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Showing posts with label hand over that book please. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hand over that book please. Show all posts

Hand Over That Book, Please VII

Previous in the series...
Last week I wrote about Paranormals that I heart in YA. Today is all about... AMOOOR. Romance. It's so hard to find really good, thorough, dreamy romances in YA lit, so it took a bit of thinking, but I think I got a few down that I know for sure I absolutely adore.
Romances:

Slow Burn

Definition:: a sizzling build-up romance that heats up more and more as the book progresses, but jumps back just out of reach until the end, making you want to pull your hair out even as you draw closer to the flame perilously close to killing you by excessive smoke inhalation:


Love or Hate

Definition:: separated by a fine line that borders love and hate, romances following this pattern may be prone to chronic sarcastic/witty banter followed shortly after by some HOT romantic gesture (i.e. a make-out session against the brick wall/pick-up truck/hotel bedroom/other *waggles eyebrows*)



Need I say more?
Definition:: also known as Falling For That Kid You Grew Up With Syndrome - That childhood friend who saw the MC through puberty and grandma's knitted-from-love sweaters every Christmas? Suddenly turns SMOKIN. Confusing feelings of desire and love begin to surface, overwhelming and frustrating. UNTIL Mr. Childhood Friend steps up to the plate and confesses to the MC that he reciprocates the aforementioned desire and love.

Cheesy Peasy

Definition:: "I compare to Easy Mac: just cheesy enough and leaves you satisfied with a guilty smile on your face." (from Makeshift Bookmark)

Other Notable Electrifying Romances


And this, my friends, concludes my basic list on all things beautifully romantic in YA fiction. Look out for dreadfully Overrated aspects in YA that make me want to gag/scream in Hand Over That Book, Please VIII, the last in the series :(

What romances make you sigh dreamily/wistfully?
Posted by at 8:25 AM 2 comments
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Discussion: Hand Over That Book, Please VI

Previous in the series...

Yesterday I invited Ashley from Book Labyrinth to talk about her favorite paranormal books as kind of kick off to this week's Hand Over That Book, Please which features favored paranormals!

Paranormals:

Vampires

Up with burns, down with sparkles! Yeah, I'm looking at you, Meyers!

I don't like vampires without that inherent dark side. I like vampires as monsters with a bit of a bloodlust control problem. I especially like the ones that are unapologetically vampish, and when you say, "Feed on the lil animals," they say, "EWWW. That idea is MADE OF STUPID!"

Vampires are supposed to be masters of disguise and enigmatic KILLERS constantly scavenging around for the next prey, and those are the vamps I love best. And okay, if they turn around having a conscious, that's fine, so long as they continue doing what they do best: actually sucking blood. Not from hospital blood bags like it's the next Sunny-D, but living, breathing human beings. It's the most interesting that way. Which is probably why I'd enslave myself for the likes of Damon Salvatore, Klaus, and Katherine.

These vampires from TVD are seasoned schemers and bad-ass people all around. They give an awesomesauce name to vampires.

Best vampire books I've read: Vampire Academy/Bloodlines series, Blue Bloods series, Drink, Slay, Love, and Infinite Days.

Next I want to read: The Morganville Vampire series (Believe me, I KNOW.)

Faeries

I seriously don't get how book readers canNOT like faeries. It pains my heart, which incidentally loves faeries. Like An Explosion of Red Bloated Hearts love.

It has to be difficult for faerie-haters to dismiss ethereally HOT fae guys, the spectacular magic, the deviousness, AND all the raving parties and bashes they throw just to celebrate WHATEVS they feel like, that accompany faerie books.

And faeries typically live in TWO WORLDS at all times, drifting back and forth between our realm and theirs. Who wouldn't want to go tripping up monkeys (are there faerie monkeys? o_O) in the wyldwood, philandering in hidden cottages, and have a mad scientist BLAST at the Academy of Avalon?

My all-time favorite faerie: Julie Kagawa's Robin "Puck" Goodfellow

Gods, Goddesses, and Their Progeny

Percy, Annabel, and Grover does not the Hogwarts Three make, I will admit, BUT I love Greek mythology with such a passion that I can't help but read retellings and reinventions.

The Goddess Test Failed Epically in retaining elements of the original myths. But while there are some things I didn't like about Starcrossed, I feel like it did wonders on twisting the old myths to create a fascinating new story concept! There was that awesome punch of familiarity, and it was both fun and easy to pinpoint some of the references to the mythology.

