Summer Giveaway Hop!! (CLOSED)

Welcome everyone to my first ever Blog Hop!! I enjoyed entering to win in all of the blog hops since I joined, so I decided I was going to give back. I am included in the Summer Giveaway hop! This hop is hosted by: www.iamareadernotawriter.com and www.maryinhb.blogspot.com.

There were a lot o things I liked and disliked about entering these things. The big thing I hated was comment entries. I really hated having to enter the contest through comments and each entry had to be separate comments. It's annoying and takes up so much time. These linky lists are so long it takes enough time already. So I am making it as simple as possible, with a few extra entries of course.

Here is what you will win:

One book from the Book Depository (has to be, at most, $10). They ship for free to many locations around the world so check HERE to see if they ship to you. If they do you are eligible to enter.

Rules:

Mandatory Entry: Must be a GFC Follower

Must be able to ship to you for free from the Book Depository.

Extra Entries:

"Like" my book page on Facebook (The Princess of the Rebellion)

Become a Twitter follower (@musicislife4tms)

***Contest is Closed.

Winner will be chosen using random.org. Winner will be notified by e-mail and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. After a confirmation of winner, it will be posted on my blog.

Thank you for visiting!! Make sure to keep on going down the list to win some great prizes!

In My Mailbox: Glow ARC

I wasn't going to post anything today but I got a nice surprise in the mail and I am just so excited I had to share it.

Today I received an ARC of Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan from St. Martin's. The reason I am so excited is it's the first ARC I have received. I downloaded one to my e-reader but that's different. I get to hold this one in my hands. I think what I am most excited about is it's the beginning of something new and great for me. Just the amazement of receiving a book before it's published getting to read it before it goes on sale is just a fantastic opportunity.

I have been having a pretty crappy last few days and it's was a nice surprise to get it today. I would say nice surprise to find it in my mailbox my my 4 year old nephew got it from the mailbox and brought it to me. He is very sweet, well this time he didn't decide to open it for me. Thank you for following me you guys. I'm happy to share all this with you and hopefully even more in the future. :)

Again...Have a great weekend!

Even more randomness!

Hey to those few who follow my site! :)

Just want to let you all know ahead of time that on Monday I will be part of the Summer Giveaway Hop hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer and BookHounds...Forever Young (Adult). It will run from August 1st-7th and I will be giving away $10 to the Book Depository where they ship for free all over the place. It's a pretty cool online store and an awesome contest. I am so happy to be a part of it. So check back in those days and enter!

I can't wait to get started. By the way, I might not be posting much because I want the contest post to stay as far up as possible. I'm trying to finish all my reviews but my "First-Reads" book came and I have to finish it so they get a review in soon.

So anyway, good luck if you enter the contest. And since it's a hop there are so many more other giveaways going on (I think the last time I checked it was over 200 giveaways!) all giving away book related prizes. So check back on Monday! Have a great weekend!

Dragon's Oath by P.C. Cast

Dragon's Oath by P.C. Cast

Fantasy, YA

Rating: 5 Stars

The first in an enthralling new mini-series of novellas from the #1 bestselling authors of the House of Night, Dragon’s Oath tells the story behind the House of Night’s formidable fencing instructor – the love that will transform him, and the promise that will haunt him

In early 19th century England, long before he’s a professor at the Tulsa House of Night, Bryan Lankford is a troublesome yet talented human teen who thinks he can get away with anything… until his father, a wealthy nobleman, has finally had enough, and banishes him to America. When Bryan is Marked on the docks and given the choice between the London House of Night and the dragon-prowed ship to America, he chooses the Dragon – and a brand new fate.

Becoming a Fledgling may be exciting, but it opens a door to a dangerous world.... In 1830’s St. Louis, the Gateway to the West, Dragon Lankford becomes a Sword Master, and soon realizes there are both frightening challenges and beautiful perks. Like Anastasia, the captivating young Professor of Spells and Rituals at the Tower Grove House of Night, who re

ally should have nothing to do with a fledgling…

But when a dark power threatens, Dragon is caught in its focus. Though his uncanny fighting skills make him a powerful fledgling, is he strong enough to ward off evil, while protecting Anastasia as well? Will his choices save her—or destroy them all?

First Thoughts: P.C. Cast is one of my ultimate favorite authors. Dragon's Oath was just another book that set that in stone. When I heard she was branching off Zoey's story in the House of Night series and making novellas about the teachers I couldn't wait. Then the cover got released. OMG, it's so beautiful. Anastasia's face in Dragon's sword, it symbolizes so much. UK's cover fits in with the other books in the series and I have to say I'm glad we have ours different because the novellas are different. They set apart from the series but at the same time compliments it.

