Waiting On Wednesday (times two!)

WOW is hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine

Book: Nightshade

Author: Andrea Cremer

Release: October 19th, 2010

Summary (goodreads): 

While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all.

Okay, so I already read Nigthshade, but I'm still really looking forward to the release because this book is AWESOME!

Book: Last Sacrifice (VA #6)

Author: Richelle Mead

Release: December 7th, 2010

Summary: 

Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice. Now, with Rose on trial for her life and Lissa first in line for the Royal Throne, nothing will ever be the same between them.

Okay, so that's a very, very tiny summary, but whatever. I'm still so excited for this one to come out, the anticipation is killing me. 

Oh, how I wish it was December 7th....

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Book: Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2)

Author: Suzanne Collins

Release: September 2009 (hardcover)

Source: previously bought

My Summary (SPOILER FOR 1st BOOK!):

After surviving the Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta both try to live their lives as normally as they can. Only problem is that everyone is supposed to believe they're in love, some Districts are starting to unsettle and rebel, and it all just might be Katniss's fault.

Katniss struggles with her feelings before she's off for the victory tour, unable to truly love Peeta, but things with Gale aren't going well either. Yet she has more important things to worry about, like just what does President Snow plan to do if she fails to help smother the unrest in the districts?

Review: More shocking than a bolt of lightning, Catching Fire lives up to it's predecessor.

With a slow-moving beginning, we find Katniss and Peeta both living in ease after surviving the Hunger Games. Yet, Katniss isn't happy. She's got a lot to deal with in this story. Everyone, and I mean everyone, is expecting something from her, and she just doesn't know if she has what they want and what it takes. The stakes, the risks, and consequences are so much higher in Catching Fire.

What I noticed the most was how Collins managed to make me really care about each character. I was on the edge of my seat, literally worrying about some of them, and whether or not they would be okay. I could connect better with them this time around. 

The pacing does pick up, and once it does, it's a non-stop thrill to read. I still cannot believe where this story went, I'm still stunned even months after reading it. I dare you to read Catching Fire, and to put it down halfway through (because it really just isn't possible without curiosity getting the better of you).

Highlights: The twists! The turns! The "Oh my gosh, did that really just happen" moments! Collins far exceeded my expectations of this story, and it's very obvious that she really does think about everything and plots it smartly. I can't wait to see where Mockingjay goes when I get it! :)

Lowlights: The beginning fails to really get going, as I said earlier. It was slow to spark my attention. Yet, I think the halfway point through the ending really made up for it. 

Rating:   

Reviews of other books in this trilogy:

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Book: The Hunger Games (Hunger Games Trilogy #1)

Author: Suzanne Collins

Release: now in paperback (July 3rd)

Source: Bought

My Summary:

In a futuristic society, the United States is no more. In it's place is Panem, and only twelve of the original thirteen districts remain.

Katniss Everdeen, a resident of the coal-producing District Twelve, prepares for The Reaping by making sure that her little sister Prim has as few entries as possible. Yet, against the odds, Prim is picked and Katniss volunteer's in her place to be a tribute for the yearly Hunger Games.

She knows the odds aren't good. 24 tributes in all, and only one can survive. It will be a fight to the death, against people she cares about, and only the strong and smart can survive...

Review: Action-filled, surprising moments, smartly plotted and equally smart characters...can this book get any better?

The Hunger Games is one of those series that is addictive, smart, and very well plotted. She uses the skills her father taught her about hunting in order to help her family survive (which is illegal). She hunts with her best friend Gale, to keep both their families alive and well. However, once Katniss becomes a tribute, she has to focus on one thing only: survival. Staying true to her character, Katniss doesn't become some bloodthirsty beast, she gets smart, uses her wits and skills in the arena, as well as forms alliances...but only one person can survive in the end.

Each character is well developed, with their own personalities. I didn't like every character, but that's what made them all more real to me, because you can't like everyone (although, I loved Haymitch! So funny!). 

The description flows perfectly, the surprises don't fail to shock, and the end gives you both fulfillment (there's nothing too cliffhangerish) and curiosity for the next installment, Catching Fire.

This trilogy is perfect for anyone who enjoys a good dystopia novel, with action, adventure, a dash of romance, and plenty of moments where you will be unable to tear yourself away from the book.

Highlights: In a game of survival, I didn't know what to expect next. I love how smart Katniss is, and she uses everything she has. The girl is smart, and focused, which is wonderful to read about. I enjoyed Collins' writing as well, it's very easy to fall into and get caught up in the story.

Lowlights: I'm not really a fan of the name "Katniss", but it's grown on me through the years. And really, it's kind of a petty thing to consider a "lowlight". 

Rating:   

Reviews of other books in this trilogy:

Catching Fire (to come soon)

Mockingjay (to come once I get it and read it!)