I love being a nerd. Being a nerd is about having the passion to truly care for something. This sounds like nothing, but it's a lot harder than it seems. People will disparage what you love, and sometimes for good reason. I think it's easier not to care, and I've definitely been there.

But I can't stay for long, because I love what I love. I love it deeply, and maybe in a different way than others because I rarely reveal just how much I love something. But I think I'm loyal to what I love (and in general, I'm stubborn as hell) and sometimes I almost want to hide it from other people because I don't want their influence on it. But eventually, I will share it, and with certain people. 

Mari is one of those people. She's my co-blogger, which means that we're sharing one of the previously most sacred things to me: a blog. Books. My first blog was established in secrecy because I was obsessed with this being something I built up on my own, based entirely upon my own merit. This blog, however, is meant to reflect me and my personality, and is almost a symbol of our friendship. We share this, and it's our baby.

I love this blog like Dean loves his impala. (It's my baby!)

I want to share what I love, and Mari is one of my favourite people for that. I send her so much content and I don't expect her to love all of it (although it wouldn't have killed her to read that Atlantic article about Vladimir Putin!). 

It's just that there's this incredible joy when you find something to love, and it's almost a surprise because everything in the universe had to align just so before you could find that thing that brings joy. I'm always surprised when I find something I love because it's so random. It gives this lovely sunshine-ish feeling and I end up humming songs like "I'm Walking on Sunshine" and maybe skipping and smiling randomly when I remember something I particularly loved, and it's such a great feeling that is under-appreciated because it's so random. It's hard to know when something will click in a certain way like that so when it does, it feels precious. It feels like something I want to protect. 

It's also fragile. I know things had to align for a certain way for me to love something, so I'm so careful about the way I treat it. I like to keep it mostly close to me. But sometimes, I can't help it. I think something all bloggers have in common is our desire to share our passions. I want to do it as honestly as I can, and sometimes I don't want to because I don't want to explain myself. I just want to love what I love. But the next level of being a fan is fandom. 

Fandom terrifies me because it goes against that keeping cards close mentality I can sometimes have. I don't think I'll ever be comfortable enough to engage fully in fandom, especially of the Tumblr variety (although I will follow the blogs and I think the gifmakers are amazing and wish I could credit them more), so I'm just happy if I can have someone I talk to who understands my intense love for something. 

Mari, look at this! Love it like I do!

I want Mari to love what I love. She has a harder time finishing books than I do, so I always feel like helping her find her next love. I want her to read what I read and genuinely love it. I know she's scared of disappointing me by not loving it. Well, I don't want her to feel that way. I don't want her to feel bad about not loving what I love, which is only natural when it comes to human beings. That being said, every time I try to get her to watch something, it is something I truly love. 

It's a little bit like putting myself out there. I declare that this thing is something I love, and I hope my friend likes it too. I want to share something else with someone I trust, and fangirling is so much more fun when someone else can participate. Concurrently, I don't want her to feel obliged to enjoy something just like I did. 

I want her to find the same joy I have with something in the world, and I guess the difficult part of this is that regardless of how much love I have for something, sometimes she won't reciprocate. And that's something I live with. By no means is it a major burden, but I think it's just such a sweet part of friendship; to share what one loves.

-P.E.

Outlander- Diana Gabaldon (Outlander #1)

Release Date: July 26, 2005

Age Group: Adult

Pages: 627

The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of Our Lord...1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life, and shatter her heart. For here James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire—and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

 Goodreads.  

Hehe!!

• -Time travel done right: I am very cautious to time travel because albite liking history, I don't much like the integration of the modern with the old. But with this book both periods are history at this point. Makes for a fantastic read. 
• 
  
• -Scotland. The visuals, the brilliance, the gallantry, the rudimentary stable talk, and the kilts... Who can forget the kilts. 
• 
  
• -Scottish men. "You are safe," he said firmly. "You have my name and my family, my clan, and if necessary, the protection of my body as well. " 
• 
  
• -Political Intrigue. The story moves from post-WW2 to 1740s Scotland in the middle of the battle for Scotland. 
• 
  
• -Jamie Fraser -- "Je Suis Pres!" --- Swoon
• 
  
• -Phenomenal leading lady, Clare Randall. 
• 
  
• -Because I say so? 
• 
  
• -Because you are missing out on life without having read it. 
• 
  
• -Because I'm dying to share it with people. 
• 
  
• -Because... please? 
• 
  
• -Ohh also Sam Hueghen is hot.. there that should do it. Should've started with that.

