Saturday, February 28, 2015

February Wrap-Up 2015




Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

452 pages
Published on: February 5th 2013
Published by: Feiwel and Friends

Goodreads synopsis: click here

Finished On: 2/2/15

My Rating:  4.5 stars 





To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

288 pages
Published on: April 15th 2014 
Published by: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Goodreads synopsis: click here

Finished On: 2/3/15

My Rating:  5 stars!


  



The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

360 pages
Published on: December 30th 1987 
Published by: Harper Perennial

Goodreads synopsis: click here

Finished On: 2/4/15

My Review: click here

My Rating:  4.5 stars




Frost Bite by Richelle Mead

256 pages
Published on: April 10th 2008 
Published by: Penguin

Goodreads synopsis: click here

Finished on: 2/8/15

My Rating: 4.5 stars




Page by Paige by Laura Lee Gulledge

192 pages
Published May 1st 2011 
Published by: Harry N. Abrams

Goodreads synopsis: click here

Finished on: 2/10/15

My Rating: 4.5 stars
*Note: This is a graphic novel*



Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

443 pagesPublished on: November 13th 2008 
Published by: Razorbill

Goodreads synopsis: click here

Finished on: 2/12/15 

My Rating: 4.5 stars








Ignite by Sara B. Larson


304 pages
Published on: December 30th 2014 
Published by: Scholastic Press

Goodreads synopsis: click here

Finished on: 2/15/15

My Rating: 4.5 stars




Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout

371 pages
Published on: December 8th 2014
Published by: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Goodreads synopsis: click here

Finished On: 2/19/15

My Rating: 4.5 stars
My Review: click here



Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

344 pages
Published on: May 4th 2010 
Published by: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Goodreads synopsis: click here

Finished on: 2/21/15
My Rating: 5 stars









Alienated my Melissa Landers

344 pages
Published on: February 4th 2014 
Published by: Disney Hyperion

Goodreads synopsis: click here

Finished on: 2/25/15

My Rating: 5 stars
My Review: click here



  Until Midnight by Melissa Landers

112 pages
Published on: December 23rd 2014 
Published by: Disney Hyperion

Goodreads synopsis: click here

Finished on: 2/27/15
My Rating: 5 stars

***FREE ON:***

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1v06kVd


Pages read in February: 3,466 pages

I highly reccomend Alienated, Until Midnight, and To All The Boys I've Loved Before they were by far my top 3 favorite books to read this month :)

More reviews will be up in March! I'm currently writing them up! Enjoy guys and keep reading!

***All, but "Until Midnight" did I borrowed from the library***


Until later guys!
Olivia
~livthebooknerd~

Friday, February 27, 2015

Alienated by Melissa Landers


Alienated by Melissa Landers
Published on: February 4th 2014
Published by: Disney Hyperion
Page Count: 344 pages
Source: Library 
Genre(s): Science Fiction, Romance, Paranormal, Dystopian
Places to buy: Barnes & Noble // Book Depository // Amazon
My Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis: 

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them. 

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. 

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.


______________________________________________________________



The Cover
     Oh la vache! (Holy cow!) The cover is perfection! I love the whole concept! Half L’eihr and half earth! It's absolutely beautiful! C'est magnifique!

Review: 
     Cara Sweeney is the smartest person in her highschool. She's the valedictorian and she was chosen to be apart of the first L'eihr exchange program. She and 2 other people from earth are chosen to host L'eihr teens, Cara's brother goes back up to L'eihr, and Cara's family hosts a guy named Aelyx.

     Cara's town, Midtown, is swept up in the anti-L'eihr paranoia. Cara's family is tormented by the bigoted and speciest group called HALO. They put the town against the Sweeney family and leave threatening notes in Cara's locker.

 Eventually, Aelyx and Cara have to be escorted around by a guard so no harm comes to them. Aelyx and Care become best friends and eventually it becomes more. They have to work together to keep themselves safe. But, Aelyx is keeping a secret. Cara and Aelyx have to learn to trust each other... 

     This book was so great! I loved it! It was exactly what I needed to get out of my reading slump. :) ..Now I'm in another reading slump..oops haha..

Rating:
     I rate this 5 out of 5 stars! If you love science fiction, paranormal romance, & dystopian books you will love this! Enjoy!

Until later guys, 
Olivia
~livthebooknerd~













Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Versatile Blogger Award!!!



Hey Guys!

I was nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by Sophie of Seamless Reader! Thank you so much Sophie! Thank you also to everyone who reads my blog and who follows! Thank you also for the 1,215 views!








Here are the rules: 


  • Nominate 15 relatively new bloggers.
  • Let them know that you've nominated them.
  • Share 10 random facts about yourself.
  • Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to their blog!
  • Add the Versatile Blogger Award picture to your post.


