OCTOBER 2013 RECAP + BOOK OF THE MONTH.

I wasn't able to meet my "one post a day" goal for the month because I was too busy with work. We were on product training and we stayed at the office for 12 hours a day. During weekends, I do my chores and well, a little bit of reading so there's that. BUT!!!! I have purchased a lot of books this month so bye bye savings and screw book buying ban! I will never be able to do it again!

And that sadly, I don't have an Author of the Month for October. 

October 01: October New Releases Picks.

October 02: Waiting on Wednesday (38): Frozen by Erin Bowman.

October 03: 5/5 stars for Robyn Schneider's THE BEGINNING OF EVERYTHING.

October 04: 2/5 stars for Leila Sales' THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE.

October 04: Feature and Follow Friday (30)

October 05: Stacking the Shelves (34): The Second Set Edition!

October 06: 3/5 stars for Victoria Lamb's WITCHSTRUCK.

October 07: 4/5 stars for Courtney Summers' SOME GIRLS ARE.

October 08: Top Ten Tuesday (4): Top Ten Worst/Best Series Enders.

October 09: Waiting on Wednesday (39): Avalon by Mindee Arnett.

October 10: 3/5 stars for Kat Zhang's WHAT'S LEFT OF ME.

October 12: Stacking the Shelves (35): The Last Edition!

October 14: 8/5 stars for C.J. Redwine's DECEPTION.

October 19: Stacking the Shelves (36): The Font Edition!

October 21: 4/5 stars for Huntley Fitzpatrick's MY LIFE NEXT DOOR.

October 24: 4/5 stars for Kasie West's THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US.

October 26: Stacking the Shelves (37) The Awesome Edition!

October 28: 3/5 stars for Alexandra Coutts' TUMBLE & FALL.

October 29: 5/5 stars for JUST ONE YEAR by Gayle Forman.

October 31: October 2013 Recap + Book of the Month.

And before I end my recap, I would also want to share the book/s that I truly loved and can blurb about 24/7/365 here. The title/s not only made me fall in love with it but the impact it has on me is tremendously strong that I have book hangover for days!

Here are the runners up for this month:

The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider

Just One Year (Just One Day #2) by Gayle Forman

And the Book of the Month for October 2013 is

DECEPTION (Defiance #1) BY C.J. REDWINE

My Blurb:

"Deception surely tops my Best Sequel of 2013 list. It is overflowing with raw emotions, full blast actions and powerful analytical concept. It is truly a mind-blowing sequel that no one would forget easily. It tore my bookish defense wall brick by brick and didn't leave me with sufficient strength to move on. IT IS MY KIND OF SEQUEL. ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SEQUELS EVER WRITTEN."

REVIEW: JUST ONE YEAR BY GAYLE FORMAN.

Title: Just One Year (Just One Day #2)
Author: Gayle Forman
Edition: Hardbound
Published: October 10, 2013
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Pages: 323
Source: Bought from Fullybooked
Category: Contemporary, Romance
Trailer: not applicable

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Synopsis:

Just One Day. Just One Year. Just One Read.

Before you find out how their story ends, remember how it began....

When he opens his eyes, Willem doesn’t know where in the world he is—Prague or Dubrovnik or back in Amsterdam. All he knows is that he is once again alone, and that he needs to find a girl named Lulu. They shared one magical day in Paris, and something about that day—that girl—makes Willem wonder if they aren’t fated to be together. He travels all over the world, from Mexico to India, hoping to reconnect with her. But as months go by and Lulu remains elusive, Willem starts to question if the hand of fate is as strong as he’d thought. . . .

The romantic, emotional companion to Just One Day, this is a story of the choices we make and the accidents that happen—and the happiness we can find when the two intersect.

Just One Year is a heart-warming novel!

It obviously took just one year of waiting before we get to know what happened to Willem. After Just One Day, my heart was truly broken and imagine waiting that long for it to mend. Well, the questions were all answered and waiting was worthwhile because in this novel, Willem gave sufficient explanation as to what happened, how he truly felt and what he did do after losing Allyson.

