Apologies

Hello everyone,

I apologize for the lack of updates for the past several months. Life has taken over. I'm a senior in college and school and other aspects of my life have kept me busy. With that said, I haven't read too many books since my last book review. I will post reviews for them soon.

 This blog will mainly focus on book reviews for the time being. And I'm not going to lie, I kind of lost interest in all the "blog hops" that I participated in. I felt like I had to do them, and I definitely don't want to blog if I feel as though I have to do so. Blogging is something that I will only do if I want to. That goes for everyone. You shouldn't blog because you feel as though you need to, you should do it because you want to.

I hope everyone had a great holiday season!

Waiting on Wednesday (#11)

Waiting on Wednesday is a Book Hop  hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is:  

The Elite

"The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Timesbestseller The Selection.

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending."

Release Date: April 2013

I'm very eager for this book to be released. I loved The Selection so I hope this one is just as great, if not better! 

Book Review: The Raven Boys

The Raven Boys

“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of theShiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we’ve never been before."

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Year of Release: 2012

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal

Sequel(s): 3 Untitled Sequels

What motivated you to read this book?: I enjoyed Maggie's other books, so I wanted to try this one too! Plus, the plot summary seemed interesting

Book Version: Hardback

Where did you get the book?: Library

Favorite Character: Gansey

Least Favorite Character: Barrington Whelk

Thoughts on Cover: I really like it! Very nice. Love the raven on it.

Recommended to: 

Rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars

Review:  This book is probably the eeriest book I have ever read. It gave me the creeps...in a good way. It was written extremely well. It wasn't overly detailed, nor was it not detailed enough. It was perfect. The story and plot were completely original. I have never read anything like it before. It definitely kept my interest. I would give it 4 stars, but it was very slow moving and it had pretty much no romance at all. (Books without romance can be a bit boring at times.) Therefore I'm dropping it down to 3.5 stars instead. Its lack of romance is pretty understandable though, considering that Blue cannot kiss her true love without him dying. However, I did expect her to fall for Gansey right away. I didn't expect her to have a thing with Adam. I guess I am too accustomed to characters falling for each other immediately. I suppose this is more realistic. I like that.

Overall, this book was a good read, but it wasn't as great as I thought it would be. I plan on reading the sequels, but I'm not dying to do so.

October Reader of the Month

Reader of the Month is a monthly feature here at Emily Hearts Books. Every month I feature a reader and ask them several questions relating to books!

October's Reader of the Month is Ali from one of my favorite book blogs Ginger-Read Reviews! Read my interview with her below.

1.EmilyHeartsBooks:Can you please tell us a little about yourself?
Ali: First and foremost I am a mom, to a wonderful teenage girl. I think I was born just to be her mother. I work full time as a Project Engineer for a commercial remodeler and part time for my husband's electrical contracting company. Family is the most important thing in my life and always comes first!

2. EHB: Do you have a goal of a certain amount of books that you want to read this year? If so, what's your goal?
A: You know I do have a goal. I set it pretty low at the beginning of the year, I think I started at 45, but I've upped it a couple of times because I keep catching up to it. I don't try to hit the big numbers like some bloggers but it is nice to have a goal ~ it keeps me focused.

3. EHB: Do you think you will accomplish that goal by the end of the year?

 A: Yep and I will probably be upping it again here soon!!

4. EHB: Of all the books you have read this year, which is your favorite?

 A: When I read Sovereign Hope by Frankie Rose it became my favorite of the year, up to that point. But I have to say Blackbrooke by Emma Silver and The Infects by Sean Beaudoin are right up there with it. They have all brought something new and refreshing and hold a special place on my bookshelf!

5. EHB: What book releases are you most looking forward to? 

A: Ooh, tough to choose. Eternal Hope by Frankie Rose; Revolution 19 by Greg Rosenblum; Taking on The Dead by Annie Walls & The Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

6. EHB: Do you have a favorite spot to just sit back, relax, and read? If so, where?

A: Yes, but I don't get to go there much! There is a small community called Seabrooke on the Washington Coast, it has a Cape Cod feel to it and I love it there. If I could just chill and read anywhere, that would be it. Otherwise you'll find me on the living room couch!

