Book Review: The Maze Runner by James Dashner

The Maze Runner (Maze Runner, # 1) by James Dashner

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: October 6, 2009

Publisher: Delacorte Press 

Pages: 374

Summary: "If you ain't scared, you ain't human." When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He's surrounded by strangers--boys whose memories are also gone.Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It's the only way out--and no one's ever made it through alive.Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying

My Review: The Maze Runner had heart pounding action, with non-stop out of your seat anticipation! I've had this series sitting on my bookshelf for some time now, and decided what the heck, let me give it a try. The movie is coming out in September, so I figured I'd read the book first.

I was pleasantly happy with the outcome of the first installment. I'm a little skeptical when I see a novel full of male characters, my automatic thought was, okay this will be a guy kind of book. Boy, was I wrong! James Dashner schooled me into not judging a male lead off the bat.

Thomas, oh Thomas, I love this kid. His courageous ability to attack every obstacle blew my mind. In instances where I would probably freeze up and cry in the corner, he would put himself out there even if it meant it was life or death. I really enjoyed getting to know him from start to finish. In addition, all the other supporting characters were just as strong. I have a little thing for Min Ho. Yes, he is sarcastic and a bit of a jerk at times, but I also loved how he was a fighter. They balanced each other out very well.

James Dashner did a phenomenal job in creating this blocked world filled with tests and trials. I was so intrigued by the idea of "who is controlling this whole thing" concept. I was yearning to know more and more, that's why I finished this book in two days.

All in all, this was a great start to the Maze Runner series. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the installments, along with watching the book come to life in a few months. The trailer thus far seems to stick to the story's vibe. I can't wait!

My Rating:  (4.5)

Author's Info:

James Dashner is the author of the New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series that includes The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials, The Death Cure, and The Kill Order. He has also written The Eye of Minds (book one in the Mortality Doctrine series), the 13th Reality series, and two books in The Infinity Ring series: A Mutiny in Time and The Iron Empire. Dashner was born and raised in Georgia but now lives and writes in the Rocky Mountains.

To learn more about James and his books, visit JamesDashner.com, follow @jamesdashner on Twitter, or find dashnerjames on Instagram.

Movie Trailer:

Korean Love: The Master's Sun Drama

Some of you who know me outside of reading books, know that I am obsessed with Korean dramas. I decided to post about them once in a while just to keep my love for blogging going. I'll be sporadically posting about dramas that I've previously watched or am currently drooling over.

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My current love for the past week has been this drama: 

The Master's Sun

Oh my gosh. I finished this drama some time ago and holy crap, this is one of my favorite Korean dramas ever. It has just the right mix of drama and comedy with a supernatural theme. If you love creepy ghosts popping up all over, than look no further. I simply fell in love with all the characters and literally did not want it to end. I really hope they make a second season, I just need more!!

This is what the drama is about:

Joo Joong-won (So Ji-sub) is the stingy and greedy CEO of Kingdom, a conglomerate that includes a major department store and hotel. He meets the gloomy Tae Gong-shil (Gong Hyo-jin), who started seeing ghosts after an accident. Their lives take a new turn as they work together to deal with the terror and sadness brought about by the spirits, while delving into a kidnapping incident in Joong-won's past.

Check out the trailer below:

Interested in watching? Check out these sites for episodes with english subtitles!

-Viki

-Hulu

-DramaFever

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

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Plus One Hardcover by Elizabeth Fama 

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: April 8, 2014

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Pages: 384

Summary: Divided by day and night and on the run from authorities, star-crossed young lovers unearth a sinister conspiracy in this compelling romantic thriller. Seventeen-year-old Soleil Le Coeur is a Smudge—a night dweller prohibited by law from going out during the day. When she fakes an injury in order to get access to and kidnap her newborn niece—a day dweller, or Ray—she sets in motion a fast-paced adventure that will bring her into conflict with the powerful lawmakers who order her world, and draw her together with the boy she was destined to fall in love with, but who is also a Ray.  Set in a vivid alternate reality and peopled with complex, deeply human characters on both sides of the day-night divide, Plus One is a brilliantly imagined drama of individual liberty and civil rights, and a fast-paced romantic adventure story.

