Top Ten Tuesday: Books I've Read in 2013

1) Requiem by Lauren Oliver - My review

2) Dare You To by Katie McGarry - My review

3) Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

4) Just One Day by Gayle Forman

5) The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead - My review

6) The Truth About You and Me by Amanda Grace

7) Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi - My review

8) Golden by Jessi Kirby - My review

9) School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins - My review

10) The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler - My review

Practically Peeing: The Series Continuation Edition

I know, what a weird post title! But there's a lot of times when I'm excited for a book I say I'm peeing my pants for it. So "Practically Peeing" is a feature sort of like Waiting on Wednesday or On My Wishlist or Books  To Pine For where I showcase books that I realllllllly want to read. They might already be released, they might be a year away, they might be coming out next month! Either way, I can guarantee, I really want to read them.

Gabbi - 

Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade

Series: The Ghost and the Goth #2
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publication Date: May 31, 2011
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 266

After being sent back from the light, Alona Dare - former homecoming queen, current Queen of the Dead - finds herself doing something she never expected: working. Instead of spending days perfecting her tan by the pool (her typical summer routine when she was, you know, alive), Alona must now cater to the needs of other lost spirits. By her side for all of this - ugh - “helping of others” is Will Killian: social outcast, seer of the dead, and someone Alona cares about more than she’d like.

Before Alona can make a final ruling on Will’s “friend” or “more” status, though, she discovers trouble at home. Her mom is tossing out Alona’s most valuable possessions, and her dad is expecting a new daughter with his wicked wife. Is it possible her family is already moving on? Hello! She’s only been dead for two months! Thankfully, Alona knows just the guy who can put a stop to this mess.

Unfortunately for Alona, Will has other stuff on his mind, and Mina, a young (and beautiful) seer, is at the top of the list. She’s the first ghost-talker Will’s ever met—aside from his father—and she may hold answers to Will’s troubled past. But can she be trusted? Alona immediately puts a check mark in the “clearly not” column. But Will is - ahem - willing to find out, even if it means leaving a hurt and angry Alona to her own devices, which is never a good idea.

Packed with romance, lovable characters, and a killer cliffhanger, Queen of the Dead is the out-of-this-world sequel to The Ghost and the Goth. (Summary from Goodreads)

The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines #4
Genre: YA Paranormal

Publication Date: November 19, 2013

Publisher: Razorbill

Pages: 416

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure—and re-education—looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this thrilling fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe. (Summary from Goodreads)

Charlotte - 
Allegiant by Veronica Roth
Series: Divergent #3
Genre: YA Dystopian
Publication Date: October 22, 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Pages: 496

One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

The explosive conclusion to Veronica Roth’s #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent. (Summary from Goodreads)

Raging Star by Moira Young

Series: Dust Lands #3

Genre: YA Dystopian

Publication Date: April 15, 2014

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Pages: 448

When the star reader, Auriel Tai, challenged Saba to seize her destiny and defeat DeMalo and the Tonton, Saba was so confident in her purpose. Then she met DeMalo and he confounded all expectations with his seductive vision of a healed earth, a New Eden. DeMalo and Saba had an intense and passionate encounter - physical, emotional and psychic - that changed her life, and now he wants Saba to join him, in life and work, to create and build a healthy, stable, sustainable world…for the chosen few.

Jack’s choice is clear: to fight DeMalo and try to stop his dangerous New Eden project. Still uncertain, her connection with DeMalo a secret, Saba commits herself to the fight. Joined by her brother Lugh, anxious for the land in New Eden, Saba leads an inexperienced guerilla band against the powerfully charismatic DeMalo, in command of his settlers and the Tonton militia.

What chance do they have? Saba must act. And be willing to pay the price. (Summary from Goodreads)

Top Ten Tuesday: Beach Reads

When I think of beach reads I imagine books that are easy to immerse yourself in, have a bit of humor in them, are relatively quick reads, and are mostly just light and fun. Not all of these books fit the description, but still. I also looked at my beach reads list from last year and tried not to pick the same books. 

