Quote Me: Final Battle - City of Bones vs. City of Glass vs. Black Heart

Final Battle


The winning quotes thought they were done but little did they know they would be pitted against the other categories. General, Wit/Humor, and Romance/Swoon will now have to fight each other to claim final victory.

Entering the arena. . . drumroll. . . the Reigning Champion of the Wit/Humor category is. . .

“Have you fallen in love with the wrong person yet?'

Jace said, "Unfortunately, Lady of the Haven, my one true love remains myself."

..."At least," she said, "you don't have to worry about rejection, Jace Wayland."

"Not necessarily. I turn myself down occasionally, just to keep it interesting.”

City of Bones

Our Victor for Romance/Swoon. . .

“There is no pretending," Jace said with absolute clarity. "I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there is life after that, I'll love you then.”

City of Glass

The Conqueror for General. . .

"How mad at me are you?", I ask. "I mean, exactly how mad--like on a scale of one to ten, where one is kicking my ass and ten is a shark tank?"

Black Heart

Let this battle commence. 

May the best quote be left standing.

web surveys

Quote Me: Battle - City of Bones vs. Shadow and Bone

Wit/Humor
6th Level Battle


This is the last battle in this category. Who will be victor?

Entering the arena. . . drumroll. . . our first contender for is. . .

“Have you fallen in love with the wrong person yet?'

Jace said, "Unfortunately, Lady of the Haven, my one true love remains myself."

..."At least," she said, "you don't have to worry about rejection, Jace Wayland."

"Not necessarily. I turn myself down occasionally, just to keep it interesting.”

City of Bones

Voting will likely last for 24 hours. (This all depends on when I remember to close the poll.)

Our second contender is entering the arena amidst the roaring of the fans. . .

"I don't have ti--"

"Make time!" I snapped. "I've covered almost two hundred miles on horse back. I haven't had a good night's sleep in a week, and I've nearly been killed twice. So before I do anything else, you're going to have to tell me who you are and why it's so very important that you get my clothes off."

Shadow and Bone

Let this battle commence. 

May the best quote be left standing.

survey services

Quote Me: Battle - Black Heart vs. The Vespertine vs. Tiger's Quest

General
4th Level Battle


The remaining contenders refuse to back down. After so much bloodshed they will see it through to the end.

Entering the arena. . . drumroll. . . our first contender for is. . .

"How mad at me are you?", I ask. "I mean, exactly how mad--like on a scale of one to ten, where one is kicking my ass and ten is a shark tank?"

Black Heart

Voting will likely last for 24 hours. (This all depends on when I remember to close the poll.)

Our second contender believes in nothing but victory. . .

"Pride's a sin, and I'm proud as sin of it."

The Vespertine

Another three contender battle. . .

"You must learn to take a step back and visualize the whole piece. If you focus only on the thread given to you, you will lose sight of what it can become. Durga has the ability to see the piece from beginning to end. You must trust her."
"Don't allow yourself to become disheartened when the thread doesn't suit or seems unsightly to you. Wait and watch. Be patient and devoted. As the threads twist and turn, you will begin to understand, and you will see the pattern finally materialize in all its splendor."

Tiger's Quest

Let this battle commence. 

May the best quote be left standing.

survey hosting

Meant to Be: Book Review

Meant to Be

Lauren Morrill

Delacorte
November 13th 2012
Young Adult | Contemporary

Official Blurb -

Meant to be or not meant to be . . . that is the question.

It's one thing to fall head over heels into a puddle of hazelnut coffee, and quite another to fall for the—gasp—wrong guy. Straight-A junior Julia may be accident prone, but she's queen of following rules and being prepared. That's why she keeps a pencil sharpener in her purse and a pocket Shakespeare in her, well, pocket. And that's also why she's chosen Mark Bixford, her childhood crush, as her MTB ("meant to be").