Writing Style: I love P.C.'s writing style. It's beautiful and somewhat poetic. She comes up with her own chants and poems in her stories and they all fit. This one was no different from the rest of the series except it's not about Zoey. Because it's not from Zoey this one was more grown up, having it in third-person made it even better.

Characters: Dragon is definitely not what I expected. When we met him in the House of Night series he was this amazing professor that everybody loved. I never imagined he would have been an arrogant, stuck up brat. We didn't get to know Anastasia very much but as much as I knew abut her she was the same in this book as the series. Mature, beautiful, and very talented.

Final Thoughts: I absolutely loved this book. No doubt in my mind. I am a huge fan of the House of Night series and this just added to the bunch just makes it even more amazing. It was great to hear about the other important people in the House of Night series for once. To find out what made them who they are, what brought them to where they are. All I have to say is I can't wait till the novella about Lenobia comes out early 2012 because she is an amazing character and I can't wait to find out how she got her scar.

Warriors of the Cross by T.R. Graves

Warriors of the Cross (The Warriors #1) by T.R. Graves

Fantasy

Rating: 4 Stars

Allison La Crosse, beginning a challenging family medicine residency, leaves the protection of her family. With the transfer, her worst nightmares come true. Her closely guarded mystical talents; those which seldom appeared before the move; unleash themselves from her confinement and reveal their presence with very little provocation.
Allison's most terrifying power is her compulsion to cure the dying with her touch. Given her career, this gift would be valuable if she were not drawn like a magnet to the ailing person's every symptom. Some of which are fatal.

At the hospital and surrounded by life-and-death emergencies, Allison's inability to manage her impulse turns deadly. When it does, her mentor, Brody, rescues her from her own demise. His resuscitation ignites an exciting bond between them.
Desperate for a cure, they join forces and embark upon a journey to uncover the origins of Allison's lethal curse. In the midst of their adventure, Allison exposes a secret pursued by many;known by few.

First Thoughts: I marked this book as 'to read' on Goodreads.com and the author wrote to me saying the e-book format was free on smashwords.com. Who doesn't want a free book? So, since I was waiting for other books to come in the mail I decided to do it. The cover isn't the greatest, if it wasn't offered free I probably wouldn't have brought it for a long time by the cover. It' s beautiful, don't get me wrong, just not my 'type' I guess. The synopsis is good except I'm confused on the last paragraph. I didn't they were looking for a cure in this book. Maybe it's part of the next but honestly I don't get where that paragraph fits with this story.

Writing Style: T.R. is a very good writer. Some of the words she used I had no clue what they were but I could tell she did. I haven't checked yet but her 'doctor language' seemed to come straight out of an ER episode, like she was a doctor. She clearly knew what she was saying. If T.R. wasn't a doctor I would be surprised and actually happy that she did her research because it made the story so much better. I do have to honestly put that at some points I was bored. I was taught that if there were parts that didn't have to do with the plot to get rid of them and there were parts that I felt didn't have to be said and just bored me. An example would be the child in the ER with strep, I don't get how that was really important to know. I guess it puts her in the ER for the following important scene but she could have just been called down for that.

Characters: Allison is a brilliant, young woman. She is beautiful in her own ways and she is a doctor. What could be better? Well, I think she was kind of stupid at the same time or blind. She knew the whole time what was going on but acted like she didn't. With other people it would make sense since she is trying to hide her 'curse' but to herself there were so many things that were obvious but she was blind to it. Like Brody. How did she not figure it out? I knew right away. I didn't like Brody in the beginning, honestly. He seemed like a jerk. He could have outright old Suri he wasn't interested but he didn't it seemed. As the story progressed I had more faith in him and began to understand him. Clark is my favorite though. He is an awesome person and never once caused an issue between him and Allison. I had a feeling they had that 'connection' and I was glad to see I was right. I'm not even going to go into Suri. It would bring in too much negative energy.

Final Thoguhts: When I got through the random things that had no point to the story as far as I could tell (maybe they are important for the next book), I really enjoyed the book. I liked the back story of the Warriors and their relationships to each other. It's a great idea and I have to say I wouldn't mind reading the next one. Especially since it was left at a cliffhanger. I can't help but wonder what happens next.

