Split Second

Goodreads Synopsis:    Life can change in a split second.

Addie hardly recognizes her life since her parents divorced. Her boyfriend used her. Her best friend betrayed her. She can’t believe this is the future she chose. On top of that, her ability is acting up. She’s always been able to Search the future when presented with a choice. Now she can manipulate and slow down time, too . . . but not without a price.

When Addie’s dad invites her to spend her winter break with him, she jumps at the chance to escape into the Norm world of Dallas, Texas. There she meets the handsome and achingly familiar Trevor. He’s a virtual stranger to her, so why does her heart do a funny flip every time she sees him? But after witnessing secrets that were supposed to stay hidden, Trevor quickly seems more suspicious of Addie than interested in her. And she has an inexplicable desire to change that.

Meanwhile, her best friend, Laila, has a secret of her own: she can restore Addie’s memories . . . once she learns how. But there are powerful people who don’t want to see this happen. Desperate, Laila tries to manipulate Connor, a brooding bad boy from school—but he seems to be the only boy in the Compound immune to her charms. And the only one who can help her.

As Addie and Laila frantically attempt to retrieve the lost memories, Addie must piece together a world she thought she knew before she loses the love she nearly forgot . . . and a future that could change everything.

My Thoughts:

-    This was a wonderful well thought out story! Loved it! 

-    It was killing me that Addison couldn't remember Trevor, and that Trevor didn't know Addison at all!

-    I wasn't a fan of the alternating perspectives at first, but it really grew on me. I liked reading from Laila's point of view. I did get confused about which one I was reading a couple times though.

-    My thoughts and feelings about different things changed so much with all the reveals! It was crazy! The intricate story blew me away. I didn't see anything coming! It was great!

-    I loved the characters! Laila and Addison are the type of girls I want as friends! Trevor is so amazing and charming. I liked Conner a lot too. He was all mysterious and brooding but really nice.

-    Duke was so annoying! He sort of redeems himself, but for most of the book I just wanted him to take a hike! 

-    I totally loved the ending! I wanted to do a happy dance! I especially wanted to jump for joy when (Spoiler Alert:  Conner heals Trevor's arm!! That was so awesome! I almost cried. It was super nice of Conner to do that for an almost stranger and Norm.)

-    I'm excited to read more books by this author! 

First Book

(click on cover to see my thoughts on the book)

Blindsided

From Goodreads:    Three months after Fiona escapes from her father's syndicate, all seems well in her tiny town of Madison, Arizona. She and Seth are happy together - apart from the teensy fact of Fiona being jealous that Seth can see through her invisibility - and her family and friends are safe. But when the local syndicate and even the Army show up, it's clear there's more going on in town than she could ever imagine. It seems like these huge powers are interested in the old Radiasure factory - could they be reproducing the infamous drug that caused mutations? - and everyone suspects Fiona of knowing more than she should. As Fiona and her friends try to cover their tracks, they discover that they do have some dangerous knowledge. Though at first determined to stop anyone from remaking Radiasure, Fiona learns a secret that could change everything, including her invisibility. Torn between her own desires and the greater good, Fiona might be too blindsided to see the real villain coming.

My Thoughts:

-    My covers don't match now!! Grrrr! 

-    This wasn't as good as the first book, but I still liked it.

-    There was a lot of drama between Fiona and Seth. It bugged me. Why couldn't they just talk to each other and hash stuff out?

-    I really liked the addition of Spud. She was awesome! Korean's rock!

-    I could understand Fiona's desire to become visible. It would be hard to not know what you looked like. 

-    I didn't understand some things in the end. The military people ended up being good but not? How did everything get resolved from one person going down? I didn't feel like the ending was complete. There were so many people involved and a lot going on, and I wanted a bigger climax. 

-    I liked everyone's powers. I wouldn't want to be invisible, but it would be cool to fly. I also liked that some of the abilities aren't as awesome as I thought they would be. There are disadvantages too. 

-    I didn't like that Fiona kinda distanced herself from the Pack and her boyfriend. It was frustrating at times. Her friends are so awesome, and she should have asked for their help a lot sooner. 

-    While there were some things I didn't enjoy about the story, I'm still attached to these characters, and it was fun to see them again! 

