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Saturday, November 28, 2015

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick REVIEW

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
Release Date: June 14th 2012
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Pages: 394
Buy it: Amazon|B&N|Book Depository
"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.
     Nothing like a good contemporary to get me out of a reading slump! After getting into reading and book collecting a few years ago, my first ever trip to Barnes and Noble resulted in me leaving with this book. I have had My Life Next Door for quite sometime now, but I was never in the mood for a contemporary read. Well the day has come my friends and honestly I wish the day would have come sooner.

TO READ THE SPOILERS FROM MY LIFE NEXT DOOR, HIGHLIGHT WITH YOUR MOUSE THE WHITE SPACE BETWEEN THE TWO WORDS "SPOILER"
     My Life Next Door had everything I could ask for in a YA contemporary. A small town setting, a close-knit family, a realistic relationship that was not over fabricated and a little bit of drama. I additionally love how in depth the characters are. No story line is neglected and we see a transformation from all ten of the Garretts, not just Jase. George by far has to be my favorite Garrett next to Jase. Now if I had a real life George in my life I would probably hate his guts, but his relationship with Samantha is adorable. I also love Tim's development throughout the entire book. SPOILER I like how him and Samantha started out as friends, had a falling out, but became close to both her and Jase in the end. Further, I would have liked to see Tim and Alice get together. I was waiting for it the entire book with no prevail. Just little hints here and there. But that is what The Boy Most Likely To is for. I see what you did there Huntley Fitzpatrick. Sneaky one she is! SPOILER
     This book explores the pressures and turmoil that some relationships dare face and we get to see if Samantha and Jase's love can withstand it as their world around them come tumbling down. I love this book and can not wait to pick up The Boy Most Likely To next time I'm in the mood for a contemporary. I adore Huntley Fitzpatrick's way of telling stories. Just when you think the love story is ending, her writing took an unimaginable twist. 5 out of 5 stars
Tell me your thoughts below! What contemporary should I read next? Also check out my giveaways!
Thanks Munchkins
Lee Chand
Monday, November 23, 2015

CITY OF ASHES (THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS BOOK #2) BY CASSANDRA CLARE AND A HUGE GIVEAWAY

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
Release Date: March 25th 2008
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback and now Hardcover
Pages: 464
Buy it: Amazon|B&N|Book Depository

     Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father.

     To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

     In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

     As you all know, from my mass hysteria of tweets and blog posts, I love The Mortal Instruments! They were the first books to adorn my selves alongside Harry Potter. These books brought me into the reading world and have spawned and formed my love of fantasy. If you have not yet read City of Bones check out my review here if you are still on the fence! If you are skeptical of reading these books please at least try them and I guarantee you will be transformed. Now onto City of Ashes! 
WARNING THERE WILL BE SPOILERS FROM THE FIRST BOOK! SKIP TO THE END FOR THE GIVEAWAY!
     If you have read City of Bones and debating wether or not to read City of Ashes, defiantly do. When comparing this book to City of Bones it is such a large step forward. The story no longer just focuses on Clary, but explores the lives of each individual character throughout the book. We get to see things from each perspective and it ultimately expands our knowledge of the world that Cassandra Clare has created. This book almost takes an even darker twist with some scenes. There were moments where I was terrified that my favs wouldn't make it through.
     Jace and Clary's entire relationship throughout this book made me feel awkward because Clary still lusted after Jace even though they were related. Simon for the time being is enjoying the news because this means him and Clary can finally be together, but it still crushes his heart when he see the look that Clary gives Jace, the one that he's longed for his whole life. 
    However, when the second of the Mortal Instruments is stolen, they are forced to put their personal issues aside in order to save the Shadowhunter World. The vile Inquisitor believes that Jace is in the middle of the ruckus and the Lightwoods and Clary do everything in their power to prove him innocent.
TO READ THE SPOILERS FROM CITY OF ASHES, HIGHLIGHT WITH YOUR MOUSE THE WHITE SPACE BETWEEN THE TWO WORDS "SPOILER"
     I love the exciting new side we see of Clary. She is becoming her own in her new environment and I love exploring her new powers. SPOILER I think her ability to draw runes is a cool concept and if I was in the Shadowhunter World, that is the one power I would like to have. It just seems so useful. SPOILER In this book we saw the more sensitive side to Jace that made me fall in love with him again. The kid who just wants to be held and loved by Clary...his sister. It crushes him that they had fallen in love and were just forced be apart. I had such self conflict throughout this book because I wanted them to be together because they fit so well, but yet its fucking gross cause they have the same parents.
     Two scenes that left my heart pounding and scared me the most were SPOILER when Jace was in the cell in Silent City and Valentine killing all the Silent Brothers. Like the Silent Brothers are scary enough, but being in a dark cell and hearing them being killed off is terrifying. Additionally Simon's transformation into a vampire was extraordinarily interesting. Just seeing the process of him being buried and having to break through the ground was just very cool to read. SPOILER We are also introduced to Maia, a fifteen-year-old werewolf who was turned by her ex-boyfriend. I surprisingly like her which I find rare for me. I usually do not like when new characters and storylines are thrown into the mix but Maia works well. 
     And now I shall copy and paste my own closing from my review of City of Bones:
I love all the books in the Mortal Instruments series. I love how everything fits together so perfectly from the mythology to the romance. We are allowed to see Clary discover this world as we do and her reactions to the new adventures that her sight give her. The character development is not just restricted to Clary but also extends to love interests and supporting characters such as Jace who appears to be another typical tragic YA hero, but I enjoyed the way he was characterised in this as he transforms behind the mask of annoyingly arrogant teen and. Magnus Bane is one of my favorite characters because he is so demential. There is so much mystery behind him, but yet you see his vulnerable side. Isabella Lightwood is literally my goal in life. If I had to choose one weapon it would be her whip that wraps around her wrist. It is so fashionable and just so deadly. I would love to be fashionable and sexy yet feared by all.
      I love the Mortal Instruments Series and it is by far one of my favorite series next to Harry Potter and the Raven Cycle. 5 out of 5 stars forever and always
AND NOW THE GIVEAWAY!!!!