Branded by Keary Taylor

Branded (Fall of Angels #1) by Keary Taylor

Fantasy

Rating: 4 Stars

Jessica's had the nightmares for as long as she can remember. Nightmares of being judged for people who have died, of being branded by the angels. Her friends and family think she's a crazy because of it all. Yet she carries the mark of the condemned, seared into the back of her neck, and hides it and herself away from the world.

But when two men she can't ignore enter her life everything changes, including the nightmares. The two of them couldn't be more different. She will do anything to be with one of them. Even tell him the truth about angels, why she never sleeps, and the scar on the back of her neck. But one of the two has set events into motion what will puller her toward her own judgment and turn her into the object of her greatest fear.

First Thoughts: This was another book I found on sale for the NOOK app on my phone so I quickly downloaded it. The covers for this book are so awesome! There are two on goodreads.com and I just love them both. It was hard to pick which one to post but in the end I did.

Writing Style: I am running out of good things to say about the books I have read recently. I fell like I keep repeating myself all the time. I love Keary's writing. It was easy to fall into this story and I didn't have to force myself to read it.

Characters: Jessica is a great character. I instantly sympathized for her. It would suck to have to go through all that pain every time you fall asleep. She is definitely someone I could connect with. Alex seems like the perfect guy too. The instant connection between the two was obvious through the words, something I can understand.

Final Thoughts: You know what? I think angels are the new vampires. That isn't the first time I said that, I think I said that in the Hush, Hush review. Only because it's true. I am loving the angels right now. This definitely gave me my angel fix and I found out there is another one so I can't wait till I read that one.

Ordained by Devon Ashley

Ordained (Immortal Archives #1) by Devon Ashley

Fantasy

Rating: 5 Stars

Normally, the school creates the hunters - not the monsters.

Abby Sorrensten likes to play rough. Ripping the horns off the foreheads of demons, manipulating lightning and setting things on fire with the flick of your wrist can give you a serious rush. So she probably wasn’t the best choice for the Order’s experimental training program. Thirteen years of isolation, lack of affection and a bruised and broken body from horrendous training sessions creates more than just an exceptional fighter. It creates an evil within - an evil responsible for several deaths the night she left.

Two hundred years later Abby resurfaces as the very thing the Order trained her to kill: a vampire. A mythical demon has set his sights on the school and only the ordained hunter has the powers to face it. Unbeknownst to the Order, Abby’s their precious ordained one and their only chance for survival. As much as she would love to leave them hanging, she’s not willing to risk the life of Emily, a fellow friend and hunter also fed up with the organization.

But for Abby, locking herself away in a fortress with angry descendents of those she killed causes suspicions and tensions to run high. Abby must learn the demon’s weaknesses for battle before the Order learns hers.

First Thoughts: I can't remember how I found Devon but it was through Facebook and I 'liked' her page. After awhile she posted her novel was on sale in e-book format and I jumped at the chance. I ordered the book and got it directly on my phone using the NOOK app.

Writing Style: Devon is a great writer. I'm not a huge fan of third-person omniscient writing but I was able to deal and actually enjoy hearing other's part of the story.

Characters: Abby is such a fun character. She is a strong woman who doesn't let people run her life. I like Abby and Noel's relationship. It was interesting to learn about them and their life together. I liked Abby more than Emily but Emily was a great character too. She had a lot brought on her and almost dying can do that to people. Valerie was pretty cool too. I would like to learn a lot more about Valerie, as in I hope she have even a bigger role in the next book.

Final Thoughts: Some of it was hard to understand in the beginning but I wasn't disappointed. I loved the book and I am super excited for Metamorphosis, the next book in the series. I am super happy I found this series because I was getting used to the vampires and immortals but this is a whole new twist and a great read.

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

Infinite Days (Vampire Queen #1) by Rebecca Maizel

Fantasy

Rating: 5 Stars

Lenah Beaudonte is, in many ways, your average teen: the new girl at Wickham Boarding School, she struggles to fit in enough to survive and stand out enough to catch the eye of the golden-boy lacrosse captain. But Lenah also just happens to be a recovering five-hundred-year-old vampire queen. After centuries of terrorizing Europe, Lenah is able to realize the dream all vampires have -- to be human again. After performing a dangerous ritual to restore her humanity, Lenah entered a century-long hibernation, leaving behind the wicked coven she ruled over and the eternal love who has helped grant her deep-seated wish.