But this spring break, Julia's rules are about to get defenestrated (SAT word: to be thrown from a window) when she's partnered with her personal nemesis, class-clown Jason, on a school trip to London. After one wild party, Julia starts receiving romantic texts . . . from an unknown number! Jason promises to help discover the identity of her mysterious new suitor if she agrees to break a few rules along the way. And thus begins a wild goose chase through London, leading Julia closer and closer to the biggest surprise of all: true love.

Because sometimes the things you least expect are the most meant to be.

Not at all what I expected it to be. I was thinking it would be a cute story of finding meant to be love in the most surprising places. While in some basic way that was the case, it came about in an entirely different fashion. Not the typical approach to romance. It all starts traditionally with a girl nursing a long-lasting crush on her "Meant to be, or MTB" guy. Only everything goes haywire after that with the entrance of Jason. He isn't some undiscovered hottie or potential boy toy but more a well known and very unlike person in her book. Jason is absolutely not a candidate for a crush-worthy traditional male lead. Julia's description of him isn't wrong. She describes him as: annoying, immature, uncultured, and a dirty-jokemaking boy. He has so many roller coaster moments that I was never able to warm up to him. Even in the end, I was too overwhelmed by all the information to really grasp what was happening. It didn't feel believable. I kept expecting him to say just kidding. 

The misdirection in this book is so spectacular and over the top is reminds me of a fireworks finale. Assault on every side and you just don't know where to look, then suddenly you are left in the dark dazed and hyper. There was just too much misdirection. So many possibilities were opened up in my mind. It was hard to really develop tender emotions and connections toward any of the characters.

I do like that is isn't about whether these two will be together forever due to some epic love that will stand the test of time. But more about them giving themselves a chance to test the possibilities. A main message being you might be surprised just how much fun lies outside your comfort area. This story also hits hard on our tendency to misjudge people and situations. And just how that misuse of judgement can cause actions that spiral out of control. How we can build pedestals and idols, and when one day those turn out to be mere imaginings of our mind, we will find ourselves lost. But it isn't the be all end all as there are more fish to fry.

I loved that the word "butt munch" made it into the pages. I didn't think that was a word used even remotely enough to make it into a book. I had a problem with Julia's nickname of Book Licker. Every single time I came across it my mind automatically inserted Boot Licker. It got very annoying trying to correct my auto thoughts. Not the most ingenious of nicknames.

I am bothered that there wasn't an ample explanation for why Jason would blow so hot and cold. The ending left me a bit flustered. Not what I expected and a bit confusing. An entertaining read even if there was entirely too much clumsy for my taste. Even Jason and his constant annoyance didn't ruin it. Do I think there relationship is epic? No. But that is entirely the point. They can enjoy the ride while it lasts.

Content:

Swearing: Moderate

Moments Divine:
"Why does every1 think a girl who prefers bks to ppl must be in want of a life?"
---------------------------------------------------------------
"Unfortunately, it seems like the kind of calm that comes before a tornado whips through your town and deposits three cows and a Pizza Hut on top of your house."
---------------------------------------------------------------
"I end up acting like every single word out of Mark's mouth is a jewel crapped out by a fairy princess."

Quote Me: Guess the Villainous Cover 10 + Giveaway

Art being used with permission of pascalcampion.com

Being that my favorite holiday is this month I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to make the giveaway just a bit evil. What better place to find evil then in the many villains I have come across in my reading this year.  In these villainous posts you will come across either a quote or a cover. If you see a quote you will need to guess the villain to enter the contest. If you see a piece of cover then I want you to guess the cover and tell me who the villain is from that book.


First a few details:

Up for grabs: Dying to Know You
US only
Must be at least 13 years old

Villainous Cover:

Who is the villain?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Quote Me: Battle - Spark vs. Shadow and Bone

Wit/Humor
5th Level Battle


Gather your wits and your strength for there is more battle ahead brave contenders.

Entering the arena. . . drumroll. . . our first contender for is. . .

"A girl on the cheer squad had once asked Gabriel if having a twin was like looking in a mirror all the time. He'd asked her if being a cheerleader was like being an idiot all the time--but really, it was a good question."