I love reading authors' perceptions of the gods and goddesses, and I love the new demi-gods that get produced from their unions. I like trying to figure who's whose kid and what kind of powers they possess. Seriously. I think that's half the fun of reading the book.

I'm reading now: Abandon by Meg Cabot

Witches

Despite their witchy drama, rigid beliefs against other supernatural critters (vampires need love too yo!), and their tendency to you know BLOW THINGS UP, witches ARE AMAZING to read about. They are so deeply rooted in history both in real life and fiction that History Buffs are sure to be spellbound (hehe).

Plus they prove to be the most hysterical! They are constantly conjuring up some type of CATASTROPHIC mishap, i.e. love spells gone wrong, resurrecting dead people, accidentally killing someone, forbidden love with *insert other paranormal here*, that they make such enthralling stories.

And some of them gots DARK MAGIC, and they go berserk-o. I find anything crazy utterly enrapturing and The Secret Circle is the perfect source. Have you all been watching TV Cassie lately? :O

Want some awesome witchy books? Try out The Secret Circle, Hex Hall/Demonglass, and Once a Witch/Always a Witch.

Zombies

Recently I discovered I don't mind peely skin, broken blood vessels (among other things, including appendages!), or wild creeptastic moaning. Really it's just all part of the package. I confess, I have a fetish for zombies these days.

Reason being? I'm a Thrill Seeker in Fiction. And there is nothing more pulse-thumping, adrenaline-spiking than being on the run from flesh-eating zombies.

Plus? My imagination isn't THAT vivid. At least not when I don't want it to be. It's much easier viewing zombies IN MY MIND than on the giant screen with surround-sound *gulps*.

Mermaids

My secondary fetish? *pokes heading*

Like so many others, my obsession began with The Little Mermaid. Mermaids are BEAUTIFUL  by nature with hair that sparkles with water-drops, and they almost always land sexy men. Sometimes they sing, but to lure sailors to their deaths or to put people under spells! Although I guess they COULD be singing about being in love, too. *shrugs*

More perks include not being confined into clothing (unless you count their shell-bras which are BOSS), they are bad ass swimmers who could give Michael Phelps a run for his money, they are rich by our standards (think of all that sunken treasure!), and they know Sea Creature Speak (helllooo, dolphins!).

BONUS: If they turn out to be a princess.

And this, my friends, concludes my basic list on all things marvelously paranormal in YA fiction. Look out for cherished Romances that I sigh wistfully at in two weeks in Hand Over That Book, Please VII.


Who are your favorite paranormals on the dark (or notsodark) side?
Posted by at 10:12 AM 206 comments
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Hand Over That Book, Please IV

Previous in the Series...

The last post I did for this series, in which I shared my favorite types of male characters, was a month ago. A whole month! My list of favorite FMCs is long over-due. So, here goes. Favorite female protags that make me fall in love with whatever story I'm reading.

Female Characters:

Bad/Mean Girls

From reading around, I've noticed that not many people particularly care for the female baddies in books. For me, I find them to be unique and unpredictable, with delicious ulterior motives that spice up whatever book I'm reading. These girls can be one of the following: a) deceitful b) manipulative c) bitchy and/or rude d) scheming e) all of the above, with undercurrents of selfishness. These devious girls are catalysts of some type of change, usually on the negative side. Generally speaking, these FMCs also, deep down, have warm hearts and will fight for the greater good. And, most importantly, you love to hate them. Prime examples would be the likes of Faye Chamberlain, Aphrodite, Mimi Force, Jessamine, and Isabel Culpeper.

Troubled Toughies

TTs include girls like Resident Evil's Alice, who is both bad-ass and kick-ass. These girls are more likely to punch first then ask questions later. They know all sorts of techniques and take-down moves, are serious and intent during battle. These girls will give any person - guy, girl, Strigoi, zombies, etc. - a run for their money. If they're not tearing down supernatural villains, then they're out doing daring things like jumping out of trains and stopping wars! They are hard-core. But they are also burdened by the weight of something - the fate of mankind, the unfailing protection of others, the need to succeed, etc. And they manage to overcome their obstacles and stay true to themselves. Some even find themselves and who they were meant to be all along. Females you do NOT want to cross include Tris, Deuce, Rose Hathaway, Elisa, Isabeau St. Croix, Meghan Chase, Hunter Wild, Calla, Riley Blackthorne, Clary Fray, Tiki, Gabi Betarrini and Bryn.