Until, that is, Lenah draws her first natural breath in centuries at Wickham and rediscovers a human life that bears little resemblance to the one she had known. As if suddenly becoming a teenager weren’t stressful enough, each passing hour brings Lenah closer to the moment when her abandoned coven will open the crypt where she should be sleeping and find her gone. As her borrowed days slip by, Lenah resolves to live her newfound life as fully as she can. But, to do so, she must answer ominous questions: Can an ex-vampire survive in an alien time and place? What can Lenah do to protect her new friends from the bloodthirsty menace about to descend upon them? And how is she ever going to pass her biology midterm?

First Thoughts: I won a signed copy of this book from FreeBookFriday.com so I didn't know exactly what this book would be like but I fell in love with the cover. It's got a shine to it and the flawless face with that blue tear, it's a remarkable cover. If I had picked this up in the store the synopsis would have gotten me. It really intrigued me.

Writing Style: Rebecca's style is okay, not my type but it was perfect for this character. It sounded just as old fashioned as Lenah seemed to be. She was a very old vampire and her language isn't very modern.

Characters: Lenah is a great character. She used to be an evil vampire queen who was given the chance to be human again. Her evil days probably weren't that great, we got a few glances of them but as a human she was the kind of girl anybody could connect with. Tony is a great friend to her. He's an oddball but a great character, he is important to Lenah and her path to being human again.

Final Thoughts: Overall the book was awesome. It took some time for me to get into it but after I did, I really enjoyed the book. It is the first vampire book I have read where the vampire becomes human again. I was happy to find the story wasn't over yet and the next novel will soon be in my hands.

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush #1) by Becca Fitzpatrick

YA/Fantasy

Rating: 4 Stars

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

First Thoughts: It's kind of obvious I picked this book by the cover. The cover is so beautiful. I could bet most people picked this book up because of the cover. The synopsis made me hesitate though, just a little. It was just the feeling I got when I read it, the whole 'just like Twilight' reference. A new student, girl attracts to mysterious guy who knew things he shouldn't know, falls for the guy, and risk her life in the process. It all sounded familiar. I ended up taking the book home anyway. Stephenie Meyer wasn't the first one to use the 'new student' beginning and she definitely won't be the last.

Writing Style: This style was easy to get in. Becca's writing is almost near perfect actually. I could see the things she wanted us to see and I could feel what Nora was feeling. Overall the writing was fantastic.

Characters: Nora is a very open and kind of funny character. She knew what she wanted and she didn't give up. She wanted to find out Patch's secrets and she did some things that a normal person wouldn't do for someone she doesn't know, like go to a bar. Patch is definitely the mysterious guy girls love to fall for. You could tell he was supposed to be that 'bad guy good guy' though, much of this book was predictable.

Final Thoughts: Besides the similarities between this book and the other YA fiction books lately, Becca came up with a different story. I am liking the angels lately, they are the new vampires. There was some really interesting twists and even though some of the book was predictable some were not and made it a pretty awesome book. I can't wait to read the next two.

Tris and Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison

Tris and Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison

YA/Fantasy

Rating: 2 Stars

A modern retelling of the German fairytale "Tristan and Isolde", Tris and Izzie is about a young witch named Izzie who is dating Mark King, the captain of the basketball team and thinks her life is going swimmingly well. Until -- she makes a love potion for her best friend Brangane and then ends up taking it herself accidentally, and falling in love with Tristan, the new guy at school.

First Thoughts: I have to say with complete honesty, I chose this book because I loved this cover. It is so beautiful, just amazing. The early synopsis I found is small but it I like it. It definitely got my interest. I love books that are retelling another story in the modern world. I never heard of "Tristan and Isolde" but it definitely sparked my interest.

Writing Style: I am disappointed. The story itself was great but I could not stand the writing. Some actions scenes didn't seem to have enough action and stopped as fast as it started. Some didn't even seemed finished. For instance, maybe I spaced out at that moment but when I read the big fight scene I didn't even know the 'bad guy' was gone. I had to go back and reread it a couple times. The writing was very hard to deal with and I definitely felt forced into reading it.

Characters: Out of all I have ever read I have never, ever disliked a character. Izzie was so stuck up and snotty. She was so full of herself. Her comment of she was the queen of the school just annoyed me. Even in the end she grew up a bit but was still stuck-up. Usually writers shoot for characters we can connect to and sympathize with, I could not for Izzie or her friends. They were all annoying. Branna seemed to be trying to prove she was the better one but all I saw was she was probably worse than Izzie. She's a horrible friend, the both of them are.

Final Thoughts: The action was okay, the story was great but I felt it could have been better. This story has so much potential but I was completely disappointed. It makes me sad only because I know it could be better but it's not and I wanted to like it so much. I really did. This is the first story I have gotten from NetGalley and I wanted my first review to be a good one but I'm not going to lie because that wouldn't help anyone.