I Nominate:

(sorry I'm only nominating 4) 

Maddie and Bee of Heart Full Of Books!

Jessica and Stacy of Chapter Chicks!

Chelsie of Book Addiction 101!

Andd I'm re-nominating Sophie because she's amazing :) Click Here to see her blog!

10 Random Facts:
  1. I love cats! They're so cute!
  2. I'm a nerd for anything Disney
  3. My favorite food is mashed potatoes 
  4. I'm a junior in high school
  5. I'm really shy around people my own age
  6. I love to design clothes
  7. I wish I was better at writing
  8. I love Justin Bieber...I may not like what he's been doing in the last year but I love him nonetheless
  9. I LOVE One Direction and I'm going to see them in July!
  10. I am totally in love with fictional boys.


Whaleeee there that is :) Thank you again for reading my blog and I will post a post on Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson at the end of the week! Maybe sooner! I have a term paper to work on so posts may be late coming up within the next month! Don't forget to follow me on Twitter and Bloglovin and Instagram!

Until next time!
Olivia
~livthebooknerd~




Friday, February 20, 2015

Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout


Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published by: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published On: December 8th 2014 
Page Count: 300
Source: Borrowed from library
Genre: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

Where To Find It: Amazon // B&N // Book Depository

My Rating: 4 stars







Goodreads synopsis

Things are about to get Wicked in New Orleans.

Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun… and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart.

Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants… she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her.

But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul.



~~~


Hey guys!

     So this is the first new adult book that I have reviewed on Liv The Book Nerd! So let's just get right into the review! Yay!
  
     When I first saw this cover, I thought it was a mermaid or a beach-y themed romance...or even a paranormal romance that involved water. WELL, IT'S NOT SO IF THAT'S WHAT YOU WERE LOOKING FOR YOU WON'T FIND IT IN THIS BOOK.This is a fae/fairy/fairy-hunter paranormal novel. And it is really good! I loved Tink, I loved Ivy, I loved Ren! The characters were so good! Tink was hilarious and obsessed with Harry Potter and Twilight and Amazon Prime and it's like JLA has been watching me and stuck my personality into a tiny, perverted little brownie body! Ivy, now she's not my favorite character but she's so bad*** and funny and she loves her family and she has this sense of duty and she's so cool! Ren, now I love him! He's so tough and loving and perverted but I love him. I totally ship Ren and Ivy, they are really perfect for each other and they work so hard to protect the world.


Things I Loved: 
  1. How Ren called Ivy "Merida" when he first met her and he kept referencing Brave when he talked about her hair.
  2. Tink's obsession with Harry Potter and Amazon Prime
  3. The quote:  "We put the secret in Secret Squirrel."
  4. The concept of fae being evil and the humans banding together to take care of the problem.
      This book was really great! The reason it got 4 out of 5 stars is because I didn't like the excessive foul language..that's it..I know that seems to be a bit much to take away a whole star, but I don't really enjoy the nasty language. Jennifer L. Armentrout is an amazing writer, and I cannot wait to read more of her work, and I can't wait for Torn to come out.

Until later guys!
Olivia 
~LivTheBookNerd~
@LivTheBookNerd on Books Amino

Sunday, February 15, 2015

My Review Policy and Rating Scale


My focus on Liv The Book Nerd is to provide honest reviews of the books that I read. I'm a very enthusiastic reader and I love to share my thoughts and feelings with others. 

This is a multi-genre book blog, so my reviews will be varied. I accept requests for all genres, but mainly young adult. I'm always open to read something new and out of my comfort zone. I have a deep love and appreciation for all genres, so do not hesitate to shoot me an email request if you'd like me to read your book. It's an honor to work with all who contact me. Thank you for looking at my blog. 

Concerning Reviews & Opinions: 

      All reviews on my blog are opinion-based, and my opinions will not be swayed regardless of whether or not I received your novel for review. I aim to write and give honest and trustworthy reviews. If I find something that I do not like, a fault in the novel, then I will point it out. I will attempt to finish your novel and read it cover to cover. I am not paid to write my reviews. I write these reviews because I have a genuine love for Young Adult fiction and the written word. 



D.N.F. FAQ:
This section is often reevaluated in order to update further thoughts and frequently questioned concepts. 

Q: // What does DNF mean? 

A: //  DNF: Did Not Finish

Q: // Why was my book DNF'd?

A//  I could not get into the book and I did not want to force myself to read something I did not enjoy. I consider reading to be a way of relieving stress. I will not "waste" my time on something that is not for me. 

Q: //  Does this mean Olivia will bash my book and tell people not to read it?

A: //  No. Absolutely not. I often review the DNF'd books as I would review the book I did finish. I usually write an actual review/explanation of why I did or could not finish the book, along with a detailed list or discussion. I am always open to discussing my thoughts with my readers and/or other writers. I view literature as an artistic piece of the writer's soul or being. We as humans are capable of reading the same book, yet we focus on different aspects that speak to us. Therefore, I consider literature to be open for interpretation. 

    Even if I do not enjoy the book, someone else may like it. It is very rare that I say that someone should not read a book. I won't openly say it shouldn't be read, as that is belittling the author and the readers who enjoyed it. Rather, I will say "I do not recommend this book" and I may recommend the books I did/do enjoy. I feel all books have the capability of bringing someone joy. It may not be me, but there is probably someone who would enjoy the book I'm DNFing. Maybe my DNF review will influence someone else to read the book to see what they think of it. I often read books that are controversial or disliked by others to see what I think of it. I personally love DNF reviews. 

Another Note:  I may decide to pick a book up at a different time (I firmly believe that books can have different effects on people during different parts of their lives), so there is always a chance that I may someday read and review it. 80% of the time, I do not, but there is a chance.  

Reading is one of my passions and I long to share my love for literature with others. 