Hearing the side of the story directly from Willem gave a different light to the duology. I thought he was a complete jerk for just leaving Allyson like that but "accidents" do happen. Like literally. His journey in finding what he lost was not only pleasing to the eye but tremendously hurting to the heart. In his point of view, I was able to realize how hard it is to move one from losing someone who changed your life in a day and brought so much color to your monotonous life. He grasped the moments he shared with Allyson so much that it gave him something to push him through and not give up on his search. He tried to find her in different parts of the world and everywhere he goes, something or someone would remind him of her. It is as if he couldn't escape her memories which gripped my heart so tight I thought I would faint. There's so much raw emotions and coming from a guy's POV, that is really something, you know.

Yael and Bram's story took a piece of my heart, too. I loved how Willem's current dilemma is somehow similar to his parents story which boosted my hopes for the entire novel to rock. And it did. Willem not only fixed the gap between his relationship with his mother but also he did change himself. The longings he have for Bram pushed him to be better and look at things differently.

It is always the end that strikes hard and the ending Forman gave surely mended my broken heart. It also made me yearn for more, more of Willem and Allyson and more of their travels. Just One Year is absolutely a stunning novel I will indefinitely cherish and treasure!

"There's a difference between losing something you knew you had and losing something you discovered you had. One is disappointment. The other is truly a loss."

REVIEW: TUMBLE AND FALL BY ALEXANDRA COUTTS.

Title: Tumble & Fall
Author: Alexandra Coutts
Edition: Hardbound
Published: September 17, 2013
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Pages: 384
Source: Finished copy provided by the Publisher
Category: Contemporary, Dystopia
Trailer: not applicable

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Synopsis:

 A novel about the end of days full of surprising beginnings

The world is living in the shadow of oncoming disaster. An asteroid is set to strike the earth in just one week’s time; catastrophe is unavoidable. The question isn’t how to save the world—the question is, what to do with the time that's left? Against this stark backdrop, three island teens wrestle with intertwining stories of love, friendship and family—all with the ultimate stakes at hand.

Alexandra Coutts's TUMBLE & FALL is a powerful story of courage, love, and hope at the end of the world.

*CONTAINS LITTLE SPOILERS*

Tumble and Fall would have been a promising story.

One of my favorite BookTubers got an ARC of this novel and I was convinced that Tumble & Fall is an exciting novel. True enough, I've never heard of a PRE-apocalyptic novel and that alone hooked me. What would people do if they only have a week on Earth before an asteriod will hit and destroy it? Isn't that an amazing plot? And thankfully, Pan MacMillan Asia sent me a copy for review and I couldn't contain my happiness when I received the package. I was like a little girl inside a Barbie store and told to get whatever Barbie I want! The moment is just pure bliss.

However, it was surely a devastating feeling when I finished Tumble & Fall. It wasn't what I expected it would be. The 'Pre-apocalyptic' notion was just a touch to an entirely different story. Truth be told, it felt like a contemporary story hanging by the mere fact that the world will end in a week. But nothing deeper about the said apocalypse is laid on the table. Maybe I expected too much or I held on tight to the synopsis that's why I am deeply disappointed.

I love contemporary novels but I don't see myself liking Tumble and Fall *so much* even if I look at it like that. There wasn't depth to it if I may say. It revolved around the three main characters and their personal issues that doesn't quite match the upcoming catastrophe. I kept asking myself WHAT WOULD I DO IF I AM IN THIS SITUATION and personally, whatever happened in the story isn't wouldn't be my answer.

