My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories edited by Stephanie Perkins

Why am I reading Christmas stories in the middle of summer? Well, I saw that Laini Taylor had a short story in it and I realllly wanted to read it. So I grabbed it, and I probably wouldn't have read this during the holiday season anyways. It's been a while since I read a short story collection and it was pretty nice.



The very first story is Midnights by Rainbow Rowell. I give this story a 5 out of 5. I really loved it overall. At first I wasn't too sure about it in the beginning but by time the end came around I really did love it. I wanted a novella from this story if it were possible. I haven't read anything before by Rowell but I think I might pick up a book by her to check out.

The second story is The Lady and the Fox by Kelly Link. I give this story a 2 out of 5. I liked the ending, and the concept of the story, the rest not so much. For me it didn't really contribute to the story, it was just about the little girl growing up and moving on with her life while figuring out something to do with the guy. That's pretty much it.

Next is Angels in the Snow by Matt de la Peña. I give it a 3 out of 5. It was a sweet story, a really sweet story and I loved the cat. That's about it for the story for me. I liked the characters, I loved that Peña included a cat, I kind-of liked where the story was going, but that's it. It has it's sweet and cute moments, I will say that.

Polaris is Where You'll Find Me by Jenny Han is the fourth short. I give this story a 3 out of 5. Han made this a cute little tale and I liked where it was going. It was different and I liked that very much, but it was only 14 pages long. Don't get me wrong, I liked it but I wanted more in a not that good way.

It's a Yuletide Miracle Charlie Brown by the editor herself Stephanie Perkins is next. I give this story a 5 out of 5. I really found myself able to connect with Marigold. Which is funny I find myself typing that about this story but there is another story kind-of like this one and I don't feel the same way. She wants out and to do something big, I have that feeling a lot as well. I really like the feel of the story even from the beginning. It was cute and I found myself wanting more of the story at the end.

The sixth story is Your Temporary Santa by David Levithan. I give this one a 5 out of 5. It was hilarious! I laughed almost the whole way through reading this story. I also liked that the main Guys name wasn't given, at all (as far as I can tell, I could have missed it though I wouldn't be surprised if I did). The ending was very adorable too.

The seventh story is Krampuslauf by Holly Black. I give it a 5 out of 5. The name alone made me smile, I knew it was going to be a different take on Christmas as it was. This story really called out to my child side that still believes in magic. From the beginning to the end I loved Krampuslauf, and I wanted a full length novel.

Next is What the Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth? by Gayle Forman. I give this one a 4 out of 5. I also connected with Sophie as well, again she wanted out and I know that feeling. It was a cute read, however I wouldn't read this story over and over again. Forman's writing style was very nice and I might seek out a book from her.

Beer Bucket and Baby Jesus by Myra McEntire, I give this a 5 out of 5. I laughed the whole way through the story and I loved it. The first sentence really hooked me and kept me the whole way though. If this is how McEntire writes I will for sure be seeking out a book by her. Though to be fair if the story wasn't funny I don't know if I would have enjoyed it as much.

The tenth story is Welcome to Christmas, CA by Kiersten White. I give this one a 5 out of 5 as well. This is the story where I should have connected with the character but I didn't. She ended up falling in love and then got out. I don't see that for me. However I did smile the whole time while reading the story and I did like the cook (Ben) and his full name reveal. Maria trying to guess his full name had me laughing a few times.

Next is Star of Bethlehem by Ally Carter. I give this one a 4 out of 5. I liked the story but I don't think I would have picked it up on its own. It was cute, and I really liked it but it just wasn't my cup of tea. I've never taken an airplane anywhere and it makes be wonder if you really could switch tickets with someone and get away with it. Carter's writing was really nice and I think I might look in to another book of hers.

The last story and the one I was looking forward to reading the most is The Girl Who Woke the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. It is a very good thing that this wasn't at the beginning story because I wouldn't have read the rest of the book. What stopped me from reading just this story and not the rest? I have not a clue so don't ask. I give this one a 4 out of 5. I liked Taylor's story so very much, but I wanted a lot more. From the cover I was hoping that Karou from the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy would be in it but she wasn't. I wasn't overly disappointed, I still enjoyed the story very much.