1) School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins
2) The Truth About You and Me by Amanda Grace
3) Golden by Jessi Kirby
4) The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler
5) Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
6) Just One Day by Gayle Forman
7) All Sarah Dessen books
8) Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
9) The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade
10) Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook

 By 'beach read' I think I'll generalize it to a summer/holiday/light-hearted/fun/friends/romance read :) Though they're not all typical contemporary as I'm not reeeeeally a contemporary girl.

1) Falling Fast - Sophie Mckenzie
2) Boys Don't Cry - Malorie Blackman
3) Star-Crossed - Rachel Wing
4) The Truth About Forever - Sarah Dessen
5) Shiver - Maggie Stiefvater
6) Incarnate - Jodi Meadows
7) Sam Cruz's Unfallible Guide to Getting Girls - Tellulah Darling
8) Candor - Pam Bachorz
9) Everneath - Brodi Ashton
10) Lock and Key - Sarah Dessen

Top Ten Tuesday: Books Featuring Travel of Some Sort

1) Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen - Obviously, the form of travel in this book is a bicycle, which plays a really big role in this book. More symbolic than anything, I think. But, I just re-read this book (one of my favorite of Dessen's) and it was even better the 2nd time around. 

2) The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler - All I have to say--motorcycle boys=NOM.

3) Just One Day by Gayle Forman - This book has all sorts of different travel in it. In fact, readers get to travel all over the world with this book! 

4) The Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead - From planes to cars to trains to feet to mind traveling, Rose goes on so many adventures throughout this series. (I just had to put this on my list. Just had to.)

5) Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols - A teenage girl who flies airplanes? Yeah buddy. 

6) Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry - Another book that I just HAD to put on the list. Because it's frackin' awesome. There is a road trip at the end, sorta, so it counts! 

7) Unbreak My Heart by Melissa Walker - I think this is the only book I've read that takes place primarily on a boat. Love it! 

8) On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves - Plane crashes have never been sexier ;D 

9) Golden by Jessi Kirby & 10) The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - Both of these books feature a unique adventure (one by car, the other by plane) that made the books so much more realistic and meaningful. 

What Time Is It? (Giveaway)

Summer time, duh!

Or...

I cannot be the only one super duper extremely excited!!

Uh, anyhow...
Summer is the season full of possibilities, lazy days, and (most importantly) shenanigans! In order to celebrate such shenanigans, I've decided it is time for a summer-tastic giveaway.

What's up for grabs? 
One lucky person will win one (1) summer release that either I've read and adored or I'm dying to read. This giveaway is available to all areas that The Book Depository ships to.
The winner may choose one (1) of the following books:

All I Need by Susane Colasanti | A Really Awesome Mess by Trish Cook and Brendan Halpin |

Dare You To by Katie McGarry | Golden by Jessi Kirby | Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead |

The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler | The Secret Ingredient by Stewart Lewis |

This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith | You Look Different in Real Life by Jennifer Castle |

Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Echols | The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen |

Five Summers by Una LaMarche | When You Were Here by Daisy Whitney | 

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West | Right of Way by Lauren Barnholdt |


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bookly Gabbing: Spin-Off Series

Bookly Gabbing is just a feature here where I ramble about book-related subjects. And sometimes other-related subjects :)

It seems to me like spin-off series are just the thing to do lately. That and novellas, which I rarely rarely read. I don't really have a problem with spin-off series because a lot of my favorite authors have started spin-off series: Richelle Mead (<3), Cassandra Clare, Rachel Hawkins, Andrea Cremer. And, with the exception of Andrea Cremer, I've adored every word of those series (I just haven't read Rift or Rise yet. No hate against Andrea).