Dissonance by Erica O'Rourke

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: July 22, 2014

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Pages: 496

Summary: In this inventive romantic thriller, Del has the power to navigate between alternate realities—and the power to save multiple worlds. Delancey knows for sure that there is more than one universe. Many more. Because every time someone makes a choice, a new, parallel world is spun off the existing one. Eating breakfast or skipping it, turning left instead of right, sneaking out instead of staying in bed—all of these choices create alternate universes in which echo selves take the roads not traveled. Del knows all of this because she’s a Walker, someone who can navigate between the worlds, and whose job is to keep the dimensions in harmony. But Del’s decisions have consequences too. Even though she’s forbidden from Walking after a training session goes horribly wrong, she secretly starts to investigate other dissonant worlds. She’s particularly intrigued by the echo versions of Simon Lane, a guy who won’t give her the time of day in the main world, but whose alternate selves are uniquely interested. But falling for Simon draws Del closer to a truth that the Council of Walkers is trying to hide—a secret that threatens the fate of the entire multiverse.

What are your thoughts on Plus One and Dissonance?

Tantalizing Future YA Releases!

Tantalizing Future YA Releases is a weekly feature where I showcase upcoming YA covers. All titles are linked to GoodReads for summary details.

Also, please note that covers may not be final. If changes occur I will replace the covers with the new versions.

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• One Past Midnight by Jessica Shirvington (Walker Childrens, July 22, 2014)
• Servants of the Storm by Delilah S. Dawson (Simon Pulse, August 5, 2014)

• Starlight's Edge (Timedance, #2) by Susan Waggoner (Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), August 19, 2014)
• Breaking Butterflies by M. Anjelais (Chicken House (August 26, 2014)

• Six Feet Over It by Jennifer Longo (Random House Books for Young Readers, August 26, 2014)
• Amity by Micol Ostow (EgmontUSA, August 26, 2014)

• The Book of Bad Things by Dan Poblocki (Scholastic Press, August 26, 2014)
• Of Monsters and Madness by Jessica Verday (EgmontUSA, September 9, 2014)

• Evidence of Things Not Seen by Lindsey Lane (Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), September 16, 2014)
• The Bodies We Wear by Jeyn Roberts (Knopf Books for Young Readers, September 23, 2014)

• Tabula Rasa by Kristen Lippert-Martin (EgmontUSA, September 23, 2014)
• Very Bad Things by Susan McBride (Delacorte Press, October 14, 2014)

• Trust Me, I'm Lying by Mary Elizabeth Summer (Delacorte Press, October 14, 2014)
• They All Fall Down by Roxanne St. Claire (Delacorte Press,October 14, 2014)

• Damsel Distressed by Kelsey Macke (Spencer Hill Contemporary, October 14, 2014)
• Hellhole by Gina Damico (HMH Books for Young Readers, January 6, 2015)

Books for Thought: What are some releases you read in 2013/2014?

Books For Thought is a feature where I post a book-related question up for discussion. I am open to all opinions and enjoy reading diverse comments from my lovely followers. I look forward to picking your minds!

Have a question idea? Share it here and I'll feature your blog in this post.

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I've been out of the blogging loop for a while now, so I'd love to get some reading suggestions from you all. What are some releases you read in 2013/2014 that is worth reading?

My Answer: Honestly, it's been awhile since I read, but the most recent book that I thoroughly enjoyed was Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. It was a great and witty read. I don't want to say too much since I'll be writing a review soon.

What are your bookish thoughts?

My Top 5 Make Up Products I Can't Live Without!

Hey everyone! I came to the conclusion that I'll be blogging about various subjects, besides books. Today's post will be about my top five make-up products I can't live without. I hope you all enjoy it, leaving feed back would be great. :)

*My Top 5 Make-Up Products*

#1 - Mac Matchmaster Foundation

Mac so far in my opinion, has the best coverage for my face. It feels light, yet covers all the imperfections.

