Moonlight Book Reviews

Traveling Book Box Update

2012-01-27T21:30:00.000-08:00

The Box has been out for one and a half weeks and has made two stops already! There are so many good books being put in the box, I am super excited for everyone to get their chance to see them! One person took out seven books out of thirteen! Anyways, I have had a handful of new signups and am updating the tour List! Also make sure you check out David and Shannon's posts their blog titles link to them.

If you know what the TBB is skip right to the tour list! If not continue reading!

The Traveling Book Box will be a large box full of books. How many at the moment I don't know and that shall be the surprise! So you receive a box of books then what? Then you take as many books you want out of the box and get to keep those books, but you have to put the same amount of books you took out back in! So the amount of books I start with will be the same amount that the box aways contains. Once you decide what you want to do you must make a post about it on your blog. If you do not have a blog talk to me and we will work it out! In order to participate you must be able to pay for shipping, Its not as bad as it looks standard media shipping is what I suggest! The box to ship out will cost no more than fifteen dollars. Last time I sent it out it was six dollars.You must also get delivery confirmation, if you don't know how to do that it is something you ask for at the post office. If you have anymore questions ask me!

Rules:

E-mail me telling you got the box and asking for the next address.
Take put and put in as many books as you want.
Make a Blog Post
Mail Out Box WITH Delivery Confirmation.
E-mail me The DC code.

So those are the rules if you would like to sign up there is a link below. If you are participating please grab the button I made at the top of the page. Please fill out the following form! Sorry but the box is not international, because shipping costs would me immense.

So far here is the tour list!

David @ From My Bookshelf
Shannon @ Stalking The Bookshelves
Amanda @ Letters Inside Out
Lauren @ Ravishing Reads
Melissa @ My Chaotic Ramblings
Jen @ At Random
Danielle @ No blog
ReaganStar @ Star Shadow Blog
Gale @ Ticket To Anywhere
Erika @ Moonlight Book Reviews (Possible Box Maintenance and Check In)
JL @ An Avid Reader's Musings
Lisa @ Lisa's Loves Books of Course
Elizabeth @ Eli to the nth
Becca @ The Watson kitchen
April @ Book Away
Christie @ The Fiction Enthusiast
Jessica @ Books Like Candy
Tezza @ Spades High Reads
Mindy @ Magical Urban Fantasy Reads
Ariel @ The Librarian's Bookshelf
Erika @ Moonlight Book Reviews (Box Maintenance and Check In)
Heather @ SupaGurl Books
Laura @ The Reading Nook
Laci Crawford @ Blog-O-Rama
Monique @ The Little Reading Nook
Hailie @ No blog
Jesse @ Elle Lit
Michelle @ Hooked To Books
DJ @ DJ's Life In Fiction (AUTHOR)

The next person on the tour could be you!

If you have signed up please grab the button code on the left side of my blog and add it to your blog!!

What's Happening At MBR?!? AND HOT GUY PHOTOS

2012-01-27T12:41:00.000-08:00

Hello Fellow Readers!,

I just wanted to do a quick update so you know what I am up to in the blogging universe.

I just took the plunge and signed up for Klout. Klout measures your influence on the internet, and helps you take your marketing skills to the next level. My current score is a 46, and I hope to raise that throughout the year. You can find me there HERE!

I then have created a facebook page you can now "Like". I keep it up to date, linking all of my posts, and giving updates about what I am doing around the blogosphere. You can find the page HERE!

I have been thinking about using tumblr for awhile now and I recently signed, up! While I haven't spent too much time on it yet, you can expect to find me there a lot on the weekends. MBR on Tumblr HERE!

Then I have found Pintrest. Which is one of my favorite places EVER! I mean the photographs are gorgeous and the ideas are awesome. There are a lot of cool bookish things there as well. I really like that I can make a board just for cute guys!! I mean *cough* for writing research! MBR on Pintrest HERE!

I mean look at this!! So true *sighs*

I know right! I am going to go see The Vow just for you Channing!! *bats eyelashes*

AND feast your eyes on Gale and Peeta looking super fit!!

I took a long break from accepting books for review to catch up on my TBR pile for a couple months as many of you know. As of January I have started accepting books again and am furiously working to get reviews done and scheduled. I also am working with a handful on authors on setting up tour posts, and special interviews and guest posts on my blog.

This past week for the first time I participated on Waiting on Wednesday! I adored it! I have no idea why I didn't do it sooner. You can expect a WoW post every week now!

On another note. I have been accepted to MSU, Marquette University, FSU, Purdue, Detroit Mercy and Loyola University of Chicago. I haven't decided where I want to attend yet, because I am waiting to see what kind of financial aid I will get from them. I am also waiting to see if UofM accepts me and I won't find out if I got into my program until April.