--- STOP! SPOILERS AHEAD---
Sienna. She left her family to be with her childhood sweetheart. Then eventually realizing that her familly matters and left the guy. She changed her mind like at the last day of Earth.
Zan. She doubted her dead boyfriend who she thought cheated on her then went into a scavenger hunt with her boyfriend's best friend to gather facts. She's trying to find closure but slept with the guy. Then she found out her dead boyfriend was just trying to find her long lost sister for her.
Cayden. Had a lifetime of grudge towards his father for leaving them. He may have been technically kidnapped by his father, but the thought of saving him and starting a relationship with him is there. Cayden didn't even try to have a relationship with his dad even after the effort. He ignored it and even ran away with his father's girlfriend to go back to his drunk mother.
---END OF SPOILERS---

These characters live in one island and eventually found each other on their way back home.
I am skeptical to whether give this book a one-star rating (because I couldn't AT ALL grasp it) or three-star rating (because of other reasons) but well, I am going for the latter and here's why:

Off by two stars: I was mislead by the catchy phrase -- let me reiterate the "I"-- and this I blame myself. I should have done a little bit of a research. I would have saved myself from all these disappointments but am still thankful that I got the chance to read it. The inconsistencies I also saw were brimming on the downfall side of the story. Example is how can someone remember exact names and conversation happened a year ago with a person you only met once and never saw again? That really lingered in my mind. I just believe that consistency of a story is very important. Tumble & Fall actually tumbled and fell on that part.

1/3 stars: This is for Coutts' effort and intention in bring such unique story. I just totally hate the fact that it didn't completely work for me.
2/3 stars: That PRE-APOCALYPTIC notion that I really looked forward to. I wish there was more to it and I am hundred percent sure, this novel would have skyrocketing ratings. I guess I wanted more to see of the dystopian/apocalyptic part more than the contemporary side. I don't know. It was just basically the main reason why I was so eager to read it. Too bad that I didn't get much of it.
3/3 stars: For that lovely cover, the third person narration, the division of the story by day/characters and for that fantastic Forgiving Wheel.

Tumble and Fall is a novel of decisions. It talks so much of our different takes in different circumstances which shows how valuable what the heart tells. Recommended for those who have loved and lost; have searched and been found.

"She knows that there might be other endings, bigger endings, soon. The end of everything. The end of time. But it doesn't matter. All that matters now is that things are changing again, just when she'd started to hope that they wouldn't."

STACKING THE SHELVES (37): THE AWESOME EDITION.

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that showcases newly acquired books or goodies we bought, received or borrowed during the week.

FOR REVIEW:

• The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White
• Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts
• Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo

GIFTED:

• Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

I got these last September but I scheduled the post just today. My loving brother gifted me Fangirl and the rest were sent for review!

Thank you ever so much HarperCollins, MacMillan and Brother for these awesome babies!

REVIEW: THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US BY KASIE WEST.

Title: The Distance Between Us
Author: Kasie West
Series: Standalone
Edition: Paperback
Publication: July 2nd 2013 by HarperTeen
Source: Bought from Fullybooked
Pages: 320
Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Caymen Meyers studies the rich like her own personal science experiment, and after years of observation she’s pretty sure they’re only good for one thing—spending money on useless stuff, like the porcelain dolls in her mother’s shop.

So when Xander Spence walks into the store to pick up a doll for his grandmother, it only takes one glance for Caymen to figure out he’s oozing rich. Despite his charming ways and that he’s one of the first people who actually gets her, she’s smart enough to know his interest won’t last. Because if there’s one thing she’s learned from her mother’s warnings, it’s that the rich have a short attention span. But Xander keeps coming around, despite her best efforts to scare him off. And much to her dismay, she's beginning to enjoy his company.

She knows her mom can’t find out—she wouldn’t approve. She’d much rather Caymen hang out with the local rocker who hasn’t been raised by money. But just when Xander’s attention and loyalty are about to convince Caymen that being rich isn’t a character flaw, she finds out that money is a much bigger part of their relationship than she’d ever realized. And that Xander’s not the only one she should’ve been worried about.

PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE:

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The Distance Between Us is my fairytale.

The story The Distance Between Us represented is a familiar one. I am sure I've heard of a-rich-guy-falling-for-the-poor-girl trope in the past but West pretty much nailed the twists. Though the story didn't give much of a punch-in-the-gut feeling, the characters did the job well. From a female protagonist who can be crowned The Queen of All Sarcasm to the literally Prince of Hotels, I basically have here a modern day fairytale with strawberry-pancake-topped-with-delicious-whipped-cream worth of a love story.

