic and acclaimed designs of his prolific career, this stunning book examines McQueen's inimitable technical virtuosity and its subversion of traditional tailoring and dressmaking practices.
 
The book also focuses on the highly sophisticated narrative structures found in McQueen's collections and in his astonishing and extravagant runway presentations, which suggested the most avant-garde installation and performance art. Intended as an assessment of Alexander McQueen's entire career, the book includes in-depth studies of six collections that illustrate and encapsulate thematic chapters as well as an interview with Sarah Burton, the new creative director of Alexander McQueen who had been the designer's right-hand design aide since 1996.

(Sorry for the lateness - I swear I had this scheduled, but it never posted!)

So this week's choice is a little different, since it's not fiction. Or, at least, it's not written fiction, though there are stories inside. I've always loved fashion and clothes and models and runways and photography, and no one had that fantastic element that Alexander McQueen had. His runway shows were inspiring, and his clothes didn't seem to belong in our world. They belonged in some amazing, fantastical world far, far away from here. I remember being devastated when I heard about his passing, and while the line may not retain that magical touch without him, I definitely have faith that the name brand will not vanish anytime soon. I'm definitely excited to get my hands on this book and peruse through the gorgeous photography on the inside. 

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

In My Mailbox { 14 }

Better late than never! (I really swear I had this uploaded and ready to go - but maybe I dreamed it all. :-P)

{ FOR REVIEW }

• The Magical Tale of Eliza Felding by Rich Douglas
• The Dark City by Catherine Fisher
• Jamrach's Menagerie by Carol Birch

{ BOUGHT }

• Eona by Alison Goodman
• The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide by Stephenie Meyer
• Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen 

{ WON }

• Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roark Dowell (from Novel Novice)

{ R.A.K. }

• The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roeker (from Lisa and Laura themselves!)  

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So that's what I got this week. What's in your mailbox?

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Review: Hex Hall

Title: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Hyperion
Category: young adult
Page Count: 323
Release Date: March 2, 2010
Series: Hex Hall #1
Source: Library
Challenge: 2011 A-Z Challenge 
Quick Rating: 5/5
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

I should be kicking myself right now for not picking up Hex Hall sooner. But, I’m kind of glad I did, because now I don’t have to wait to read the sequel.

Hex Hall is one of those magical books where every page has me giggling, and it’s so irresistible, I can’t put it down. I literally read this in one day, it was just that good.

Rachel Hawkins has created an amazing world, full of witches, shapeshifters, and beautiful faeries. And not only is the world very well developed (though there is still obviously a lot for the readers to learn), the characters are just flat out amazing. Sophie Mercer is such a likable heroine! Her dry humor had me laughing on every page, and she felt so relatable. When she was happy, I felt happy. When she was feeling stressed and overwhelmed, all I wanted to do was comfort her. It’s rare for me to feel so heavily connected to a character, but with Sophie, it was instantaneous.

The rich cast of other characters weren’t so shabby either. Jenna, the vampire best friend, is adorable with her pink-striped hair, and I definitely liked the inclusion of a gay female best friend, instead of the typical gay male best friend. Archer Cross was also incredibly swoon-worthy. The cellar scene? Um, yes please! *fans self* I cannot wait to see what’s left to discover about him, especially after the ending. And I’m definitely liking the groundsman, Cal - he sounds like a veritable Prince Charming, and I’m hoping we see more of him as well.

I was reminded a little bit of The Craft, that wonderful witchy movie from the 90’s, and that is definitely a good thing. Elodie, queen of the school, and her two henchwomen, Chaston, and Anna were just the right amount of snob and sinister rolled into one. I was absolutely shocked when the truth came out about them in the end.

And speaking of the end - wow! The first part of the book was entertaining and humorous, but the end kicked it up a couple notches with some steamy scenes, some extremely creepy scenes, and some amazing butt-kicking action. I was absolutely racing through the pages to find out what happened, only to be left with more questions at the end. Guess I better run to the bookstore soon and pick up the sequel.

The Final Word: If you love boarding schools and anything paranormal or supernatural, pick up Hex Hall immediately. It’s so good, I can hardly find the words to describe it. It’ll have you laughing one second, and then have your heart racing the next. Definitely a must-read.

Overall:
Characters:
Concept:
Cover:

Cover Thoughts: Eh. It’s nothing special, really. It’s almost a little juvenile in my opinion. And what is up with that black cat?!

Tea: This week, I’m taking a cue from Mrs. Casnoff and suggesting you drink whatever kind of drink most comforts you, or is your favorite. Any drink that makes you happy can only add to the warm, fuzzy feeling you get when reading Hex Hall!

Review: City of Fallen Angels

Title: City of Fallen Angels
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Category: Young Adult
Page Count: 424
Release Date: April 5, 2011
Series: The Mortal Instruments, #4
Source: Bought
Challenge: n/a 
Quick Rating: n/a
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

The Mortal War is over, and Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilites before her. She’s training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And - not important of all - Clary can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary’s best friend, Simon, can’t helpt her. His mother just found out that he’s a vampire and now he’s homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side - along with the power of the curse that’s wrecking his life. And they’re willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he’s dating two beautiful, dangerous girls - neither of whom knows about the other.

