Review: Welcome Caller, This is Chloe by Shelley Coriell

from goodreads

Big-hearted Chloe Camden is the queen of her universe until her best friend shreds her reputation and her school counselor axes her junior independent study project. Chloe is forced to take on a meaningful project in order to pass, and so she joins her school’s struggling radio station, where the other students don’t find her too queenly. Ostracized by her former BFs and struggling with her beloved Grams’s mental deterioration, lonely Chloe ends up hosting a call-in show that gets the station much-needed publicity and, in the end, trouble. She also befriends radio techie and loner Duncan Moore, a quiet soul with a romantic heart. On and off the air, Chloe faces her loneliness and helps others find the fun and joy in everyday life. Readers will fall in love with Chloe as she falls in love with the radio station and the misfits who call it home.

cover

I love the cover! It's bright and colourful and very Chloe!

review

"People need best friends." I waved my arms in the air. "Like oxygen. Without friends I'd die. I'd be all alone."

A lot can change over one summer. Chloe finds this out the hard way as she skips across the road, dressed up as a burrito for her job at Dos Hermanas while wearing vintage shoes to meet her friend Brie and Brie startles her with harsh words and a quit exit. When the school year begins, Chloe's shocked to discover her BFs, Brie and Mercedes, don't want her anywhere near them. They find her self centered and their issues with her obviously built up over the summer. Brie has even started to spread rumours about Chloe. Add her new counselor Ms. A. Lungren making her change her Junior Independent Study Project (JISP) to the mix and her mother and grandmother being at war for most of the year and happy-go-lucky Chloe is confused and well, not-so-happy.

Let me start by saying that Chloe's probably someone you'd either love or hate and it was full on love for me! She was cheerful and sweet and there was no doubt that she had a big heart! Her obsession with vintage shoes was cute and I loved how she doted on her Brad-Pitt-loving grandmother. But at the heart of it all, she was also a very mature person and this, I did not expect. Despite Brie's attempts to spread rumours about Chloe and impersonate her online, Chloe surprisingly took these things in her stride. She did not attempt to retaliate even once. She seemed beyond payback or revenge!

But Chloe's not perfect. And I liked that too. She had this compulsive need for everyone to like her and there was some truth to her BFs label of her as self centered. Which probably accounts for her need to talk all the time and how she feels personally responsible for other people's problems as well.

Over the course of the book, Chloe ends up having to work at the school-run radio station and hosts a radio talk-show. She meets a bunch of people who aren't very Chloe-crazy and gets to know them better. She bonds with Duncan, a boy at the station who is in desperate need of cheer and fun. Chloe learns to listen and not to chase away solitude all the time. 

This book was very Chloe-centric. (Which I guess, I should've expected!) It makes sense as the story is told from Chloe's perspective which is probably why there were these really unique and memorable characters like Clem, Hayley, Ms. Lungren and even Mercedes who I would've loved knowing even more about but we only get little peeks into their lives. Still, I loved what I got to know about these characters. Even Brie, the former best friend who gives Chloe hell, seems justified for hating Chloe in her own way. 

Just like Chloe herself, Welcome Caller, This is Chloe is every bit of the cutesy and charming debut it seems to be but also, surprisingly, deals with heavier issues -like drug addiction and Parkinson's- as well. Chloe's grandmother has Parkinson's and the toll it takes on Chloe and her family who struggle to come to terms with it is portrayed well. It's also not very easy to deal with your best friends suddenly hating you. It would make me question the core of myself and even after Chloe makes peace with them, it's obvious that they've outgrown each other. It was a simple yet heart wrenching premise.

Filled with personality, cute shoes, fun and surprises, Welcome Caller, This is Chloe is about a boy in need of laughter, a "princess in skates" who realises that not everybody loves her all the time, a radio station and the coolest grandmother ever. I loved meeting Chloe and I hope you do too!

Publication date: 1st May, 2012
Publisher: ABRAMS/Amulet Books
Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Sunday Post #1

The Sunday Post is a meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer!

~ Inspired by the meme In My Mailbox.~

It's a chance to share news.

A post to recap the past week,

showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up for the week on our blog.

