Review: Switched by Amanda Hocking

Switched by Amanda Hocking
Pages:293
Published: January 3rd, 2012 (St Martin's Griffin)

Series or Stand-alone: The Trylle trilogy (1)
Source: Won from Goodreads
Further information: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Find the author online: Twitter | Blog

Rating: Squee-worthy

When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right.  She’s not the person she’s always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel—all because of Finn Holmes.

Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her.  Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken…though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she’d ever admit.  But it isn’t long before he reveals the truth:  Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth—and he’s come to take her home.   

Now Wendy’s about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that’s both beautiful and frightening.  And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she’s meant to become…

My Review

Author Amanda Hocking is a bit of a legend in the indie publishing world, becoming THE best-selling Kindle author, and within a few pages of Switched (which is now being re-published now that Amanda has a traditional publishing contract), it was apparent just why so many others had previously downloaded and devoured her novels.  Switched opens with Wendy Everley's mother wielding a knife at her, then fast-forwards eleven years, re-introducing us to an older version of Wendy, who has been raised by her aunt and older brother, in the absence of her mother.  Wendy is troubled and sensitive, and often misunderstood.  I loved her immediately.  Her emotions are beautifully painted across the pages of Switched, and I gravitated toward her throughout the novel.  I understood her; who hasn't felt at times that they don't fit in?  Wendy is sympathetic and genuine - she doesn't pretend to be someone she isn't, and her desire to make a good impression on others later in the book mixed with her frustrations came across as incredibly sympathetic, and I applaud Amanda Hocking for creating such a strong heroine.  I can see a lot of potential for character growth in Wendy in the next two novels!

Switched catapults the reader into Wendy's new world, the community of Trylle - set in Minnesota, though it feels like another world.  Amanda Hocking's world is richly alluring, and the world-building is superb, giving Switched a timeless sense - antiquated at times with the notion of a Trylle monarchy and hierarchy (that is nevertheless fascinating), yet wholly possible.  Amanda Hocking has also put forth an intriguing cast of secondary characters scattered throughout Forening (the Trylle community.)  From perennially sunny Rhys, to cool, impeccable, mysterious Queen Elora,  to distracted, powerful Tove, to sensual, devoted Finn, each of Hocking's characters will pull the reader in, in various ways. 

From the moment Wendy enters Forening for the first time, I was captivated.  I immediately wanted to know more about the world of the Trylle - trolls, though quite different than in the stories we're used to.  Everything changes for Wendy, and I was right there with her, pained for her when she was upset, overwhelmed when she was in awe.  Amanda Hocking did a superb job of holding my attention; my only complaint with the pacing is that it seemed like Switched went by in a blur.  It was too short for me, and I felt like I blinked, and it was over.  I wanted much, much more time with the characters, because love or hate, they had my attention, and I needed to know what was going to happen next, but there were also some moments and plot points that I felt could have been slowed down and wouldn't have suffered.  The climax of Switched was breathless and awesome, leaving me hanging by a thread for the sequel, Torn, so I definitely have no complaints about the overall lure of the book. 

I also want to touch on the relationships between the characters.  I think that that is Amanda Hocking's strongest suit, and probably what absolutely held me riveted while I read Switched.  From the start, and Wendy's relationships with Matt and Maggie, her brother and aunt, I was thrilled.  Despite her early childhood, Wendy had a great relationship with both, with perhaps some room for improvement, but they were very supportive of her and encouraging, maybe a little bit TOO much encouraging (Wendy's behavioral problems and such are explained, but I thought her family could have pushed her harder.)   Then we have Wendy and Rhys, and I just wanted to hug them both - I think they're going to end up being really good for and to one another.  And Wendy and Elora, which, I want to see more of them interacting but I also want to know more about Elora.  (I also need more explanation about her and why she treats Wendy the way she does.)  But by far, the stars of Switched were Wendy and Finn.

I'm not a fan of insta-love.  I think it's a weak plot device, usually.  And I wouldn't call Wendy and Finn insta-love.  There's interest and fascination on both of their parts, and at times, their feelings for one another, especially Wendy's for Finn did seem to explode too quickly, and I would have loved more time with them, seeing their mutual attraction and caring develop.  But there was something so real and genuine about them.  Despite the fact that Finn wasn't always nice to Wendy (he has his reasons) I never felt like he didn't care about her, and vice versa.  I really respect Amanda's ability to write a potential pairing as heart-felt as Wendy and Finn.  And, considering that I'm head over heels in love with Finn, I definitely am looking forward to seeing him around a lot in Torn.  (He better be.)  Finn endeared himself to me immediately, with his loyalty to what he believes in, and his protective streak, which is about a mile wide.  