First Book

(click on cover to see my thoughts)

The Last Olympian

Goodreads Says:    All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of victory are grim. Kronos's army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan's power only grows. While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it's up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time. 

In this momentous final book in the New York Times best-selling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy's sixteenth birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate.

My Thoughts:

-    I listened to these books a while ago, and for some reason I don't remember a thing from the last couple of books! What is wrong with my memory!? Maybe I didn't listen close enough. I'm so glad I decided to read these. 

-     This story was different. It wasn't an adventure book. Instead, it was a huge battle with a lot of action! It was cool.

-    Percy has grown so much! He went from a scared little 12 year old to a war leader. I loved all the character arcs in these books. I wonder if I changed and grew a ton between 12 and 16.

-    This book was a fitting end to the series. I love how everything wrapped up. I especially liked the deal that Percy struck with the gods.

-    Like in all wars, there are casualties, and I really like how everyone honored the those who had fallen. I liked how the half bloods looked past certain things to honor their friends. It says a lot about them.

-    The action was awesome and tense at times. I loved all the battles and fighting.

-    This is one of my favorite in the series.

-    I'm so excited to read The Heroes of Olympus series!

Previous Books in the Series
(covers are linked)

  

Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood

Goodreads Says:    World War I set the tone for the 20th century and introduced a new type of warfare: global, mechanical, and brutal. Nathan Hale has gathered some of the most fascinating true-life tales from the war and given them his inimitable Hazardous Tales twist. Easy to understand, funny, informative, and lively, this series is the best way to be introduced to some of the most well-known battles (and little-known secrets) of the infamous war.








My Thoughts:

-    The hangman is still my favorite. He is so funny! He reminds me of my friend Tyson.

-    Portraying the countries as different animals is hilarious yet helpful. It was easier to tell who was who. 

-    There was a lot going on, and some of it was hard to follow. 

-    I agree with the research babies, no more whole wars. I would have rather read about a piece of World War I than trying to cram the whole thing in a short graphic novel. 

-    I didn't realize how many men died and how much the war changed the world. Crazy!

-    I wish history was this fun to read all the time. 

-    Not my favorite hazardous tale, but this was a good one! 

Character Challenge & Giveaway

Mini Challenge

How You Play:

I'm going to describe a character from a book by a Utah Author.

You must figure out who it is and what book they are from.

Please fill in you answers in the Google Form below!

Good luck!

Character #1

-    I'm supposed to marry my best friend.

-    My society is only allowed 100 songs, 100 poems, 100 paintings, etc.

-    I fall in love with the wrong boy.

-    I'm not supposed to know how to write, but someone is teaching me.

-    I'm really good at sorting things.

Character #2

-    I'm a soldier returned from war.

-    I enjoy knitting and gardening.

-    An old woman gave me an invisibility cloak.

-    I want to save 12 sisters from a curse.

-    I marry the eldest sister, Rose.

Character #3

-    My story is based on a Grimm fairy tale called Maid Maleen.

-    My lady and I are locked in a tower for years.

-    I impersonate my lady while speaking with her suitor.

-    I could be killed for the things I write in my journal.

-    My songs are calming and healing.

Giveaway

If you finished my mini challenge, you will be entered into the giveaway!

Prize - $10 Amazon Gift Card

At the end of the month, I'll reveal the characters and the winner!
Thanks for participating!

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I'd Give to Readers Who . . .

Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish

Top Ten Books I'd Give to Readers Who Have Never Read a Book by a Utah Author

Since it is Utah Book Month, I decided to gear my TTT towards Utah Authors!
It is going to be hard to narrow it down to 10.

 
Shannon Hale is a must read for Utah! I'd start with one of these two!


Ally Condie is one of our biggest authors in Utah!

  
I'm a big Jessica Day George fan! I recommend all her books, but start with these!


I'm also a big Carol Lynch Williams fan! This one is my favorite!


These books made me a paranormal fan! Plus Bree is awesome!


Jennifer A. Nielsen is one my favorite Utah Authors! She is super nice! This trilogy is amazing! You'll love and hate the main character.


For those of us who love regency books! This one is awesome! Trust me, you'll love it!