That's what's happening. I am going to go do my IMM now while my hair looks good! ;p

The Awakening by: Karice Bolton (Review)

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

Title: The Awakening
Author: Karice Bolton
Publisher: Purely Persistent
Number of Pages: 320
Date of Release: September 27th, 2011
Summary From Goodreads:

Alone in snowy, remote Whistler village, Ana tries to build a new life since losing her parents. With a cozy condo, a sweet-faced bulldog and an evening job to leave the days free for the slopes, life slips into a great routine. If only she could shake the guilt for not remembering anything about her parents and banish the night terrors that haunt her every dream. On a whim, Ana goes out with Athen, a guy she’s just met in the Grizzly Pub... The only problem is that she feels like she already knows him. Within 48 hours of meeting Athen and his family, Ana’s world implodes. She falls for Athen quickly and before she knows it, a past life begins to resurface. As thrilling as the revelations appear at first, she fights against the chilling information that Athen is from the underworld. Soon she begins to struggle as her own supernatural gifts are slowly unveiled, and she realizes that the nightmares she’s been having might be premonitions and not dreams at all. It is up to Ana to decipher between fact and fiction before it is too late, and her new love, Athen, follows in her same fate - one that is lost between two worlds.

Review: When I first heard of The Awakening, I was seriously intrigued. I mean the summary; I thought would basically be the whole book in a nut shell. It was not, and I am left trying to dissect my love for the characters and the story. The world Karice Bolton has created tore at my heart and I loved every minute of it.

Ana, the main character, is a mystery to the reader until about page fifty. I liked that, because everything about her was raw and pure. As Ana learns more about herself and gains confidence, essentially coming into her own, my loyalty to her grew with every flip of the page. Athen well what can I say is a dream! I mean he has the perfect looks, and miraculously has a personality that is so compassionate and tender yet fierce that he is essentially any girls (or guys if that is your preference, no judgment here) perfect man! Cyril and Arie had intense personalities, and added some comic relief, that had me chuckling at times. I think I need Arie to go shopping with me!!

The four main characters Cyril, Arie, Ana and Athen, all make up a unique family that symbolized the most important thing in life, love. The Awakening focused on a Family that is not a normal human family, and even with the paranormal element, Karice still managed to get the message out to readers not to take your loved ones for granted.

The only slight issue I had, was that I wished there was more dialogue in the book at times. Although I wanted more the description was lovely and made up for it. I really liked that this book wasn’t just boy falls in love with girl, boy saves girl. It was so different from the standard in YA right now that I am shocked to put it lightly. I really didn’t even see the ending coming and that cliffhanger, OH MY GOD!

Fans of Keary Taylor will delight in The Awakening by: Karice Bolton. The novel is definitely a book to be read for any paranormal junkie. I need to get my hands on book two soon!

Right after I finished this book, i was listening to some music, and well, I found the perfect music for this novel.I am not going to go into details on why for each song, because I want you to have the realization when you read the book, and then listen. I also don't want to give anything away. if you want my explanations anyways you can e-mail me or tweet me.

Coincidentally, most of these songs are from my favorite show The Vampire Diaries. I had a chat on Twitter with Karice about these and she agrees with me! The last one is a surprise I just found though!!

Greg Laswell --- Women's Work

Ross Copperman --- Holding On And Letting Go

AND I chose this video, because I love videos like this. Also still fits The Awakening by: Karice Bolton!!

Ron Pope --- You Are My Heaven

I love videos like the last one that have a song, and it fits a relationship so well. I just can't believe how well it fits Anna and Athens! If you want more videos I have them!!

Waiting on Wednesday 1

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. I haven't done a WoW but I think it sounds really fun so I think I am going to adopt it and see how well I like it.

Dead to You by: Lisa McMann February 7th 2012 by Simon Pulse

Ethan was abducted from his front yard when he was just seven years old. Now, at sixteen, he has returned to his family. It's a miracle... at first. Then the tensions start to build. His reintroduction to his old life isn't going smoothly, and his family is tearing apart all over again. If only Ethan could remember something, anything, about his life before, he'd be able to put the pieces back together. But there's something that's keeping his memory blocked. Something unspeakable...

I am so excited for Lisa's newest release!! I have adored The Unwanteds and I want to know what else she has up her sleeve!! Another thing I am excited for is the male pov!! I don't read to many of those that hold my attention, but this summary, has me certain that I will adore it!! I can not wait until February 7th!!!

Clockwork Prince by: Cassandra Clare (Review)

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices#2)

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Number of Pages: 502

Date of Release: December 6^th, 2011

Summary From Goodreads:

In the magical underworld ofVictorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters.But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see herprotector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses herposition, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysteriousMagister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and thefiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on theShadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy thatshattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys frommist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from theslums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truthof her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter aclockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magisterhimself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though herlonging for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. Butsomething is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself iscrumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessathe answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truthleads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed,they can corrupt even the purest heart.

Review: I really never saw the twists andturns in this book as they flew at me. Yes, I thought something weird was goingon with a couple of the characters actions, but I never could of guessed whatthey were doing. There is a certain feeling I noticed when I picked up thisbook, and when I read any of Cassandra’s books, and I finally understood whatit was this time. It feels like I am coming home. That sounds really weird andmaybe a bit cliché, but I know for certain that is what it is now. ClockworkPrince did not disappoint and I relished every turn of the page!

Tessa is likemy perfect character. She is kind, yet she has guts and knows her limits.Cassandra just keeps throwing her into these situations, where she is forced tomake hard decisions and deal with the repercussions of them. Jem, sigh, likemany of you know I am Team Jem all the way. Jem takes on a stronger presence,because Will is always off on his own looking into his past. Will is just asinfuriating, and everyone calls him out on it this time around. Jem isn’t justthe nice pushover friend anymore, he lets everyone around him see all of hisemotions now. Henry and Charlottes relationship comes to a pivotal point of noreturn, and I loved that we got the chance to really get to know them better. Thegreat thing about this book is that even the minor characters seem like maincharacters. Magnus Bane makes several key appearances, and we get to seeanother side of him we didn’t know about in the Mortal instruments.