Overall, I would definitely recommend Switched.  I'm (im)patiently waiting for Torn, and I know I'll devour it in a matter of hours, just like with Switched.

Review: Pure by Julianna Baggott

 Pure by Julianna Baggott
Pages:448
Expected publication: February 8th, 2012 (Grand Central)

Series or standalone:  Pure (1)
Rating: Shrug-worthy
Further info: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Find the author online: Website | Twitter
 

We know you are here, our brothers and sisters . . .

Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. In her sleeping cabinet behind the rubble of an old barbershop where she lives with her grandfather, she thinks about what is lost-how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers ... to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies. And now, at an age when everyone is required to turn themselves over to the militia to either be trained as a soldier or, if they are too damaged and weak, to be used as live targets, Pressia can no longer pretend to be small. Pressia is on the run.

Burn a Pure and Breathe the Ash ...

There are those who escaped the apocalypse unmarked. Pures. They are tucked safely inside the Dome that protects their healthy, superior bodies. Yet Partridge, whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome, feels isolated and lonely. Different. He thinks about loss-maybe just because his family is broken; his father is emotionally distant; his brother killed himself; and his mother never made it inside their shelter. Or maybe it's his claustrophobia: his feeling that this Dome has become a swaddling of intensely rigid order. So when a slipped phrase suggests his mother might still be alive, Partridge risks his life to leave the Dome to find her. 

When Pressia meets Partridge, their worlds shatter all over again.

My Review

In Pure, author Julianna Baggott lures the reader in to the sinister world she has created.  Set post "Detonation," all that remains of the Before (the time when the world was normal) are scattered memories of those old enough to remember.  Pressia and her peers play a game called "I Remember" to both celebrate and mourn the passing of the Before; for Pressia, who doesn't truly remember her parents, it is an especial tragedy.  Pressia is a very sympathetic heroine, who I at once found myself wanting to reach out to.  Who hasn't experienced loss like hers, be it a loved one, family member, and so forth?  In that, she was incredibly wistful and genuine. 

Julianna Baggott obviously took a lot of time and put a great deal of planning into her world-building.  Seeing what used to be our world so vastly changed was thought-provoking and yes, frightening.  Just knowing that what happened to them wasn't out of the real of possibility gave Pure a gritty, realistic feel that held my attention. 

However, what threw me was the various points of view.  The first chapter or so is from Pressia's point of view, then we switch to Partridges'; later on in Pure we suddenly see two other secondary character's points of view.  Two points of view was enough for me; more was startling and jarring - totally unnecessary.  That's not to say the characters weren't fascinating in their own way; however for me, the multiple points of view didn't work.  Something else that really grated on me was the point of view.  Usually I'm a big fan of first and/or third person present tense, but to me, it just didn't work for this novel.  I think Pure should have been written in third person past point of view and it would have flowed far better that way. 

As far as the actual plot, again, Pure definitely asks some tough questions.  At the end of the book, some have been answered, while others are only rhetorical for the reader the contemplate.  There were a few interesting mysteries, though one was actually fairly easy to decipher, which was disappointing.  I enjoyed seeing the various characters take a stand in their own way - Partridge against life in the Dome, Pressia against being forced to become a solider against her will, etc.  And I thought seeing the interactions between the characters was quite fascinating; sadly, the one point of view I would loved to have seen was Bradwell's, and Julianna Baggot never chose to share that with us.  There was a smattering of romance in the book, and although it felt tacked on at the end, it was still rather heart-warming. I don't want to say too much about the plot, since I can't really say a lot without spoiling, but it was fairly well-paced, and kept me interested. 

Overall, Pure is a very interesting novel, definitely a different look at dystopian with a unique flair all its own, thanks to the author's style and ideas.  I was not overly impressed with it for the reasons stated, but I might read the next book in the series - Fuse, tentatively due out this year - simply to see where Baggott takes her characters next.]

Note: To see another reviewer's pov on Pure (she loved it!) check out Jessi's review here.  