I completely and utterly recommend this book to everyone. I'm far from upset with the stories and authors that were compiled together. I would love to own this book, however I probably wouldn't read it cover to cover very often. I would pick and choose which stories I was in the mood for and read them. Also if you would like to know which pairs of the people on the front cover belongs to which author, I provide a picture down below that someone (not me) graciously points out who belongs to whom. From what I can tell they are correct, though over half of them I had not a clue and couldn't match them up myself. For a young adult novel I do think adults could enjoy a number of the stories that are held in this book. I would say that it is perfect for the holiday season and for those who like holiday stories.



Rating: 5 out of 5.

Page Count: 321 pages (hardcover)

Price: $18.99

Next Book: TBA

Thanks for reading!
~Jade

If you want to know why Laini's characters have (stand-in) on the bottom of her name http://naturallysteph.tumblr.com/post/100249929020 click that link and read!

Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor

The third and final book in the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy, is finally here. I will say this now and I will say it again in the end, if you haven't read this trilogy you should. I highly recommend it no, I more than recommend it. I would love to know if you have read these books and how you feel about them as well! I do have a review up of the second book Days of Blood & Starlight along with the first book, which is linked in the second book review.

In this final installment, two world are very close to war. Karou has commandeered the chimaera's rebellion, through some crafty deception. She is intending on steering their course away from an all consuming vengeance, and the future rests with her. Though reunited, Karou and Avika are not yet to their peaceful ending. Jael has brought his army to the human world and they have to form an alliance against Jael. Who is the enemy, the common ground between chimaera and Misbegotten. Hoping for a semi-good version of their long-ago dream, they try to forge a way forward for both of their people. Hopefully for themselves as well. With even bigger threats on the horizon, are Karou and Avika strong enough to stand among the gods and the monsters?

Remember those feelings you get when you finished a book or even a series? That sense of bittersweetness, you have reached the end but it's an ending you wanted to go on forever just because of how good it was? Yeah, I'm there right now. I am going through withdrawals already, and I don't like it one bit. This book was long awaited for many readers, and I feel that the wait was worth it. I love Zuze even more and Mik has grown considerably on me since the last book. I completely ship Karou and Avika, I think Karou is a beautiful character and I think she would be a great friend to have. She as a character has come a long way, and she has really grown and developed through it all in the end. Avika balances her, as Karou does him, and for them to finally be able to really connect with each other in this book is very satisfying as a reader. The tension between the two was unbearable on paper and even more so in my head, and it was great to get away from the sexual tension in most other books. Their tension was just wanting to be able to be together without too much worry of the outside world and the possible impending doom. It was just a longing that was so vast, because they have tried and tried and tried again. I also loved how a bigger background story was brought into play and wrapped up in a way. Along with this back story we got introduced to a beautiful woman Eliza. We are given some information about her some, very big and other info that isn't too big but nonetheless important. We also get to know-very little thankfully- about a Morgan Toth. And boy do I love to hate him. As far as endings go, I was very pleased with this one. There was one little item that kept getting mentioned, if you caught it early you may have recognized the significance of it in the end. There is so much more to this book compared to what I have typed here. Really if you haven't read this trilogy you should.

I was only disappointed in a couple of things. One being how little action there was in it, and I know I am not alone in this. I understand the need for peace and wanting as few beings to get hurt as possible. Especially with as much unnecessary slaughter that has taken place in the recent past and further back. I will take the battles that did happen, because the loses (though significant in their own way) weren't that detrimental to me and others. But to be quite honest I don't really think that things would have went as "smoothly" as they did. I am still very sadden that Brimstone is not around and hasn't been, but I get a feeling that if he were Karou wouldn't have been able to develop as she had. Though I will say I am very happy with the ultimate demise with one character in particular, and who dealt the beating as well 'cause she deserved to do it. The other thing I take issue with is the sheer fact that this trilogy has come to an end. I only own the second book! I sincerely hope that Mrs. Taylor writes a novella or carries on more with Zuze and Mik because I know that Karou and Avika will still be around. Maybe even other Misbegotten or chimaera pairs.

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. That also includes this trilogy, thankfully there is the option to reread books which is what I will be doing. I recommend this book to young readers, "old" readers, everyone in between, basically everyone. I know everyone won't like it but I still think it should be given a chance. I didn't think I would like it in the beginning either, but here I am getting the finished book blues over it, which does not happen often. It's a different type of angel story. As I said before I do own the second book but I cannot wait until I have the other two in my possession. It's not often that I find a book series, or in this case a trilogy, that I feel I can read over and over without getting tired of.

