Read For Your Future

August 16, 2013

Review: Fated (The Soul Seekers #1) by Alyson Noel

Summary-

Until now, he's existed only in her dreams -
but fate is about to bring them together.I shove through the crowd, knocking into girls and bouncing off boys, until one in particular catches me, steadies me.

I feel so secure, so at home in his arms.
I melt against his chest-lift my gaze to meet his. Gasping when I stare into a pair of icy blue eyes banded by brilliant flecks of gold that shine like kaleidoscopes, reflecting my image thousands of times.
The boy from my dream.
The one who died in my arms.
Strange things are happening to Daire Santos. Crows mock her, glowing people stalk her, time stops without warning, and a beautiful boy with unearthly blue eyes haunts all her dreams. Fearing for her daughter’s sanity, Daire’s mother sends her to live with the grandmother she’s never met. A woman who recognizes the visions for what they truly are—the call to her destiny as a Soul Seeker—one who can navigate the worlds between the living and dead.
There on the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico, Daire sets out to harness her mystical powers. But it’s when she meets Dace, the boy from her dreams, that her whole world is shaken to its core. Now Daire is forced to discover if Dace is the one guy she's meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she's destined to destroy.

Review-

Once again, Alyson Noel has really WOWed me with her work. This is a wonderfully brilliant start to a new series. The storyline is strongly interconnected with several events happening all at the same time. With the intense writting style you never get lost or confused with what's really happening. The details of the people and places are amazing. When I picked up this book, I feel into that world and everything around me just feel away. I love the characters with all their mystic powers and beliefs. Fighting against evil forces is a full time job. One that the main character takes on with the help of her friends and family. Our herione has to try and fill some pretty big shoes. In the end she not only steps into her role fully but she gives it her best shot. As always evil is never conquered just diminished and weakened. They all live to fight another day. I am anxiously waiting for the continuation of this awsome journey! Highly recommened.... Happy Reading :)!!!

Publisher-St. Martin's Griffin

Reviewers Rating: 5 STARS!!!

Read by~Mechele

Thank you to the publisher for the donation of this book to the Read for your Future book program in exchange for a honest review!

Guest Blogger: Reading For Pleasure: Is it Really Able to get you a Better Job Later in Life? by Lisa Palatino

Reading For Pleasure: Is it Really Able to get you a Better Job Later in Life? by Lisa Palatino

Reading For Pleasure: Is it Really Able to get you a Better Job Later in Life?

Sociological studies looking into teenagers who read for pleasure, have recently come to the conclusion that teens who choose to read in their free time, are much more likely to attain a desirable job later in life. It has been suggested that reading holds a huge array of benefits for teenagers, and though it may not be the sole reason that children go on to University and good careers, it definitely has many influences for gaining a successful job. Therefore, reading as a teenager acts as actually reading for your future. All young children are encouraged to read, from being read bedtime stories to elementary schools inviting children to challenge their reading abilities. At some point however, much interest in reading is lost, so maintaining that interest and realizing reading’s benefits is essential.

What do you Actually Learn From Reading?

There are so many skills that you gain from reading for pleasure that will transfer with any career you decide on. It turns out that most importantly, reading can quite simply make you smarter. Apparently those that read have higher GPA’s, intelligence and wider general knowledge. It can also boost your analytical abilities, due to the fact that reading can help you spot patterns quicker and allowing you to analyze things quicker.

One of the most obvious benefits of reading is an increased vocabulary and improved spelling and grammar, and reading is even more effective with improving spelling and vocabulary than direct teaching. Books force us to often come across words that we are unfamiliar with, therefore causing us to consistently learn new words. Enhanced reading skills will also cause an improvement in writing skills also. Having a wide vocabulary and good spelling are essential, no matter what job you want to go into. These skills will enable you to sound more knowledgeable, intelligent and articulate; skills that any employer will be looking for.