 (Sounds fabulous ♥)

The Sunday Post is my alternative to IMM. I think we've all been given a recap as to what happened by now. Anyway, this sounds like a really fun meme where we get to share everything about our week in blogging! It was so great to get back to book blogging for real after half a month of exams. There is nothing awesomer than having a pile of books to choose from after weeks of being forced to put them aside to study instead!

My week in review

Review: Switched by Amanda Hocking

Review: Download Drama by Celeste O. Norfleet

Review: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa (Blood of Eden, #1) (OMG, so awesome)

I am currently reading

Welcome Caller, This is Chloe by Shelley Coriell

As blinding as Chloe's enthusiasm is, I just want to give her a big hug! She is adorable!

The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

This has been in my Kindle for pretty long. I finally decided to read it and I think I'm falling for Beau Vincent, the badass Vincent boy! And so is Ashton, bahaha!

Intangible by J. Meyers

Just got started on this one. I feel sorry for Luke! I've heard great things about this book, so expecting awesomeness!

And here's my book haul for the week

From NetGalley

Glitch by Heather Anastasiu * Timepiece (Hourglass, #2) by Mira McEntire * Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein* The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland

A big thank you to St. Martin's Griffin, Egmont USA, Disney Hyperion and Penguin Publishing for these awesome books- especially since most of them didn't even have to be requested! I ♥ NetGalley!

Bought

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer * The Selection by Kiera Cass * Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris * Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I can't even pick which book I'm more excited about reading! They are all so fabulous, original and sound so unputdownable!

And don't forget to enter the giveaways going on in my blog (both end on the 30th of April)

• My almost-50 posts and 100 followers giveaway!
• #TeamAbnegation $100 Amazon Gift Card giveaway (Organised by Kathy from I'm A Reader Not a Writer)

That's all for this week! :o)

What are you currently reading? And what books did you get this week?

Review: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa (Blood of Eden, #1)

from goodreads

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity. 

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

review

The Immortal Rules isn't your average story with beautiful vampires and angst for the sake of angst. In fact, The Immortal Rules would probably laugh at the thought of vampires as sexy and alluring! In the world of The Immortal Rules, vampires are thought of as nothing more than bloodsuckers who now rule over most cities. Most humans are registered under them and as a result given meal tickets as long as they attend scheduled blood lettings. Humans who do not register themselves are not as lucky. They are called Unregistered and face prosecution if they are found stealing food and other resources controlled by vampire cities.

I loved how strong the world building was. This is the first book I've read by Julie Kagawa and I was so impressed with the world she created and how she built on it! Kagawa doesn't just give you a comprehensive picture of the world where vampires rule, a result of the Red Lung disease that was wiping out the humans and one idealistic vampire who we get to meet in person, but also leaves traces of life as it once was. Reading is forbidden to most humans and humans are reduced to beings desperate for survival, the most basic need and nothing else. But Allie, the protagonist, was taught by her mother to read and has a book about "four children who go through a wardrobe and into a strange new world."

Little details like this and ruins of hospitals and museums made me wistful and made the world Julie Kagawa created all the more realistic. And there were the vampires themselves who couldn't go out in daylight unless they wanted to waste away in the sun. They had to feed on human blood and in the words of Kanin, the Master vampire who Turned Allie, "Sometime in your life, Allison Sekemoto, you will kill a human being, accidentally, or as a conscious, deliberate act. It is unavoidable. The question is not if it will happen, but, when."

Kanin, Allie's creator turned out to be right about a lot of other things. He plays a pivotal role in this story and I wonder what's in store for him in the later parts of this series. He definitely piqued by interest. There are so many amazing characters in The Immortal Rules- it's not just the protagonist that is well developed! Though Allie is someone you'll grow extremely attached to. She's this kickass newly turned vampire (and she, previously an Unregistered, chose to be Turned due to unavoidable circumstances) who wields a katana! Can it get better than that?

Allie's journey is also not an easy one. It was wonderful to watch her grow beyond a fierce Unregistered fighting for survival to someone who had so much more to fight for and had to make some difficult decisions. Zeke, who Allie eventually falls for, also fascinated me! Ezekiel "Zeke" Crosse had such a complex past that I'm still trying to figure out and rather than ruining him, it made him into a caring, kind person who dares to hope and have faith. The story was filled with characters hardened by the world around them and Zeke was like a breath of fresh air. He is sure to make you weak in the knees!