Some other popular authors that wrote spin-off series are Julia Kagawa, Rick Riordan, P.C. Cast, Alyson Noel, and Melissa de la Cruz.

My main problem with spin-offs is that I can't help but think of the original series and comparing them. It's the same writer, the same world (though, most likely, with largely different different elements of the world being displayed), and some characters we've probably seen from the original series. Excuse me for finding it slightly difficult to not connect the two. Like in Richelle Mead's Bloodlines series (which is a spin-off of her Vampire Academy), I can't help but think about what Rose would do if she were in Sydney's shoes and how she is infinitely more amazing. No offense to Sydney or anything, but Rose is my favorite book heroine to ever exist. Feeling that way makes it slightly more difficult for me to really melt into Sydney's character and enjoy the books as if they were standalones. Because Sydney is a great character, but she's no Rose.

However, spin-off series allow room for further development of a world we have come to love. Like in the Bloodlines series, we see a whole other side of the Moroi and Strigoi world, which is really its own world. The world of the alchemists. With science, logic, strict rules, and a major belief system. We are exposed to an entirely different brand of secrets, betrayals, and hard decisions. It's extremely interesting to see how these aspects that seem so separate from the original series relate. Of course, we also get to see other characters that we liked in the series receive their happily-ever-afters.

Not to mention, the author has more published book under their belt. They are, most likely, more confident in their writing, more accustomed to working with a deadline and readers' pressure. They've come to know the world they've created. In School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins (the first book in the Hex Hall spin-off series), I enjoyed the dialogue more, the pacing of the story. In my opinion, it was an all around better adventure.

In The Infernal Devices, which is Cassandra Clare's prequel to The Mortal Instruments series, we get to see the ancestors of the characters in TMI, and how their stories affect the story of the present. How their ancestors changed the world we already thought was so developed (or at least I did. PLEASE no bashing of Cassie Clare).

I know some people think spin-off series are a cash cow thing, or because the author is just so incapable of coming up with fresh ideas. But even if that is so, I like them. And that's all that matters right? Who cares about the motivation behind writing a book, or how much money the author makes? If it entertains you, then it serves its purpose, no?

What do you think of all the spin-off series lately? Love 'em or hate 'em? Which ones have you read and loved? I do not mind if your view opposes mine, or even if you have negative opinions of any of the books I used as examples, but please, no brutal bashing on my blog. Save that for Goodreads.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books Before Blogging

(If the book is the first in a series, then I mean the entire series, but I may have finished the series while blogging.)

1) Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare 

2) The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

3) Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - I have NO idea what I'd do if I never discovered this series. Pretty much my all time fave. And to think, I only picked it off the shelf in the grocery store because it has the word "vampire" in the title. 

4) Uglies by Scott Westerfeld - This was one of those series I loved before I even liked reading. I think it's the first series I ever re-read. 

5) This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen - This is my favorite Dessen book, to this day. 

6) Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen - This is my second favorite Dessen book, to this day. I remember staying up all night sprawled on my brother's living room floor reading this. 

7) The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han - I stayed up all night reading this one as well...ON A SCHOOL NIGHT. I finished it on the bus to school, and my friends told me I'm crazy. But it's okay because ALL THE FEELZ.

8) Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl - Okay, so the first book wasn't the best thing that ever happened to me, but this series in general is one that has claimed a spot in my heart for a long time to come. 

9) Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick - This is one of my guilty pleasure series. It's not, like, mind-blowing or anything, but what can I say other than that I enjoyed the series?

10) City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

And Nova decided to do her thang on her blog today, so you should most definitely give that a look-see: 

Nova's Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday: Book Boyfriends

I think a universal fact about book junkies is this: We connect to characters. We dive head first into their (most of the time) screwed up world, read their thoughts, hang on to their feelings. Sometimes we laugh with them, sometimes we cry for them. There are some characters we can't wait to see again, others we hope get their head crushed by a pirate riding a unicorn (which are totally okay thoughts to have about fictional characters). Most importantly, those characters steal a little piece of our souls whether we say it's okay or not.