In the beginningI was a little uncertain where Cassandra was taking this series. I mean a lotof times, authors write a spinoff series on their first series, it does notturn out well. The infernal Devices, is brilliant though and the world isvastly different from the Mortal Instruments, but all the rules are the same.The best part though in Clockwork Prince, was there was not one single boringparagraph recapping what happened in a previous book. I really hate it whenthings have to be recapped, I understand why authors do it, but I am not a fanof it at all.

Then can weplease talk about the literary allusions. I am in love with all of the quotesat the beginning of chapters. I really liked reading them and puzzling out whatwas going to happen next. Then we get a whole talk of A Tale of Two Cities, byCharles Dicken’s, which is one of my favorite books ever. I was bouncing up anddown at the mention of Charles Darnay and my favorite Sydney Carton and histragic love. Cassandra Clare mentioned many other books, but that was one thathit me like WHAM! It is sweet when an author can talk about classics andliterature in her novels for teens, and keep their attention!

I cannot wait to see whatCassandra Clare has up her sleeve next! It is bound to be amazing!!

Brilliant Fan Made Clockwork Prince Videos!!

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

I was on twitter one day minding my own business, and stalking Erica O'Rourke's tweets. When I saw that Cassandra Clare had been tweeting about her fans and the fabulous videos they were making for her books. I remember being a tad bit skeptical, because how do you make a steam-punk, Victorian book into a video?

I mean this one is pretty much the book in video form!!

Clockwork Prince Video (SPOILERS)

See what I mean everyone!! The same person did one for Clockwork Angel, so if you go to her channel you will find it, but this one is my absolute favorite!!

What about you? Do you make fan trailers for books you adore? Do you have some favorite trailers?

Share them in the comments below!!

In My Mailbox 50!!

2012-01-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren !! The point is to showcase the novels and swag that received in the mail that week.

Goodreads Giveaway From Amazon Crossing:

The Copper Sign by: Katia Fox

That is all I received this week, which is good, for I have a lot of reading and review writing that needs to get done!!

Have a fantastic last week of January!!

Night Sky by: Jolene Perry (Cover Reveal)

2012-01-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Night Sky by: Jolene Perry

Publisher: Tribute Books

Date of Release: March 1st 2012

Summary From Goodreads:

After losing Sarah, the friend he’s loved, to some other guy, Jameson meets Sky. Her Native American roots, fluid movements, and need for brutal honesty become addictive fast. This is good. Jameson needs distraction – his dad leaves for another woman, his mom’s walking around like a zombie, and Sarah’s new boyfriend can’t keep his hands off of her.

As he spends time with Sky and learns about her village, her totems, and her friends with drums - she's way more than distraction. Jameson's falling for her fast.

But Sky’s need for honestly somehow doesn’t extend to her life story – and Jameson just may need more than his new girl to keep him distracted from the disaster of his senior year.

My Thoughts:

While I don't read many contemporary books, Night Sky is one that after reading the summary I would pick up and read. the cover is gorgeous and the position of the guy and girl is perfect with what the summary says is going to be taking place. I have seen on GR great reviews of the book, and this is definitely one to put on our TBR lists!!

Head on over to Goodreads to add it to your shelf!

The Priest and the Peaches by: Larry Peterson (Blog Tour and Guest Post)

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today we have Larry Peterson here to do a guest post! i am super excited to have him to talk to us about his writing, to give us insight in how he has created The Priest and The Peaches!

Larry Peterson:

When I began to write "The Priest and The Peaches" it was taking place in the present. The Peach characters were adults, had families and careers and flashbacks were taking place during dialogue that transported the reader back in time. After about 15k words I left it alone for a few days and when I returned and read it I promptly tossed it. It was too confusing the way it was being presented. I mention this because when I tossed it I also tossed several characters that may, down the road, reappear. Actually, at this point in time, I do not remember who they were. Bottom line, I am glad I did it. If I had not I may never have met some of the characters that followed them and are in the book. For example, the antagonist herself, Beatrice Amon may never have been. Other folks like, "Migraine" Magrane and "Fadeaway" Walker, and even Mr. Levinski, aka "Humphrey Pennyworth" I would never have gotten to know. I had a lot of fun interacting with these folks, even if they had minor roles in the story. Oh yes, "Little Red" Coffey. I certainly enjoyed working with him.

You asked what might be five things people do not know. What I have discovered in my brief writing career is the fact that most folks have no idea what the life of a writer entails or the work involved, especially when you write a book. They seem to think that you sit around with a pen in your hand or a keyboard on a big wooden desk that overlooks a pretty lake with swans slowly moving about while you pen or peck away creating fabulous prose. Yeah---right! They do not know about the hours upon hours of re-writes, of editing, of proof-reading and then doing it over again and again. The do not know--well, to be fair, I guess I don't know a lot about their stuff either. I do know this---I'm not about to trade places with anyone.

Goodreads
Larry Peterson's Blog
Larry Peterson on Facebook
Larry Peterson on Twitter

The Priest and the Peaches Book Summary

Historical fiction novel set in the Bronx in the mid-1960s

Take a seven day journey with the five, newly orphaned Peach kids, as they begin their struggle to remain a family while planning their dad's funeral.