Towards the end, there was one vampire cliche that had me rolling my eyes a bit and aside from that, I still can't fathom the concept of vampires crying blood tears, but The Immortal Rules mostly, definitely, truly blew me away! Mainly because of the complex and unimaginable world it was set in. Also because of the characters, each with back-stories that fully made them what they were. I couldn't stop reading this book until I reached the last page. Even then, I was left wondering about where Allie and Kanin and Zeke were headed. If you haven't picked up The Immortal Rules yet, I strongly urge you to give it a try! It's post-apocalyptic vampire YA fiction! How is that anything short of ingenious?

Publication date: 24th April, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Source: NetGalley (A big thank you to Harlequin! I never thought I'd get approved for this one. I last-minute requested it and was so happy when I got approved on the 17th!)

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Review: Download Drama by Celeste O. Norfleet

from goodreads

Some people stand back when problems crop up. Kenisha Lewis steps up. And there's a lot that needs fixing, from her family's money worries to the run-down dance studio where she works part-time.When the promo she makes for a dance studio fundraiser goes viral, Kenisha can't believe the response. Who'd have guessed she'd become the latest YouTube sensation—or be asked to star in a video with rapper Taj? And now, Taj wants Kenisha to become her protégée, promising money and fame. Problems solved, right? Not quite. Her exciting new career is taking time away from school, family, friends and her boyfriend, Terrence.… Kenisha is sure she's this close to having what she's always wanted. But how much is she willing to give up to get it?

review

I really enjoyed reading Download Drama because it was just the kind of book I needed to read after an extremely hectic week and reading options that had kind of become the norm as of late. While nothing spells exciting more than a unique and literally out-of-this-world premise, sometimes you need something that keeps you grounded. It's impossible to say just how much I loved getting to know Kenisha Lewis!

In Download Drama, the protagonist, Kenisha, has a lot on her plate. Other than family issues that run deep and problems she has with people in school, there's the video of her practising in the dance studio which wasn't even supposed to have been taken in the first place that goes viral. Kenisha is now a YubeTube sensation and her fifteen minutes of fame also lands her an offer to dance in a music video with rapper Taj who given everything that's been said and heard about her, cannot possibly mean well. Throw in a pretty awesome boyfriend as well as attention from one of the most popular guys in school and you have way too much drama, or do we?

I was surprised at how well grounded Kenisha was. She definitely has her head on her shoulders! Sure, she isn't always that level headed. But for the most part, she tackles situations as they come and at times, shows maturity beyond her years. She is also extremely talented and of course she bursts with happiness when everyone else gets to see how good a dancer she is, though she is initially annoyed when the video of her at the dance studio is out and goes viral. Yet at times, there she is, like every other teenager, engaging in petty fights, angst and the usual high school drama! I love how she could be any other teenager! While I am nothing like her, I know people like her and they are people I'd gladly be friends with.

Download Drama also deals with moving on from grief, family conflict and explores the intricacies of fame. I loved its simple and fluid pace. It was easy to love this book as it was so high school; give or take a few relationships. This book is my normal. At the same time, it did remind me of how shallow and superficial we could sometimes be in high school. While the conclusion was more than satisfactory, there were a couple of loose ends that had me wondering if this book was a series. That was when I found out there were other Kenisha Lewis books that took place before this one, including Pushing Pause and Fast Forward. Oops?

I've never read books out of sequence but I didn't find it confusing or anything to jump right into Download Drama. I'm guessing reading the other books of the series first would've maybe given me more insights into these characters. I am planning to read the other books when I get the chance. It's the kind of series I wouldn't mind investing in! I'm also waiting for a possible next book about Kenisha Lewis because I must know what happened to these lovely characters!

If you're looking for something real, a little light yet with enough substance and personality, do not hesitate to pick up Download Drama. It has some great characters and story lines that are dealt with sensitively!