Buy: Mac.com

#2 - Prestige Cosmetics Liquid Black LE-01 Eyeliner

90% of the time I do not leave the house without my cat eye look. Prestige has been my favorite liquid eyeliner for years now. It lasts long and the brush is easy to use, especially for those just starting out. It's designed to make it efficient for those that have difficulties making a straight line on the eye.

Buy: Amazon.com

#3 - Mary-Lou Manizer AKA The Luminizer

I freakin' love this luminizer! For those make-up fans that love to highlight, this is one of the best products I've used. The shine looks natural and it gives a great balance to countering.

Buy: Amazon.com

#4 - CoverGirl Wetslicks Lipgloss, Honey Talks

I love this lip gloss! I'm a fan of neutral colors, and this gives the soft look with just the right gloss. Plus, it never dries up, which is a plus for me. I hate when some lip glosses or lipsticks leave behind that nasty cakeyness.

Buy: Amazon.com

#5 - High Impact Mascara, Black Clinique

I'm addicted to mascara, so I've tried a lot. So far, this one is up there on my list of good mascaras. It makes my lashes long without clumping them.

Buy: Amazon.com

I really hope you all enjoyed this post, if you want more make-up posts, let me know!

Thank you! xoxo

It's been a year of no blogging + I'm pregnant!

Hello my fellow followers and bloggers! Remember me? Eleni from La Femme Readers. It's been over a year since my last post, and maybe I'm ready to come back? I miss sharing my love of reading with everyone. I built some great relationships through blogging and I am forever grateful for that.

But, over time, blogging became like a second job. I barely had time to read because of my actual full time job, let alone post on a daily basis. Back then, I was extremely passionate about reading and blogging. However, once it became a chore, I stared feeling burnt out. 

Also, I  felt like the quality of reading changed once the YA genre became more popular. Some amazing books came out of it, but also a lot of repetitive story lines. I could only read so many supernatural themes without feeling bored. 

I really want to come back, but I'll be posting sporadically. Plus, I have so many books on my shelves that I haven't touched because I felt like I had to read all the new releases. That notion will also change since I will be reviewing books from years ago. 

I really would love to hear what you've all been up to and what amazing books you've read recently that I've missed out on, so please leave comments. :)

Now, besides reading, three months ago I found out that I was pregnant! My husband and I were trying, so when it finally happened we were both ecstatic. One day I'm good, the next day I am depressed and angry. I can thank the good ol' hormones for that one! I just wanted to throw it in here, just to give an update on a major change in my life.

Thank you all for reading and I look forward to building my blog up again!

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

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ACID by Emma Pass

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: April 25, 2013

Publisher: Corgi Children's Books/Random House Children's Publishing

Pages: 334

Summary: A fast and furious thriller featuring the coolest, toughest bad girl since Lisbeth Salander. Meet Jenna Strong. In Jenna’s world, ACID – the most brutal, controlling police force in history – rule with an iron fist. And it was ACID agents who locked Jenna away for life, for a bloody crime she struggles to remember.  But Jenna’s violent prison has taught her a thing or two about survival. And when a mysterious rebel group breaks her out, she must use her strength, speed and skill to stay one step ahead. A gripping futuristic debut that will hook you from the very first page.

What are your thoughts on ACID?

Merry Christmas + International Giveaway!

Hello ladies and gents! Have you been well? I really hope so! I wanted to take the time out today to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, well to those who celebrate it.

My blog has been non-existent for the past year, working full time has really minimized my blogging time. My free time just hasn't been like it used to be. Also, I am currently renovating my basement due to Hurricane Sandy, so I'm mainly focused on getting it finished before January. Now, I do plan on making a comeback but with a little changes. I love reading and primarily it will be a book blog.

However, I will be mixing in a few other topics such as movies, TV shows, music and fashion. All the things that I find interesting will pretty much make an appearance here. It'll help me bring back the blogging love that I've lost. I got a little bored of the repetitive posts I've been doing since 2009. Wow, 2009 -- I can't believe it's been 3 years!

So, I will definitely post here and there but not everyday. I just can't do it. I have to be honest and let you know what to expect from La Femme Readers.