Reading is to the Mind, what Exercise is to the Body:

Regular reading is just the same as regular exercise, as it stimulates the mind, keeps it active and challenges it. Hence, why we are advised to take just a little time out at least every day to dedicate to reading, due to the number of benefits on the mind that will last a lifetime. Reading often will help the brain stay mentally stimulated, keeping your cognitive abilities at their best and preventing the brain from losing its power. Reading is also an excellent form of relaxation, which for teenagers is imperative. With homework and exams piling up, reading a book will enable you to relax and allow tension to escape, while working your brain at the same time. Your brain will also learn many things, such as focus as it heightens its concentration skills. This will help teenagers to focus their attention, which will inevitably help them to focus more while at school and heightening productivity. When the time comes therefore, they will be able to focus their attention on looking for jobs, writing CV’s and applications and interview techniques. These benefits will obviously be transferred into later working life, so it is obviously worth starting to take some time out with a good book.

You Don’t Just Have to Read Novels:
It’s not just reading the lofty classics that will enable you to widen your career prospects. Simply reading around the subjects that you’re interested in will still broaden your vocabulary and knowledge. So if you love English, then obviously reading some Bronte, Dickens and Shakespeare would be enjoyable and will help you get the best head start to an academic future in literature. However, for those who want to study and specialize in microbiology or the human anatomy, the classics of literature may be a little limited with what they have to offer. Obviously reading literary masterpieces will still aid vocabulary, spelling and boosting memory abilities, but more subject specific textbooks for topics from science to sport to art, will still heighten intelligence but just on more specific knowledge. As Wall Street Journal’s How to Raise Boys that Read suggest, boys often find literature taught in school boring and uninteresting, so getting them to read some non-fiction could be an excellent way to get them reading and focusing their attention on the direction they want their future to take.
So, alongside sports activities and playing musical instruments, reading for entertainment is a great way to get a well-rounded education by enhancing key skills that will improve your CV and increase your chances in a desirable career. With tough competition for the best jobs, it is best to get prepared now and reading for as little as one hour a day will boost the brain activity and have many positive effects, creating numerous transferable skills for your future.

Review: The Summer King (The Chronicles of Faerie #2) by O.R. Melling

Summary-

Sequel to the critically-acclaimed "The Hunter's Moon"
This second book in a series "shimmering with magic, myth, and romance" ("Booklist"), follows sixteen-year-old Laurel as she tries to understand the cause of her twin sister's mysterious death. Honor believed in Faerie, a parallel land of mischievous immortals. Laurel doesn't. That is, until the fairies come and ask her to take up her sister's failed quest to find the Summer King, a lord who can light the midsummer fire that keeps the two worlds, human and Faerie, cleaved. Laurel must decide to help those whose cause killed her sister, and, in the process, come to believe that there is still magic and love in the world.
Lush descriptions of Ireland and Celtic lore make this a satisfying read for travelers to other lands, real and mythic.
Praise for "The Hunter's Moon"
*"A compelling blend of Irish mythology and geography." - "School Library Journal" (starred review)
..."[This] sensation-loaded celebration of Ireland and Faerie will be a powerful draw for many readers." - "The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"

Review-

While this is the second book in the Chronicles of faerie, it is very much a stand alone story. The faerie characters are the same type but the main character is a new one. This storyline is completely different from the first one. It's not even a continuation. That made this book all the more interesting. The fey and their courts are wonderful & beautiful. Alot of detail and imagination went into the scenery. The main character turns out to be a brave & intelligent young lady. This is a really good faerie tale & a wonderful addition to the Chronicles. I'll be moving onto the next in the series. Hope you enjoy it...Happy Reading :)!!!

Publisher-Amulet Books

Reviewer Rating:4 Stars

Reviewed by~Mechele

Thank you to the publisher for the donation of this book to the Read for your Future book program in exchange for a honest review!