Similar Titles: (Adult historical romances I enjoyed)

• The Bronze Horseman -  Paullina Simmons
• Mistress of Rome - Kate Quinn
• Outlander Tv Show!

Book Trailer:

-MARI

YA is mostly comprised of awesome female writer, but there are also many wonderful male authors. I think it's about time I do a roundup of my very favourites. 

Pierce Brown, Author of Red Rising

Well, duh. I love this book. It's the first book of his that I've read, and I'm pretty sure that he's ever written, and it's good. Really good. I love this book. I love Pierce Brown's ability to write an exhilarating story that uses several aspects of human history. I can't wait to see what Pierce Brown writes next!

Patrick Ness, Author of More Than This, A Monster Calls, and The Knife of Never Letting Go

I've read three books by him, and they've all been very unique in their own way. Ness has mastered writing for his book (as in, changing styles when it suits him) and I love that everything I've ever read from him has its own little twist. I think he's immensely talented, and I'm looking forward to reading more!

Michael Grant, Author of the Gone series

LOVE LOVE LOVE those weird, wicked books. They're so messed up and yet they're wildly addictive. I devour every one of them, and there have been times I have cowered under blankets because his writing produced the most gruesome imagery in my head. I've enjoyed Grant's work for years now. 

Rick Riordan, Author of Percy Jackson and The Heroes of Olympus series

I've been reading these books since fifth grade. Years later, I still love them. They're so much fun and the world is one of my favourites. I love the epic battles between demigods and most of my comprehension of Greek mythology today comes from this author. In fact, in class our teacher was once grilling us about Greek mythology and me and some guy were killing it. I confessed to the guy that the only reason I knew much about Greek mythology was Percy Jackson, and he said, "No way, me too!" So yeah, these books are wildly popular and for good reason. 

Future Faves

Dan Wells, Author of Partials

I debated on whether or not to put Dan Wells on this list, and decided he would be in another section. That's because I've only read one book by him that I enjoyed, but being called a "favourite author of mine" is something I won't do lightly. He's done well so far, but I need to read at least another book to make sure I actually am a fan. 

Brandon Sanderson, Author of Steelheart

I know Brandon Sanderson has written way more books than just Steelheart, but that's all I've read so all I can judge. I enjoyed the thrill of Steelheart and the story with the Epics was just awesome. I can't wait to read more. I know that Sanderson is considered to be a really big deal, and I haven't read any of his other work so I can't comment on it. 

John Green, Author of The Fault In Our Stars

What kind of YA Male Author list would this be without John Green? In all honesty, I've read one book by him in my life, The Fault in Our Stars, and I enjoyed it. I'm just wondering if I'll enjoy all his books as much. 

You've seen my picks. So who am I missing? Which other male authors should I be reading?

-P.E.

I decided to bring back spotlights but revamp them a bit. Instead of focusing on one book, I'm going to do genre spotlights. I hope you enjoy.

This week were looking at Epic Historical Action. When I hear that phrase, I think of castles, spears, muscles and chariots.

Books:

Grave Mercy - Mistress of Rome

There are many, but these two are my favourite. Both are beastly in size and amazingness. They feature a strong cast of characters with independent female leads, lots of battles and a well researched history. I had no idea that Britanny was a place until I read Grave Mercy and now that I have I can see the small nation struggle as it is being overwelmed by larger and more powerful countries.

Movies:

300: Brave, heroic warriors awaits you in 300.
Pompeii: Untouchable but loveable gladiators in Pompeii.
Troy: Hector!

TV Shows: 

Spartacus

This one is more like what I want to watch. I've been ogling this show for too long. It's right up my ally. I'm not too into the sex and gore but if that's what I have to beer with in order to enjoy the shows magnificence then I shall endure. Gladiators!!!

Any Epic Historical Recommendations?

-MARI

Have you ever seen a book that seems to have a gazillion pages and does not want to end? And god forbid, someone you like recommends it to you. Horrified, you shamefully turn away, trying to ignore the fact that you can't begin to imagine reading the goliath of a book that is larger than your head!

No! I'm not cracking.

However, every once in a blue moon you find that one book that sounds so compelling, so extraordinary that you don't care what the cover looks like, let alone the 10 billion pages that it is composed of. In fact, you crave more and don't understand how that 10 billion could be insufficient. 

I've had a few of these in my reading life span and they are golden. Recently, I stumbled on another, The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons. I had seen it around before but didn't know what it was about until I wrote a post talking about how I wished to read books set in other places, preferably Russia. Low and behold, an amazing commentator recommended this one and I was done for. Thank you!