Rating: 4.8 out of 5.
Just in case it needs clarification, the only thing stopping me in giving Dreams of Gods & Monsters a perfect 5, is how little fighting there was.

Page Count: 613 pages (hardcover), this book is a monster but a good one!

Price: $19

Next Book: Command Me by Geneva Lee

Thanks for reading!
~Jade

Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor

Lips Touch consists of three short stories. As far as I know they do not go along with any of Taylor's other books, but I could be wrong. I hope you enjoy!

Three stories of supernatural love and each revolve around a single kiss. But not just a simple kiss, each one has consequences for both of the kisser's souls.
Goblin Fruit- Kizzy has heard the same story from her Grandmother, of goblin men luring girls with exotic and delicious fruit, tempting them unknowingly to sell their souls. Even after being warned by her Grandmother, can Kizzy see through her wanting and save herself?
Spicy Little Curses- A demon and a woman barter over the souls of people everyday. A girl is cursed to not be able to speak without killing all who hears. She never desires to speak until she falls in love with a man. Does she take the risk without knowing if the curse is true?
Hatchling- Just before Esme's fourteenth birthday her left eye turns blue, while her right stays brown. She knows something must be wrong, but she just doesn't know what. Is her life really hers? Who is this mysterious fanged man?

Each story is magnificent in its own way, and each one is longer then the last. Taylor did a great job of describing things, but sometimes it was overkill. Goblin Fruit had me laughing a number of times, and I wish it were longer in length because of how interesting it is. The ending is annoying in the fact that it is a cliffhanger and a big one at that. Who knew that wanting so badly could get you into hot water? Spicy Little Curses could have easily been a full novel and I would have eaten it up as I did the short story that it is. The back story and the one unfolding because of it is amazing and when it ends you just want more. Hatchling I had high hopes and was disappointed. Though I liked where the story, plot and characters where going, I think a novel would have been best for this short, and I will get into why in a little bit. These three stories where combined by the simple act of a kiss. Three kisses and each did something different from the last. Before each story there are a few illustrations that go along with each story and I absolutely adored them. They are beautiful and leave you guessing as to what is going to happen with each story. Honestly I want to give more detail but with each the more that you giveaway or know the less there is to find out and explore.

As I said before Hatchling would have done better as a novel because there is so much detail needed for why something is happening in the story. If someone where to skip over all the detail and follow with Esme's story there really wouldn't be much to read. I also found it hard to read Hatchling because of this as well. I was able to pretty much get what was going on and what was going to happen down to the last detail. It was also a let down after reading and enjoying the previous two stories. As usual my love-hate relationship with cliff endings came about with Goblin Fruit, Taylor ended in a way that left a lot to the imagination. I love and hate it.

As a whole I really enjoyed the first two stories and was disappointed with the last. I would recommend this book to others, because who knows, someone else might think differently and that is awesome. Younger teens can read this book without parents overly worrying because it is a pretty innocent book compared to others. If I had to choose between getting this book and a book that I really wanted, I would go with the latter one. That doesn't mean I don't want this book, it just means that I could hold off on getting it. If there are any questions or someone wants something explained a little more, feel free to leave a comment and I will respond as quickly as I can. I note this because of how brief I was for everything, but like I said there isn't much I can go over without spoiling everything.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Page Count: 267 (including the graphic at the end) (hardcover)

Price: ???

Next Book: Soulbound by Heather Brewer

Thanks for reading!
~Jade

Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor

So! Here is the second book review for the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series by Laini Taylor. There is a third book coming out called Dreams of Gods & Monsters in April 2014, around the 8th (please don't shoot the messenger if the release date is moved, thanks!). I will try to get that as soon as I can but who knows when that will be. I do have a review up of the first book in the series, go check it out if you would like. I hope you enjoy! Happy holidays!

Karou now knows everything about herself. Good and bad. The love that she trusted, killed everything that was apart of her. And now they sit apart from each other, as a war comes back to life after being dormant for so long. As the time draws near, Karou is working hard to rebuild her peoples numbers and must decide what to do about Avika and the coming changes.Things aren't getting easier for Karou or Avika but they keep fighting and coming up with new strategies, but will there come a point when they are done?