Spark

Voting will likely last for 24 hours. (This all depends on when I remember to close the poll.)

Our second contender is too proud to consider anything but victory. . .

"I don't have ti--"

"Make time!" I snapped. "I've covered almost two hundred miles on horse back. I haven't had a good night's sleep in a week, and I've nearly been killed twice. So before I do anything else, you're going to have to tell me who you are and why it's so very important that you get my clothes off."

Shadow and Bone

Let this battle commence. 

May the best quote be left standing.

survey solutions

Quote Me: Battle - The Iron Knight vs. City of Bones

Wit/Humor
5th Level Battle


Gather your wits and your strength for there is more battle ahead brave contenders.

Entering the arena. . . drumroll. . . our first contender for is. . .

"Geez, you guys. I know I'm popular and all, but seriously, you're a bit too co-dependent for me. I'm going to need you to step away from my personal bubble." A wispy vine-woman curled ivy tendrils around his arm, and he sliced through them with his dagger. "No! Bad wraith! No touchie!"

The Iron Knight

Voting will likely last for 24 hours. (This all depends on when I remember to close the poll.)

Our second contender is too proud to consider anything but victory. . .

“Have you fallen in love with the wrong person yet?'

Jace said, "Unfortunately, Lady of the Haven, my one true love remains myself."

..."At least," she said, "you don't have to worry about rejection, Jace Wayland."

"Not necessarily. I turn myself down occasionally, just to keep it interesting.”

City of Bones

Let this battle commence. 

May the best quote be left standing.

web polls

Quote Me: Guess the Villainous Cover 9 + Giveaway

z

Art being used with permission of pascalcampion.com

Being that my favorite holiday is this month I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to make the giveaway just a bit evil. What better place to find evil then in the many villains I have come across in my reading this year.  In these villainous posts you will come across either a quote or a cover. If you see a quote you will need to guess the villain to enter the contest. If you see a piece of cover then I want you to guess the cover and tell me who the villain is from that book.


First a few details:

Up for grabs: (2) (Swag) Hemlock Bookmark, bookplate, and sticker

US only
Must be at least 13 years old

Villainous Cover:

Who is the villain?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Quote Me: Battle - Shadow and Bone vs. The Demon's Surrender

Wit/Humor
4th Level Battle


The remaining contenders refuse to back down. After so much bloodshed they will see it through to the end.

Entering the arena. . . drumroll. . . our first contender for is. . .

"I don't have ti--"

"Make time!" I snapped. "I've covered almost two hundred miles on horse back. I haven't had a good night's sleep in a week, and I've nearly been killed twice. So before I do anything else, you're going to have to tell me who you are and why it's so very important that you get my clothes off."

Shadow and Bone

Voting will likely last for 24 hours. (This all depends on when I remember to close the poll.)

Our second contender believes in nothing but victory. . .

"What?" Nick said at last. "Do I have something on my face besides good-looking?"

The Demon's Surrender

Let this battle commence. 

May the best quote be left standing.

surveys & polls

Quote Me: Battle - City of Fallen Angels vs. Spark

Wit/Humor
4th Level Battle


The remaining contenders refuse to back down. After so much bloodshed they will see it through to the end.

Entering the arena. . . drumroll. . . our first contender for is. . .

"You look lousy," he said

Jace blinked. "Seems an odd time to start an insult contest, but if you insist, I could probably think up something good."

"No, I mean it. You don't look good."

"This from a guy who has all the sex appeal of a penguin. Look, I realize you may be jealous that the good Lord didn't deal you the same chiseled hand he dealt me, but that's no reason to--"

"I am not trying to insult you," Simon snapped. "I mean you look sick. When was the last time you ate anything?"

Jace looked thoughtful. "Yesterday?"

"You ate something yesterday. You're sure?"

Jace shrugged. "Well, I wouldn't swear on a stack of Bibles. I think it was yesterday, though."

City of Fallen Angels

Voting will likely last for 24 hours. (This all depends on when I remember to close the poll.)