Introducing New Feature: If I Could Write a Letter to Me (Feature & Discussion)

{ ++ } Inspired partially by Jamie at The Perpetual Page Turner, partially by the Brad Paisley song (Letter to Me) and mostly by my desire to share some of the knowledge that I've learned in the months since I started blogging, I am introducing a new feature here at Once Upon a Prologue called If I Could Write a Letter to Me.  Each month I'll tackle a different subject in the form of a letter to my younger blogging self - sort of a "things I wish I'd known when I started," and a collection of tips and tricks I've picked up along the way.  I may or may not keep the letter format, just depends on if it's easy or difficult to write.  It should be fun, I think, and maybe I'll pass along some info.



The first 'Letter' post should go up later this month or early February!  So be on the watch for it.

Top Ten Tuesday - #6: Top Ten Authors I Wish Would Write Another Book

{ ++ } Hosted by the girls over at The Broke and the Bookish, this meme features a different theme every week, and hey, it's Tuesday - we've got the rest of the week ahead of us.  We all need a little fun, and who doesn't love the challenge of ranking their top 10 anything...especially when it comes to books?!  I know I do, hence why I thought it'd be fun to participate, and spice things up a little!

 

Top 10 Authors I Wish Would Write Another Book

debut authors, authors who seem to have taken a hiatus, OR for those who read classics authors you wish would have written another book before they passed

1. Kate Morton.  I read and loved The Forgotten Garden about a year ago but couldn't get in to her other novels.  So as lame as this is, I'm waiting on another one of hers that I adore, because she really is a genius story-teller. 
2. Anne Brashares.  I know she's written a new Sisterhood novel but what I REALLY wish she would write is a sequel to My Name is Memory.  I heard a rumor it was the first book in a trilogy, but for now it appears to be a stand-alone, which is cool because it was so awesome; however, I would LOVE to see what else she has planned for the characters.
3. Elizabeth Haydon.  I read and really enjoyed the first three Symphony of Ages books, then collected a few others.  At one point she published what was touted as the first book in a new spin-off series, but hasn't published anything new in years, which makes me sad.
4. V.C. Andrews.  The book you may have seen on the shelves in the last years?  They aren't written by V.C. Andrews.  Virginia died years ago and since then the ghost-writer her family hired has slowly, in my opinion, completely ruined the work she did to build her name as a modern-day Gothic writer.  She gave a few interviews before she passed away that leads fans to think she was going to write something totally different; sadly, she never got to do so.  In her day, VCA published some amazing books, like Flowers in the Attic, and it's those books that I pine for. 
5. David Eddings.  He has since passed on after writing the Belgariad and Mallorean series, which were part of my introduction to sci-fi/fantasy.  One day I'd love to reread them.  He wrote a couple other series but I'm sad he won't ever get to write any more.
6. Victoria Schwab.  I read, loved, gave away, talked about, and worshipped The Near Witch.  She has another book supposed to be out in 2013 but that is TOO FAR AWAY.  Plus, V is totally amazingly awesome.  
7. Suzanne Collins.  The Hunger Games trilogy was too incredible for words, and I know she's done some MG stuff but I NEED SOMETHING ELSE.  Preferably a companion to the THG series with some changes to canon so that my personal canon fits, but still...
8. J.K. Rowling.  I will forever love, adore, and cherish Harry Potter but I miss having new books by her to read, and I only hope that one day she decides to write something else for us to enjoy. 
9. James Clemens.  I LOVED his The Banned and the Banished series but after that, he wrote two books then fell off the face of the earth - no website updates, no new books, etc. 
10. Jane Austen.  I've only read P&P from her but it was so wonderful, moving, and just awesome.  Her other novels are on my list but P&P has me wishing she had lived long enough to publish many other novels. 

Once Upon A Blogger - #1: Arielle from Chimneys and Magic

Because connecting doesn't stop at the "follow" button

{ ++ } Once Upon a Blogger is a new feature I've started here at Once Upon a Prologue.  Each month (provided there's an ongoing interest!) I will feature one of my fellow bloggers (preferably a follower of mine) in an interview series designed to get to know my followers better, and also to spotlight other book bloggers.  I want to know who my followers are, beyond a name, and I want to put myself out there so y'all can know me better, too. 