Cut Me Free

Goodreads Synopsis:    Seventeen-year-old Charlotte barely escaped from her abusive parents. Her little brother, Sam, wasn't as lucky. Now she's trying to begin the new life she always dreamed of for them, but never thought she'd have to experience alone. She's hired a techie-genius with a knack for forgery to remove the last ties to her old life. But while she can erase her former identity, she can’t rid herself of the memories. And her troubled history won’t let her ignore the little girl she sees one day in the park. The girl with the bruises and burn marks.

That’s when Charlotte begins to receive the messages. Threatening notes left in her apartment--without a trace of entry. And they’re addressed to Piper, her old name. As the messages grow in frequency, she doesn’t just need to uncover who is leaving them; she needs to stop whoever it is before anyone else she loves ends up dead.

My Thoughts:

-    I was a little scared to read this, but I shouldn't have been. It was AWESOME! 

-    There wasn't anything too graphic or hard to read, but it is still sad, and I felt awful that there are people out there that abuse other people, especially children.

-    I felt so many emotions while reading this. I really felt for Charlotte and Sanda. I felt sad, angry, sick, and scared for them. I wanted to just reach in the book and hold them and protect them. 

-    Cam is amazing! I loved him! He is such a great guy. He reminded me a little of Gus (The Fault in Our Stars) and Levi (Fangirl) except Cam is more ballsy. 

-    Side Note:  Don't read this after dark! I had some weird dreams after reading into the night. I just couldn't put it down, but I paid for it!

-    The ending is such a thrill. Wow!

-    I'm so excited that I got to read this for Utah Book Month! Thank you so much to the author for giving us an ARC for review!

The Miracle of Forgiveness

Goodreads Says:    In his earthly ministry, Jesus preformed many miracles. In particular, he healed numerous diseased and disabled bodies. But perhaps his greatest miracle was the healing of people's souls - the forgiveness of sin. Jesus still offers that miracle today, and on the same terms as formerly: sincere repentance. This book is a penetrating explanation of repentance and forgiveness that is illuminated with a bright hope for those who are searching for peace and security. It is a landmark work that has spoken with authority and insight for thirty-five years, bringing to bear President Kimball's rich experience and the inspiration of his calling. Elder Richard G. Scott, in his October 2000 conference address suggests reading the last two chapters first.


My Thoughts:

-    This was a soul searching, thought provoking, and peace giving book. I loved it!

-    If someone is truly honest with themselves, this book will give hope and a better understanding of their lives. If one isn't truly honest with their flaws, they will find this book hard to read. 

-    I learned a lot about myself, and I'm such a sinner! I also learned a lot about my Savior, repentance, and forgiveness.

-    I liked how this book was organized. President Kimball starts by talking about all the different sins. We are committing the same offences today that they committed in the Bible. Sins don't really change throughout time. Then he talks about how we need to forgive others and repent. The last few chapters are awesome! Basically, the book tears you down and builds you up. 

-    I think half the book is referencing scriptures. There are a lot of scripture quotes. It was awesome! I didn't realize how much the scriptures talks about this subject. 

-    I took my time with this book. It was one that needed to be savored and read bit by bit.

Pivot Point

Goodreads Synopsis:    Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.

My Thoughts:

-    I like parallel universe stories. I think it is a cool concept. 

-    This book reminded me of Sliding Doors with Gwyneth Paltrow. There were a lot of similarities.

-    I liked how the chapters alternated the different lives. It was easy to keep track of everything.

-    I liked how learning something in one alternate life made me see new things in the opposing life. 

-    I liked the characters, especially Trevor. I didn't like the jock from the beginning. He was obviously a player and a user. 

-    Addison and Trevor's first kiss was hot! It was a romantic scene I could gush over, and that doesn't happen too often.

-    The different mind powers were cool. I like the variety and different uses. 

-    The ending is killer! I can't wait to read the next book!

-    Overall, I really liked this story! I'm sorry it took me so long to read it. 

Utah Book Month Kick Off

It's my favorite blogging month of the year!!!

WOO!!

We get to celebrate Utah Books, Utah Authors, Utah Bloggers, 

and anything else Utah!

My Schedule for the Month:

August 6 - Mini Challenge + Givaway

August 13 - Author Interview

August 20 - Guest Post

August 27 - Blogger Interview

Books I Plan to Read & Review:

  

  

  

  

 

I may be in over my head, but I'm going to try!

What should I read first?

LET IT BEGIN!!! LET IT BEGIN!!