Our second contender believes in nothing but victory. . .

"A girl on the cheer squad had once asked Gabriel if having a twin was like looking in a mirror all the time. He'd asked her if being a cheerleader was like being an idiot all the time--but really, it was a good question."

Spark

Let this battle commence. 

May the best quote be left standing.

online survey

Quote Me: Battle - City of Glass vs. City of Bones

Wit/Humor
4th Level Battle


The remaining contenders refuse to back down. After so much bloodshed they will see it through to the end.

Entering the arena. . . drumroll. . . our first contender for is. . .

"I am a man," he told her, "and men do not consume pink beverages. Get thee gone woman, and bring me something brown."

City of Glass

Voting will likely last for 24 hours. (This all depends on when I remember to close the poll.)

Our second contender believes in nothing but victory. . .

“Have you fallen in love with the wrong person yet?'

Jace said, "Unfortunately, Lady of the Haven, my one true love remains myself."

..."At least," she said, "you don't have to worry about rejection, Jace Wayland."

"Not necessarily. I turn myself down occasionally, just to keep it interesting.”

City of Bones

Let this battle commence. 

May the best quote be left standing.

customer surveys

Quote Me: Battle - Reaper vs. The Iron Knight

Wit/Humor
4th Level Battle


The remaining contenders refuse to back down. After so much bloodshed they will see it through to the end.

Entering the arena. . . drumroll. . . our first contender for is. . .

"Glad you could make it," Levi said, sliding out of the chair to stand less than shoulder high on me.

"Yeah, it was tough to make time between the compulsive thumb twiddling and the lure of bingo night at Colonial Manor, but I managed to fit you in."

Reaper

Voting will likely last for 24 hours. (This all depends on when I remember to close the poll.)

Our second contender believes in nothing but victory. . .

"Geez, you guys. I know I'm popular and all, but seriously, you're a bit too co-dependent for me. I'm going to need you to step away from my personal bubble." A wispy vine-woman curled ivy tendrils around his arm, and he sliced through them with his dagger. "No! Bad wraith! No touchie!"

The Iron Knight

Let this battle commence. 

May the best quote be left standing.

customer surveys

Quote Me: Battle - Crossed vs. White Cat vs. City of Glass

Romance/Swoon
3rd Level Battle


Few are the numbers now but the survivors are no less powerful despite their previous battles.

Bring on the battle. . . drumroll. . . our first contender for is. . .

"Cassia and I sit as near to each other as we can.  She leans into me and I keep my arms around her.  I don't fool myself that I hold her together--she does that on her own--but holding her keeps me from flying apart."

Crossed

Voting will likely last for 24 hours. (This all depends on when I remember to close the poll.)

Our second contender who vows not to be defeated. . .

"Maura, you are a goddess. I will carve your likeness in mashed potatoes so all can worship you like I do. When you leave Philip, will you marry me?"

White Cat

The third contender who has been resting since round one is. . .

“There is no pretending," Jace said with absolute clarity. "I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there is life after that, I'll love you then.”

City of Glass

Let this battle commence. 

May the best quote be left standing.

feedback surveys

Quote Me: Battle - Sound of the Heart vs. The Demon's Surrender

***Winner***

***The Demon's Surrender***

Wit/Humor
3rd Level Battle


Few are the numbers now but the survivors are no less powerful despite their previous battles.

Bring on the battle. . . drumroll. . . our first contender for is. . .

"We're the lot of us trussed like turkeys, probably set to be hangit, an' ye're fashed about a wee itch on yer nose?"

"Aye, I am," the man replied indignantly. "I canna reach it."

"No, I dinna suppose ye can," Dougal said, trying to stem his laughter. "An' how am I to manage it then?"

"I've no idea. But 'twould be a blessin' if ye'd figure it out."

Sound of the Heart

Voting will likely last for 24 hours. (This all depends on when I remember to close the poll.)

Our second contender who vows not to be defeated. . .

"What?" Nick said at last. "Do I have something on my face besides good-looking?"