When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solutions reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

Thoughts on City of Fallen Angels…

For City of Fallen Angels I’ve decided to do a very informal review. One that’s not even really a review at all! I am so biased towards this series, and it means so much to me, I really don’t know if I can be entirely fair with rating it. I could hate it, and I’d still give it five stars, just because of what it is. The first three Mortal Instruments books are very near and dear to my heart, but how did the fourth installment measure up? I figure by now everyone who is going to read it has read it maybe, but be forewarned - there may be spoilers ahead!

To start with, I was beyond excited for this book. I’d randomly check my order history, just to be sure it was still preordered and hadn’t disappeared into cyberspace somewhere. I contemplated going out to a store on the day it was released and buying a copy, because I didn’t want to wait until my special Barnes & Noble edition showed up. And speaking of the B&N special addition, it was so worth it. Having a book signed by Cassandra Clare herself is amazing, but that letter from Jace to Clary. Oh, my heart broke for them.

But the actual book, the juicy bits inside? It hurts to think this, much less type it, but I was actually…disappointed. That feeling wasn’t there, not like the previous installments. I read the first three books back to back to back within a couple of days. This one actually took me over a week to finish it. It just didn’t engage me like before, and it didn’t draw me in.

One of the reasons I think this happened is the constantly skipping point of view. Every couple of pages we were in a different character’s head. I’ve never had a problem connecting with multiple POV’s before, but this time, they were so abrupt, I just couldn’t really sink into the story. It almost felt like a television series or something, or a movie even, constantly skipping to a different scene with a different cast. Each segment ended with a cliffhanger as well, almost making the novel read like a script rather than a true novel.

But, then again, I loved seeing Simon more prominently featured. The dialogue is flawless, as always, and laugh out loud hilarious when it comes to the boys (Simon, Jace, and Kyle/Jordan) interacting with one another, and playing off one another. In fact, those scenes with those three, and all the snappy comebacks dripping in sarcasm were probably my favorite scenes from the whole book.

And Simon’s love life? I love that the nerdy boy who never got any attentions has two hot girls interested in him, but I just didn’t feel a spark with either of them. While I do prefer Simon with Isabel if I had to pick, there’s no real spark to me. There’s no chemistry, no draw. We see a bit of emotion from Isabel at the end, but I think I’ll need a lot more to really get behind this couple. The same with Simon and Maia. I didn’t feel it, despite how much I loved the characters individually. I do prefer Maia with Kyle/Jordan, but again, it just fell flat for me.

And of course, the star couple, Clary and Jace. I was always a Clary and Jace fan, even when it felt so wrong to want them together. I feel like they were still just as steamy as ever, but it almost seemed like they were going through drama for the sake of drama. This couple has already been through hell and back together, why not just leave them alone? Let this be the couple who is happy, and maybe a little more in the background. Let the secondary characters from the previous books take center stage, and just let Jace and Clary be sappy and romantic and crazy in love. This new obstacle for them just feels almost unnecessary, and honestly, I’m a little tired of them not just being able to be together. We suffered and cried and pined with them through three whole books of torment, why add more?

Needless to say, though, I love the characters and I love the world. I will never get truly tired of any of it, even if 100 more books come out. Did I feel the way this book went was almost unnecessary? Yes. Did I feel the writing wasn’t quite as up to par? Yes. Am I actually way more excited about the next Infernal Devices book now? Yes. Was I disappointed and under whelmed? Yes. Am I still giving it five stars because I love this world so much? Yes. But I will read City of Fallen Angels again and again, and I will be a squealing fan girl when the next one comes out. Cassandra Clare has a devout fan for life, no matter what she does.

Waiting on Wednesday { 15 }

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

Want to participate?

•  Head on over to Breaking the Spine.
• Grab the logo, or make your own!
• Post your WoW entry on your blog.
• Sign the Mr. Linky.
• Visit all the other linked blogs, and watch your TBR pile grow to ginormous proportions!

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 The Night Circus

by Erin Morgenstern

(September 13, 2011 -- Doubleday)

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.

True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

So maybe I'm just lusting after circuses since seeing the film adaptation of Water for Elephants this past weekend, but I cannot wait for this book! Forbidden love, magic, a mysterious circus. What isn't to love? Oh, and that description of the connection between the two characters? Um, I'm predicting some serious swoonage happening in this book. It's going to be a long wait until September...

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Random Acts of Kindness: May Edition

So I'm a little behind getting this up, but here it is! I'm going in for another month of R.A.K., and I'm so freakin' excited to be participating again. R.A.K. is probably one of the most fun things I've joined in on, and it's so awesome to just randomly send books to someone. Seriously, if you haven't joined up yet, do it now!

If you're interested in signing up, here's the rules:

• Sign up each month you'd like to participate in.
• Show off your participation! Grab one of the buttons available :)
• Create a wish list and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
{Post on your blog, Amazon, where ever as long as there's a link to it.}
• If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger for their address.
• At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K!
Make a post saying 'Thank You' to whoever granted one of your wishes and share it with us :)


OPEN TO EVERYONE!
Let's keep our International bloggers in mind and in our hearts.
Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!

My wishlist is here, over at Goodreads!

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In April I received...

• Stray by Rachel Vincent (from Smash @ Smash Attack Reads)
• The Liar Society by Lisa & Laura Roecker (from JL @ An Avid Reader's Musings)
• The Dark Divine by Bree Despain (from Amber @ AwesomeSauce Book Club)

I sent out...

• Unearthly by Cynthia Hand (to Briana @ The Book Pixie) 
• Delirium by Lauren Oliver (to Alyssa @ The Babbling Bookworm)