7. EHB: If you could go to any fictional world, where would it be? 

 A: Oh geez! Tough question. Hogwarts for breakfast, Alegasia for lunch and Munchkin Land for dinner!

8. EHB: What do you like doing when you're not reading?

 A: I love to play video games, even though I am pushing 40 here! On my most stressful days you'll find me killing crap on the XBox. It's the best stress reliever I've ever found, and I don't imagine I'll ever stop playing. I am going to a zombie shooting granny!

9. EHB: What's your favorite part about book blogging? 

A: The people I've met. There are some very fun, kind and creative bloggers out there and I've had the pleasure to 'cyber-meet' many!

A huge thanks goes to Ali for agreeing to participate and respond to all my questions! Be sure to check out and follow her blog Ginger-Read Reviews if you don't already!

Interested in being the next Reader of the Month? Send me an e-mail at emilyheartsbooksblog@gmail.com with your name & e-mail address by the 20th of the month & I will e-mail you if you are selected!

Waiting on Wednesday (#10)

Waiting on Wednesday is a Book Hop  hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is:  

Prodigy

"Jan. 4. 1932 Hours.

Ocean Standard Time

Thirty-Five Days After Metias’s Death

June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengence, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?"

Release Date: January 29, 2013

I finished Legend last week and I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next to our beloved Day & June. Hopefully between all the action, we get some more romance!!

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Series I Haven't Finished

Top 10 Tuesday (#13) 

Top 10 Tuesday is a blog hop hosted by 

The Broke and the Bookish. They post a Top 10 topic & other blogs participate & link their blog post to their website. It is a way to get to know your follow bloggers & get more traffic on your own blog! If you have a book blog, you can definitely participate! If not, you can still post your answers below in the comments!

This Week's Top Ten Tuesday Topic is:

Top Ten Series I Haven't Finished

1.) The Luxe Series

2) The Internet Girls Series

3) The Lorien Legacies 

4) The Maze Runner Series

PLEASE DO NOT POST ANY SPOILERS FOR THESE SERIES IN THE COMMENTS!

THANKS!!

Book Review: Legend

Warning! As always, this review contains spoilers.

Legend

"What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills."

Author: Marie Lu

Year of Release: 2011

Genre: Dystopia

Sequel(s): Prodigy

What motivated you to read this book?: I think I saw an ad for it on Amazon or Facebook back in 2011 and it caught my attention. I also heard a lot of good things about it, so I wanted to give it a try.

Book Version: Hardback

Where did you get the book?: Library

Favorite Character: Day Wing

Least Favorite Character: Commander Jameson or Thomas

Thoughts on Cover: It's alright. Definitely looks good for a government related book, which Legend is.

Recommended to: Dystopian fans

Rating: 4 of 5 Stars

Review:  This book was awesome! I loved it. It kept me entertained from beginning to end. I absolutely loved how the two main characters, Day and June, were so alike yet from two different worlds. They're meant to be enemies and yet they fall in love with each other. I love forbidden romance!

This YA dystopian book is a lot different from other dystopian books in that it shows the story from two different completely perspectives. It was interesting reading it that way. Both perspectives were written so well, I never got confused and thought I was reading it from the other person's point of view. Both characters were great! I love them. I enjoyed the character growth throughout the story. They both changed, especially June when she discovers the truth behind the country she loved so much.

The actual story line was brilliant. Although some parts were predictable, most were not, and I was surprised by several things that happened and by the things that June discovered. I would have asked for more romance though, but the fact there there was a minimal amount is understandable considering that June and Day come from different worlds and are supposed to hate each other. There were some parts that were really sad though, I almost cried during one part! But it was so, so good! I really enjoyed what happened in the end.

All in all, I really liked this book. It was a fun read and I look forward to discovering what happens next with Day and June. I expect there will be more romance in it since the two of them are together now and June doesn't have to pretend to hate Day anymore.

Book Review: Rumors

Warning! As always, this review contains spoilers. The synopsis also contains spoilers from the first book, The Luxe.

Rumors

"After bidding good-bye to New York's brightest star, Elizabeth Holland, rumors continue to fly about her untimely demise.