~~~


In Regards to Request Emails:

Do not assume that I will take up your request to read your book. If you send me the information regarding the subject matter of your novel and assume that I will just read your book, you are mistaken. Please ask before sending electronic copies of your book. Just because you send me an electronic copy right away does not mean I will read your book. I is more likely that I will reject your request if you just email me with a copy of your book. 




My Rating Scale: 


0 stars: DNF'd 

1 star: This book was definitely not for me. I had to slog through this one.

2 stars: This book wasn't for me, but it had redeeming factors or had promise. 

3 stars: This book wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst. It had an equal amount of bad/good qualities.

4 stars: Really good but not my absolute favorite.

5 stars: Oh. My. Gosh! This book gave me all the feels! I love this book so much!


Disclaimer:

Images – any images used on LivTheBookNerd have been sourced from either Google or Goodreads and all credit for these images go to the respective owners. The background and logo were provided by the Blogger site. Some images will be used from the LivTheBookNerd Instagram page.


Concerning Guest Reviewers/Guest Posts:
If you would like to write a post on here as a guest please contact me via email. You have to run the post by me first.

This blog is read by younger audiences as well as young adults so I'm asking guest bloggers to keep their language appropriate for young readers. Thank you!

If you have a book (or eBook or ARC) that you would like me to review, please contact me at livthebooknerdblog@gmail.com


My reviews will contain the following:
• Cover Art
• Title (with links to purchase)
• Author (with link to Author’s website or Twitter)
• Publication Information
• Source (owned by reviewer, ARC from publisher, library)
• Synopsis (taken from author’s website or Goodreads)
• My honest & heartfelt thoughts and feelings on the book
• If you would like anything else featured, please email me!


      I blog about what I want to blog. I am not paid to review these books. If an author contacts me about their book, then I will put a disclaimer in my review that I was contacted to read the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Just because I enjoy or do not enjoy a book does not mean that my readers will not. I encourage my readers to make educated decisions for themselves. 

Thank you!

Olivia, Liv the Book Nerd

Friday, February 13, 2015

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux


The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

Published: December 30th, 1987 (first published 1910)
Published by: Harper Perennial
Pages: 360 
Genre: Classics, Horror, Gothic, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Literature, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads synopsis: 
First published in French as a serial in 1909, "The Phantom of the Opera" is a riveting story that revolves around the young, Swedish Christine Daaé. Her father, a famous musician, dies, and she is raised in the Paris Opera House with his dying promise of a protective angel of music to guide her. After a time at the opera house, she begins hearing a voice, who eventually teaches her how to sing beautifully. All goes well until Christine's childhood friend Raoul comes to visit his parents, who are patrons of the opera, and he sees Christine when she begins successfully singing on the stage. The voice, who is the deformed, murderous 'ghost' of the opera house named Erik, however, grows violent in his terrible jealousy, until Christine suddenly disappears. The phantom is in love, but it can only spell disaster. Leroux's work, with characters ranging from the spoiled prima donna Carlotta to the mysterious Persian from Erik's past, has been immortalized by memorable adaptations. Despite this, it remains a remarkable piece of Gothic horror literature in and of itself, deeper and darker than any version that follows.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey Guys! 

    So I read this last week while I was home ill...it wasn't on a whim mind you, it was a full blown obsession for about a week and a half! The musical...my goodness! I couldn't stop listening to it! Andrew Lloyd Webber captured the essence of Erik's sorrow and pain in his music! He captured Christine Daae's innocence and and fear and courage! My favorite version of the musical adaption is the 25th Anniversary performed at the Royal Albert Hall with Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess. They capture not only the musical characters perfectly they captured the book's characters perfectly too!