I like to think of myself as a moderate paced reader, but a dedicated reader. I'm not too fast, I tend to slow down when I'm really into a book, and that helps me absorb all the details. This also decreases the chances of me forgetting the story. I will forget my favourite biology unit the day after the test but my favourite book, I remember everything. Well maybe not everything, but you know what I mean!

I finished this one in a week. Screw homework, who needs sleep and food? What's that? The characters are starving; do you have no humanity?! I don't know if I'll ever be able to review The Bronze Horseman, even though I've officially plowed through the second book, which took me 2 days and I'm now slowly making my way through the final book, The Summer Gardens as I don't want it to end.

The Bronze Horseman, is not a young adult novel, but it in no way alienates young adults from reading it. The protagonist, Tatiana Metanova is 17 when the book starts but she grows as the series continues and so does the reader. Her pains, sufferings, love and friendship will make you laugh, cry and cheer for joy.

This book has aged me, it has made me dauntless. I no longer fear the size of a book. I remember being like this before, when I first jacked up the courage to read Harry Potter in the 6th grade; I never noticed the length. Same goes to the Gemma Doyle Trilogy back in the 9th grade. Now I'm in grade 12, on the verge of a new stage in my life and I'm happy to say that I have reached another milestone in my reading adventures.

Thank you, Paullina Simons and thank you books of gargantuan capacity for excellence. You are awesome.

-Mari

Academy 7 - Anne Osterlund
Release Date: May 14, 2009

Publisher: Speak

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 272

Buy the Book: Amazon

With a past too terrible to speak of, and a bleak, lonely future ahead of her, Aerin Renning is shocked to find she has earned a place at the most exclusive school in the universe. Aerin excels at Academy 7 in all but debate, where Dane Madousin, son of one of the most powerful men in the Alliance consistently out-talks her. Fortunately Aerin consistently outwits him at sparring. They are at the top of their class until Dane jeopardizes everything and Aerin is unintentionally dragged down with him. When the pair is given a joint punishment, an unexpected friendship and romance begins to form. But Dane and Aerin both harbor dangerous secrets, and the two are linked in ways neither of them could ever have imagined.

Synopsis and cover taken from Goodreads.  

Why It's Awesome:

• Standalone Sci-fi
• Genius main characters
• Intellectual clashes
• Dark pasts and hidden secrets
• Space ships
• Short yet exciting read featuring some of the most lovable and memorable characters. Smart characters are always fun to read about as not only are they brilliant but some of that brilliance tends to rub off!

Recommend If You Liked:

• Legend  - Marie Lu
• Inside Out - Maria V. Snyder (mostly because it's the only other sci-fi I can think of!)

For the Manga lovers:

• Special A - Minami Maki
• Maid-Sama! - Hiro Fujiwara

 

Comment: 
Academy 7 is one of my personal favourites. I read it in 2010 but I can still remember that I enjoyed it, a lot. It was also one of the first sci-fi books I read and it set the bar high for all those that followed. The reason that this book stands out to me is the brilliant relationship Osterlund developed between the two main characters. I love smart characters and I love it even more when two smart people clash. Also, there is a striking similarity between this and the Legend series by Marie Lu. So if you like spunky, smart and daring protagonists like Day and June than you will like Aerin and Dane.

Don't Breathe A Word - Holly Cupala
Release Date: January 2, 2012

Publisher: Harper Teen

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 299

Buy the Book: Amazon

Joy Delamere is suffocating.

From asthma, from her parents, and from her boyfriend, Asher, who is smothering her from the inside out. She can take his cruel words, his tender words...until the night they go too far.

To escape, Joy sacrifices her suburban life to find the one who offered his help, a homeless boy called Creed. He introduces her to a world of fierce loyalty, to its rules of survival, and to love—-a world she won’t easily let go.

Set against the backdrop of the streets of Seattle, Holly Cupala’s power­ful new novel explores the subtleties of abuse, the secrets we keep, and the ways to redemption. But above all, it is an unflinching story about the extraordinary lengths one girl will go to discover her own strength.

Synopsis and cover taken from Goodreads.  

The story of a girls fight for survival, when those closest to her are the reason she is dying.

Why It's Awesome:

• Brings forth the reality of street kids (homeless teen/runaways).
• Explores abusive relationships and their mental and physical effects.
• Courageous protagonists 
• Shockingly honest and suspenseful.
• Beautifully written.
• Compared to Speak by Laurie Hulse Anderson.

Recommend If You Liked:

• Between Shades of Gray - Ruta Sepetys
• Street Pharm - Allison van Diepen
• If I Lie - Corrine Jackson 

Comment: 
This is among the best and post powerful books I've ever read. Yet, I'm surprised that not many other have read it. So TSC readers I emplore you to pick it up and give it a shot. I especially recommend this one to those who are in the mood for a dark YA read that deals with a real horror faced my people everyday.