All eyes are on those closest to the dearly departed: her mischievous sister, Diana, now the family's only hope for redemption; New York's most notorious cad, Henry Schoon-maker, the flame Elizabeth never extinguished; the seductive Penelope Hayes, poised to claim all that her best friend left behind--including Henry; even Elizabeth's scheming former maid, Lina Broud, who discovers that while money matters and breeding counts, gossip is the new currency.

As old friends become rivals, Manhattan's most dazzling socialites find their futures threatened by whispers from the past. In this delicious sequel to "The Luxe," nothing is more dangerous than a scandal . . . or more precious than a secret."

Author: Anna Godberson
Year of Release: 2008
Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction
Sequel(s): Envy & Splendor
What motivated you to read this book?: The Luxe made me want to find out what happened next!
Book Version: Hardback
Where did you get the book?: Half Price Books
Favorite Character: Henry Schoonmaker
Least Favorite Character: Penelope Hayes
Thoughts on Cover: Very pretty, definitely looks great for this sort of book
Recommended to: Girls who like Victorian Lit, Historical Fiction, or books with lots of drama & those who have read The Luxe
Rating: 2.5 of 5 Stars
Review: This book was such a slow read for me. I decided to read it because I thought reading a slow book would be perfect for when in school, but it irritated me how I was never in the mood to read because of this book. It was good, but definitely not as good as The Luxe. I never read more than a chapter or two a day. It never really picked up for me. 

I also never really had much interest in the relationship between Will & Elizabeth. It was cute, but not my favorite at all. I preferred Henry & Diana. I really like them. As for Lina, she is so completely selfish, it drives me crazy. I hate how she plans on abandoning Tristan completely. How rude, especially since he has helped her so much. She needs to realize how there is more to life than being rich and popular. And I absoutely hate Penelope. Readers of the book will understand why.

Overall, I thought the book was okay. I basically only felt the need to read it so I could finish it and start reading other books. I am still curious about what happens next especially after it leaves you hanging, but I'm not going to go out and buy it, like I did for this one.

Best Book of August 2012

Many thanks to YA Highway for the idea to post the best book that I read each month.  Now that I no longer participate in Road Trip Wednesday, I decided that I still want to post the best books that I read each month. With that said here is the best book that I have read in August:

Clockwork Prince

I absolutely loved this book! It was by far my favorite book that I read in August 2012. It was a lot better than Clockwork Angel. I really cannot wait to read the sequel Clockwork Princess. I am eager to see who Tessa ends up with in the end! I just hope she doesn't break Jem's heart if she ends up with Will.

September Reader of the Month

Reader of the Month is a monthly feature here at Emily Hearts Books. Every month I feature a reader and ask them several questions relating to books!

September's Reader of the Month is actually two readers! The lovely Lee who designed my blog layout & her cousin Ally over at Rally The Readers! Read my interview with them below.


Hello girls! Can you please tell us about yourselves?

Well, we're cousins who share an obsessive love of books. Our favorite series is The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare.

How many books have each of you read so far this summer?
Ally: 13 books
Lee: 24 books

Out of all of those, which is your favorite?
Ally: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys. I read this in a day; I was completely engrossed. It's definitely sad, but it's an amazing book.

Lee: Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake. I usually don't read horror, but my cousin (and Ally's sister) Melissa highly recommended this. I absolutely loved it!

What book(s) are you currently reading?
Ally: I'm about to start Pure by Julianna Baggott.
Lee: Infamous by Sherrilyn Kenyon, the third book in her Chronicles of Nick series, which I really like.

What new book releases are you most looking forward to?
Clockwork Princess! Cannot. Wait. We love Will and Jem!

Do either of you have a favorite spot to read? If so, where?
We like reading outside on the patio by the pool. It's very relaxing.

The two of you run a book blog together. What made you decide to run one together instead of two separate ones?
We're reading parabatai! We like a lot of the same books, so it just seemed natural to start a book blog together. There's also quite an age difference between us, so we thought it would be fun to have two different perspectives on YA books.

What is your favorite thing about blogging?
We love interacting with fellow readers!

What do you like to do when your not reading or blogging?
Ally: Most of my time goes to my school work and band program. In my free time, I love to sketch, write, watch anime, and go adventuring with Lee, my sister Melissa, and my brother Denis.
Lee: I'm far from a pro at it, but I love photography and anything to do with Photoshop, including digital scrapbooking. I also love to go adventuring with my cousins Ally, Melissa, and Denis.