{ ++ } This month's feature is Arielle.  Arielle blogs at Chimneys and Magic, and she and her blog alike are absolutely delightful.  I really enjoyed Arielle's answers to the questions I posed.  I hope she will be the first of many to participate in Once Upon a Blogger.  Everyone check out her answers and her blog, then if YOU want to be interviewed, just send me an email letting me know.  I can be reached at courageousgrace (at) gmail (dot) com.  

Once Upon a Blogger: Featuring Arielle

{ ++ } Why did you start your book blog?  

It’s the ideal way of keeping track of my reading and documenting my thoughts whilst sharing my interest of literature with the world! :) 

{ ++ } If you can accomplish one thing with your blog, what would it be?  

To simply share some really great books with everyone, and maybe (hopefully!) excite a non-reader about the beauty and magic of written stories.

{ ++ } Do you have a “comfort zone” genre, or do you read a bit of everything?  If you have that comfort zone, do you tend to push yourself out of it from time to time, or does it take others recommending a book to you to do that? 

I read quite a few genres – middle grade, YA, fantasy, sci-fi/dystopian, paranormal, contemporary, classics, chick lit, and others. I don’t really push myself out side of those though, for example I don’t read very much crime fiction at all, and I never read horror. But I also think genres aren’t very important – a good book is a good book, no matter how it is categorised or classified. J

{ ++ } What is the one book or series that means the most to you, and why?  

The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis. The stories are genius, wonderful, exciting & magical; the characters are witty, honest, intelligent & funny; but despite all that they are written so brilliantly, the world of Narnia is so beautifully constructed, and Narnia’s values totally align with my own beliefs/values.

{ ++ } Is there something you thought was true about book blogging that you’ve since found out isn’t?  

Not really, no! I feel like anyone can pretty much do what they want, say/post what they want and the whole book blogging community is super warm and inviting. It’s like a free universe inhabited by honest people, and it’s sorta transparent in that sense but in a really good way.

{ ++ } What do you think the book blogging community needs more – or less – of? 

I don’t know, really.. I think I can only speak for myself in terms of what I like to see and what I like to read... for example I love the camaraderie within the community, the positive energy and creativity in the atmosphere, and the relationship between blogger and publisher/author, but I don’t like to read about the million different challenges and memes that are repeated so insanely frequently. Some memes are really great though, I just don’t like them when the quality of a blog post is sacrificed for the prospect of a recycled idea that’s reproduced on a weekly basis. Or when I have a hundred ‘Teaser Tuesday’ posts filling up my dashboard.

{ ++ } What is your favorite memory so far of book blogging?

Probably being able to do giveaways, or simply just being able to share my bookish thoughts and be sorta validated through feedback and comments. And making blogging buddies! J

{ ++ } If you could only read one genre for the foreseeable future, what would it be and why? 

Classics. I feel like they are required reading for life – not in a boring way.. I mean, they are called ‘classics’ for a reason, right? I haven’t read enough of them I don’t think... and another reason would be because I’ll be studying loads of them in my English units early next year, so there aren’t really any other options there! :P

{ ++ } Tell me your favorite book quote, be it one that makes you laugh, inspires you, etc.

I have SO many, but one is : “Taste your legs, sir!” from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. It made me laugh so hard. I really want to get a sign on my bedroom door saying ‘TASTE YOUR LEGS’. People would be so confused! Or amused. :P (It means ‘go’ or ‘enter’, by the way... hehe)

{ ++ } Is there any certain book character you consider your favorite, or perhaps one who you felt a kinship with, someone who inspires you every time you think of them?

Every character in Pepper Dreams by Colin Thompson. So inspiring. So magical. Max (and the others) taught me about what being a kid is like, about love, about dreams, the imagination, and everything beautiful in life.  

{ ++ } Is there any book you reread every so often, just because?  Or a series that is your “go-to” rec when a friend is wanting something new/different to read?

I actually don’t re-read my favourite books as often as I should (currently I don’t re-read things at all! I have trouble reading a new book through to the end, hahaha.. :l ). I don’t really have a go-to rec either, because recommendations would change on case-by-case basis. Plus, I’m assuming that 95% of everyone I talk to has read Harry Potter!

{ ++ } Talk about any author/s who have really gotten hold of your heart, changed the way you thought about reading…really made a lasting impression on you.  

C.S Lewis (Chronicles of Narnia), Markus Zusak (The Book Thief), Charlotte Bronte (Jane Eyre), Gabrielle Zevin (Elsewhere)... and others.