I could prattle on about fictional characters for the rest of my lifehours. Especially fictional characters of the male variety. So this was a deliciously tortuous topic for me. Picking between my fave YA hotties is like trying to pick a favorite song or food and I'm like "OMG THERE ARE SO MANY I LOVE." I did my best, guys. I swear.  ~Gabbi

1) Link from the Caster Chronicles by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl - Link is the kind of guy, that if he went to my high school, I would become his best friend and secretly pine for him, maybe without even realizing it. He has such a laid back, go-with-the-flow personality. He is a great friend and has a huge heart. Not to mention the goofiest sense of humor. 

2) Alex Sheathes from the Delirium series by Lauren Oliver - Alex will literally do anything for love. He's just so...beautiful. A lot of guys are sexy and funny and awesome, but Alex is just beautiful. 

3) Noah Hutchins from Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry - OMG OMG OMG Noah. I don't even know what to say. He both fits the stereotypical badboy and yet completely obliteratres it. He's got so many issues and he just needs a hug. Maybe some kisses. I could give him some kisses...ya know, if that's what he needs....

4) Dexter Jones from This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen - Dex is just the sweetest and the goofiest and one persistent little turdnugget. Not to mention he is in a band that writes song about potatoes! 

5) Dimitri Belikov from the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead - Dimitri is the kind of guy that I would probably literally swoon over. He's a badass in a fight, and yet he has the gentlest touch. He can sweep you off your feet with a gaze and deliver a harsh truth in a beautiful and wise way. He is a model citizen for upstanding morals, but sometimes he has to make decisions that seemingly fight those morals. I just love him, okay. I'm sighing just thinking about him. 

6) William Herondale from The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare - I honestly don't think I have words for William Herondale. My heart clenches when I think about him. He's just so perfectly imperfect. 

7) Augustus Waters from The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - Augustus is another one of those guys I can just see going to my high school and me developing a ginormicus crush on. He is smart and funny and the weirdest sort of wonderful. So full of life and passion. 

8) Magnus Bane from The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare - Glitter. Rainbow leather pants. Cat eyes. Bisexual. Immortal warlock. Come on now. 

9) Adrian Ivashkov from the Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead - He doesn't need an explanation. He just doesn't. But I'll give you this because I am in a generous mood: 

“Yeah? Can you draw a skeleton riding a motorcycle with flames coming out of it? And I want a pirate hat on the skeleton. And a parrot on his shoulder. A skeleton parrot. Or maybe a ninja skeleton parrot? No, that would be overkill. But it'd be cool if the biker skeleton could be shooting some ninja throwing stars. That are on fire.”

10) Adam Wilde from If I Stay and its companion Where She Went by Gayle Forman - Nomalicious musician. Need I say more? 

RUNNER UPS: 

Because I am an awful person and could not stop at ten. 

~ Jace Herondale from Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instrument series

~ Simon Lewis from Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instrument series

~ Jase from Huntley Fitzpatrick's My Life Next Door

~ Archer Cross from Rachel Hawkin's Hex Hall series

1) Finnick Odair (The Hunger Games) - I'm slightly obsessed... I even have a Finnick necklace!!

2) Joshua (The Other Life) - He's perfect. He's brave, he's warm, caring, he's flawed. (My boyfriend, I called dibbs.)

3) Denver Beck (The Demon Trappers) - Ooffft. He's so damaged but yet still so gawjjjjj! <3

4) Cole (The Wolves Of Mercy Falls) - He's a rogue. Hot, funny, kind, a typical lad but also part wolf, could you ask for more?

5) Liam (The Forsaken) - Gahhhhh, he's so beautiful :') *mouth waters*

6) Four (Divergent) - He's Four, I don't need to explain.