Thank you to all of my followers who stuck by me for so long. To show my gratitude I will be hosting a giveaway for two lucky winners. Check out the details below and I hope you all have a great Christmas!

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I Love These Titles: 2013 Releases

Hurricane Sandy should be approaching soon, it's crazy windy at the moment, but it's still the calm before the storm. I'm bored so I decided to post 2013 releases which caught my eye, not because of their cover designs, but the actual titles. It only takes a few words together to make a person think, "hm, that has a nice ring to it."

Let me know what you think about these future releases!

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Demonosity by Amanda Ashby (Speak, 8/15/13)

Summary: An ancient myth + a mean girl + a reluctant warrior = a lively take on good vs. evil  The Black Rose--a powerful ancient force--has been let loose and has taken up residence in Celeste Gibson, popular girl at Cassidy Carter-Lewis' high school. Thomas Delacroix is the spirit of a fourteenth-century knight who is devoted to protecting the Black Rose, but he needs a contemporary living being to take on the challenge. That's where Cassidy comes in. She's a quirky high school junior who just wants to dress in her vintage clothes, hang out with her best friend, and take care of her father, who is recovering from surgery. She's the last person who would ever volunteer for such a task, but no one actually asked her.  Now, like it or not, she finds herself training before dawn and battling demons at parties, the mall, and even at school. But hey, no one ever said high school was going to be easy. . .

Fingerprints of You by Kristen-Paige Madonia (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 8/6/13)

Summary: Lemon grew up with Stella, a single mom who wasn’t exactly maternal. Stella always had a drink in her hand and a new boyfriend every few months, and when things got out of hand, she would whisk Lemon off to a new town for a fresh beginning. Now, just as they are moving yet again, Lemon discovers that she is pregnant from a reckless encounter—with a guy Stella had been flirting with.  On the verge of revisiting her mother’s mistakes, Lemon struggles to cope with the idea of herself as a young unmarried mother, as well as the fact that she’s never met her own father. Determined to have at least one big adventure before she has the baby, Lemon sets off on a cross-country road trip, intending not only to meet her father, but to figure out who she wants to be.

The Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Robin Palmer (Speak, 6/27/13)

Summary: Gilmore Girls meets Postcards from the Edge crossed with L.A. Candy!   Sixteen-year-old Annabelle Jacobs never asked to be famous, but as the daughter of Janie Jacobs, one of the biggest TV stars in the world, she is. Growing up is hard enough. Having to do it in public because your mother is a famous actress? Even harder. When your mom crashes and burns after her DUI mug shot is splashed across the internet? Definitely not fun. Then your mom falls for a guy so much younger than she that it would be more appropriate for you to be dating him? That’s just a train wreck waiting to happen.

The Impossibility of Tomorrow (Incarnation, #2) by Avery Williams (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 6/4/13)

Summary: No description yet.

Truth or Dare by Jacqueline Green (Poppy, 5/14/13)

Summary: Some say the seaside town of Echo Bay is cursed. They may be right. When a game of truth or dare spins out of control, three beautiful teen girls start receiving mysterious dares containing hints to dark secrets long buried. For artsy outcast Sydney Morgan; perfect, popular Caitlin "Angel" Thomas; and queen bee Tenley Reed, the truth is not an option. This is no party game-it's do or die. And it's their turn to play. 

Review: From What I Remember... by Stacy Kramer + Valerie Thomas

From What I Remember... by Stacy Kramer + Valerie Thomas

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: May 15, 2012

Publisher: Hyperion Book CH

Pages: 480

Summary: In the span of forty-eight hours, socially awkward valedictorian, Kylie Flores and conceited jock, Max Langston, who've never spoken in four years of high school, will find themselves kidnapped, taken over the Mexican border, married and falling in love. Kylie's best friend, Will, Max's girlfriend, Lily and Max's wingman, Charlie are the unlikely cavalry charged with rescuing them. Against all odds, this crew must find their way back over the border in time for graduation and for Kylie to give her long awaited valedictorian speech, without killing each other en route.