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

Wings (Wings #1) by Aprilynne Pike

YA, Fantasy

Rating: 4 Stars

Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

First Thoughts: I downloaded this for free for my e-reader. What got me to do it was in fact the review from Stephenie Meyer. They offered it for free so I thought it was worth a try. The cover for the printed version of Wings is incredible. It's simple but in a really good way. The petals forming the wings is fantastic (and fits with the story perfect).

Writing Style: Aprilynne's style was okay to deal with. It wasn't the best ever but I was able to understand Laurel as a character with the words used. It wasn't horrible but it wasn't fantastic either.

Characters: Laurel is an interesting character. Everything about her screams that she is different. So much that she should have picked it up herself but she didn't until the bump on her back appeared. David is the perfect best friend for her. He accepts her for who she is and helps her through her time of need instead of branding her a freak.

Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed the novel and I can't wait to read the next two. It's a great story and a great twist on faeries.

I am kind of depressed by the movie news though. Not that they got picked up for a movie but for who is starring in it. Miley Cyrus. Now don't get me wrong, I don't hate Miley Cyrus even if she isn't that great of an actress. My problem is she is an adult who will be playing a teenager. Laurel is fifteen! I hate it when they do that. Why can't they have a teenager play a teenager for once? I will still be reading the next novels though because I like the series even if I don't like the movies.

Shadowland by Alyson Noel

Shadowland (Immortal Series #3) by Alyson Noel

YA, Fantasy

Rating: 5 Stars

Ever and Damen have traveled through countless past lives—and fought off the world's darkest enemies—so they could be together forever. But just as their long-awaited destiny is finally within reach, a powerful curse falls upon Damen...one that could destroy everything. Now a single touch of their hands or a soft brush of their lips could mean sudden death—plunging Damen into a bleak afterlife in the Shadowland, an eternal abyss for lost souls. Desperate to break the curse and save Damen, Ever immerses herself in magick—and gets help from an unexpected source...Jude Knight.

Although she and Jude have only just met, he feels startlingly familiar. Despite her fierce loyalty to Damen, Ever is drawn to Jude, a green-eyed golden boy with magical talents and a mysterious past. She's always believed Damen to be her soul mate and one true love—and she still believes it to be true. But as Damen pulls away to save them from the darkness inhabiting his soul, Ever's connection with Jude grows stronger—and tests her love for Damen like never before...

First Thoughts: This is my favorite cover so far. I love how the necklace looks with all the stones and it's just so beautiful. Reading the synopsis made me excited then a bit skeptical. I was excited for the curse set on Damen and Ever, it's something new and very interesting. The introduction of Jude is okay but kind of expected. What kind of YA novel would it be without a love triangle?

Writing Style: I still love Alyson's writing style. It's easy to read, understand, and sympathize with the characters.

Characters: The characters I haven't mentioned yet are the twins, Romy and Rayne. I love when people create twins. As a twin myself, I can relate to them. They are complete opposites but of course the same at the same time. It's awesome. I definitely like them more than Haven. Next is Jude. He is new and he creates the love triangle everyone loves so much. Jude and Ever's whole story is a great twist and it is fantastic to read more about it.

First Thoughts: I was disappointed in the last book,the I hate high school drama but this book brought me back into this series. I love the twists and plot. I'm glad I didn't give up on it because of the high school drama. The love triangle adds to it and the 'twist' of that relationship is not something I have seen yet and I love it.

Blue Moon by Alyson Noel

Blue Moon (Immortal Series #2) by Alyson Noel

YA, Fantasy

Rating: 3 Stars

Just as Ever is learning everything she can about her new abilities as an immortal, initiated into the dark, seductive world by her beloved Damen, something terrible is happening to him. As Ever's powers are increasing, Damen's are fading—stricken by a mysterious illness that threatens his memory, his identity, his life.

Desperate to save him, Ever travels to the mystical dimension of Summerland, uncovering not only the secrets of Damen's past—the brutal, tortured history he hoped to keep hidden—but also an ancient text revealing the workings of time. With the approaching blue moon heralding her only window for travel, Ever is forced to decide between turning back the clock and saving her family from the accident that claimed them—or staying in the present and saving Damen, who grows weaker each day...

First Thoughts: The cover is setting the pattern for the series. The girl in the back holding something. It's a very beautiful cover. I like this synopsis better than the first one. I bet if I had picked up this book first it would have made me buy the series sooner.