This or That

{ ++ } Dance in the snow or in the rain? Snow! It doesn’t snow here in Western Australia and I’ve never experienced it before.

{ ++ } E-book or real book? Real book!

{ ++ } Staying up late or sleeping in? Both, duh J

{ ++ } Summer or Winter? Winter. Hands down.

Odds & Ends

{ ++ } You’re stranded on a deserted island.  You can have one book, one CD/album and one item of luxury (ie soap, chocolate, etc).  What three do you choose? The Bible, the Joy album by IHOP-KC, and a never ending packet of firecrackers so someone would come and rescue me quickly.

{ ++ } Favorite pastime outside of reading? music – listening or playing it, and watching TV (it’s more of an addiction than a pastime though...eep)

{ ++ } Your top 5 favorite movies, in no certain order? Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day, Beauty and the Beast, Pride & Prejudice, Hello Dolly!, and The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe.

{ ++ } The song that’s currently stuck in your head? Bennie & the Jets by Elton John (as performed by Haley Reinhart)

{ ++ } Summarize your book blog, Tweet style (140 characters or less!) A place for me to convince you of the magic of books and the joy they bring.

{ ++ } Name one book you’re “saving for a rainy day.” Not sure what it implies if I’m saving a book for a rainy day. Rainy days are the best kind, so if I were saving something great to read, it might be Delirium by Lauren Oliver. J (Molli's note: Delirium is a GREAT "rainy day" book, "rainy day" meaning a book you've had for awhile but just haven't read.)

Review: Fracture by Megan Miranda

Fracture by Megan Miranda

Pages: 272

Expected publication: January 17th, 2012 (Walker & Company)

Series or stand-alone: Stand-alone

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Find the author online: Website | Twitter

Rating: Squee-worthy

Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine

-despite the scans that showed significant brain damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it?

Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening?

For fans of best-sellers like Before I Fall and If I Stay, this is a fascinating and heart-rending story about love and friendship and the fine line between life and death.

 My Review

Debut author Megan Miranda's poignant and thrilling novel, Fracture, opens with protagonist Delaney Maxwell slipping through the ice in a local pond.  Delaney opens her eyes six days later, discovering she has been in a coma, and that she was clinically dead.  Down-to-earth, genuine Delaney takes all this information in stride, and Fracture sets a satisfying pace throughout the rest of the book.  We're introduced to Delaney, her best friend, Decker Phillips, and a strong cast of secondary characters - Delaney's parents, and friends, including twins Carson and Janna.  The characters never felt forced or stereotypical; for the most part, they all had a certain something that set them apart from the mold, and distinguished them.  

Throughout this young adult contemporary, running alongside the uneasy overtone to the novel, as Delaney recovers from her death and resurrection, that sense of genuineness remains.   These were characters that I could understand, characters that I could relate to.  Delaney is a strong voice, a reliable narrator even amidst all the turmoil in her life.  She's someone you've passed on the street, and I applaud Megan Miranda for crafting such a sympathetic and wonderful heroine. 

Fracture asks some hard questions though.  Delaney has a strange connection to death, which is explored at several different points.  Faced with confronting what she doesn't understand - from her survival, to her ability/curse of being drawn to death, Delaney has to wonder: is she meant to be a help, or a hindrance?  Does she have a gift, or is it truly a curse?  Megan Miranda deftly weaves these questions into the patterns of Fracture, leaving even the reader asking what it all means.  

I wasn't sure at first if Fracture was the sort of book  I would enjoy; after all, it was quite heavy and intense at times, but to me, the pacing was always spot-on and there were some amazing moments that added incredible depth of another kind to the novel.  Delaney's relationship with her neighbor and best friend, Decker, provided most of those moments.  Decker is probably one of the coolest and hug-worthy male characters I've come across in awhile.  Simply seeing his grief over Delaney and his relief upon her waking up endeared him to me, which he continued to do over the course of Fracture.  I absolutely adored his friendship with Delaney, and their vibe.  There were several points where I wanted to shake them both, opportunities they each did their best to destroy.  They were both so stubborn in that aspect, yet I loved them so, and was pleased with the direction Megan Miranda took them in.  

