Sunday, June 30, 2013

Bloglovin!!

Hey guys! So as most of you know (though I didn't. Shows how long it's been since I've been around here!), google is getting rid of some of its following products tomorrow. So, if y'all still wanna follow me, which I hope you all do, just click on this here link:  Follow my blog with Bloglovin 

I look forward to seeing y'all around for a long time :)

All the best
Mackenzie 

Monday, June 24, 2013

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2)
by Julie Kagawa
Pages: 446
Source: Bought
Format: Hardback

Goodreads Synopsis:

Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike



My Review:


I've been on a roll with sequels lately. This almost never happens. Too often I'm disappointed by the lack of plot or characterization. Or the romance gets to, dare I say, angsty. No one likes angsty. Well, except angst-y teenage girls, of which I am not (angsty, still teenage). And what's even better? When the second book is just as great, if not better, than its predecessor. 

Enter The Eternity Cure. 

Lots of zombie(?) butt whooping? Check. Awesomely fantastic characters (including, but not limited to, a katana-wielding vamp)? Check. Psycho bad guy? Check. Refreshing comedic relief? Check. Forward moving plot? Check. Emotional thrill-ride? Double check. 

1. Lots of zombie butt whooping?
So, I'm actually not sure if the Rabids are "zombies" or not, but they eat people and are sorta dead so that's what I'm gonna go with. And if action and zombie killing is what you're looking for, you've come to the right place. Within the first few pages, Allison has fights under her belt. Cool.

2. Awesomely fantastic characters? 
Let's break this down:

Allison - Oh, how I admire you Ally. I really do. With the constant battle between her vampire instincts and her human nature, you'd think it'd be a bit melodramatic. I mean, I'm not a vampire who is battling her natural instincts so I shouldn't understand. But I do. All thanks to Kagawa. I totally understand Ally and what she is going through and my heart breaks for her. There is no denying that she is fierce, but the battle she fighters to keep her human side is undeniably both harsh and admirable. She knows who she is, but also knows who she wants to be. She doesn’t deny her animalistic instincts when it comes to her loyalty and protectiveness, but she doesn’t want to become blinded to the good in humanity, even though her vampire side is superior in many ways. This constant battle to better herself made me root for her and understand to her hard life. I wanted to give this girl a hug so badly! But, considering she's fictional, that's a bit hard...so a mental hug with suffice. And I can't forget to mention the Katana! That sword's got a special place in my heart. 


Kanin - Personally, I always loved Kanin. Sure, he pretty much started Rabidism, but it was an accident and he had good intentions. Maybe I'm just a sucker, but I totally feel bad for him. Sure, I understand why people hate him, but I also understand why characters, like Allison, love him. He made mistakes, but he's never stopped trying to right the wrong. I admire his determination and his heart. 

Jackal - However, the best part of this book had to be Jackal. Jackal was a great comic relief that was much needed in this emotionally wrought book. His snarky jibes and sarcastic wit always showed their face at the perfect times, allowing a bit of light to come to their otherwise dark situation. And the relationship between he and Allison was an interesting back and forth with a bit of restrained companionship popping up between them. Honestly, without him, I think I would have liked the book a little less. Even though he is an arrogant jerk and definitely doesn’t mind the predatory side of being a vampire, he’s got goodness to him. It just takes a little digging to find it.

Psycho bad guy?
Oh yeah. Definitely a psycho. And I totally understand why! Which makes me have a grudging understanding of the reasoning behind his actions. Not saying they're right! Just....I get it. But still bat-ass crazy. 

Forward moving plot?
YESSSSSS! This isn't a filler book!!! Everyone, JUMP FOR JOYYYYY!!! Okay, outta the system. So yeah. You learn a lot. Can't give it away. Read the book. And, pretty much just a lot happens (new virus?). Including new stuff. Crazy stuff. Stuff that's centered on Psycho bad vamp. Read it.

Emotional Thrill Ride?
Double check. My heart was filled with joy one second and thrown under a bus the next. I was laughing, gasping, shaking my head, yelling (inside my head. Not out loud. I don't want people to think I'm crazy), gaping like a fish, saying nononononono, all the while wanting to give everyone hugs. Yeah. Lots of emotions. And the ending.....I just....I don't know...what?! I....ughhhhhh I hate waiting.

Romance - don't want to give anything away.... ;) 


 Overall:
So, if you can't tell by my awesome review, I loved this book. It was emotionally intoxicating, gave me a triple dose of action-packed adventure and made me fall in love with all the characters even more. This is one sequel that will make your head spin and demand the third book. No matter the cost.....

All the best
Mackenzie 



Sunday, June 23, 2013

Stacking the Shelves (7)


Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews as a way to share all the books we've received this week!


Leviathan (Leviathan #1)
by Scott Westerfeld

So...I feel like I'm the last person in the world to read this book. Seriously, I've heard some fantastic things about it, I just never took the time because there were so many new books coming out. Well, it was at my library and I finally decided it was time. No more putting it off. Time to jump on this steam-punk filled bandwagon and dive into an alternate history. Best part is if I love it, I don't have to wait for the rest of the books to come out seeing as the trilogy is already published! 