 MY REVIEW

Book Trailer

-MARI

Such A Rush - Jennifer Echols

Release Date: December 18, 2012

Publisher: MTV Books

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 336

Buy the Book: Amazon

A sexy and poignant romantic tale of a young daredevil pilot caught between two brothers.

When I was fourteen, I made a decision. If I was doomed to live in a trailer park next to an airport, I could complain about the smell of the jet fuel like my mom, I could drink myself to death over the noise like everybody else, or I could learn to fly.

For Leah Jones, reality is life in a rundown trailer park with an irresponsible mother. But there’s one escape. With an after-school job at the local airstrip, she manages to afford cut-rate flight lessons. At the controls of a small plane, she leaves the trailer park far below, swooping out over the sea in the ultimate rush.

By her senior year of high school, Leah’s dreams come true: she snags a job flying for an aerial banner-advertising business. Then the owner dies suddenly, leaving everything in the hands of his teenage sons: golden boy Alec and adrenaline junkie Grayson. Though Leah has crushed on Grayson for years, she tries to stay clear of the apparently doomed business—until Grayson digs up her most damning secret. Holding it over Leah’s head, he forces her to fly for secret reasons of his own, reasons involving Alec. She’s been drawn into a battle between brothers—and the consequences could be deadly.

Synopsis and cover taken from Goodreads.  

Why It's Awesome:

- Set in an airport with pilot protagonists.

- Twin brothers.

- Girl from trailer park and the airline owners sons.

- Coming of age story.

- Emotional roller-coaster

- Perfect beachy/ summer read with the perfect amount of love, lose and fun!
 

Similar Titles:
Perfect Chemistry - Simone Elkeles
Dare You To - Katie McGarry
Lock and Key - Sarah Dessen
Going Too Far - Jennifer Echols
A Midsummer's Nightmare - Kody Keplinger
The DUFF - Kody Keplinger


Comment: 
Personally, I'm a huge fan of Jennifer Echols and her books. I've read them all except for 2 and I have adored each and every one. Saying that, Such A Rush completely blew me away. It is my favourite of all her works and I hope you guys decide to pick it up and give it a shot!

-MARI

Fantasy is one of those genres that, when done right, can be mind-blowingly awesome. Right now for instance, I'm in the middle of  a Game of Thrones obsession. I love the show and it's gotten me desperate for more awesome fantasy. I found a list on Goodreads and here are some highlights from this list that you might want to check out. Keep in mind that these are not all strictly YA books, but if I enjoy them I'm pretty sure other teens do too. Or if you've already read of these books, let me know what you think. 

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Goodreads Summary: 

Told in Kvothe's own voice, this is the tale of the magically gifted young man who grows to be the most notorious wizard his world has ever seen. The intimate narrative of his childhood in a troupe of traveling players, his years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime-ridden city, his daringly brazen yet successful bid to enter a legendary school of magic, and his life as a fugitive after the murder of a king form a gripping coming-of-age story unrivaled in recent literature. A high-action story written with a poet's hand, The Name of the Wind is a masterpiece that will transport readers into the body and mind of a wizard.

Why I want to read it: WIZARDS! Harry Potter has instilled in me an unnatural excitement when it comes to reading about wizards and magic. Plus this book seems to have a school of magic. And there is the murder of a king which means, hopefully, that there will be a lot of court politics. I'm genuinely excited to read about this book. It doesn't hurt that it has an insane 4.56 star rating from over 110 000 readers on Goodreads. I did notice some 1 star reviews, but the vast majority of readers enjoyed The Name of the Wind which is good enough for me!

Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

Goodreads Summary: 

For a thousand years the ash fell and no flowers bloomed. For a thousand years the Skaa slaved in misery and lived in fear. For a thousand years the Lord Ruler, the "Sliver of Infinity," reigned with absolute power and ultimate terror, divinely invincible. Then, when hope was so long lost that not even its memory remained, a terribly scarred, heart-broken half-Skaa rediscovered it in the depths of the Lord Ruler's most hellish prison. Kelsier "snapped" and found in himself the powers of a Mistborn. A brilliant thief and natural leader, he turned his talents to the ultimate caper, with the Lord Ruler himself as the mark.

Kelsier recruited the underworld's elite, the smartest and most trustworthy allomancers, each of whom shares one of his many powers, and all of whom relish a high-stakes challenge. Only then does he reveal his ultimate dream, not just the greatest heist in history, but the downfall of the divine despot.