A huge thanks goes to both Lee & Ally for agreeing to participate and respond to all my questions! Be sure to check out and follow their blog Rally The Readers if you don't already!

Interested in being the next Reader of the Month? Send me an e-mail at emilyheartsbooksblog@gmail.com with your name & e-mail address by the 25th of the month & I will e-mail you if you are selected! 

Waiting on Wednesday (#9)

Waiting on Wednesday is a Book Hop  hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is:  

Venom

"Cassandra Caravello is one of Renaissance Venice’s lucky elite: with elegant gowns, sparkling jewels, her own lady’s maid, and a wealthy fiancé, she has everything a girl could desire. Yet ever since her parents’ death, Cassandra has felt trapped, alone in a city of water, where the dark and labyrinthine canals whisper of escape.

When Cass stumbles upon a murdered woman—practically in her own backyard—she’s drawn into a dangerous world of courtesans, killers, and secret societies. Soon, she finds herself falling for Falco, a mysterious artist with a mischievous grin... and a spectacular skill for trouble. Can Cassandra find the murderer, before he finds her? And will she stay true to her fiancé, or succumb to her uncontrollable feelings for Falco?

Beauty, love, romance, and mystery weave together in a stunning novel that’s as seductive and surprising as the city of Venice itself"

Release Date: October 30, 2012

I found out about this book through Penguin's Breathless Reads. It looks really good. I can't wait to read it!

Partial Hiatus

Hello everyone,

I apologize for my lack of updates. I've been super busy lately. Today started my last year of college so school will take priority over reading. I will still be reading, of course, but it will take me much longer to complete books than it did over the summer. I also will still be posting from time to time, but not as often as usual.

Hope you all understand!
Have a great week & for those in school, have a great year!!

Summer Fictional Crushes for Summer 2012

Back in June in a Top 10 Tuesday I posted my Top 10 Fictional Crushes (at the time). I also mentioned that I wondered which male characters would stand out to me this summer. Well, as the summer draws to a close, here is list of my Summer Fictional Crushes for Summer 2012. In other words, these are the boys that I liked the most in the books that I read this summer.

Note: The Top 3 are my ultimate favorites, but I could never decide which ones I like the most between them, so the Top 3 are in no order. The last 2 are in order.

1. Jace Lighwood--The Mortal Insturments Series-- I love, love, love Jace! I've never fallen for the bad boy before, but I loved him pretty much ever since the beginning of City of Bones. He is hilarious. I love his witty comments. They're so funny! Jace also has such a good heart. He will do anything for Clary and will do anything to make her happy. I truly love him!

2. Ian O'Shea--The Host--Ian's so sweet and so protective. I love how he accepts Wanda for who she truly is. I love him!

3. Jem Carstairs--The Infernal Devices Trilogy--Jem is so incredibly nice and selfless. Just as Jace will do anything for Clary, Jem will do anything for Tessa. Not only is he nice, but he's also a musican, he plays the violin. I like that. I also think it's cute how he's willing to write poetry for Tessa even though he hates it so much.  Love him, too!

4. Maxon Schreave--The Selection--Oh my goodness. Maxon. I love his kindness and how he is so patient and understanding. I also find him to be quite hilarious and I love his formality! I really hope America ends up with him.

5. Adam Kent--Shatter Me--I like Adam's protectiness of his little brother and of Juliette. It's so cute. I liked how his relationship with Juliette was a forbidden one. I love forbidden romance! I look forward to reading the next book, Unravel Me, to see what happens next between him and Juliette!

So who are your summer fictional crushes? 

Feature & Follow Friday (#5)

Feature & Follow Friday is a blog hop hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read. The purpose of this blog hop is meet new people, gain new followers, and find cool new blogs to follow yourself.

This Week's Question is:

Worst cover? What is the worst cover of a book that you’ve read and loved?

The Maze Runner. I'm sorry, but this cover does not appeal to me at all. However, I can't think of a better way they could have made the cover. The book was actually really good, though. But apparently not good enough since I haven't read the sequels yet. So please, NO SPOILERS in the comments! Thanks!

 
                      

My Favorite Clockwork Prince Quotes

I love doing "my favorite quotes" blog posts for books that I truly enjoyed & had humorous quotes in them! .