Caymen is totally hilarious. Her sarcasm? FOR THE WIN! I am always fascinated with characters with oozing sarcasm because they're funny! Her personality is so strong and I love that she always tries to debate with herself about whether her feelings are reasonable. The way she also respects her mother is a trait we all should be towards our own moms. I give her two thumbs up when her guilt eats her, her concern when her mother is looking gloomy and her ways of following what she was told. Some in her age might rebel but she remains a good kid even after she learned the truth. It is normal for her to feel angry and betrayed but her love for her mother overcame those negative feelings. She's a very good daughter in my opinion.

Our Prince of Hotels, Xander, is also trying to be a good son by exerting effort to follow what his dad wants him to do. It occured to him he can have Caymen do a 'career day' so they could figure out what they really wanted to pursue as a career. What's a surprising thing is, Xander doesn't really care what he does -- like dig a graveyard -- even if he's rich and never did any hard labor. It was really fascinating for someone like him to act normal and didn't even complain. Plus, he never once used his social status to take advantage of anyone. He expresses himself in his own little cute way that surely pumps more blood in my veins. He's a good man, a good person. And he will definitely land a spot on my Fictional Boyfriendssss post next Valentine's.

The Distance Between Us is a novel of betrayal, loss, coping and loving. It is exquisite in ways a reader would be surprised with -- the voice, the writing and the unconventional twists. With a love story so riveting, this novel seriously rocked my world.

"I've missed my hot chocolate. I just think of you as the guy who brings it to me. Sometimes I forget your name and call you hot chocolate guy."

"Sometimes it's the little things that bring that special someone back to us in some small way."

"Sometimes it's hard for me to start something because I'd rather not try at all than fail at it."

REVIEW: MY LIFE NEXT DOOR BY HUNTLEY FITZPATRICK.

Title: My Life Next Door
Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Edition: Paperback
Published: June 14, 2012
Publisher: Dial Books For Young Readers
Pages: 394
Source: Bought from National Bookstore
Category: Contemporary, Romance
Trailer: not applicable

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Synopsis:

"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.

My Life Next Door is an adorable novel!

I've been eyeing this novel for the longest time already and screen-capturing photos from Instagram has been the alternative to the insatiable book hunger. I waited and waited for the hard cover to be available here but I can wait no longer. It is such a rewarding feeling to be able to enjoy a dream book I've been longing to have -- there is just no words to describe the joy a simple simple can provide.

Sure enough, My Life Next Door provides how one summer can bring so much change into one's life. From doing what we are accustomed to to doing things we've only entertained in our dreams can be a stepping stone to discovering ourselves along the process. This novel mirrors two types of lives -- the poor and the rich. I adored how Fitzpatrick showcased The Garrets in such different light. Money can really not buy happiness. No matter how chaotic their lives are and how money is scarce, the Garrets -- this family I love -- remain intact and depict the true value of family. I personally don't want to have such huge family but I want to adopt their sense of belonging.

The plot is something I've heard before so My Life Next Door unfortunately didn't strike me as much as I was hoping it would. I also saw several typos along the way. And what ticked me most is how ridiculous Samantha acts, how selfish and insecure Nan all this time and how obnoxious Clay is! Good thing Tim compensated it by his ever straight to the point attitude! He might have been stoned most of the time but I like his attitude. He's easy going and can ba a real friend if he wanted to.

But what I 100% adored about this novel isn't only those adorable kids or Mr. and Mrs. Garret or the romance but also JASE. He's all I want in this lifetime! He's not only good looking but his values? PHENOMENAL. His entire character made me fall in love with him and how I wish guys I know in real life would be just like him - respectful, responsible, kind-hearted, hard working and loving. HE'S JUST PERFECT.

My Life Next Door is simple yet complex at the same time. Simple in a manner that it will capture your heart from the cover up to the last page and complex in a way that it hits deeper. A family oriented novel with such high amount of swooning when it comes to the love department, this novel gives the right dosage of love, hate, friendship, greed and smoking sexiness a reader needs.

"You're walking along on this path, dazzled by how perfect it is, how great you feel, and then just a few forks in the road and you are lost in a place so bad you never could have imagined it."