Peculiar Psychotics

In Fatal Attraction it was hard not to like the crazy chick. I mean she was so fascinating. And that's what I find insane characters to be - absolutely fascinating. To no end. I get so transfixed on the story because I'm curious about how these people's minds work and how they process what's happening. When I'm reading the POVs of serial killers in books, it's chilling and creepy definitely, but weirdly captivating.

The only crazy heroine I've been fortunate enough to meet and love is Hannah from Bleeding Violet. That girl is beautifully disturbed, wonderfully out there. And the book fits her like a glove. Know of any similar books? Drop a comment and let me know.

Admirable Adorkables

adorkable [adj]: simply adorable but in the utmost dorky way. Cute. Silly. Funny. (Urban Dictionary)

FMCs that I find to be Admirable Adorkables are the protagonists that are fun, sweet, happy, and unique. They make the story with their adorable silliness and utter dorkiness. And they appeal to you because you know someone like them or they are basically you. They're relatable and genuine. Quirky. And often times they are also extremely hilarious, whether because of said dorkiness or by nature. They all exhibit some type of strange habit or personality trait that makes them endearing as well. Overlying that, though, is the fact that these FMCs are innately good people.

Ex. Zoey Redbird, Evie, Stevie Rae, Erin, Shaunee, Anna Oliphant, Kara, Lena, Lily, Claudia, and Sophie Mercer.

Girly Girls

This is written as a sub-heading because I think girly girls kind of do fit under the Admirable Adorkables. I mean, they geek out over fashion and sparkles. Lola Nolan and her dazzling costume designs + Evie, her glittering Tasy, and penchant for pink sums up this whole sub-category. Do I even need to go into further explanation? 

HoGs

This is another sub-heading because the following girls are nice, sweet, with Hearts of Gold and underlying dorkish tendencies, thereby endearing themselves to me and fitting in this category. Desi from Princess for Hire, Jill from Bloodlines, Jazza from The Name of the Star, Violet from Haunting Violet, and Amy from The Vampire Stalker.

Serious Supergirls

FMCs that are normally on the quiet, serious, though not necessarily shy side who take up action are Serious Supergirls. They kick ass in their own way, whether by smarts or physical skills. They are determined, focused, and typically precise. Some of them just like to keep to themselves and slowly battle the fear of fighting against evil. If that means breaking the rules (even though they normally wouldn't) or putting themselves in danger (like in the midst of a serial killer!), they'll do it just to save those that matter most to them. Such girls would be Lia Betarrini, Sydney, Violet Ambrose, Tamsin Green, Hermione Granger, Gwyneth, and Maddie.

Snarky Spirits

Sprited, spunky, and snappy. The triple S's that make some FMCs super fun to read about. They provide you with entertainment because they're witty and sarcastic. Some have a bit of a superiority complex and others have a complex where they switch personalities. It's really a toss-up. But their attitude is what truly gets across, is what makes the female protag totally memorable. The following girls will get to you as you read about them: Emerson Cole, Karou, Finley Jayne, Ari, Clare Fern, Ash Wilde, Pearl, and Isabel Lightwood.
 
And this, my friends, concludes my basic list on all things beautifully female in YA fiction. Look out for next week's most-loved Plot Elements that push me to wish for myself solidifying inside the story in Hand Over That Book, Please V.


What types of fictional girls make you fist-pump?
Posted by at 2:00 AM 4 comments
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Hand Over That Book, Please III

Previous in the series...

I know that last week I was supposed to show you male characters that make you want to read a book, but things got a little hectic and so I couldn't do the post. Sorry about that. But, I'm ready now.

I give you favorite types of male characters that make me swoon.

Male Characters:

 Aggressive Alphas

These fictional males are intimidating, incredibly tough, and extremely combative. They get hostile when their girls are being harmed. They have a tendency to be uncommonly gorgeous and sexy and their bodies are, naturally, very well-muscled. They are also well-known for their innate ability to infuriate and frustrate our FMCs (Female Main Characters). Furthermore, they almost always possess the Inner Bad Boy, other variations including the Reckless Boy, Heart-of-Stone Boy, Dangerous Boy, etc. I'm talking Jace Wayland, Kaleb Ballard, Will Herondale, Dmitri Belikov, Kingsley Martin, Alex Fuentes, Gideon de Villiers, Damon Salvatore, Tucker, Justin, Marcello, Luca, Beck, Ash, Evan, among so many others!