Hilarious and poignant, FROM WHAT I REMEMBER blends high-octane adventure, romance and coming of age. No one is exactly who they seem here and by the end of their road trip together, they will all be changed in ways they never could have imagined.

FROM WHAT I REMEMBER was recently nominated for a YALSA Reader's Choice Award. Film rights bought by Paramount Pictures.

My Review: Grippingly entertaining, From What I Remember, made me smile from the beginning along with a great amount of laughter until the end. The witty story line and charismatic characters developed a balanced combination of friendship, family, love and just downright craziness. The ups and downs that were presented throughout Kylie and Max's journey to Mexico were so visually written in the moment that I found myself feeling like I was right there with them.

Kylie, an intelligent and quirky protagonist grabbed my attention from the get-go. I enjoyed the fact that she started out as a socially awkward character and then slowly turned into this badass girl, that embodied this fiery bravery that I wish I had in scary situations. Max, started out to be a typical jerky jock, but later turned out to prove Kylie wrong with the whole, "Don't judge a book by its cover" statement.

The turbulence with being being kidnapped and going over the border to an unknown territory would literally freak me out. Yes, they were both scared, but holy crap did they handle it well! The budding relationship between the two was increasingly exciting to watch. I am forever rooting for the underdog to win over the popular guy in school. Don't you love when that happens? *Sighs* Also, Kylie's best friend, Will, was hilarious. He had personality to last you for days. Plus, he was a great friend to Kylie, most friends don't exist like that anymore, so it was refreshing to read.

All in all, I flippin' loved this book. I seriously have no complaints about this novel. Stacy and Valerie are a team that could write anything and make it sound sincere and comical at the same time. I cannot wait to see what they both come up with next!

My Rating:  (4.5)

Author's Info:

FROM WHAT I REMEMBER...is the second novel by Stacy Kramer and Valerie Thomas. Their first novel, KARMA BITES, was a middle grade novel published by Houghton Mifflin in 2010. Kramer is a former film producer and currently writes movies, tv and magazine articles. Her television credits include LIZZIE McGUIRE and LESS THAN PERFECT. Her film credits include LABOR PAINS (writer), JAWBREAKER (producer) and IGBY GOES DOWN (producer) among others. She's at work on a new movie for Twentieth Century Fox. In addition, she's written comic pieces for ELLE, MARIE CLAIRE and THE LONDON SUNDAY TIMES as well as a variety of other publications. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and three children.

"I'm a writer of young adult novels. I spent many years working in the film industry as a producer and screenwriter until I escaped to the relative calm of the book world."

For more info on Stacy and Valerie, visit there sites:

-Stacy's Twitter

-Stacy and Valerie's Website

-Stacy's GoodReads

-Valerie's GoodReads

-Facebook

Some of you who know me outside of reading books, know that I am obsessed with Korean dramas. I decided to post about them once in a while just to keep my love for blogging going. I'll be sporadically posting about dramas that I've previously watched or am currently drooling over. ________________________________

My current love for the past week has been this drama: 

The Moon That Embraces the Sun

I am so in love with this drama. I've been watching it every night after work. My husband is continually saying, "you're still watching this?" It's that good. There are twenty episodes so you do need a good week and a half to finish it, depending on your free time. I wasn't really a fan of historical dramas until recently, besides The Rooftop Prince, which was my previous love, this one is absolutely breathtaking. It's romantic, dramatic, scandalous, just everything you'd like to see in a drama.

This is what the drama is about:

The story of the secret love between Lee Hwon, a fictional king of Joseon, and Wol, a female shaman. Wol was born as Heo Yeon Woo, the daughter of a noble family who won the love of the crown prince, Hwon. Her enemies, jealous of her family's position in court, schemed against her and wrestled away her rightful place as crown princess and nearly takes her life. Years later, an embittered Hwon meets Wol, now a female shaman who has no recollection of her past.

I couldn't find a trailer, but this music video of the theme song portrays the romantic feel of the drama. It also has english subtitles, so that helps us non-Koreans. :)

Interested in watching? Check out these sites for episodes with english subtitles!

-Viki

-Hulu

-Ep Drama