They find an ally in the local parish priest, Father Tim Sullivan, who tries his best to guide them through the strange, unchartered and turbulent waters of "grown-up world." A story that is sad, funny, and inspiring as it shows how the power of family love and faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Obsidian by: Jennifer L. Armentrout (Review)

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Obsidian

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Number of Pages: 266

Date of Release: December 6^th, 2011

Summary From Goodreads:

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty muchresigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot ofboring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eeriegreen eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. Butwhen a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of hishand, well, something…unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemieswanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like theVegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close toDaemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

Review: Well as many of you know I adoreJennifer L. Armentrout’s writing! I knew I needed to read this book as soon asI new it was coming out. Obsidian is way different from Jennifer’s Covenantseries, but yet the same in the fact that they both are wonderfully written.Also on a side note, look at that hot piece of man on the cover!! I appreciatewhoever found that model ;P

Katy ispretty awesome, and we have one huge thing in common, we both blog about books.Her obsession and devotion toward the written word, was captured perfectly, andthe life of a blogger, was portrayed accurately. Okay there are even momentswhen she talks about the pain she fills in writing negative reviews. I couldtalk all day about how I love Katy, but I have to move on. Daemon is kind of adouche, and you know what every single person in the book, and those who haveread it I know would agree with me. It is infuriating when we get a glimpse thathe is a compassionate person and then he goes and does something stupid. Thewhole life saving though, pretty much makes up for most of his character flaws,and I know Katy thinks that too. Anyways I picture Daemon to look EXACTLY likethat fine specimen of man on the cover. Have I mentioned that I think he is hotyet?

So the plotwas fast paced, but slow in the key places that it needed to be to develop thecharacters and add some more world building. I really wish the novel waslonger, because while it was the standard benchmark it seems in YA lately of266 pages, I still needed more. I am dying here with need for more of Daemonand Kat. Also can we take a detour and mention Daemon’s sister, she is prettyamazing, and I wish I had a friend like her. The only thing you can comparethis novel to is I Am Number Four, and Obsidian in my opinion did the wholeAlien concept ten times better. So let’s give it a movie already!! Obsidian isone of the best books I have read in the YA sci/fi and Jennifer L. Armentrouthas proven yet again she is a force to be reckoned with in the writing world.

Oddily by: Linda Pohring (Review)

2012-01-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Oddily

Author: Linda Pohring

Number of Pages: 264

Date of Release: April 25^th, 2011

Summary From Goodreads:

There are three things the shy, awkward Oddily knows forsure.

She would rather be anyone other than herself…
She wants to fit in at school…
And strange things are happening to her.

For Oddily, she tries to keep an open mind…
But what she discovers is too unbelievable to think about…
Too magical too consider, and too dangerous to ignore.

Oddily becomes trapped in a love story like no other.

Review: That cover is so gut wrenching in away. I love the girl on it and how vulnerable she looks, coincidentally thistied right into the story. While I enjoyed Oddily, I had a few things that kindof made it a tad bit boring. So much so that I read super fast, instead ofsavoring every word.

I reallyliked Oddily, but I did not like the situations she was written in to. Hercharacter itself, was done very well, but the world she was inserted intolacked the depth that was needed to draw me in. Although I do like Oddily, Idid not like the way even after she was transformed, she kept saying how uglyshe was, it was kind of taken too far and got to be very annoying. Maxim waswritten super well also, he had the emotion, and depth that I love in makecharacters, the best part was his sincerity. He handled the world he wasinserted into well, but really could have been taken to another level, I justdidn’t see it.

So I reallyliked the characters for the most part. This novel has the making to bebrilliant. It has a great concept, except it went off into the wrong direction.I think that really if you stripped the concept and characters down to the bareminimum and wrote your own story around that, the it would be brilliant. Whatwould probably also fix the novel, was if it had been edited more extensively andhad more beta readers. That being said, I enjoyed the originality and cannotwait to see what Linda dreams up next.

Entice by: Carrie Jones (Review)

2012-01-16T15:55:00.000-08:00

Title: Entice (Need #3)

Author: Carrie Jones

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Number of Pages: 264

Date of Release: January 3^rd, 2011

Summary From Goodreads:

Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever.
But that's not quite how things have worked out.

For starters, well, Nick is dead.
Supposedly, he's been taken to a mythic place for warriors known as Valhalla,so Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. But it's taking time,and meanwhile a group of evil pixies is devastating Bedford, with more teensgoing missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys needall the warriors they can find. But how to get to Valhalla?

And even if Zara and her friends discover the way, there's that other smallproblem: Zara's been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to gowith her? Especially since she hasn't just turned...she's Astley's queen.

Review: Entice had a lot to live up to afterthe ending of Captivate. I was really excited to get my hands on this book, butmy excitement was crushed sadly. The cover is perfect for the novel and stayswith the theme of the series, nice job designers!

Well, Ireally enjoyed Zara as a character up until this book. She fell flat, and whileshe claimed to be strong, she did a lot of complaining, and things that wereanything but strong. I understand that she was going through a lot, but I reallydid not enjoy the personality she showed in this installment. Astley on theother hand is a god and I wish Zara would see that. Maybe my trust is misplaced,but I would trust him with my life. It is really cool how Carrie Jones, wasable to make this connection there for me.