The Demon's Surrender

Let this battle commence. 

May the best quote be left standing.

polls & surveys

Eye Candy: XL

During the week I spot different book covers that catch my eye for one reason or another. I keep track of them all here on my weekly Eye Candy post. Most of the books featured here I have not bothered to read the synopsis for. Just plain old fashioned cover envy or not in some cases. There are the occasional covers that catch the eye but not in I want to read that book more of a oh my goodness what were they thinking.

Sweet:

A Bloom in Winter

T. J. Brown

Yay for historical.  I wonder what secrets she is trying to keep concealed. Or at least that glance over her shoulder gives me the impression of secrets in the closet.

Alight

K. C. Neal

That background is so eye catching. Plus she has such a very straight forward look. Maybe even one that dares you to read just a little.

Born Wicked

Jessica Spotswood

This cover looks far more innocent than the last one. Hmm, not sure how I feel about that. I like the font and the giant moon.

Born of Illusion

Teri Brown

That eye is so very captivating. It just puts a spell on me. It ignites a curiosity to know more about this book. I wonder if she is in mourning. Well it doesn't look like she intends to be smothered by her grief. More like exact some reckoning.

Day After

Emi Gayle

I love that background such a beautiful setting.

 

Glamour in Glass

Mary Robinette Kowal

Beautiful dress! I wonder what is with all of the bubbles.

The Ruins of Lace

Iris Anthony

 So very unlucky, a broken mirror.

Summerset Abbey

T. J. Brown

I have only heard about Downton Abbey. Never seen a single episode. Even so I am intrigued a bit by this title.

 

Life After Theft

Aprilynne Pike  

Nice reflection in those glasses. It seems she is living the easy life.

 

Death and the Girl Next Door

Darynda Jones

I have been on a Reaper kick lately and this title sounds like it would fit the bill.

Borderline:

The Becoming: Ground Zero

Jessica Meigs

I liked this one simply because I was wondering what the person who witnessed this disheveled and gruesome man leaving the city would think. Awe mixed with a little fear? Or maybe they would be wondering why he looks more like he wandered out of the Aberzombie & Stitch magazine.

In a Treacherous Court

Michelle Diener   

Another historical catches my eye this week. While she has nice hair I don't think her gown looks all that flattering.

  

What do you think about the covers?

Like it, love it, or could do without it? 

Quote Me: Battle - Outside In vs. Shadow and Bone

***Winner***

***Shadow and Bone***

Wit/Humor
3rd Level Battle


Few are the numbers now but the survivors are no less powerful despite their previous battles.

Bring on the battle. . . drumroll. . . our first contender for is. . .

"I donated skin so the Doctor could grow my brother a new coat."

Logan smiled. "I'm covered with girl germs . . . don't tell Riley."

"Maybe you'll be smarter now."

Outside In

Voting will likely last for 24 hours. (This all depends on when I remember to close the poll.)

Our second contender who vows not to be defeated. . .

"I don't have ti--"

"Make time!" I snapped. "I've covered almost two hundred miles on horse back. I haven't had a good night's sleep in a week, and I've nearly been killed twice. So before I do anything else, you're going to have to tell me who you are and why it's so very important that you get my clothes off."

Shadow and Bone

Let this battle commence. 

May the best quote be left standing.

survey tools

Quote Me: Villainous - Lisa T. Bergren Interview

Art being used with permission of pascalcampion.com

Answer to Quote #3:

If you guessed WATERFALL then you were right!

I asked Lisa T. Bergren a few villainous questions.  Below are her answers. I really enjoyed them and I hope you do as well.

Villainous Interview:

Please share with me the moment in which the villain reveals his mastermind plot. Or your favorite line from your villain. Or you can share a summary of the villain's grand scheme.