I did have a few issues with the book; mainly, that of Delaney's parents.  Her father was a really great guy, and very well-meaning, but he seemed so distracted at times, and unwilling to really take a stand in the family.  And I didn't like her mother's actions at a couple of points in the book - especially the way she pretty much gave up on Delaney.  I understand she was frustrated - they all were -  but that's never justified.  However, both characters were interestingly flawed.  And the storyline with Troy was both fascinating and creepy.  I would have enjoyed seeing it play out over more time, but for what it was, I was satisfied, yet saddened by his arc in the book.  

Overall I think Fracture is a strong debut.  Megan Miranda clearly knows how to tell a solid story that pulled me in, to the point that  I didn't want to put the book down, for fear of not getting a chance to come back to it.  I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good YA contemporary.  It's an emotional thrill ride you won't soon forget! 

Disclaimer

In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received this book from the publisher via Debut Author ARC Tours in exchange for an honest review.  No money or compensation of any sort exchanged hands.   I review books with no intention of monetary gain; rather, I review books out of my love of reading.  

Once Upon a Prologue Rating System

Rating System

{ ++ } In the early winter of 2011, I started thinking that starred rating actually isn't all that fair.  I'm reading a couple of novellas here and there, and if I rate them 5 stars, that isn't necessarily fair, nor is rating them 3 stars, and then explaining that that is what I consider really good, for a novella (considering in a novella, you don't get to spend a lot of time with the characters.)   And what if over time, my idea of what constitutes a 4 or 5 star book changes?  How does that reflect on my earlier reviews?  Starred reviews started to feel more and more like pigeon-holing books, forcing them to fit into this box or that one.  As a blogger, I write honest reviews, but how honest is a certain star, when maybe just because I had some issues with it, another blogger might think it deserves 4 stars, instead of 3?  I know there are pros and cons for starred rating vs some rating vs no rating.  I didn't want to stop rating the books I read, so, I decided to try something different.

So this is the updated, 2012 rating system for the blog.  Tell me what you think!  Tell me if you love or hate it; obviously, this is about rating books fairly but also about drawing your, the readers, attention TO said books.

• Cringe-worthy.  This book is not worth your time.  There were too many flaws for me to enjoy the story; the errors be it plot, grammar, etc overpowered the story.  

cringe
A posture or gesture of shrinking or recoiling.

•  Shrug-worthy. I enjoyed this book, but I likely won't be re-reading it.  It was a good read but didn't make a big impression.  There was a good story being told, but it either didn't hold my attention, or I didn't connect with the characters.  

shrug
 A lifting of the shoulders to signal indifference.

• Beam-worthy.  This one was really good!  I would rate it between "good" and "great," and I am liable to reread it eventually.  It had a few flaws but that didn't take away from my enjoyment of it. 

beam

to smile radiantly or happily.

• Squee-worthy.  I will definitely reread this book, because it left a lasting impression on me, and had few flaws!  I am liable to wave this book in front of you to convince you to read it.  

squee (third-person singular simple present squees, present participle squeeing, simple past and past participle squeed)
(informal)
To squeal with excitement or delight.

• Swoon-worthy.  One of the special books that affected me, emotionally, and won't ever be forgotten; this book was perfect.   I won't stop until I've converted at least one friend, possibly more, to reading this wonderful book. 

swoon

1. A faint.  
2. An infatuation

 { ++ } For those who really know me (and those who are getting to know me!) the words "swoon" and "squee" are definitely part of my vocabulary.  I wanted a system that was familiar, very "me," a little fun without being too silly, and yet would somehow reflect my like or dislike of the book.  So I think I'm going to give this one a whirl!

Waiting On Wednesday - #19: Touching the Surface by Kimberly Sabatini

{ ++ }  This weekly event/feature is graciously hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine.  You know that feeling you get when you're browsing upcoming books on Goodreads or Amazon and one strikes your fancy?  Maybe you squee.  Maybe you giggle to yourself.  Maybe you bounce in your seat.  We all get excited (I do a combination of all three of the previous choices...) about new books, be it a favorite author you're familiar with, or someone whose work you'll be reading for the first time.  Jill's meme gives us the chance to spotlight what we are anxiously awaiting this week.

I'm Waiting On...

 Life altering mistakes are meant to alter lives…

When Elliot dies for the third time, she knows this is her last shot. There are no fourth-timers in this afterlife, so one more chance is all she has to get things right. But before she can move on to her next life, Elliot will be forced to face her past and delve into the painful memories she’d rather keep buried. Memories of people she’s hurt, people she’s betrayed…and people she’s killed.