Something Strange and Deadly (Something Strange and Deadly #1)
by Susan Dennard

Zombies in 1876 Philadelphia? 
I'm game.

So what have y'all been stacking the shelves with this week? 
And check back for my review of the Eternity Cure on Monday.

All the best ♥
Mackenzie

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Stacking the Shelves (6)


Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews as a way to share all the books we've received this week!


by Richelle Mead

Ok, so I was kind of excited about this one. The synopsis just sounded really cool and action-packed! Besides, I reluctantly liked her VA series, so I thought "what the heck". As long as it's got action, I'm game. But then I read reviews...
I'm terrified.
First off, I don't think this is Young Adult.
Second, I heard this book world was confusing.
Also, I heard the romance was cliche.
....Oh well. I bought the freaking thing and plan on reading it. 
Here's to hoping for a kick-butt MC and lots of actions!

So what have y'all gotten this week?
Be sure to let me know!

All the best
Mackenzie





Thursday, June 13, 2013

...

Hey everyone. 

I'll be MIA for a few more days. My grandpa is having his third open heart surgery today so I've been busy going back and forth to the hospital and taking care of my grandma. His bypasses have worn out since his last surgery 24 years ago and new ones are needed. Although he is happy and healthy, just please pray all goes well and that he recovers quickly. I know he can't wait to play golf again! 

All the best ♥
Mackenzie

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer

Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2)
By Marissa Meyer
Pages: 452
Source: Bought
Format: Hardback

Rating: Love!!!

Goodreads Synopsis:

The fates of Cinder and Scarlet collide as a Lunar threat spreads across the Earth...

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.


My Review:

As with most sequels, I went into this book quite nervous. Sure, tons of people said it was just as great (if not better!) than Cinder. But honestly, how could that happen? It's the dreaded "filler" book. There was absolutely no way it could live up to Cinder.

Well...it did. And I freaking love Marissa Meyer for it!

Enter Scarlet. Fiesty and fiery Scarlet. Oh, how I love her. And she's stubborn to boot! While Cinder's story took place in New Beijing, the story of Scarlet is chronicled in the beautiful countryside of France.  Although Scarlet is inspired by Little Red Riding Hood, don't mistake her for being easily fooled. Maybe she didn't always make the best decisions, but she's got heart and wanted to do whatever she could to protect her grandmother. That's loyalty.

And Wolf! I really came to adore him! Don't let his shy and secretive nature fool you (completely at odds with his looks by the way). No, this guy can kick butt like no other. He's called "Wolf" for a reason. And even though I kind of guessed his "secret" early on, I still looked forward to learning more about it and him.

But, by far, my favorite new addition was Captain Thorne. Oh, you scoundrel, you. Thorne added a bout of comedic relief and was a welcome addition to the cast. Who doesn't love a sarcastic, arrogant thief?

I think that one reason this book turned away from the stereotypical second book was because this book had a completely new plot and set of characters. It was a complex new story that tied together with the first book, yet it was still uniquely its own. I loved going on this journey with Scarlet and Wolf and it became even better when Cinder entered the picture. This book was an absolute non-stop thrill ride of action, surprises and tension! Can't wait for book 3! No, seriously guys, I need book 3 now. Wanna hook me up Meyers? ;)

Overall:
Go pick it up. Now. You don't have to worry about it being a filler book, because it's not. Now breathe a sigh of relief and head to the bookstore. You won't regret it.

All the best ♥
Mackenzie 




Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday (29)


Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine in which we showcase upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. 


Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2)
by Leigh Bardugo
Release Date: June 4, 2013

Goodreads Synopsis:

Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

Why I'm Waiting:

WHY WOULD I NOT BE WAITING?!?!?! Ughhhhhhh I've been dying for this book. After I absolutely fell in love with the first book, I have been waiting, rather impatiently, for this sequel to be released.  And, yes, it did come out yesterday, but considering the fact that it isn't currently in my hands, I'm still waiting on it. Now, if someone wants to remedy this problem, I wouldn't be adverse to it ;)

So what are y'all waiting on this fine Wednesday?
Look for my reviews of The Eternal Cure and Scarlet to come soon :)

All the best ♥
Mackenzie 

Sunday, June 2, 2013

I'm back (this time I promise!)

Hey everyone. Unfortunately for the past year I've been AWOL. With school and everything, I just lost time to read and I got side-tracked with social activities, homework, and netflix. But mainly Netflix. Seriously, that website is addicting. Anyways, these are just excuses (shame on me) and I really want to get back into reading and blogging again. I didn't even realize how much I missed reading till I read The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa (just finished and WOIDSFNMLWKERJ!). I forgot how enchanting and exciting the world of books can be and I plan on trying to recapture the magic that is books.

So, in short, I'm back.


Yes, yes. I know you guys are just so excited to hear that.
You may continue clapping.