Review: Die for Me by Amy Plum

Book: Die for Me
Author: Amy Plum
Publisher: Harper Teen

 Synopsis: In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

My Review: Need a book that will take you away to the beautiful scenery and life on the outskirts of Paris, just the right amount of thrill and suspense with a breathtaking romantic tie in, and not to mention a handsome & charming non-human? Then Die for Me is the novel for you ;-)

I picked up Die for Me after hearing mixed reviews, I needed to find out where I stood in the midst of Paranormal Romance novels and the truth is, Die for Me stole my heart- or rather the characters did! There is something about a human and a non-human (in this case a Revenant) falling in love that is gripping. Everyone wants something that they can't have, it is just the matter of how far are we willing to go to get what we want. This story shows just that.

Certain parts of the book had me in tears, others I was laughing, and throughout I was even scared for a few of the characters. Based on the emotions I described, the pace of the book follows; gradually rising and falling. Personally I love reading fast, adrenaline filled books, but enjoy when I have a chance to slow down to fall in love with a character and learn more about them. Die for me was a great balance between suspense and romance. 

One of my personal favorites about this book was that the author, Amy Plum came up with an entirely new "monster" "villian" "immortal" or whatever other word you may use to describe the un-dead. It was hard to wrap my head around something that wasn't the normal Vampire, Werewolf, Zombie creature but Amy put together an impressive story about Revenants to the point where I kept asking myself if they were also under the category with the other 3 and I just missed it. I was and still am impressed with the creativity throughout this book.

Also, If you haven't been to France, this book will make you want to book a flight!! ;-)  
Overall, I loved this read! I recommend for anyone who likes a great Paranormal Romance or even if you aren't sure if that is a category you would enjoy, pick it up anyways. You never know, you might surprise yourself!

Book Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Name: If I Stay (If I Stay #1)

Author: Gayle Forman

Publishers: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated

Summary: In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

Review:  I had heard a lot of great comments about this series and was finally able to go through my stack of books and begin to read If I Stay. I was drawn in right from the beginning. The author does a fantastic job at creating a visual picture of the scenes written in the book. If I Stay has such a deep emotional tie, that it is hard not to want to continue reading!

  The characters in this book are very likable. Mia, the sole character of the book has very fun, hip, supportive parents; I enjoyed reading the sections where Mia would describe her mother and father. During the dialogue it was great to see the difference between her parents personalities and their daughters- Mia may be the oddball, but I couldn't help but feel the warmth, acceptance and encouragement she received from  her family. In fact, Mia has everything any teenager could possibly want; She is being considered into Julliard, Adam her rocker boyfriend has the sweetest personality and who couldn't enjoy reading about her silly younger brother Teddy who always looks up to her. 

Gayle uses a writing style that I don't normally like; she switches back and forth between past events/stories and the present. Sometimes I feel as though that can either be confusing or interrupts the book. But I never felt that way while reading If I Stay; the emotions, feelings that I had while reading transferred over.

I believe this book was a reality check, it makes a person look around and think "Wow! My whole world could easily turn upside down in the blink of an eye." Gayle writes from the patients (Mia) perspective which is something that a reader doesn't always get to experience. The emotions and feelings that Mia has are believable, heartbreaking, and real. She is telling the story how she sees it as an observer of her own life, watching herself lie in the hospital. While watching these events unfold, hearing what her loved ones have to say, Mia has to make some valuable decision- one that won't only change her life but those around her. While reading I could help but put myself in Mia's shoes & wonder what my choice would've been. As well as what path I believe Mia should take-Should she stay or should she go.

Overall, I truly enjoyed reading If I Stay. I am excited to continue onto the next book, Where She Went. I would recommend this book for anyone- especially if you are looking for something quick to read. If you are a sappy reader like myself, then I advise having a few tissues close ;-) 

Dark Days of Supernatural- Summer Tour- June 7th

So as a "spur of the moment" idea I decided to take a quick trip to Naperville, IL to the Dark Days of Supernatural Summer Tour that was being held at Anderson's Bookshop on June 7th. The authors on the tour were Veronica Roth- Divergent, Ellen Schrieber- 8 Cryptic Cravings (Vampire Kisses Series), Aprilynne Pike- Illusions (The Wings Series), Tara Hudson - Hereafter, and Amy Plum- Die for me. This was my very first tour and signing, so I was very excited to have the opportunity to go.

The main reason I went was to see Veronica Roth- author of Divergent. I absolutely loved that book! You can read my book review for Divergent here

Veronica Roth and Myself- LOVE this book. And she is such a sweetheart.

Below are a few pictures from the event. As well as a few answers from the authors during a Q&A session.

 I met up with Jasmine and Jacinda from The Reading Housewives of Indiana. We went out to eat beforehand, walked around downtown Naperville and ate some delicious Gelato. Then went into the bookstore early so we could get good seats (In the front row!)Who knew how much fun 3 book lovers could have!!! lol. Check out there book blog here

 The Question and Answer session was so much fun and very interesting. These authors are hilarious. They had the crowd laughing the entire time.

Aprilynne says that she is a religious planner-everything is outlined. She doesn't skip ahead because she loves writing endings, so going from beginning to end is her motivation  to finish. Veronica on the other-hand does not outline her writing process. She writes out of order- wrote Four's part first because she found him compelling ( so did the rest of us ;-) LOL) 

 Amy Plum, Tara Hudson, & Ellen Schrieber always knew what ages their characters would be. Aprilynne logically worked out what age her character was going to be based on how many books she was going to have. Veronica Roth said she wanted Tris to be 16 because it that aged seemed like an "awful" idea for someone to choose what to do in life. 

Veronica Roth shared.... If you check her blog next week she will reveal the name of the 2nd book in the Divergent Series!! (*squeee* I am so excited about this!)

And it was the Book Birthday of Hereafter that day also! It was very exciting to have Tara there talking about the book. I hadn't preordered it so I bought it after hearing her talk about it! Sounds like a fantastic read.

The Crowd

Tara Hudson signing my Hereafter book

Amy Plum

I went home with every book except for Ellen Schreiber's 8 Cryptic Cravings. I hadn't read that series yet, but maybe one of these days will get the chance to read them! Also came home with some cool swag: Signed bookmarks, bracelets, and Divergent tattoos.

This trip was fantastic and I can not wait to attend my next book event! If the Dark Days of Summer Tour is in your area be sure to check it out- you won't be disappointed.