7) Alex (Hunting Lila) - He's just hot... Sexy, protective and again hot... The perfect 'You're my brother's best friend and I really shouldn't kiss you but I juuuuust might have to.'

8) Chris (Star-crossed) - He's your worst enemy but still your Romeo. <3

9) Jack (Blood Red Road) - He's just... Jack. He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders but still manages that damn sexy attitude.

10) Rafa (Shadows) - He just has that... way about him that lures you in!

RUNNER UP:

Patch from Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Kay people, not gonna lie, I have a thing for Bad Boys. I don't know, it's just me. I find scars, tattoos and an arrogant personality kind of hot, and it gives me a reason to hit the guy. :P If you haven't noticed, almost all guys are bad boys. It's just kind of how I roll. They're all really dark, mysterious and have a reason to pull you in. They've also got amazing stories in their past that sometimes, you just can't expect. I can't give you an individual explanation because they're all so close together, even though some of their true personalities are miles apart.

1) Wolf - Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

2) Daniel - Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts

3) Daemon - Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

4) Warner - Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

5) Damen - Evermore by Alyson Noel

6) Travis - Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

7) Noah - Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

8) Four - Divergent by Veronica Roth

9) Jace - The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

10) Ryan - Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Top Ten Tuesday: Books We Recommend Most

I haven't actually asked, but I think I speak for all of us when I say that this was an extremely difficult decision. If I could have, I would have done my top ten recommendations for each genre, but that would be a long list, so I, personally, selected the books I would shove in anybody's hands, whether they enjoy its particular genre or not. - Gabbi

(In no particular order)

1. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
3. If I Stay by Gayle Forman
4. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
5. Don't Let Me Go by J.H. Trumble
6. Scarlet A.C. Gaughen
7. Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
8. Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
9. Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols
10. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

(In no particular order)

1. Divergent by Veronica Roth

2. Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

3. Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts

4. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

5. Cinder by Marissa Meyer

6. Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

7. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia/Margaret Stohl

8. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

9. The Summoning by Kelly Armstrong

10. Delirium by Lauren Oliver

(In no particular order)

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2. Divergent by Veronica Roth
3. Blood Red Road by Moira Young
4. Star-Crossed by Rachael Wing
5. The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker
6. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
7. Forsaken by Jana Oliver
8. Amongst The Ruins by Saewod Tice
9. Slated by Teri Terry
10. Candor by Pam Bachorz
11. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Book Review: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodline #3
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publication Date: February 12, 2013
Publisher: Razorbill
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 432
Source: Purchased

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood. (Summary from Goodreads.com)

Several people have said it in their reviews and I completely agree: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead is definitely the best installment in the Bloodlines series thus far. Mead takes all the adventures, insecurities, and romance she so expertly set up in the preceding books and amps all of it up to a whole new level! There were parts when I was seriously just like: 

In this installment, I am pleased to say that Sydney really comes into herself. She breaks away from the things she has always been told to believe and fights past the instincts drilled into her since birth. She not only makes discoveries, but seeks them out. She takes on challenges I never saw coming. She even wears risky dresses! I loved watching Sydney come out of her shell, but I'll admit sometimes I got a little frustrated. Obviously, tearing down all the mental barriers that you've spent your entire life building is not a simple task. But I began to grow weary of all the, "No. Thisiswrongthisiswrongthisiswrong," when clearly she knew otherwise in her heart. I think what was lacking the most for me in her character is the passion. Not that she doesn't have any. She's very passionate about doing what is right, but when she's so utterly confused as to what is considered right, she has nothing to really be passionate about. What is she supposed to fight for? I mean, I like Sydney and all, and she is a very respectable character, but sometimes I didn't really want to be in her head. Logic is cool and whatnot and Mead threw in enough twists and action to keep things interesting, but I like a little spontaneity from my heroines. With Sydney, almost every decision is thoroughly evaluated beforehand, almost every word carefully calculated in advance. However, where there is rational, we can find equal and opposite irrational in Adrian. Do I even need to say more? Adrian is--mmmmmm. This is where the passion rests. His character has more depth than ever in this book. He has become a lot stronger, thanks to Sydney. He is more determined, more stable, and more tapped into his creative talents. But have no fear, we still see all of his snark and arrogance that we've all come to adore. His dialogue is as heart melting as always! Yo, I don't wanna spoil anything for y'all, but let me also add that you will not be disappointed by the smooch level. Not disappointed at all. Yeah. And the intensity of those smooches. Mhmmmm.