Summary-

A fantasy "shimmering with magic, myth, and romance,"* now available in paperback
Gwen travels to Ireland to visit her cousin Findabhair, expecting a summer of backpacking, late nights, and the usual road trip adventures. But when Findabhair is kidnapped by the King of Faerie, Gwen must race to save her cousin before the rise of the Hunter's Moon, when the fairies need a human sacrifice.
This first novel in "The Chronicles of Faerie" was praised for "Melling's taut plotting, with its unexpected turns, [that] moves the story quickly to a climax and leaves readers wanting more." ("School Library Journal")
* from "Booklist" (starred review)
Praise for "The Hunter's Moon"
*"A compelling blend of Irish mythology and geography." - "School Library Journal" (starred review)
..."[This] sensation-loaded celebration of Ireland and Faerie will be a powerful draw for many readers." - "The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"

Review-

What a fun and magical faerie tale. Probably one of the first few popular tales in that genre. The story contains all sorts of mystical creatures. A very enchanting tale. The settings in this book are beautifully described. The storyline has plenty of mysteries. It also has it's fair share of ups & downs and twists & turns. Not enough to lose the important plot points though. With all kinds of magic thrown in for good measure. There are also two main characters. Which is a slightly different way of pulling it all together. One is fun & flighty. The other is serious & steady. As different as night and day. Their opposites compliment each other. This was a really good book. Hope you like it too...Happy Reading :)!!!

Publisher-Amulet Books

Reviewers Rating: 4 Stars

Reviewed by~Mechele

Thank you to the author for the donation of this book to the Read for your Future book program in exchange for a honest review!

Summary-

Choose: A quick death…Or slow poison...
About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace—and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.
And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust—and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.
As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear...

Review-

I really, really liked this magical fantasy! I've never read a story quite like this one. This storyline is one-of-a-kind. A unique set of circumstances make this an extraordinary adventure. The main character has so many obstacles to overcome it's a wonder she lives through her disasters. Not to mention, the poisoning. When I started this book everything around me melted away. Needless to say, I finished this book in no time flat. If you enjoy an unusual storyline, magic, fantasy, mystery & romance then you'll like this book as much as I did. I will certainly be reading the rest of the books in this series. Happy Reading :)!!!

Publisher-Mira

Reviewers Rating: 4.5 Stars

Reviewed by~Mechele

Thank you to the publisher for the Donation of this book to the Read for your Future book program in exchange of a honest review!

Summary-

The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found. Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.
As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally, she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.

Review-

I LOVED this book! Then again I think it's a fantastic series. This story really captured my imagination. I find myself getting lost in the morbid world of Violet's echoes. The storyline is so full & intriguing. I can not seem to get enough. The main character has a very unique set of abilities. She keeps growing & developing as the book goes along. When I read the first book I knew that I was hooked on this very special series. I really like the direction the author is taking this series in. This book was just as good as the first with added challenges, mysteries & drama. I can't wait to get hold of The Last Echo! Hope you enjoy this captivating mysterious story....Happy Reading :)!!!

Published by-HarperCollins Children's Books

Reviewer Rating: 5 STARS!!!

Reviewed by~Mechele

Thank you to the publisher for the donation of this book to the Read for your Future book program in exchange for a honest review!

Summary-

Since arriving in the dusty desert town of Enchantment, everything in Daire Santos life has changed...and not always for the better. While she's come to accept and embrace her new powers as a Soul Seeker, Daire struggles with the responsibility she holds navigating between the worlds of the living and the dead--and her mission to defeat the evil Cade Richter. But Cade's soul is inextricably entwined with that of her boyfriend Dace, putting their love to the ultimate test. How can she defeat Cade if it means destroying Dace too? And is their love strong enough to survive death—and what lies beyond?
MYSTIC is the third book in The Soul Seekers, a magnificent new series about a girl who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead, by #1 New York Times bestselling author Alyson Noël.

Review-

Ok, let me just start off by saying that this series is one of Noels' best. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about Darie & her many trials. Every time I finish one book I'm so ready to dive right into the next one. Unfortunately, I have to wait for the next to be released. The storyline is complex & compelling. An excellent plot. Ever changing to let the story flow into something new and exciting. The main character is such a brave young lady. Her strength of heart never ceases to amaze me. The struggles she faces never keep her down for very long. There are so many factors that play into the bittersweet twist of an ending. The most enchanting is the love story element to the story. I am anxiously awaiting the next book...Horizon. A very great book. Happy Reading :)!!!