STACKING THE SHELVES (36): THE FONT EDITION.

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that showcases newly acquired books or goodies we bought, received or borrowed during the week.

BOUGHT: (Fullybooked, Fort)
- Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
- The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
- Splintered (Splintered #1) by A.G. Howard

GIFTED: (All the way from Pennsylvania)
- Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) by Richelle Mead

FOR REVIEW:
- Thornhill (Hemlock #2) by Kathleen Peacock (My review)

Thank you ever so much Fullybooked, Fort branch, Macqui Cabrera and Harpercollins International!

REVIEW: DECEPTION BY CJ REDWINE.

Title: Deception (Defiance #2)
Author: C.J. Redwine
Edition: Paperback
Published: August 27, 2013
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: 336 pages
Source: ARC sent by the Publisher
Category: Dystopia, Fantasy, Romance
Trailer: not applicable

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Synopsis:

In this daring sequel to Defiance, with the world they once loved forever destroyed, Rachel and Logan must decide between a life on the run and standing their ground to fight. With their ragged group of survivors struggling to forge a future, it's up to Logan and Rachel to become the leaders they need. Under constant threat from rival armies and no place to call their own, the group decides to take their chances in the Wasteland, despite the deadly risk of The Cursed One. But soon their problems begin: someone - possibly inside their ranks - is sabotaging the survivors, picking them off one by one. They begin to question whether the price of freedom may be too great. And whether their band of survivors, hunted by their enemies and the murderous traitor in their midst, can make it out of the Wasteland alive... and whether Rachel and Logan can survive these trials together.

Deception is utterly captivating!

I couldn't wrap my mind about this feeling Deception left me. I was rendered senseless by the impact it has on me and the moment I finished Defiance, I just know I have to request for Deception! So thank you again Sarah of HarperCollins for making it possible! Deception claimed a special place in my heart and recommending/promoting this series will never give justice to the fantastic experience I had with it! It is a breath-taking novel.

After surviving the fires of the Cursed One, Rachel and Logan decide to ask for shelter in Lankenshire. Logan is voted to be the new leader and his responsibility is a little too much for him. While Rachel is still grieving over her loss, she still tries to be there for Logan, her friends and her people. But the Commander and the army aren't the only problem -- someone from their group is murdering innocent people and they have to be vigilant. They have to not only convince Lankenshire for an allegiance but to conquer whatever the Wasteland could bring.

Deception took every human emotion I could possibly feel. It is definitely way, way better than Defiance that devouring 336 pages is not enough. I finished it at 4:43 in the morning and every page kept me awake all night -- more than how caffeine can serve me. Every turn of its page made me hold my breath because this is a book I couldn't predict. It had my mind all over the place that whenever I try to pause and think how the course of events will turn, I fail. The novel progressed deeper than I thought it would, I didn't expect it to influence my emotions this strong. Unlimited action. Bittersweet romance. Tested friendship. Gained trust. Everything I ever hoped for a sequel, Deception delivered.

I may have experienced something like this is the past but I feel like this is first time I connected to a character this much. I have nothing in common with Rachel when it comes to her skills in battle but her emotions ate me alive. Her grief, guilt and longings pumped such tremendous amount pain in my heart. Her struggle to hold herself together and her attempt to block memories that blinds her from keeping her edge engulfed me. Those feelings are so familiar -- which is why this book became so special to me. I know those feelings. Her character is driven not only for what she have left but most especially for what she have lost. That to me promotes how much she values relationships and family.

Despite the heavy burden of being a leader, Logan embraced his new role. At his young age, he was able to encompass what a true leader should be -- compassionate, transparent, balanced and selfless. He may have had his plate full, he didn't mind facing every criticism thrown at his face. Instead he used it as a motivation. What I loved most about him in this novel is he didn't turn his back to his questioning people but instead gave them the benefit of the doubt. He remained strong and true to his motive.

Willow and Quinn surprised me by how much they matured. Slyph and Thom sucked my tear ducks dry while Adam and Frank shared unmeasurable courage and humbling friendship. They contributed sensible things in a chaotic circumstances. I deflected Ian's charm because he's full of himself and mad!