I can't review this book without at least one mention of Marcus Finch. His character was...a little lackadaisical. I expected more badassery out of him. The potential for intrigue was there, and I'm thinking he might make future appearances and deliver the hopes many people had for him. 

One of Mead's greatest talents, I think, is balancing all the over-arching plots. Somehow, she always manages to add on to the already intricate world she has created. I loved diving further into the witchcraft, and getting to know Sydney's crazy teacher Mrs. Terwilliger a lot better. It's clear how much she cares for Sydney, and how much she's willing to risk, which is nice because Sydney hasn't had a whole lot of people taking risks for her throughout her life. Also, Mead is great with the politics, as usual. I loved that the alchemists were making an attempt to mend the rough relationship between them and the Moroi. Sydney even gets to attend a wedding! Of course, we also discover some secrets about Sydney's tattoos which are intriguing, but the whole concept of Marcus Finch and the indigo spell seemed to fall a little flat. There is tons of tension throughout the entire novel, though, and enough action to keep readers engaged. And Richelle does that pesky little thing she does in all of her books: sets us up for something, tears us down, rebuilds us, then throws everything we ever knew out the window. Keeping in mind what I felt while reading, I certainly would not want to be in Sydney Sage's shoes!

This book was definitely fantastic when it came to development and moving the story along. The ending holds so much promise and I have no doubt that Richelle Mead, Writing Goddess, will deliver everything I hope for and more in her next book. And all of her books after that. I wouldn't say this is THE MOST AMAZING SERIES EVER OMG, but if you absolutely adoreadoreadore the Vampire Academy series like I do, then you will have no regrets whatsoever about this series! 

** Please note: This is the first review I've written in month, so I'm a bit rusty! 

Top Ten Tuesday: Auto-Buy

1) Richelle Mead - I actually haven't read any of her adult stuff, simply because I haven't gotten my hands on any of it. But I pretty much worship her, I have a whole drawer in my entertainment center dedicated to her YA books. 

2) Lauren Oliver - I haven't read her MG stuff yet. But lemme jus say, if I could pick one author to write like, it would be Lauren Oliver. She is AMAZING.

3) Sarah Dessen - Nuff said. 

4) Cassandra Clare - Though I would love her to branch out of the Shadowhunter world, I do adore everything she has ever written. Girl has a way with characters and plots. 

5) Jenny Han - ALL DA FEELZ!

6) Katie McGarry - I can't even use words to describe what Katie McGarry does to me.

7) John Green - I've only actually read 1 of his novels, but, uh, WIN.

Those are the only authors I know of whose writing I have utter faith in. What about you? 

It's Monday! What are you reading?

Finished: 

~ The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

Next On The List: 

~ Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

~ The Host by Stephanie Meyer

Pre-ordered: 

~ Requiem by Lauren Oliver

Purchased: 

~ Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

~ The Secret Circle: The Initiation and The Captive Part 1 by L.J. Smith

What are you reading?

Vote for Christian

*Uses booming, echo-y voice* 

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, vampires and alchemists! My name is Gabbilicious (but you can call me Gabbi), and I am the proud owner the blog BookBreather and an even prouder advocate of the one, the only Christian Ozera! Yes, yes. Please try to contain your applause. We have a lot of ground to cover today.