The plot wasall over the place, while there was a clear ending that we were being led to,there was a ton of veering, that had me skimming the pages. When I sayskimming, I really mean fast reading, when I really enjoy a book, my sightlingers on every sentence and sometimes, I read things twice, because thewriting is just that good. I was in a rush to finish this book, because it didn’thold my attention at all.

While thisbook wasn’t as good as the first two, I still like the series. Carrie was thefirst person to introduce me to Faeries, and I will be forever in her debt forthat!

In My Mailbox 49

2012-01-15T14:53:00.000-08:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren !! The point is to showcase the novels and swag that received in the mail that week.

Bought:
I got carried away! I actually did not by Sweep vol. 1. I read it, finished it and had to race into town after school before the snow storm hit to get the next one that were stocked in the store, because I needed more!! Coincidentally, I finished the first three and have one left... which means I need the last one vol. 5 so I bought it on amazon last night. Cate Tiernan is turning me into a crazy person!!

Sweep vol. 2 (Dark Magic, Awakening, Spellbound) by: Cate Tiernan
Sweep vol. 3 (The Calling, Changeling, Strife) by: Cate Tiernan
Sweep vol. 4. (Seeker, Origins, Eclipse) by: Cate Tiernan

Teen Book Scene Tours:

Katana by: Cole Gibson

Thank you Kari you are made of awesome!

From the Author:

Darkness by: Joann I. Martin Sowles + SWAG
Awakening by: Karice Bolton
Promises by: Amber Garr

You guys are too sweet! xoxo

From Spencer Hill Press:

Pure by: Jennifer L. Armentrout
SUPER COOL SWAG

THANK YOU SPENCER HILL PRESS!!!

Traveling Book Box 2.0 (Sign up and Tour Schedule)

2012-01-13T14:51:00.000-08:00

The TBB is heading out across the country again!!

Rules:

E-mail me telling you got the box and asking for the next address.
Take put and put in as many books as you want.
Make a Blog Post
Mail Out Box WITH Delivery Confirmation.
E-mail me The DC code.

So far here is the tour list!

David @ From My Bookshelf
Shannon @ Stalking The Bookshelves
Amanda @ Letters Inside Out
Lauren @ Ravishing Reads
Melissa @ My Chaotic Ramblings
Jen @ At Random
Danielle @ No blog
ReaganStar @ Star Shadow Blog
Gale @ Ticket To Anywhere
JL @ An Avid Reader's Musings
Lisa @ Lisa's Loves Books of Course
Elizabeth @ Eli to the nth
Becca @ The Watson kitchen
April @ Book Away
Christie @ The Fiction Enthusiast
Jessica @ Books Like Candy
Tezza @ Spades High Reads
Mindy @ Magical Urban Fantasy Reads
Ariel @ The Librarian's Bookshelf

The next person on the tour could be you!

If you have signed up please grab the button code on the left side of my blog and add it to your blog!!

Tempest by: Julie Cross (Trailer)

2012-01-13T13:57:00.000-08:00

Summary:

The year is 2009. Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps– it’s just harmless fun.

That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future. Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.

But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler. Recruit… or kill him.

A success in the making: Pre-empted by Summit Entertainment (producers of Twilight) for feature film, with foreign rights sold in more than a dozen countries, Tempest, on sale January 17, is the first book in the buzzed about Tempest series by Julie Cross.

“Julie Cross's thrilling debut is brimming with excitement, romance, and intrigue. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!” —Beth Revis, New York Times bestselling author of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE

Read the first 4 chapters of TEMPEST by Julie Cross now at http://on.fb.me/AoQyaQ

Giveaway Winners

2012-01-08T15:21:00.000-08:00

I have finally gotten the chance to go to random number generator and see who has won the following contests!! So without any more talking, because I know you just want to know if you have won here are the winners names!

End of 2011 Giveaway

#12 Memrie ARC's of Eve and Skyship Academy (both signed)

#4 Meribeth ARC's of Shut Out and Outside In (both signed)

#Half Blood Legion Contest

#2 Jessirae

#3 Karina

More giveaways coming! I have a birthday coming up!!

Happy Reading!!

Hold The Phone!!

2012-01-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS!?!?

I have seen people doing book apps, and I just felt meh about them. BUT anything with that has Richelle Meads name on it, you all know I am game for! Especially if it will get me closer to Bloodlines!! Sydney was my favorite female character of 2011, in case you missed that post! i am so excited!! I can not wait to use, this I hope it loves up to the hype!

In other news... Who saw the Bloodrose trailer on ABC Family during PLL?!? How do you feel about book trailers, as commercials? Do you think it helps reach out to a larger fan base or is it a waste of time? Let's get talking!

Bloodrose by: Andrea Cremer (Review)

2012-01-02T14:38:00.000-08:00

Title: Bloodrose (Nightshade #3)

Author: Andrea Cremer

Publisher: Philomel

Number of Pages: January 3^rd, 2012

Date of Release: 414

Summary From Goodreads:

The Ultimate Sacrifice.

Calla has always welcomed war. But now that the final battle is upon her,there’s more at stake than fighting. There’s saving Ren, even if it incursShay’s wrath. There’s keeping Ansel safe, even if he’s been branded a traitor.There’s proving herself as the pack’s alpha, facing unnamable horrors, andridding the world of the Keepers’ magic once and for all. And then there’sdeciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is.