Deception surely tops my Best Sequel of 2013 list. It is overflowing with raw emotions, full blast actions and powerful analytical concept. It is truly a mind-blowing sequel that no one would forget easily. It tore my bookish defense wall brick by brick and didn't leave me with sufficient strength to move on. IT IS MY KIND OF SEQUEL. ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SEQUELS EVER WRITTEN.

Thank you again ever so much Sarah of HarperCollins for the ARC!

"I don't know how to do this without losing myself. I don't know how to pretend to be strong for everyone else when I have no strength left."

"I'm not brave. Not anymore. I'm a broken girl too terrified of losing herself to name her fears and fight against them."

""Tears don't bring people back." Pain stabs from my chest to my fingertips. "Tears aren't for people we've lost. They're for us. So we can remember, and celebrate, and miss them and feel human." He says.""

"Rachel, I know the pain scares you. It should because healing is so much harder than being hurt in the first place. But you will never get better until you stop running and start looking things in the eye. Until you give the things that hurt you the label they deserve, feel the way they make you feel and then let the pieces slowly settle until you can breathe again."

STACKING THE SHELVES (35): THE LAST SET EDITION.

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that showcases newly acquired books or goodies we bought, received or borrowed during the week.

BOUGHT:
- Valkyrie Rising (Valkyrie #1) by Ingrid Paulson
- Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols
- The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna
- Renegade (The Elysium Chronicles #1) by J.A. Souders
- Stormdancer (The Lotus War #1) by Jay Kristoff

FINALLY! THE LAST SET OF BOOKS I GOT THE FIRST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER TOGETHER WITH THIS HAUL (FIRST SET) AND THIS HAUL (SECOND SET). I actually got these babies from an online shop. What a score!

What did you get, Blurbies?

REVIEW: WHAT'S LEFT OF ME BY KAT ZHANG.

Title: What's Left of Me (The Hybrid Chronicles #1)
Author: Kat Zhang
Edition: Paperback
Published: September 18, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 343
Source: Finished copy sent by the Publisher
Category: Dystopia, Fantasy
Trailer: Here.

Amazon ▲ Book Depository ▲ Goodreads ▲ Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

I should not exist. But I do.

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t . . .

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable-hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet . . . for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

What's Left of Me is intriguing.

Upon reading the synopsis, one body that shares two souls is definitely catchy. I have been wanting to read this debut novel since last year but I just haven't had the time to do so plus I couldn't find a copy. Again, thank you Sarah of HarperCollins for sending in a copy for review!

Addie and Eva shares the same body.  Addie is the dominant soul and Eva should have been gone years ago. But her part of the soul stayed. They have been trying to be normal since they didn't really settle but a secret can only be kept for so long. They are identified by a clinic that claims to be treating hybrids. But Addie and Eva find out that hybrids are killed and she has to get out of there and save her friends.

I actually had issues with What's Left of Me. It was a little hard to sync with the characters because it was confusing. I couldn't tell which one is actually talking and I don't think I fully grasped the entirety of the plot. I wish there was more to the Hybrid part and backing up the world building by at least a little more history would have helped a lot. I didn't expect romance so I am okay with that. I think the dystopia/sci-fi combo Zhang created in this novel just wasn't for me.

What I love though is the fact that the ambitious plot is one of a kind. I loved wrapping my mind to the uniqueness of having two souls in one body. How scary experiments and endless escaping have molded the characters to be strong and wise. The fight to live and be acknowledged pinch the heart and I am impressed by how much Zhang expressed one's hunger for affirmation in such futuristic approach. I cannot wait to read Once We Were.

What's Left of Me is a novel that exposes fight for life. It is executed in such unique way that makes the mind work double time. It is mysterious and definitely a good read.

Thank you so much Sarah of HarperCollins for the finished copy!

"But understanding a thing and accepting are so very different things."

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY (39).

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that highlights our much anticipated books.