Lord Paratore holds the Fiorentini castle closest to the Sienese border, and within sight is Castello Forelli, Lord Marcello's Sienese castle. The two are continually at battle, vying for more territory and to change the border. Lord Paratore attempts to use my heroine, Gabriella, to gain entrance to Castello Forelli and take her down, once and for all, and holds her sister as captive to make sure it occurs. A quote from p247: "Know this, m'lady," he said in a whisper, leaning toward my ear. "If we run into a trap, your sister will bear the full cost of your betrayal. She will die, and not before she begs for it."

Should villains be seen in black and white? Are they just made in that mold and always will be. Or do you think that villains are made by a series of events that shape them? Is there room for change and redemption?

Hmm, I like villians of all sorts. Sometimes, there's just nothing better than a villain with a truly black heart and a cause he's willing to die for. That's Lord Paratore in River of Time. But sometimes a conflicted villain is the BEST...witness Lord Rodolfo Greco, who stole about half my fan-base's love from Marcello and Luca, in order to root for Greco's redemption. Those dark horses come out of nowhere and take a life of their own.

Did your villain form out of necessity, develop to fit the needs of the story, or come fully formed? Who came first the villain or the hero?

He was always there. But then, when you have a setting so close to a conflicted border, it was a natural. I think it's interesting that at one time, the Paratore and Forelli families lived in peace. But those days are long over. My hero came first, however. Marcello--an Italian prince, of sorts. And then he needed a mortal enemy....

If placed in current reality how do you think your villain would fare? Would he turn into a couch potato? Would his will for power shrivel up in the face of the Cheeto? Or does he have what it takes to dominate no matter the situation?

He's a conniver, using anything and everything and everyone to accomplish his goals. I see him as a corporate raider. One of those guys who accumulates massive wealth on the backs of others--a swindler at times, justifying it in his head--but eventually put in jail after losing everything. In life, the bad guys aren't always caught. But in my books, I like to see 'em hang. Ahh, the power....

What advice would your villain give to aspiring villains?
Discover the weakness in your enemies and capitalize on it at once.

Lisa T. Bergren

Quote Me: Battle - Tiger's Quest vs. Starcrossed vs. Blood Red Road

***Winner***

***Tiger's Quest*** 

General
3rd Level Battle


Few are the numbers now but the survivors are no less powerful despite their previous battles.

Bring on the battle. . . drumroll. . . our first contender for is. . .

"You must learn to take a step back and visualize the whole piece. If you focus only on the thread given to you, you will lose sight of what it can become. Durga has the ability to see the piece from beginning to end. You must trust her."
"Don't allow yourself to become disheartened when the thread doesn't suit or seems unsightly to you. Wait and watch. Be patient and devoted. As the threads twist and turn, you will begin to understand, and you will see the pattern finally materialize in all its splendor."

Tiger's Quest

Voting will likely last for 24 hours. (This all depends on when I remember to close the poll.)

Our second contender who vows not to be defeated. . .

He looked around with tense shoulders and wide eyes.
"Made dinner," Helen told him in a flat voice.
"Did I do something wrong?" he asked tentatively.
"Of course not!  Why would you ask that when I just cooked you dinner?"
"Because usually when a woman spends hours cooking a complicated meal and then just sits at the table with a pissed off look on her face that means some guy somewhere did something really stupid."  He said still on edge.

Starcrossed

This battle will be more fierce than other since we have three contenders. . .

"How do I know I can trust you?
You can trust me, he says.
You would say that. How do I know you ain't lyin?
You don't. But I ain't."

Blood Red Road

Let this battle commence. 

May the best quote be left standing.

survey services

Quote Me: Battle - The Demon's Surrender vs. Spark

***Winner***

***Spark***

Wit/Humor
3rd Level Battle


Few are the numbers now but the survivors are no less powerful despite their previous battles.

Bring on the battle. . . drumroll. . . our first contender for is. . .

"Think about crack!" Jamie added, clearly struck by inspiration. " Yes! It's like I'm a crack addict, and you're my friend the drug dealer who gives me crack for free, and I know you're just trying to be a good friend, but every time I think, 'Wow, this crack might be a little bit of a problem for me, ' you're there to say, 'Have some more delicious crack.' Am I making sense?"

