Daily Archives: May 15, 2014

To all the boys I’ve loved before by Jenny Han

Posted on May 15, 2014 | Leave a comment

To All the Boys I've Loved Before (To All the Boys I've Loved Before, #1) To all the boys I’ve loved before by Jenny Han.  Published April 15, 2014 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. CDN $11.99 Kindle edition.

I received this book free in a giveaway on Goodreads.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister’s ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all. (Goodreads Excerpt)

This is not the type of story I usually read. However I have to say that it is absolutely adorable. It is a little young for my taste, more middle grade than young adult, but it is very well written. It is light and easy to read and just an all around sweet book.

I was sucked in from the start with the idea of the love letters. It is so honest and endearing and I can’t imagine being that age and having my private love letters sent out. I mean she reveals all her deepest thoughts on paper being totally honest and not ever expecting anyone to read it.

The relationships between Lara Jean and the other characters seem true to life. I was a little (ok whatever that isn’t real) at first when seeing the relationship with her sisters. I after all have a zillion sisters and we fought like cats!) But you see the realness of the relationships as it progresses and it shows the deep love and affection sisters have for each other no matter what gets in the way.

I loved how Lara Jean and Peter K interact with each other during their pretend relationship and you totally fall for them. I was rooting for Peter and angry at him too. It was cute and romantic and sweet and….you get the picture.

While this wasn’t full of witches and demons and all kinds of crazy fantasy that I normally read, it was sweet and light and fun to read. I give it 5 stars and look forward to the next book!

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Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Posted on May 15, 2014 | Leave a comment

Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, #1) Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. Published Aug 16, 2007 by Razorbill. CDN $10.99 Kindle Edition

St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . .

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever. (Goodreads Excerpt)

I have to say that I really like this book.  I’m not a big fan of long series books, but the first book is easily read on its own and doesn’t just end in the middle of a major plot point.  Not that you’re not dying to find out what’s next, but at least it finishes the major conflict at the time. The characters are amazing.  I’m a big fan of Rose.  She is one kick ass heroine and I love how fiercely loyal she is.  Throw in the steamy Dimitri and OMG you’ve got major intrigue, romance and action all in one book.  Did I mention that Dimitri is HOT!

I liked how original this book is too.  How the author builds her world around what we expect from vampires, but throws in a twist.  Not a sparkly kind of vampire twist but an original live and dead vampires twist.  (Don’t want to spoil anything so will leave it at that…lol)

The only weird thing for me is that I couldn’t get over how similar it is to the covenant series by Jennifer Armentrout. I mean it is like both books were following a guideline or something.  I don’t want to go into too much detail but it was eerily similar, which is amazing since this was about vampires and the Covenant series was about Gods, demigods etc. Then I realized that Vampire Academy came out first, so it is not any reflection on this book.  Hopefully the similarities end with the first book only. I really enjoyed the Covenant series however so don’t get me wrong I’m not complaining, it’s just weird.

Back to VA.  I have to say this is now on my top ten list. I can’t wait to get started on the next in the series and now am looking forward to the movie.

5 stars for me for sure!

 

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