In the final installment of the Nightshade trilogy, New York Times bestsellingauthor Andrea Cremer creates a novel with twists and turns that will keep youon the edge of your seat until its final pages. A dynamic end to thisbreathtaking trilogy.

Review: Okay let me have a moment. OH MY GODANDREA CREMER!!! Alright let me try to express how I feel about this book. Thisbooks cover is my favorite out of all the new designs and I adore it. I knewthis books was going to be good, but I didn’t know it was going to shattereverything that I knew in the novels!! I mean there were more than one shut thefront door moments AND they were way more than just shut the front door worthy.Don’t worry this review will be spoiler free.

Calla willforever be one of my favorite heroines, and my love of her was further cementedin Bloodrose. There is something about the way she thinks that is just pure rawuncensored emotion. Shay was just as fine, and as I saw his character develop,I realized any love for him I no longer held. I am fully a TEAM REN member now!Well you know I was after Wolfsbane, but you know when I started reading thisone, I just knew Ren was the boy for me! Anyways, I love the way that Ren isshown as this steely eyed, strong character yet in his eyes you know that thereis something there that is tender and kind.

I am reallyupset about this novel. I really was completely blindsided but what occurred.Never in my whole mind would I have thought or ever had a waking thought thatANY author or novel would end this way. I mean there is something intensely bittersweetabout the ending, and while I know most might not like the ending. I have toapplaud Andrea for the beauty of it. It really got me thinking about all thenovels I have read, and opened this door in my mind I never knew was shut tocompletely new possibilities!

Andrea Cremeris one of the greatest authors in YA today and whatever she pens is pure magic.

In My Mailbox 48 New Years Edition

2011-12-31T21:30:00.000-08:00

Bought:
Clockwork Prince by: Cassandra Clare Goodreads
Touch of Frost by: Jennifer Estep Goodreads
Kiss of Frost by: Jennifer Estep Goodreads

Happy New Years!!!

End of 2011 Book Survey!

2011-12-31T18:01:00.000-08:00

So I saw this at The Story Sirenwho added some of her own questions to the survey and she found it at The Perpetual Page Turner! I liked it and thought it would be a fantastic way to wrap up my reading in 2011!!

1. Best Book Read

This one is so hard but there at a few standouts I can think of off the top of my mind!! Torn by Erika O'Rourke, Bloodlines by Richelle Mead, Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Anfelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton, A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford and Divergent by Veronica Roth!

Words can not express how much I loved these novels and if you saw in my reviews I failed to do them justice.

2. Most Disappointing Book/Book You Wish You Loved More Than You Did

I was so excited to read Blood and Flowers by Penny Blubaugh and then I couldn't finish it. The book had so much potential which is why I requested it from Harper but I really could not get into it all all and it is one of the few books I couldn't finish this year.

3. Most Surprising (in a good way) Book

Hades by: Alexandra Adornetto, I wasn't sure where Alexandra would take this book, and was biting my nails with worry. I actually did not expect at all what happened and Alexandra's fresh voice is what made the book!

4. Book(s) You Recommended to People Most

Well I recommended a ton of books this year but here are just a few: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead, Torn by Erica O'Rourke, The Hunger Games by Suzzane Collins, Eden by Keary Taylor and the Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver!

5. Best Series You Discovered

I started a lot of new series in 2011 but here are just a couple Demon Trappers Daughter Series by Janna Oliver and The Covenant Series by: Jennifer L. Armentrout !

6. Best Book That Was Out of Your Comfort Zone

Ah well let me think about it...... I would have to see A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines.

7. Most Thrilling, Unputdownable Book

I don't have to think too hard about this one Bloodlines by Richelle Mead.

8. Book(s) You Most Anticipated

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer, Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton, The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa.

9. Favorite Cover of a Book You Read

Across The Universe by Beth Revis and The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen

10. Most Memorable Character

This one was really hard but I went with Sydney from Bloodlines by: Richelle Mead, because I can not get enough of her.

11. Most Beautifully Written Book Read

Hunted by DJ DeSmyter, there was something about how DJ strung each sentence and paragraph together that was so effortless!

12. Book You Can’t Believe You Waited Until 2011 to Finally Read

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead, I was so scared of how the series would end that I didn't read it until the middle of the year when it came out in December.

13. The Books that Didn’t Get Enough Buzz, but are FABULOUS

Torn by:Erica O'Rourke, Eden by Keary Taylor, The Demon Trappers Daughter by Jana Oliver, the Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen and Obsidian by: Jennifer L. Armentrout

14. Books I Wish I Had Gotten Around to Read this Year

Wither by: Lauren DeStefano, Matched by Ally Condie and The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

15. Favorite NON-YA Book

A Tale of Two Cities by: Charles Dickens and Night by: Elie Wiesel

16. Book That you can't stop thinking about

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead GIVE ME MORE RICHELLE!! The wait is killing me until The Golden Lily and I have even thought about going into cryo so that wait isn't so painful!!

Half Blood Legion is at it again!

2011-12-30T09:08:00.000-08:00

Well today is match 27, Alex of Jennifer L. Armentrouts Half-Blood is paired against Katniss of the Hunger Games! I honestly like both characters, but where sometimes Katniss was cold hearted, Alex is not, which is why I am going to be voting for Alex!! I am extending the contest to win the first two copies of the series until the 2nd of January at midnight. To enter click on the link on the left sidebar. Also Momo at Books Over Boys is also extending her contest so make sure to check it out!!