This isn't a happy, cheery, all smiles book. This is the calm before the storm in the next book, but it isn't that calm though. I love that though Karou and Avika aren't together in this book (like I mentioned in a different review) it really doesn't follow the writing stereotype. They aren't together because Avika *SPOILER-ALERT* is the reason why Brimstone and everyone else that Karou loved is dead. *SPOILER-ENDED* He didn't know that Karou was Madrigal in the life before, until they broke the wishing bone and he knew for sure. It's safe to say that he feels horrible about it though. I love how this time around it's not the girl trying to get the guy back, it's actually Avika trying to get Karou back and by any means necessary, even if it means letting her go. I love that Karou shows that even when surrounded by creatures that could kill her in seconds, that she will never back down. She really grows as a character in this book, even with everything that happens to her. I don't want to give away any of the good things though! Zuzanna is an amazing friend as usual, and I think that really helps Karou to be strong. I really couldn't put this book down, I wanted to read it from front to back but thanks to the holidays I couldn't. Something new for this book that I liked was that the readers are not just given Karou and Avika's story, there are a few others that we get to read and follow for a bit. From the first chapter to the last, this book had action going, being either in your face or subtly creeping out of the shadows and staring at you. I love that the readers get to see into the lives of the Chimaera and the Angels, and see that neither is very pretty at all.

When I picked up this series I had a feeling that it wasn't going to be too happy of a series, but it does have its moments. However this book didn't have many at all. For this being a trilogy, this second book was more of a back story leading up to the next book. It did stay on the plot, but I really just wanted to know what happened to Karou and Avika the most, not all of the other characters that Taylor had put in, though I did enjoy reading about them. And just like I loved reading this book, I didn't want to read what was going to come next. This isn't a happy book like I said, but it isn't a terrible book, it's really far from it. I just wished it lead up to this next book in a different way. As for characters the White Wolf is on my sh!t list for all of eternity, along with Ten, and a few others.

As a whole I loved this book, there were a few things that I did not like. But I wouldn't want them changed, I would just tweak them a bit. I do know that I still feel the same about wanting to own this trilogy if I had the money and knew who was selling them. I do recommend these books to everyone who wants something different to read. These are located in the "Teen" section of my library but I know that "adults" would enjoy them as well.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Page Count: 517 pages, including acknowledgments.

Price: $18.99 (hardcover), I paid $5.97 at Meijer.

Next Book: Fury by Alexander Gordon Smith

Happy holidays and thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed!
~Jade

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

This is the first book in the possible trilogy to come. There are two books out already (including this one) and I have been hearing that a third is on its way in April 2014, but I have not heard or read anything official. Another thing is that when I type up a summary I read over the one that is given on the book. With Daughter of Smoke & Bone there is none. So I have created one of my own based on what I have read in the book.

All over the world black handprints are being burned onto doors. Teeth are growing hauntingly low in a demons shop. And in Prague, a girl is about to find a war on her doorstep. A war that isn't dealing with humans. Karou is a blue haired. tattooed, multilingual girl who runs errands for a demon. The blue hair grows in that way, and everything that she draws in her sketch book may be true. Fostered by a chimaera she has not a clue who she really is. Soon though she finds out when a fiery eyed seraph named Akiva crosses her path.

Karou is a character I fell in love with the moment I opened the book, and her best friend. Brimstone is Karou's foster father and he is one that you learn to love. I couldn't stop reading this book every chance that I got I was reading it. Though I was really confused when I first started reading, everything caught my attention and kept it. Karou though travels through door that lead from the chimaera world and the human world. She gathers teeth for Brimstone, from others. When I read this in the book it reminded me of Howl's Moving Castle, the door in the house. I love when Taylor describes the chimaera they are really neat to picture in your head. I love the setting, I love the characters, I loved a lot about the book and I don't want to give anything away.

Along with liking a lot I dislike very little. I got confused with what was going on twice. In the very beginning and at the very end. But once I read through those parts I understood what was going on. One other thing I didn't like is Akiva's background is so small you really don't know what to get from it. Yes it works with the book, I just wanted to know more about Akiva. There really wasn't anything else that I wasn't happy about.

I love so much about this book, and I know what works for me may not work for someone else. I got this book from the 'teen' section of my library but I really recommend this book to people of all ages. There's romance, heartbreak, and hope all through it. I will be reading the second book, the next time I go to the library I will pick it up. I do want to own these book one day if they continue going on.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Page Count: 418 (paperback)

Price: $9.99

Thanks for reading!
~Jade

Days of Blood & Starlight book two's review!    Dreams of Gods & Monsters book three's review!