Writing Style: Alyson's writing stayed the same I think. I still felt exactly how Ever felt with all the drama that was happening. Besides the story itself, I think Alyson is going to become one of my favorite writers.

Characters: The characters were the same except of course the issues with Damen but it's not really him because he is having 'issues' in this book. I have to say I really do dislike Ever's friend, Haven. I forgot to mention in the first book but I felt the need to add it here. Honestly I don't really understand that relationship and how they could even be friends. Of course I really hate Roman but he is a really confusing character. It's hard to catch on to him. He is so annoying and cocky I just want to slap him! OK...now that I got that out.

Final Thoughts: I am pretty surprised I disliked this one so much. I know exactly what it is though. The high school drama. The whole bullying and not knowing who you friends are issues. Of course Roman was manipulating everything but I still couldn't stand it. That drama just got to me and it was super annoying. I wanted to know the ending though so it didn't make me drop the book even if it bugged me.

Evermore by Alyson Noel

Evermore (Immortal Series #1) by Alyson Noel

YA, Fantasy

Rating: 4 Stars

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, Ever can see auras, hear people's thoughts, and know a person's entire life story by touch. Going out of her way to avoid human contact and suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen.

Damen Auguste is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy. He's the only one who can silence the noise and random energy in her head—wielding a magic so intense, it's as though he can see straight into her soul. As Ever is drawn deeper into his enticing world of secrets and mystery, she's left with more questions than answers. She has no idea just who he really is—or what he is. The only thing she knows to be true is she's falling deeply and helplessly in love with him.

First Thoughts: I love this cover. The girl is pretty and the flower fits with the novel very well (well, after you read it). The synopsis really got me into this one. I have seen the book around for awhile so I finally decided to grab it as well as the next two in the series.

Writing Style: I tend to not like YA writing styles but can muddle through it and end up loving the story but I could actually deal with Alyson's writing. She is a fantastic writer and it was easy to fall into the story and into the character's lives.

Characters: Ever is so easy to sympathize. She was a normal person who got gypped of her life by losing her family. She was easy to connect with. Damen...not so much. That may be because he is a guy and I'm not but everybody is into the mysterious guys lately and he was definitely mysterious. He continued to go about not hiding the things he could do, it was kind of annoying that he was showing off.

Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. It makes me want to hurry up and read the next in the series, I was really glad I grabbed the next one when I bought this one. The thing I like best is it's not another teen vampire book. That is what I had assumed when I saw the word 'Immortals' on the cover. It's just about immortals though, not vampires. Happy face!

Just to forewarn you...

Just to warn you I will be having a bunch of posts over the next few days. I am catching up on my reviews of books I have read but haven't posted yet. I have a ton and even more on the way because I have three new books with three more coming in the mail. I am going to be a very busy person! Lots to read!!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

**SPOILERS**

If you haven't watched the movie BEWARE THERE ARE SPOILERS ON THIS REVIEW!

Book:
The ending of this book is more than I could have imagined. So many twists I never expected to happen. So many deaths that I wish never happened. So depressing. But the ending is what it is and the most amazing book series I have ever read is over. A perfect ending I might add.

Favorite Scenes:

~Gringotts

~Meeting Aberforth, well not for the first time but the first time knowing who he is.

~The Room of Requirement helping those at Hogwarts who need it.

~Ron and Hermione figuring out how to destroy the Horcrux they had. Then they KISS!!

~The destroying of the Room of Requirement. :(

~Harry finding out Snape's true colors.

~King's Cross.

~Obviously the big fight scene.

~The Epilogue. The perfect ending to the perfect series!

Movie:

This movie was amazing!! I went to see the midnight showing at my local theater in 3D and I was just blown away by how amazing it was. Everything was just so perfect and it followed the book so well but a few new things were added that just made the experience so much better.

Favorite Scenes:

~Gringotts! I can't believe they were betrayed like that but they did what they needed to do and got out so no worries there.

~The humor throughout the movie. The funny taunting or little side jokes during all the action. It was nice to laugh during the obvious war.

~All the magic, that was amazing. The Special Effects team really outdid themselves!

~Snape's ending and his memories. That scene took the entire movie to the next level and Alan Rickman is my favorite old actor. I don't think anyone could have done it better!

~The Chamber of Secrets.

~Go Mrs. Weasley!! You kick her butt!

~Neville was fantastic in this movie. So much humor and he really did become the hero he was meant to become.

~Voldemort and Harry's final battle.

~Of course, Ron and Hermione finally getting together!