Also JLA is again offering us prizes!! And they are big!!

250 votes: a teaser from Pure

500 votes: a teaser from Onyx

750 votes: a teaser from Pure and Onyx

1,000 votes: a POV from Daemon (Obsidian)

And that's not all.

1250 votes: a teaser from Seth's POV in Pure

1500 votes: a teaser from Shadows.

WINNING votes: a teaser from Pure, Shadows, Onyx, and Cursed

AND

And for every 1000 votes, JLA will give away an ARC of Pure, up to 6000 votes

- ARC will be given away on Twitter

I would kill for a copy of PURE!!! I mean who wouldn't!?!?

I decided to share some of my favorite non spoiler quotes from Half-Blood to show why you need to vote for Alex!!

“I was gonna be super pissed in the afterlife if I died a virgin in this crap hole.”

“You better have had a baby, killed someone, or slept with a pure. Those are your three options. Anything less is unsuitable.”

“Okay. I’m ready to move onto something else, like practicing with knives or defense against the dark arts. Cool things.”
“Did you just quote Harry Potter?”

“Seth glanced back over his shoulder at the door. “Alex, you’re starting to worry me. Insult me… or something.”

“ALEX: “How come you smile when you knock me down?”

AIDEN: “It’s the little things that make me happy.”

See its this witty dialogue that makes Alex the easy winner!! GO HERE! To vote!

Radiant Shadows by: Melissa Marr (Review)

2011-12-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Radiant Shadows (Wicked lovely #4)

Author: Melissa Marr

Publisher: Harper Collins

Number of Pages: 340

Date of Release: April 20^th, 2010

Summary From Goodreads:

Hunger for nourishment.
Hunger for touch.
Hunger to belong.

Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers.
Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies,including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries'coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War.Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, hewill be the instrument of Ani's death.

Ani isn't one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. Shehas the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin's plans—andhis life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and tofear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperilsthe whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other?

Review: Alrighty so I really appreciate whenthe cover matches what the book is about, and this cover does in a stunningway. I am just going to come right out and say I did something super stupid. I accidentallyread this one before the previous one *head desk*. This made the first fiftypages super confusing but when I got into it I was fine. I don’t know how I didthat but I did so yeah. I am going to go back and read book three before Ifinish the series though.

I reallyenjoyed Delvin and Ani’s povs in the novel and how we got to read both of them.Reading about the high court made me realize that the courts I thought were inpower really aren’t. I think Ani is amazing because she is one of a kind yet,knows who she is and can handle herself. That being said I loved Devlin eventhough he was an assassin, bad Erika. As always the novel touched on the basicinsticts and needs of human nature in a way where it never even came out andsaid it.

While Ink Exchangeis still my favorite in the series Radiant Shadows is a very close second. Ifind these books to be incredibly dark and creepy, and I like that because itshow that faeries are dangerous not cute things with glitter. I really hope Ididn’t just offend any pixies out there with that last sentence.

The growthAni went through emotionally and physically was really stunning that Marr wasable to portray it in her writing making her readers fall even more in lovewith every flip of the page. Melissa Marr has further cemented her gift ofcreating dark mysterious worlds and haunting characters.

DAC 2011 Wrap Up

2011-12-29T19:30:00.000-08:00

Qualifying Books:

Books must be a Young Adult or Middle Grade novel.
DO NOTE: Just because a book has a teen character or is about a teen, does not mean that it is necessarily a Young Adult novel.
This must be the authors debut with a release date in 2011. They cannot have a prior middle grade or young adult title released.
If an author has a previous novel published under adult fiction/nonfiction or children's fiction/nonfiction, they can still qualify for the challenge if they are releasing their YA or MG debut.

MY 2011 PICKS:

Across The Universe by: Beth Revis REVIEW
Vesper: A Deviants Novel by: Jeff Sampsen REVIEW
Angelfire by: Courtney Allison Moulton REVIEW
A Touch Mortal by: Leah Clifford REVIEW
The Iron Witch by: Karen Mahoney REVIEW
Blood Magic by: Tessa Gratton REVIEW
The Emerald Atlas by: John Stephens REVIEW
Starcrossed by: Josephine Angelini REVIEW
Fallen Angel by: Heather Terrell REVIEW
Griffins Rising by: Darby Kachut REVIEW
The Demon Trappers Daughter by: Jana Oliver REVIEW
Shades of Atlantis by: Carol Oates REVIEW
Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale by: Ramona Wray REVIEW
Divergent by: Veronica Roth REVIEW
The Near Witch by: Victoria Schwab REVIEW
Cold Kiss by: Amy Garvey REVIEW
Torn by: Erica O'Rourke REVIEW
Spellbound by: Cara Lynn Shultz REVIEW

Well I ended up adding a few more titles to my original list, but this year I realized that most of the books I do read are debuts for an author.

If you look there is a Tab on the top of my blog that will lead you to the DAC page I set up. When I made that Tab I put the date 2011 on it. *head desk* SO I am going to be working on a new blog design because I have to fix that anyways and that is linked within a bunch of other stuff. To not get into all the confusing stuff.

I am going to be participating in this challenge again for I really enjoyed it. It gave my reading a direction and I don't think any of these authors let me down at all. in fact many are now all time favorites of mine!!