These type of guys are probably my favorite to come across. *sighs dreamily* Their typical habitat include paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and historical fiction books (all favorite genres of mine).


Sentimental Sweethearts

Boys who make you want to cuddle, Sentimental Sweetheart males are the guys that do and say things to your FMCs that will make their -and, invariably, your- hearts melt down to a puddle. It's possible that they may not look like much, but they're fiercely loyal and protective, generally good-hearted. Sometimes these guys have had a rough go in life and harbor terrible/heart-wrenching pasts. They are bound to make you go Aww or wipe away tears at some point in the book and they are full of depth. Guys that have warmed my heart include Etienne St. Clair, Joe Fontaine, Henry Dmitri, Sonny Flannery, Tamani, Adam, Sam, Ajax, Lend, Neville, Matt, and any others you can think of!


Courage Carriers

The boys who do outrageous things in the name of the Greater Good fall under this category of favorite male characters. Generally, in the beginning they have doubts as to their strength and courage, about what they can handle and don't always realize how brave they actually are. Then they pull some ridiculous but necessary stunt and, even though they might not see it, you see just how courageous these guys are. Sometimes self-sacrifice may even be in order. These males are easy to fall for because they've got big hearts, high moral standards, and courage you wish you possessed and hope that you do in the face of adversity. Courage Carriers would definitely be Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and nearly all of Gryffindor House, Severus Snape, Michael Weaver, Percy Jackson, Davey, Four, Travis, Colin, and more!


Funny Fighters

Okay, these males are definitely my second favorite type. They are, either by nature, look, deed, or word, regular comedians and consistently pry LOL-moments out of you. Witty and charming are ESSENTIAL qualities to these characters. But they are also bad-ass - you do not want to cross these guys because chances are they can kick your can by either physical or magical means from here to Timbuktu without breaking a sweat. FFs most definitely are Magnus Bane, Adrian Ivashkov, Robin Goodfellow (Puck), Luc Cain, Luca, Garrett, Gabriel... and I feel like I'm missing some. Care to contribute?

And this, my friends, concludes my basic list on all things deliciously male in YA fiction. Look out for next week's Female Characters that make me fist-pump in Hand Over That Book, Please!! IV.

What types of fictional guys turn your heart over?
Posted by at 10:47 AM 4 comments
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Hand Over That Book, Please II

Last week, I talked about genres that I sift through in search of That Perfect Book. Now, it's time for something both noticeable and commonly overlooked.

Fictional Settings:

Victorian London

This is probably The Favorite setting, only because everything about it attracts me. Even the fact that the air was polluted and the streets were dirty. Horse and buggies, top hats, clock towers, pocket watches. Fascinating and so much playing room for the writer to take the story to astounding and wonderful heights. And when steampunk is added in and interwoven--WOW.



The Roaring Twenties

The flappers, dangerous and thrilling speakeasies, jazz, sex, the charleston, the rise of gangsters, lavish and extravagant parties and events. Dazzling, sparkling, incredible!

Example(s): Vixen by Jillian Larkin

Sadly, I haven't read any very contemporary books that take place in the crazy 1920s! I hope to find more books like Vixen.


Medieval

This is another favorite for a few reasons. First being that I love castles. I love, love, love castles and the towns and structures that link up to it. AND since medieval is usually paired with fantasy makes it even better. There are no cars, there's no technology to get in the way. People ride horses and everybody is so proper and well-spoken. It's just so appealing in the face of such a technologically-inclined generation.

Mixed with time-travel, though, and this setting can help add to something heart-stopping and totally addictive! Which brings me to...

16th Century Italy


I had to do it, had to. I had to make a reference to the setting of Lisa T. Bergren's PHENOMENAL River of Time series. In a place like 16th century Italy you can expect to find well-spoken, thoughtful, chivalrous knights who's "prowess in battle" is nearly as amazing as they are. There are raging battles and turf wars, crazy politics, courtly intrigue, and such emphasis on family bonding and faith that makes you happy to read something so great in this type of setting. Horse-back riding, weapon training. And battles! I can't stress that enough only because I'm ALWAYS looking for the next fight to sink my teeth into and shake up my nerves. With the books set in Italy so long ago, the River of Time series does both of those things!