Publisher-St. Martin's Griffin

Reviewers Rating: 5 STARS!!!

Reviewed by~Mechele

Thank you to the publisher for the donation of this book to the Read for your Future book program in exchange for a honest review!

Summary-

Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart.
Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.
Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.
Well, sort of.
Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan’s violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.
It doesn't help that Aura’s new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.
As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart…and clues to the secret of the Shift.

Review-

I received this book awhile back for review. Unfortunately, it had to wait it's turn in line. There was something about the book that just kept calling to me. You ever had that happen to you before? It's like the longer it took me to get to the book the more it called out to me. Strange... anyway, I finally got to it and am I ever glad I decided to skip it forward a few places. Now, I know better than to judge a book by it's cover but there was something about the cover that caught my eye. I've read a lot of books that are similar to one another. Few are unique. This one is one of the few. I liked the storyline and the way it was presented. Not a bunch of frills just a good solid & interesting take on a ghost story. The main character is an ordinary teen born post-shift. She is smart & funny & caring. I liked the way she tries to help others even at her own expense. The story goes smooth till you get to the shocking cliffhanger end. Didn't see that one coming.. I'm very eager to read the next part in the trilogy to find out how things work out. A really good read... Happy Reading :) !!!

Publisher-Simon Pulse

Reviewer Rating: 4.5 Stars

Reviewed by~Mechele

Thank you to the publisher for the donation of this book to the Read for your Future book program in exchange for a honest review!

Summary-

A witch raised in a cage of darkness...
Savannah Cross was born into a life of isolation and abuse.
As a child, she witnessed her parents perform acts of malevolent evil, and now feels permanently tainted by their dark deeds.
When a coven discovers a tear stricken child,
wounded on their elders lawn, they offer her a sanctuary she has never known. Savannah spends the next several years shattered, continuously looking over her shoulder, waiting for the darkness to claim her.
On her 16th birthday,
Savannah’s life takes a drastic turn. She is consumed by overwhelming power that forever alters her emotionally and physically.
She must choose between two loves; the one who taught her to smile or the darkly seductive stranger who tempts her towards another path.
Savannah must decide between the coven that was her haven
and another one vying for her initiation. Just as Savannah begins to grasp what fate has in store for her, an evil looms over her loved ones; coming to claim an unbreakable debt.
How will she survive the greatest evil she has ever witnessed… long enough to have a choice to make?

Review-

I Loved It !! Absolutely loved this story! Before I read this fabulous Y.A. novel I had heard nothing of it. I didn't read any reviews or previews or even a jacket cover. I went into to it totally blind and without any preconceptions. What an amazingly delightful surprise! It is not an overly long book so it was no surprise to me when I blazed thought it in one sitting. The main character had my empathy & sympathy from the very first page. Although I doubt that she needed it. She is a very strong leading lady. I found the more she developed the more I admired her. A fantastic role model & a perfectly normal teenager. The storyline is very full and inviting. Never a dull moment to slow the flow down. The supporting cast also adds a lot to the whole picture. If you like magic & love mixed into your fantasy adventures, then you'll love this book as much as I do. I can't wait to read a sequel! Happy reading :)!!!

Published by-Euphoric Publishing & Design

Reviewer Rating: 5 STARS!!!

Reviewed by~Mechele

Thank you to the author for the donation of this book to the read for your Future book program in exchage for a honest review!

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This weeks teaser is from Empath (Flawed, #1) by Becca J. Campbell:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'Complete seclusion was something Jade rarely experienced due to her handicap. Even alone in her apartment, the emotions of her neighbors haunted her mind. They were more subtle than when she was in a crowded room, but still came against her will, violating her.' (p. 5 on my Kindle)