~19 years later. I'm glad they redid it because the earlier pictures did make them all look way too old (and ugly), this new ending couldn't have been done better. It was fantastic.

Scenes from the book that should have been in the movie:

~Us finding out more information about Dumbledore and his past. I guess it wasn't really important for Harry's story but it was important to us.

~Dumbledore explaining everything he knew about Harry and the horcruxes and Voldemort's mistakes. Everything that basically explained why Voldemort went after him as a child.

~Harry talking to Dumbledore's portrait in the end about the Elder Wand and him putting it back where it belonged.

I felt the need to add this.

Scenes that they added that I love!

~The way Harry came out to confront Snape so no one else would have to make the choice. In the book he was found differently but this one was better. They needed that confrontation.

~Voldemort talking to the ones in the castle through their heads instead of like a sound system.

~Showing the Chamber of Secrets and what happened. Then of course Ron and Hermione kissing finally in there instead of in front of Harry.

~Harry confronting himself about knowing all along he knew what he was, what he had to do. Hermione admitting it too. Also their short goodbye.

~Voldemort and Snape talking in the boathouse instead of the Shrieking Shack.

~Voldemort and Harry's run around the school dueling.

~Ron and Hermione going after Nagini and Neville saving them from her by killing her.

~Voldemort deteriorating instead of just dying. It was pretty cool.

Quotes:

~" Don't pity the dead, Harry, pity the living. Above all pity those who live without love." -Albus Dumbledore

~"I'll join you when hell freezes over! Dumbledore's Army!" -Neville Longbottom

~"Albus Severus, you were named after two headmasters of Hogwarts. One of them was a Slytherin and he was probably the bravest man I ever knew." -Harry Potter

~"Hide them all, then. Keep her - them - safe. Please." -Severus Snape

~"Look...at me..." -Severus Snape (So sad! He wanted to stare into Lily's eyes as he died!)

~"NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH! -Molly Weasley to Bellatrix Lestrange

The End!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

I was pretty excited when this book came out. I can still remember the day. I got and I didn't stop reading until I was done. I got a Gryffindor bracelet when I got it. I love it! Here, though, I am only reviewing up to the part they cut off in the movie.

Book:
I never get tired of saying how amazing Harry Potter is. The entire book series was such an amazing journey. This book is brought to a whole new level for the dedicated fans. We watched Harry grow up and we fell in love with Hogwarts but in Part 1 we are away from the comfort of Hogwarts and head first into this war. We get this whole new experience with Harry Potter and I was enjoying it the whole time.

Favorite Scenes:

~The goodbye to the Dursleys. It was final and it was nice to see Dudley had changed from the selfish brat to at least caring about Harry.

~Hargrid finding out Norbert is actually a girl dragon and they changed the name to Norberta.

~The releasing of Dumbledore's will and the trio arguing with Scrimgeour.

~Bill and Fleur's wedding, pretty much that entire chapter.

~Kreacher and Harry becoming somewhat friends. If not that, an understanding of eachother.

~The emotional scene of Harry seeing his parent's graves, old house, and the sign that people had written notes to Harry.

~The escape from the Lovegood's House. I love Hermione and that scene expresses just how smart that girl is. I love it.

~Potterwatch!!

Movie:

I am just in awe with this movie. It definitely stayed true to the book as much as it could, using what they could from earlier movies. It had so much drama and the actors really pulled through to show us exactly what it would be like to be there during that war. I still can't get over how great this movie was. Just amazing!

Favorite Scenes:

~The seven Potters of course. Who doesn't love that scene? "We're identical!"

~Bill and Fleur's wedding. Fleur's dress is so beautiful. I am just in love with her dress.

~Polyjuice potion at the Ministry. So many funny parts but also keeping up with the drama and action.

~Godric's Hollow.

~The run in the woods. So heart pounding!

~Obviously the action at the Malfoy Manor. I still can't get over what Dobby said. "Dobby never meant to kill anyone...only maim or seriously injure." OMG so funny!

~I feel bad for saying Dobby's death scene but it was better than I could have imagined. Not him dying but the dramatic way he died and his last words. It was so heartbreaking. Dobby had a big impact in Harry's life and he lost him. I didn't cry but I almost did. My sister was sitting next to me and she was just sobbing. They definitely got that scene perfect and showed just how much danger they were in. How close they were to death.

Scenes from the book that should have been in the movie:

~Lupin and Harry's fight. That seemed important to me.

~Hermione taking the portrait of Phineas Nigellus. How did the 'owner' (in case it's

a spoiler I'm not putting the name) of the doe patronus know where Harry and Hermione were?