Nick stared. "Hardly ever in your entire life."

The Demon's Surrender

Voting will likely last for 24 hours. (This all depends on when I remember to close the poll.)

Our second contender who vows not to be defeated. . .

"A girl on the cheer squad had once asked Gabriel if having a twin was like looking in a mirror all the time. He'd asked her if being a cheerleader was like being an idiot all the time--but really, it was a good question."

Spark

Let this battle commence. 

May the best quote be left standing.

web survey

Black City: Book Review

Black City

Elizabeth Richards

G.P. Putnam's Sons BYR

November 13th 2012

Young Adult | Paranormal | Sci-fi

Vampire

Official Blurb - 
A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

It wasn't until I had the cover in my hands that I realized the picture was of an exploding flower. What I really want to know is if it is Photoshopped or did they really blow up a flower? If it is the latter, this is a really cool cover.

The story itself didn't live up to the hype for me. Between the blurb, author biography, and all the promotion I was ready to be blown away, no pun intended. Yet page after page I just wasn't feeling it.

Ash is a typical kid always longing for the green grass on the other side. Angry at his situation, a rule breaker, and lonely he soon comes to find that the grass isn't always greener and life is what you choose to make of it. Finding a reason to embrace life through Natalie, Ash will go places he never thought possible. There is even a sizzling moment or two between Ash and Natalie. Followed by a good heap of soap opera drama. It turns out that Natalie isn't simply what she appears. In fact she is less than she appears and a thief. The bond between them which seemed so impenetrable and worth fighting for becomes a farce.

The vampires in this story are almost nothing like those found elsewhere.

Sure they:

• suck blood
• are unearthly
• are stunning to look upon
• are stronger than humans
• have a superiority complex
• aren't very friendly towards humans
• burst into flame in the sunlight

But they:

• come in different species
• deal drugs from the fang
• drink Synth-O-Blood
• sometimes have two hearts
• sometimes have one heart that doesn't beat
• have offspring
• don't convert humans
• are dying of a blood transmitted disease
• have their own predators
• live in concentration camps or restricted areas
• can reproduce with humans
• can get high from their own fang drugs

With all of these great factors swirling around on the pages it seems a no brainer for awesome. Yet try as I might I just never really got invested in the characters. The world is such a strange one and it always felt like I could so easily see exactly what was coming next. I knew about Natalie's heart long before the characters did. The only thing that came as a surprise was the origin. I think Ash's attitude of doom and gloom sort of rubbed off on me. It will likely be a coin toss on whether I pick up the sequel.

Content:
Violence: Heavy (Crucifixion)

Quote Me: Battle - City of Fallen Angels vs. Chime

***Winner***

***City of Fallen Angels***

Wit/Humor
3rd Level Battle


Few are the numbers now but the survivors are no less powerful despite their previous battles.

Bring on the battle. . . drumroll. . . our first contender for is. . .

"You look lousy," he said

Jace blinked. "Seems an odd time to start an insult contest, but if you insist, I could probably think up something good."

"No, I mean it. You don't look good."

"This from a guy who has all the sex appeal of a penguin. Look, I realize you may be jealous that the good Lord didn't deal you the same chiseled hand he dealt me, but that's no reason to--"

"I am not trying to insult you," Simon snapped. "I mean you look sick. When was the last time you ate anything?"

Jace looked thoughtful. "Yesterday?"

"You ate something yesterday. You're sure?"

Jace shrugged. "Well, I wouldn't swear on a stack of Bibles. I think it was yesterday, though."

City of Fallen Angels

Voting will likely last for 24 hours. (This all depends on when I remember to close the poll.)

Our second contender who vows not to be defeated. . .

"All messages exchanged between members of the Fraternitus are, of course, secret. When you have read this letter, eat it!

P.S. I'm fairly sure I didn't use the poisoned ink.

I do not believe you used the poisoned ink, unless it is of the slow-acting variety. Please advise."

Chime

Let this battle commence. 

May the best quote be left standing.

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