If you guys have checked my Twitter out recently you should know that I have just received the new Mortal Instruments Box Set! That is right, all six books with all new covers and I have two more copies to give to you all! The giveaway ends January 3rd and the winners will be picked by a random name generator. All you need to do to enter is follow ALL the rules and regulations listed below:
  • Subscribe to my blog by email (in the sidebar to the right)
  • Follow my reviews on Goodreads (If you would like to add me as a friend while you're at it you can) and follow me on Twitter and Instagram
  • Email me at leereadsbooks(at)gmail(dot)com saying "New Box Set please" and your Goodreads and Twitter and Instagram name (I do have another mortal instruments giveaway going on so please distinguish)
  • Comment below and tell me your favorite quote from any Mortal Instrument Book!
(here is a quick tip. the more I see your name on my blog, twitter and GoodReads, the more I will put your name in the generator.)

May the odds be ever in your favor
Lee Chand
Thursday, November 19, 2015

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Illustrated Edition GIVEAWAY!


Since I have abandoned this blog and you guys for the past few months I figure it is only fair that I do a giveaway!
The Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Illustrated Edition!!!!
This book is one of the most beautiful things I have in my possession and I wish to share it with y'all! I have ordered 3 extra copies and all you need to do to win is follow the rules and regulations listen below: 
  • Subscribe to my blog by email (in the sidebar to the right)
  • Follow my reviews on Goodreads (If you would like to add me as a friend while you're at it you can) and follow me on Twitter
  • Email me at leereadsbooks(at)gmail(dot)com saying "I would like The Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Illustrated Addition and your Goodreads and Twitter name
  • Comment below and tell me your favorite quote from any Harry Potter Book!
Please do not spam one post! It does not increase your chances! Look around my blog!  Helps your chances!
The three winners will be picked December 15th and will be announced within the next few days!
Good Luck! May the odds be ever in your favor!

Lee Chand

I AM BACK!

After a long few months away from this blog, I am back! I apologize for my absence, but I have become extremely busy over the past few months! I have recently started my senior year–which is a big pain in the ass until I send out all my applications– and my migraines have been flaring up as of recent resulting in my not being able to read. 
Because of this and a multitude of other things, I have not been blogging recently, but I hope to change that! As you can imagine I have received a mass amount of books in my absence from the book world so this blog will be up and running in no time. I will come back stronger than ever!
Thank you for your patience! It is greatly appreciated!
Lee Chand