Publication date: 24th April, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Review: Switched by Amanda Hocking

from goodreads

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…

review

Okay, I must admit that the story is a bit of a blur to me now. I read Switched a few weeks back. But my feelings about this book haven't changed! It feels as awesome as ever and I'm still waiting to get my hands on Torn! Apart from the great reviews Switched received, it was the cover that really grabbed my attention! I loved the pretty orange butterflies against the black-and-white background! The US edition has a brilliant cover as well. Not the kind of cover that's easy to tear my eyes away from!

And it didn't take long for me to know I was going to enjoy reading Switched! Reading the prologue was enough to keep me hooked! It was so intense and in a way, so over-the-top in a good way! Let's just say it involved chocolate cake, a murderous mother and a bratty kid. Wendy (the protagonist and once-bratty kid) didn't make the best first impression- she seemed like trouble in a not-so-flattering way- but I got to like and respect her over the course of the book. I feel like I'm still getting acquainted with her and cannot wait to read more about her in Torn!

I'm new to the concept of changelings. I haven't read or watched as many books or movies on it and so it was great to finally read something on it! But instead of going in the faery path, Switched is all about the trolls! Yes, you heard me right! It's such a well-thought out and unique premise... especially since Switched doesn't have the trolls you usually read about. The trolls in Switched are called Trylle. They have hard-to-tame hair, are extremely intelligent and live in isolation from humans. This isn't another book where another mythical creature is simply prettified for YA. I loved the lore Hocking gave us about Trylle!

I also enjoyed getting to know Finn, who quickly assumes the role of Wendy's protector! He has some difficult decisions to make but there was no doubt about how serious Wendy is about him. I was  intrigued by Queen Ellora, Wendy's birth mother. She's so cold and I kept hoping there was more to her demeanour. Rhys was another character that really made an impact on me! His childhood was complicated by things out of his control and I can't help wondering what's in store for him after Switched! These characters were as compelling as the plot, which is so great because a good series needs that for me to keep reading!

I heard it gets even better in Torn, book two of this series! I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel; which I think says enough about how satisfying a read Switched was! You'll most probably finish reading it in one sitting like I did!

Publication date: 5th January, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Source: Bought
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

In My Mailbox (IMM) #4

 In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren where we showcase the books that have made their way into our lives/bookshelves that week.


I'm so glad my exams are over and I can post regularly again! I've been itching to pick up a book throughout the exam period! Especially with so many amazing books in my TBR pile!

From NetGalley

Goodreads

Goodreads

Thank you Random House Children's Books and Harlequin! I squealed when I got the NetGalley email saying my request to read The Immortal Rules had been approved! I've been wanting to read this book for the longest time. I can't wait- especially with all the amazing reviews this book has gotten!

Won

Goodreads

I won an ecopy of Charming by Susie Kay Lopez in a giveaway hosted by Hilda @ Catch the Lune. Thanks so much, Susie and Hilda! Charming sounds like an amazing read!

For review

Goodreads

I got a copy of Charlinder's Walk for a blog tour organised by Novel Publicity. My stop is on the 29th of May. A BIG thankyou to the author for shipping this book all the way to India! I can't wait to read this book :)

That's all for this week! What's in your mailbox? :)

Don't forget to check out my 100 follower giveaway and the #TeamAbnegation $100 Amazon Gift Code giveaway to promote the release of Insurgent!

$100 Amazon Gift Code giveaway #TeamAbnegation

I haven't been able to post as frequently thanks to The Exams. I have been sort-of lurking on several blogs but I really need to catch up on commenting and reviews! I will return to my usual posting schedule after the 21st, which is when I'm done with exams! Till then, here's an AWESOME Amazon Gift Code giveaway organised by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and hosted by a number of bloggers to promote the release of Insurgent and support Team Abnegation! x)

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

If you have never heard of the Divergent series... you are missing out!

Learn more about the series by going to the publisher's website.

This $100 Amazon Gift Code Giveaway is organised by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and is brought to you by a large group of bloggers who are showing their support for the Divergent Series.

This giveaway is open to anyone 18 or older who can legally receive and use an Amazon Gift Card Code. The Rafflecopter accepts entries from 12:01 AM on April 18th to 11:59 PM on April 30th.

Enter daily to better your chances of winning.

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