Expected Publication Date: January 21, 2014
Publisher: Balzer and Bray
Add to Goodreads

A ragtag group of teenage mercenaries who crew the spaceship Avalon stumble upon a conspiracy that could threaten the entire galaxy in this fascinating and fast-paced sci-fi adventure from author Mindee Arnett.

Of the various star systems that make up the Confederation, most lie thousands of light-years from First Earth-and out here, no one is free. The agencies that govern the Confederation are as corrupt as the crime bosses who patrol it, and power is held by anyone with enough greed and ruthlessness to claim it. That power is derived from one thing: metatech, the devices that allow people to travel great distances faster than the speed of light.

Jeth Seagrave and his crew of teenage mercenaries have survived in this world by stealing unsecured metatech, and they're damn good at it. Jeth doesn't care about the politics or the law; all he cares about is earning enough money to buy back his parents' ship, Avalon, from his crime-boss employer and getting himself and his sister, Lizzie, the heck out of Dodge. But when Jeth finds himself in possession of information that both the crime bosses and the government are willing to kill for, he is going to have to ask himself how far he'll go to get the freedom he's wanted for so long.

Avalon is the perfect fit for teens new to sci-fi as well as seasoned sci-fi readers looking for more books in the YA space-and a great match for fans of Joss Whedon's cult hit show Firefly.

I previously read Mindee Arnett's The Nightmare Affair and totally fell in love with it! I would really like to feature the second book of the series but am much thrilled about this one! HAHA I liked Arnett's writing style so am excited to see what changes we can see in this novel!

TOP TEN TUESDAY. (4)

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. They have topics set every week adn we just have to showcase our answers anyway we want to!

Top Ten Best/Worst Series Enders.

Top 4 Worst Series Enders.

Requiem (Delirium #3) by Lauren Oliver

- I loved Delirium and Pandemonium so much. This series is one of the first I've read that pushed me back to reading. However, Requiem for me was the down fall of it. It totally ruined the story and I didn't actually understand why it has to end like this. No, it didn't meet my expectations.

The Serpent's Shadow (Kane Chronicles #3)

- Okay. I love Uncle Rick. Though I haven't read The Percy Jackson series, I love his Heroes of Olympus and Kane Chronicles series. I gave this last book on his Egyptian Mythology series a 4 star rating but I think it wasn't the best ending. I was expecting more.

Shadowland (The Immortals #3)
- Fine. This isn't the last book in The Immortals Series. But I stopped reading it. OMG. I love Alyson but this novel was just GAAAAH! I almost didn't finish it. (Wait, I think I did not. Like, I stopped around the last 60 pages). I gave it a 3 because I was still new at that time but if I read it at this point, it would be 1 star.

Ascend (Trylle #3)

- Gave this one a 4 star rating. Again, I read it at the early phase of my blogging life and looking at it now, I would have been just a 3 star. After the first two books which were filled with mystery and suspense, the ending basically happened so fast and easy. I just buy that part.

Top 6 Best Series Enders.

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins
- I haven't reviewed this one because I read it before the blog was created. It was the best ending to this phenomenal series! You know what I mean -- it's just THE best!

Bitterblue (Graceling Realm #3) by Kristin Cashore

- I loved Graceling so much especially Katsa and Po and I was so glad that I got to see more of them in this novel! I also loved how Graceling and Fire were incorporated in the last book!

Rise (Eve #3) by Anna Carey

- I really couldn't ask for any other ending for Carey's Eve series because this is the perfect one! All my questions were answered!

Rapture (Fallen #4) by Lauren Kate
- Another series that I love!! I think in all 4 books, Fallen and Rapture were the best ones! This novel explains the entire fuss since book one and it just basically completed the series perfectly!
Breaking Dawn (Twilight Saga #4) by Stephanie Meyer
- Sorry people, I will die loving Twilight! This is another best series ender because of a lot of things. So live with it! Bahahaha!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter #7) by KJ Rowling
- WHAT? I DON'T HAVE TO TELL YA WHY, RIGHT?

I haven't completed much of the series I started even if the last book has been published already. So these are my picks for this week! How about you, Blurbies?