But even with the best criminal crew ever assembled, Kel's plan looks more like the ultimate long shot, until luck brings a ragged girl named Vin into his life. Like him, she's a half-Skaa orphan, but she's lived a much harsher life. Vin has learned to expect betrayal from everyone she meets, and gotten it. She will have to learn to trust, if Kel is to help her master powers of which she never dreamed.

Why I want to read it:  There's something that interests me about rebellion, and this book seems to center about that. Plus, everyone seems to have some sort of magic powers, which is alluring again. Even from reading the synopsis I'm interested in Vin. She's young and damaged, and I'm curious to see how she begins to trust the world. Also, apparently something really crazy happens and I'm dying to know what after having read Palice Pottle P.P. Pepper's review.

Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

Goodreads Summary: 

Eight of the nine provinces of the Peninsula of the Palm, on a world with two moons, have fallen to the warrior sorcerers Brandin of Ygrath and Alberico of Barbadior. Brandin's younger son is slain in a battle with the principality of Tigana, which the grief-stricken sorcerer then destroys. After sweeping down and destroying the remnants of their army, burning their books and destroying their architecture and statuary, he makes it so that no one not born in that province can even hear its name. Years later, a small band of survivors, led by Alessan, last prince of Tigana's royal house, wages psychological warfare, planting seeds for the overthrow of the two tyrants. At the center of these activities are Devin, a gifted young singer; Catriana, a young woman pursued by suspicions of her family's guilt; and Duke Sandre d'Astibar, a wily resistance leader thought dead. Meanwhile, at Brandin's court, Dianora, his favorite concubine and--unknown to anyone, another survivor of Tigana--struggles between her growing love for the often gentle tyrant and her desire for vengeance. Gradually the scene is set for both conquerors to destroy each other and free a land.

Why I want to read this book: Okay, I admit the cover drew me in. It looks all epic-like so while I was scrolling through the list, this book stood out. Upon further examination, Tigana sounds genuinely intriguing. There's been a huge war and some people are trying to overthrow tyrants. There is also a prince, which I seem to enjoy reading about. I like that the story seems very large and follows the lives of many characters. I like intricacy, and this book seems to promise something, well, epic. 

These are just a few from the list I found. None of these titles are YA, but they all intrigue me and I'd love to hear your recommendations or comments on these books.

-P.E.

 

Don't Turn Around - Michelle Gagnon (PERSEFONE #1)

Release Date: August 28, 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 309

Buy the Book: Amazon

In Michelle Gagnon’s debut YA thriller, Don’t Turn Around, computer hacker Noa Torson is as smart, tough, and complex as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’s Lisbeth Salander. The first in a trilogy, Don’t Turn Around’s intricate plot and heart-pounding action will leave readers desperate for book two. Sixteen-year-old Noa has been a victim of the system ever since her parents died. Now living off the grid and trusting no one, she uses her hacking skills to stay anonymous and alone. But when she wakes up on a table in a warehouse with an IV in her arm and no memory of how she got there, Noa starts to wish she had someone on her side. Enter Peter Gregory. A rich kid and the leader of a hacker alliance, Peter needs people with Noa’s talents on his team. Especially after a shady corporation threatens his life in no uncertain terms. But what Noa and Peter don’t realize is that Noa holds the key to a terrible secret, and there are those who’d stop at nothing to silence her for good.

Synopsis and cover taken from Goodreads.  

Why It's Awesome:

- An epic new thriller.

- Blurbed as a The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo for teens. 

- Protagonists who are hackers!

- Action packed and suspenseful.

- On the run from a formidable enemy. 

- Something is happening to all the street kids in Boston and it's up to them to find out. Especially, when what came after those kids is now after them.


Similar Titles:
Altered - Jennifer Rush

Legend - Marie Lu

Maximum Ride - James Patterson

Book Trailer:

-MARI

Scarlet - A.C Gaughen (Scarlet #1)

Release Date: February 14, 2012

Publisher: Walker Children's 

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 292

Buy the Book: Amazon

Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance. 

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in.

It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.

Synopsis and cover taken from Goodreads.  

Why It's Awesome:

- An epic Robin Hood retelling! 

- Strong female protagonist who cross dresses!

- Tree climbing and action packed adventure.

- A honourable band of thieves!

- A past that has come to haunt her. 

- A ticking timer, will they be able to save the people of Nottinghamshire?

Similar Titles:
Eon/Eona - Allison Goodmen
Grave Mercy/Dark Triumph - Robin LaFevers
Poison Study - Maria V. Snyder

Book Trailer:

-MARI