This awesome survey was created by the lovely Jasmine at Flip that Page, and after reading Jasprit's over at The Reader's Den, I felt like it was the perfect way to round up my favourite (and least favourite) books. For those of you that know me, you also know that I love Harry Potter, so I figure this is a win-win. 

If you want to play along, too, it's simple enough! Take the spells from Harry Potter and answer the prompts about books you've read...Today's part one of the survey involves books I, personally, would like to cast some serious spells on. So, without further ado, here we go.

Reparo

Fixes damaged objects

A Book that Needs Some Serious Fixing: Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts. This one, sadly, fell into that "beautiful cover, terrible book" trap. It had so much potential, but it really fell flat for me.

Lumos

Creates a narrow beam of light

A Book That Deserves More Attention: Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis. Just when I thought that the dystopian genre was dead, this one really revived my faith in the potential for the genre, as a whole.

Nox

Counters the effects of Lumos

An Over-hyped Book: Losing it by Cora Carmack. I finally tried it the other day, and guys, it just wasn't for me. Holy hype over a book that just didn't work for me.

Accio

Summons an object from a significant distance

A Book You're Highly Anticipating: The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkowski. I just got this one in the mail, and I cannot wait to read the entire thing! Here's hoping the story lives up to its gorgeous cover.

Expecto Patronum

Conjures an incarnation of positive feelings

A Book That Made You Cry, or Want to Cry: Hate List by Jennifer Brown. Holy feels, guys. This book isn't what I would ever consider a feel-good novel, but wow. It is remarkable.

Morsmordre

Conjures the Dark Mark

A Book You'd Like to Mark as One of Your Favourites: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. I devoured this book in two and a half hours on an airplane. And yes, I cried like an infant.

Petrificus Totalus

Petrifies your victim

A Book You'd Like to Keep Forever: Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle. It doesn't matter how many times I read this book. I just keep coming back for more. If you haven't read it yet, please do!

Protego

Shield Charm

An Intimidating Book You Keep Putting Off: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I know. I know I've failed in not reading this book, but there are only so many feels I can take!

Riddikulus

Used against a Boggart

A Book with a Deceiving Synopsis: Fault Line by Christa Desir. I thought this was going to be a powerful, profound and emotional read, but it was just this cluttered, graphic and uncomfortable book for me.

Wingardium Leviosa 

Levitates objects

A Book You'd Like to Re-Read: The Summer Series by Jenny Han. I really enjoyed it, which was so very unlike me, so I'd love to try it again and see what exactly is so magical about these books.

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

Stay tuned for the second installment tomorrow, guys! Tomorrow is all about those books that have cast their spell on me (whether that's good, or bad!) 

Title: Tumble & Fall
Author: Alexandra Coutts (Twitter)
Publisher: FSG BYR
Publish Date: September 17, 2013
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 384
Source: Publisher:

The world is living in the shadow of oncoming disaster. An asteroid is set to strike the earth in just one week’s time; catastrophe is unavoidable. The question isn’t how to save the world—the question is, what to do with the time that's left? Against this stark backdrop, three island teens wrestle with intertwining stories of love, friendship and family—all with the ultimate stakes at hand.

Alexandra Coutts's Tumble & Fall is a powerful story of courage, love and hope at the end of the world.

The world is on the brink of disaster. There is nothing that can be done, nothing that can be changed and three teens are forced to find a way to live their entire lives in their final days. Sienna's life has been non-stop drama, and for once in her life, she might just not want to die. Zan is still coming to terms with the fact that her boyfriend, Leo, is dead. But she's finally found a reason to live...at the end of days. Caden's about to be reintroduced to the father he's never really known. How do you live out your life when there's only 7 days left?

In a world where people are utterly fascinated by the possibility or probability of the end of days, Tumble & Fall leaps into a coveted place on the market. Offering readers a solid premise, a cover that should be envied by many a cover (and author) out there and talented writer at the helm, this book has all the makings of excellence. Alexandra Coutts has set the stage for a fantastic drama full of life, love and the desire to survive.

Now, before I go any further, I have to be honest and say that I actually debated even writing this review. However, as it was provided as a review copy, I feel the need to offer up to my readers some unblemished honesty. Tumble & Fall, despite having all the facets of an incredible story setup, simply did not work for me. We're given three distinct points of view - that of Sienna, Zan and Caden - and for the first time ever, I can honestly say that not one of them worked for me. Sienna was probably the most plausible of the three, as she's recovering from severe depression, but the utter flakiness and impulsiveness of her character was jarring. Plus, let's add in the fact that she's known her new love interest, Owen, for a very short period of time before she decides she's in love with him. Oh, and for the record, Owen is building an ark...which will totally not save them from an asteroid. I struggled with Zan's character because, while I can understand the depth of her loss and loneliness, her epic scavenger hunt to find some hidden message from her dead boyfriend as the world's ending just didn't seem remotely plausible to me. Caden's story, if possible, was by far the least plausible (or enjoyable) for me. His absent father returns at the end of time to abduct him and treat him to all the things they've missed out on? I can see that being accomplished without forcible abduction. Here's the thing, guys. The writing in Tumble & Fall is not bad. In fact, it's fluid and engaging. The story, however, lacks the same charm and quality as the writing, itself. I would expect far more urgency and drama in an end of the world scenario. Instead, we have this overwhelming sense of denial, and a lackluster sense of doom & gloom where everyone seems more keen to enjoy the beach then spend true, quality time together.

All in all, Tumble & Fall just didn't speak to me. I wish so badly that it did because it really did have all the makings of a good book, but it really fell flat. I hesitated reviewing it because I can't offer a good review, but I do encourage readers to make their own decisions regardless of my opinion. I give it a 2 out of 5, and this is appropriate for the YA crowd.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Tumble & Fall
Author: Alexandra Coutts
Publisher: FSG BYR
Publish Date: September 17, 2013
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Romance
Pages: 384

The world is living in the shadow of oncoming disaster. An asteroid is set to strike the earth in just one week’s time; catastrophe is unavoidable. The question isn’t how to save the world—the question is, what to do with the time that's left?

Against this stark backdrop, three island teens wrestle with intertwining stories of love, friendship and family—all with the ultimate stakes at hand.

First and foremost, let's take a look at that cover. Ok, now wipe the drool off your face. Am I right?! Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts is gorgeous. Second, it's got this cool, sci-fi, end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it vibe going on, which reminds me vaguely of Life As We Knew It, which is one of my favourite books. Add in romance, a twisting storyline, multiple character arcs, and I'm sold. I can't wait for this one! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?