As she pieces together the mistakes of her past, Elliot must earn the forgiveness of her best friend and reveal the truth about herself to the two boys she loves…even if it means losing them both forever.

Touching the Surface by Kimberly Sabatini  |  Goodreads
Expected publication: September 4th, 2012

Why it's swoon-worthy: the synopsis leapt out at me and I knew I HAD to mark this book as TBR.  It sounds really kind of unique!  Plus. That cover is gorgeous, right?  Be sure to add this one to YOUR TBR, and tell me what you're waiting on this week!

2012 Follower/Reader Survey: How YOU can help improve Once Upon a Prologue

01.03.2012 - 01.17.2012

For 2012, I wanted to do something different, something to truly get feedback from you, my amazing followers.  Because this blog?  Is ALL about y'all.  This start out as a place just for me to keep track of what books I was reading.  Then came followers, awesome people that actually wanted to see what I had to say.  Now, I want to  know how I can make Once Upon a Prologue YOUR favorite blog.  I want to know how I can improve.  And I'd love for y'all to share your ideas with me.  Thank you so much to every one who leaves feedback!

A few people have had trouble getting the form to scroll.  I made a huge form.  LOL.  SO.  Here is the link to where else you can go to fill it out, which again, I appreciate.  Your feedback WILL be considered, and some changes will be made here at Once Upon a Prologue!  So your answers really do matter!  : ) 

Top Ten Tuesday - #5: Top Ten Books I'm Excited To Read in 2012

{ ++ } Hosted by the girls over at The Broke and the Bookish, this meme features a different theme every week, and hey, it's Tuesday - we've got the rest of the week ahead of us.  We all need a little fun, and who doesn't love the challenge of ranking their top 10 anything...especially when it comes to books?!  I know I do, hence why I thought it'd be fun to participate, and spice things up a little!

Top Ten Books I'm Excited to Read in 2012

1. Pure by Jennifer L Armentrout.  It's the second book in her Covenant series, featuring a kick-butt heroine and a love triangle I actually like.  Jennifer writes characters you believe in and books that keep you turning page after page. 
2. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi.  One of the books for 2012 I am absolutely twitching to read.  It's sitting on my desk now and it's taking all my restraint to get to the other books I have to read first.  This one just sounds amazing. 
3. Wither by Lauren DeStefano.  I've heard fabulous things about this book and the author and I finally bought a copy a couple weeks ago.  My goal is to read it ASAP! 
4. Timepiece by Myra McEntire. Hourglass was another of my favorite reads from last year.  It's one of the first YA books I really got into enough to go out and buy last year, and kinda helped, along with a few others, kickstart my interest in YA.  Myra is an incredibly awesome author and person, and I LOVE her ability to write characters and stories that seem so genuine. 
5. The Springsweet by Saundra Mitchell.  The Vespertine was one of my favorite books of 2011 and The Springsweet is the companion novel.  I'm so super psyched for it, because Saundra KNOWS how to tell a compelling story. 
6. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer.  For shame. I bought this book last year as soon as it came out, then i never read it.  It was one of the books I was most looking forward to, and I don't have any reason why I haven't read it, just haven't made time, so I look forward to getting to it soon. 
7. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa.  I'm the last person I know who hasn't read this book.  No, really.  I've peeked at a couple parts of it and it. looks. fantastic.  Elves, a Winter Prince, and just plain old GOOD YA fantasy?  Yes, please. 
8. A Want So Wicked by Suzanne Young.  The sequel to the fabulous A Need so Beautiful.  The first book blew my mind, and the synopsis alone for this one sounds so fabulous.  I'm going to be reading it as part of an ARC tour and I'm so psyched because the series is SO unique!
9. Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer.  It's the final book in the Nightshade trilogy, and try as I might to avoid love triangles, I HAVE TO KNOW: Ren or Shay, just like everyone else.  Plus, Andrea's books are addictive, fast-paced, and just incredibly well-told. 
10. Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult.  I absolutely adore Jodi.  She is hands down one of my favorite authors.  I've been waiting impatiently for Lone Wolf.  Even though I'm behind on some of her newer novels, like Sing Me Home, Lone Wolf sounds amazing, and I've missed reading Jodi's work so I will for sure be reading this one. 

{ ++ } What about y'all?  What are YOUR top 10?  What books are you anxiously waiting on to be published so that you can get your hands on them?