Because they split the last book into two movies there was more time to fill it with important things from the book there isn't much I disagree with. They did a fantastic job with staying as close to the book as possible.

Quotes:

~"I don't think you're a waste of space." -Dudley Dursley to Harry Potter

~"Oh, it can't be a reference to the fact Harry's a great Seeker, that's way to obvious, there must be a secret message from Dumbledore hidden in the icing!" -Hermione Granger

~"Perhaps just one more, Master Harry, for luck?" -Kreacher

~"Fine, I'll stay here. Let me know if you ever defeat Voldemort, won't you?" -Harry Potter

~"And are they getting married in my bedroom? No! So why in the name of Merlin's saggy left-" -Ron Weasley

~"We wouldn't last two days without her...don't tell her I said that." -Ron Weasley about Hermione Granger

**This was a deleted scene from the movie but I loved it so much I thought for those who didn't know get to hear it.**

~"You think I don't know what they're capable of? You didn't just lose a mother that night in Godric's Hollow, you know. I lost a sister." -Petunia Dursley to Harry Potter

Tribute to Dobby, the free elf.

Sadness!

~"Dobby has no master. Dobby is a free elf, and Dobby has come to save Harry Potter and his friends!" -Dobby

~"What a beautiful place...to be with friends." -Dobby

~"I want to bury him. Properly, without magic." -Harry Potter

~"Here lies Dobby, a free elf." -Dobby's gravestone

Next up: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Book:
I know I keep saying it, but this book is awesome. The war is finally out in the open and no one can hide it anymore. The books just seem to get bigger and bigger too. Dark times are ahead and I love how J.K. Rowling shows how much darkness but also adds in all that humor.

Favorite Scenes:

~Dumbledore's meeting with the Dursleys

~When Harry is in bed and everyone just comes up and starts to have conversations with him. And Fleur pops in to say hello, Harry gets self-conscious and pulls his blankest up knocking Hermione and Ginny on the floor.

~I love all the drama between Ron and Hermione and Lavender. It is just so funny. It shows that everyone is grown up more and they are just like normal teenagers.

~All of the scenes that Dumbledore and Harry entered the Pensieve. I am kind of sad most of them were gone in the movie but they were great in the book.

~Ron eating the 'love potion' chocolate and then getting poisoned. It was a great scene even if poor Ron got hurt.

Movie:

The movie was what I wanted it to be and more. It was a dark movie but had so many funny scenes just like the book. Even if they weren't all the same funny scenes from the book, they kept the mood from the book in this movie. I loved that they did that. They added a few new things to it too that actually worked perfectly. Like the fight at the Burrow scene. It set the mood and showed exactly how dangerous that time was.

Favorite Scenes:

~I loved when Ginny saw Hedwig and asked if Harry was there and everybody popped their heads over the stairs saying he wasn't there and Ginny says, "Apparently he's wondering about the house." So funny!

~The added fight at the Burrow scene. It shows just how much danger they are all in.

~Harry being all sarcastic and hilarious after he took Felix Felicis. The whole pincers thing got me laughing so hard it hurt.

~Harry and Hermione talking in the stairwell about how love hurts. I like how they had her admit that she knew he had feelings for Ginny instead of Ginny telling him Hermione knew. It showed just how good of friends they were.

Scenes from the book that should have been in the movie:

~Dumbledore picking Harry up from the Dursleys. At the train station is fine but that scene was important and I thought they would do it. It put the Dursleys in their place.

~I would have loved to see the Apparate and Disapparate lessons, but I guess it's not really that important for the movie.

~Harry and Ginny's kiss from the book. It was so much better! I mean don't get me wrong, I like what they have but I honestly think it would have been better the other way.

~"Dumbledore's man through and through." I wanted that line to be in there so bad!! I wanted the fight between Scrimgeour and Harry to be there. It was so important, it was showing that the Ministry was still full of it and I guess foreshadowing that it would be until the end.

Quotes:

~"He's covered in blood again. Why is it he's always covered in blood?" -Ginny Weasley

~"Yes," said Harry stiffly

"Yes, sir." (Snape)

"There's no need to call me 'sir,' Professor." (Harry) pg. 180

~"Dumbledore says people find it far easier to forgive others for being wrong than being right." -Hermione Granger

~"I am a wizard, not a baboon brandishing a stick." -Professor Flitwick

~"I make mistakes like the next man. In fact, being - forgive me - rather cleverer than most men, my mistakes tend to be correspondingly huger." -Albus Dumbledore

Next up: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1