First off, I'd like to welcome some friends of Christian's to the stage. I've gathered Adrian Ivashkov, Queen Vasilisa Dragomir, Dimitri Belikov, and Rosemarie Hathaway here today to share how they feel about Christian. They clearly know Christian better than I ever could (unfortunately). So let's bring them to the stage!

Hello Adrian! Thanks for taking time out of your...uh...busy schedule to be here. Please tell me, what do you think of Christian?

Adrian: You're so very welcome. I am in high demand, but Rose literally dragged me here. Christian is an alright guy. The two of us almost got into a fight once because he thought I was hitting on his girlfriend, but aside from that I guess he's okay. I like how BA he is with his fire magic and how he trains others with their magic. I've been trying to master my own magic lately, so I think it's pretty cool. But if it ever comes down to the two of us--I am infinitely sexier, more charming, and a hell of a lot more fun.

Lissa: *snorts* Yeah. Okay.

Adrian: Your Highness, you're not allowed to say anything about that. You're biased because one day Christian is going to be the daddy of your baby Dragomirs.

Lissa: Whatever. And Christian will make an excellent father. A lot of people see him and think he's this tough, frightening guy who's ready to turn Strigoi at any moment. But in reality, he's the exact opposite. Christian is extremely sweet. So he may not pull out chairs and open car doors for me, but he's been there for me through everything. Even when we were broken up for a short time, Christian supported me and stayed faithful to me.

Adrian: Tune in next week, folks, for the next episode of "Grossest Speeches of All Time."

Lissa: Shut up, Adrian. Anyway, Christian also teaches younger teenagers how to control their magic for good purposes. He has risked his life for me on multiple occasions and killed countless Strigoi. But he hasn't developed a big head. He still has various insecurities. Once, he even tried breaking up with me because he thought it would make me happier. He's truly unaware of how amazing he is, or how attractive he is.

Allllrriiiiiiiiiiiight. Well, Dimitri, why don't you take it from here? 

Dimitri: I wouldn't have dedicated my life to protecting Christian if I didn't think he was a great guy. He has a lot of admirable qualities that many people overlook. Although she will kill me for saying this, I believe that Christian is a lot like Rose. They both possess unwavering loyalty to those they care about--especially Lissa--and fierce determination.

Rose: You're right, Dimitri. I will kill you for that later. I was asked to keep this PG, so the thoughts I'm allowed to share are really limited. Christian Ozera is an insufferable piece if work. I'm not sure how Lissa tolerates him all the time. He is stubborn. And always making snide remarks...Okay, so I see why Dimitri said we're a lot alike. Here's the thing. Christian may have the ability to grate on my nerves like no other has done before. Sometimes I may want to throttle him. But at the end of the day, the guy has really grown on me. Over the past couple of years I've realized that Christian and I make a wonderful team and he is the only one I want to see as the "daddy" of Lissa's "baby Dragomirs."

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, guys. It has been truly...enlightening. 

I'm pretty sure they covered almost everything, but personal entanglements may have altered their views. In that case, I will present you with the cold hard facts.

• Christian is the type of bad boy that has been severely lacking in YA. The boy is seriously misunderstood, but he doesn't let it bring him down. He's all dark, glower-y, snarky, and extremely hot, but he has a heart of gold. He treats his lady right. 
• He doesn't let what others say define him. 
• He can light people on fire without actually burning them.
• He can give Rose a run for her money. 
• He's got these gorgeous bright blue eyes. 
• He's a vampire.
• He's sexy. 
• He's hot.
• He's fine. 

So vote for him! Use #TeamOzera on Twitter to help spread the word. And most importantly, have fun and bring Christian Ozera to victory.

This is my defense for The YA Crush Tournament. If Christian wins the first round, I will be hosting a giveaway that involves many Vampire Academy-related prizes. So vote away. You can vote TODAY at the YA Sisterhood blog.

And please, do your best to spread the word, because I'm out of town and don't have access to Twitter or anything.