Please Note: These "quotes" are just that, "quotes"--things characters said. These quotes don't include narration. If they did, this blog post would be HUGE. Second of all, these quotes are in no order at all. It would take me forever to figure out which ones I like more than others. If anything, they are in the order they were written. Example: A quote may come from page 90 and the next one will be from page 96. Thirdly, if it's difficult to tell who is speaking to whom, I put the people's names in parentheses. Finally, all quotes come from the U.S. hardback version.

Warning: These quotes contain spoilers in them!

Now, here are my favorite quotes from Clockwork Prince, book two of The Infernal Devices: 

"Is this a game? We just blurt out whatever word comes next to mind? In that case mine's 'genuphobia.' It means an unreasonable fear of knees." --Will to Jem, p. 33

"What's the word for a perfectly reasonable fear of annoying idiots?" --Jessamine to Will, p. 33

"Trains are great dirty smoky things. You won't like it."

"I won't know if I like it until I try it, will I?"

"I've never swum naked in the Thames, but I know I wouldn't like it."

"But think how entertaining for sightseers." --Will and Tessa, p. 75

"Beautiful. You are beautiful, James Carstairs."--Tessa to Jem, p. 204

"Eggs. I do love eggs. I could eat them all day."--Henry speaking completely off topic to nobody in particular, p.210

"James, you are all the family I have. I would die for you. You know that. I would die without you. If it were not for you, I would be dead a hundred times over these past five years. I owe you everything, and if you cannot believe I have empathy, perhaps you might at least believe I know honor--honor, and debt--"--Will to Jem, p. 248

"I have wanted to do this every moment of every hour of every day that I have been with you since the day I met you. But you know that. You must know. Don't you?" --Will to Tessa regarding kissing her on the balcony at the ball, p. 290

"I would forgive Tessa anything."--Jem to Jessamine, p. 350

"Lies and secrets, Tessa, they are like a cancer in the soul. They eat away what is good and leave only destruction behind."--Aunt Harriet to Tessa in Tessa's dream, p. 395

"I love you. And I don't want to lose you."--Jem to Tessa, p. 398

"When two souls are as one, they stay together on the Wheel. I was born into this world to love you, and I will love you in the next life, and the one after that." --Jem to Tessa, p. 493

"There is only one girl I care to make swoon. The question is, does she?"

"She does."--Jem and Tessa, p. 344

"Your place is with me. It always will be." --Jem to Tessa, p. 428

"Sacrifice? Tessa, I love you. I want to marry you."--Jem to Tessa, p. 429

"I cannot explain love. I could not tell you if I loved you the first moment I saw you, or if it was the second or third or fourth. But I remember the first moment I looked at you walking toward me and realized that somehow the rest of the world seemed to vanish when I was with you. That you were the center of everything I did and felt and thought."--Jem to Tessa, pp. 429-430

"You speak of sacrifice, but it is not my sacrifice I offer. It is yours I ask of you. I can offer you my life, but it is a short life; I can offer you my heart, though I have no idea how many more beats it shall sustain. But I love you enough to hope that you will not care that I am being selfish in trying to make the rest of my life--whatever its length--happy, by spending it with you. I want to be married to you, Tessa. I want it more than I have ever wanted anything else in my life. That is, if you love me, too." --Jem to Tessa, p. 430

"You are home for me now." --Jem to Tessa, p. 432

Summer Reads 2012

It's been a great summer. I've had so many opportunities to read. It's been fantastic. I've read so many incredible books since summer began back in June. Here's a list of all the books I've read this summer. My favorites are marked with **.

Books Read in June: 

The Host By: Stephenie Meyer**

Touch of Power By: Maria V. Snyder 

Elsewhere By: Gabrielle Zevin

Shatter Me By: Tahereh Mafi**

Books Read In July:

City of Bones By: Cassandra Clare **

City of Ashes By: Cassandra Clare**

City of Glass By: Cassandra Clare**

City of Fallen Angels By: Cassandra Clare **

City of Lost Souls By: Cassandra Clare

Read in August:

The Luxe By: Anna Godbersen

The Selection By: Kiera Cass**

Clockwork Angel By: Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Prince By: Cassandra Clare **

Rumors By: Anna Godbersen

(Currently Reading)