Look out for next week's Male Characters that make me want to read a book in Hand Over That Book, Please!! III What are YOUR favorite settings to read about?
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Hand Over That Book, Please!! I

You've probably noticed that my reviews are coming in fewer and far between. And that's mostly because the YA books I've been picking up haven't been doing anything for me lately. I want something spectacular, something incredible! I'm tired of the three down to two-star books that come my way.

That got me brainstorming. What do I like, look for in a book? What are the things that make me go crazy? Have me going into a frenzy in search of That Perfect Book? And here's what I've come up with:

Genre:

Paranormal Romance

Paranormal Romance is what introduced me to YA books and made me fall in love with the genre. My mother could tell you--I hated reading. It was uncool, totally lame, and most of all BORING. I couldn't grasp the magic of it, understand why my mom and little sister were so ridiculously entrenched in books. (Now look at me. Looks like the joke's on me.)

 

My mom had been slowly getting me to read, picking books out here and there that my romantic soul could not ignore. But it was L.J. Smith's Nightworld series that really set the ball rolling. 

Vampires and shape-shifters and witches, oh my! 

One moment I detested reading and the next my nose was firmly glued to these books. I couldn't put them down, devouring them at incredible speeds that had people around me blinking incredulously. I was never an avid reader, until then.  

Secret Vampire had one my most favorite types of romance--the Best Friend Turned Something More. Turned soulmates to be exact. And from then on, I was hooked. I gobbled this series up and went on the hunt for other L.J. Smith books to sate my hunger for this stuff.


Then along came the Dark Visions trilogy and the Secret Circle series (one of my all time favorites!) and the rest was history...

The sad thing is that now, I'm having trouble not to puke. 

THE INSTALUV TOTALLY KILLS IT.


These are the first, would-have-been-great stories that came to mind. If these books hadn't been so focused on the romances that did nothing for me, they would've been wonderful. But, its books like these that leave me frustrated with this sub-genre. What started out as one of my favorite sub-genres has now become something to be wary of. I find myself being extra careful when I pick out related books now.

But, wait, you still have us! 

 

These books I cuddle close, they're so amazing. Romance and all, for the most part. These books are the ones that give me hope for PRs, because they're so incredible. I want to find more like them! (Recommendations are totally welcome!)

Historical Fiction/Romance

 

Believe it or not, I don't come across that many HFs. And I ADORE them. There's almost nothing like being whisked away to another time period, falling in love with a hunk that's been long dead in your time, and learning about the time period. 

It rarely matters where we're going, so long as its some place in some time that's captivating. Time traveling is an added bonus, because that makes it even more interesting (and throwing in a battle or two couldn't hurt--you know, with the swords and armor and all). I want more well-written, exciting Historical Fictions (especially with my River of Time series coming to dreaded, though highly anticipated closing)!!

High Fantasy


This is a horrible thing to admit, but I've never read The Lord of the Rings (except The Hobbit) or *cringes* the Harry Potter series. *ducks* I know you're like WHAAAA?!! And believe me I can't quite understand it myself since I loooove this kind of stuff, you know medeval questing, sorcery, evil flaming eyes. Now, Narnia's where I draw the line. I COULD NOT get into those books, no matter how hard I tried. But I'm determined to read the Harry Potter series, especially since *sniffles* the movies are over, Rae Carson's The Girl of Fire and Thorns, and Cinda Williams Chima's The Seven Realms series.

Urban Fantasy



Give me a cool and unique boarding school, or supernatural hunters, etc. in whatever city/town where the fate of the world rests with these teens and a kick-ass plot, then I'm sold. And if there's a Tucker (Unearthly) or a Stark (House of Night) somewhere, I'm so there.

Romantic Comedy/Realistic Fiction

RCs are one of my favorite sub-genres to read about. But lately it's been ridiculously difficult to track down many good ones.

 

Any suggestions?

Dystopian

I go absolutely gaga for dystopian thrillers. I love the dark, gritty worlds they're usually set in and the characters that are, for the most part, epic (including the hot guys that also seem to be part of the trend). I wish more of these would find their way into my lap.

 

I intend to read Enclave by Ann Aguirre soon, to satisfy my craving for this category. But I need more!


Look out for next week's Fictional Settings that make me want to read a book in Hand Over That Book, Please!! II What are YOUR favorite genres to read?
Posted by at 10:56 AM 12 comments
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