    My only complaints about the actual book are that I wish that part of it would be narrated by Christine. She's the damsel in distress! She should narrate what happens to herself. I also don't like Raoul much at all...he's just so...clingy...I mean he loves Christine but...I ship Christine with Erik...even if Erik is whacko...He just wants to be loved..

    I usually do not enjoy mystery novels at all, but this was excellent! This book was written in the beginning of the 1900's, and usually you would think that books written in this time period are quite hard to read and I found that this was really easy and enjoyable to read. The language was beautiful, dark, mysterious, and intriguing. This story sucks you in and you get caught up into the characters' emotions. 

    I really loved this book. It was great. It lived up to my expectations and Gaston Leroux did an excellent job with this book, and I applaud the translator for doing such a great job..well translating. :)

You can find The Phantom Of the Opera at: Book Depository // Indigo // B&N 
You can watch the 25th Anniversary show on Netflix or Youtube
   
Enjoy & Happy Reading!
Olivia
~livthebooknerd~ 

Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // Bloglovin





Monday, February 9, 2015

Temporary Logo Ideas!


Hey Guys! I was wondering which logo you like the best! Both would have the glasses, the lightning scar, and the coffee cup as well as "livthebooknerd blog". The backgrounds would change and the text color would change. Which do you like the best? Comment down below :D

A new review will be coming your way at the end of the week! (Check out the poll on the right!) There will also be an announcement at the end of the week as well :D
Have a wonderful week guys! Happy reading!




~livthebooknerd~

Sunday, February 1, 2015

My January Wrap-Up 2015

*Click To See My Review! :)


Hey guys!

Sooooo, I read 15 books this month! By far my favorite book that I read this month had to be....the whole Selection series :D
If you'd like me to do reviews on the books with the red double asterisks then comment down below! 


Girl Online by Zoe Sug

Finished on: January 1st, 2015

My rating: 5 Stars

I had no idea GirlOnline would take off the way it has - I can't believe I now have 5432 followers, thanks so much! - and the thought of opening up to you all about this is terrifying, but here goes...

Penny has a secret...


[Read more]*





These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Finished on: January 2nd, 2015

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Luxury spaceliner Icarus suddenly plummets from hyperspace into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive -- alone. Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a cynical war hero. Both journey across the eerie deserted terrain for help. Everything changes when they uncover the truth...
[Read more]*




Defy by Sara B. Larson

Finished on: January 4th, 2015

My Rating: 4 stars

Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent...
[Read more]*





Unravel Me by Tehereh Mafi

Finished On: January 7th, 2015

My Rating: 4.5 stars

tick
tick
tick
tick
tick
it's almost
time for war. 

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.....
[Read more]*

 

Ignite Me by Tehereh Mafi

Finished On: January 9th, 2015

My Rating: 5 stars

 With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn’t know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won’t keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her power....
[Read More]*


   

The Selection, The Elite, The One, The Guard, and The Prince (all) by Kiera Cass

Finished On: January 10th, 15th, 16th, and the 19th

My Ratings: 5 stars (The Selection)
                  4.5 stars (The Elite)
                  5 stars (The One)
                  4.5 stars (The Guard)
                  5 stars (The Prince)

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels... [Read More]*

   

A Time To Reap by Jonas Lee  

Finished On: January 13th, 2015

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Pemberton Academy is not just a school, it’s a gathering place for the children of the future that are afflicted with Temporal Displacement and Telepathy; in short, time travelers and mind readers who have been diagnosed with this “disease.” The Academy is not all as it seems after an explosion nearly takes one of its classmates, but not before Carter Gabel rescues her by using an unknown symptom related to his described illness.

   

 Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Finished On: January 23rd, 2015

My Rating**: 4 stars

Goodreads synopsis: 

 St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . .

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever


Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

Finished On: January 24th, 2015

My Rating**: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis: 

Taylor Edwards’ family might not be the closest-knit—everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled—but for the most part, they get along just fine. Then Taylor’s dad gets devastating news, and her parents decide that the family will spend one last summer all together at their old lake house in the Pocono Mountains...


  



     
Cinder by Marissa Meyer  

Finished On: January 28th, 2015

My Rating**: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis: 
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. 

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness...



Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets Of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz 

Finished On: January 31st, 2015
{Note: I read this all in one sitting yesterday and it was BEAUTIFUL! If you want a full review comment down below :) }

My Rating**: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis: 

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

Until later guys! You can find links to where you can buy each book in the Goodreads link. Click the link (the [Read More] link) to read the review and see the Goodreads link. :) Enjoy guys! 
Olivia
~livthebooknerd~