Desired Books 14

2011-12-29T19:01:00.000-08:00

Title: Until Next Time

Author: Amy Lignor

Publisher: Tribute Books

Summary From Goodreads:

How does a girl choose between the one who steals her heart and the one who owns her soul?

Matt and Emily were created for a specific job. Raised and trained as the ultimate angel/warrior team, they are sent down to save, defend, judge and forgive, depending on the 'life' they've been assigned. What they don't realize is that the power of human emotions, such as love, anger, passion and fear can take over even the best of souls, causing them to make mistakes and follow paths that lead to confusion and heartache.

When the reason for their training is finally revealed, the angel/warrior team find themselves thrust into a world they know nothing about. Matt takes over the life of Daniel, a young man with a great deal of baggage. Emily becomes Liz, a girl living in a remote village who relies on nothing more than her own strength to survive. A violent storm erupts one night, and framed in the window of Liz's establishment is a frightening face. Let in by the soul of a Good Samaritan, the two visitors bring with them a past full of secrets that could literally change an angel's path and a warrior's plans.

From murder to redemption, this angel/warrior team must find a way to keep the faith they have in each other in a world that's ripping them apart.

My Thoughts: AHH!! I live for books like this one!! The cover is super cool, and the colors and texture are striking. This is one of Tribute Books first YA novels being published in the upcoming year and I am dieing to get my hands on it. From the sounds of the novel i think Tribute is very in touch with what readers want and I can not wait to see what Amy Lignor and Tribute Books has in store for us!!

Visit The Goodreads Page to add it to your TBR piles!!

Name of the Star by: Maureen Johnson (Review)

2011-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

Title: The Name of the Star

Author: Maureen Johnson

Publisher: Putnam

Number of Pages: 372

Date of Release: September 29^th, 2011

Summary From Goodreads:

The day Louisiana teenager RoryDeveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the startof a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will beremembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city,gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than acentury ago.

Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-dayLondon, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one.Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is theonly one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time,didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And moreurgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seatthriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth aboutthe secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

Review: MaureenJohnson has done so many great this in this novel. First the whole retelling ofthe Jack the Ripper case was done phenomenally, and I was riveted by the wayshe told it. Next, not many writers capture the essence of real boarding schoollife and Maureen has, she doesn't embellish anything and I appreciated that.Then I really enjoyed the whole paranormal element, that I don't want to get toointo, because I don't want to give anything away. Also the cover is so freakingcool and fits into the story perfectly. Finally there was no shortage of hot guys!! ;P

I want to get into the novel more thanI can. BUT you have to know the things I am not saying are crazy insane andsweet! Maureen Johnson steps into this genre with a bang like a big bang almostlike she created a whole new universe. Well she kind of did but oh goodness Iam rambling sorry. I really liked the whole American girl transplanted intoEngland. All the new things Rory is stunned by are entirely believable, becauseI went through the same things when I stayed there!! Rory was the perfectcharacter and I mean it. She didn’t do any of that self-loathing stuff thatgets so annoying in the genre. Maureen weaves these really funny sentences inthe novel that is witty and I don’t know how she does it. I really liked theminor characters she created they were all vastly different, but complementedone another perfectly.

Okay so I really want Rory to end upwith this one guy and not the guy that she currently is sort of seeing no matterhow cute that one is. I really like that guy and wish he was real, don’t Ialways though *stares off dreamily* You guys do not want to miss this novel itis one of my favorites this year!!

Starcrossed by: Josephine Angelini (Review)

2011-12-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Starcrossed

Author: Josephine Angelini

Publisher: Harper Teen

Number of Pages: 487

Date of Release: May 31^st, 2011

Summary From Goodreads:

How do you defy destiny?
Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide howdifferent she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket.And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helenwaking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At schoolshe's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . andwhen Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowingthey're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist onrepeating throughout history.
As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some mythsare more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defythe forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear themapart.

Review: I lovedthis novel. I usually am leery of modern day retelling of classics but,Josephine Angelini hit this one out of the ballpark. I would know I justfinished the Illiad and the Odyssey this past month. Which made reading thisnovel even more enjoyable. Absolutely hands down recommend this novel to anyoneand everyone!!!

The cover is so freaking pretty and Helenlooks like a goddess!! Another thing that is just something random; Who hasever read a book with the MC named Helen? I know I haven’t. Which is crazy thename is super pretty!! Anyways I loved Helen’s personality and reluctance tofollow what fate has destined for her. Lucas was sweet yet so totally hopeless.He is a romantic at heart and wanted to protect Helen which is admirable, butHelen is strong and fought constantly to be her own person.

Like I mentioned before I have neverread a novel that was a retelling like Starcrossed that was done so well.Angelini has done Homer justice!! It is so freaking cool to read classics andthen have a YA novel build on what you know in a completely different kind ofnovel.

The things that were revealed were hugeand I think my jaw hit the floor a few times. It didn’t matter that I had readthe novel before it was still a shock. This being said you do not have to readthe classics to enjoy the novels at all.

Josephine Angelini has created aremarkable story that drew me in and has me pleading for the next installment.

Don't Breath a Word by: Holly Cupala (This or That Guest Post)

2011-12-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hello, Erika and readers, and thanks for inviting me to Moonlight Book Reviews to chat about Don’t Breathe a Word, which releases in just a few days on January 3rd!

It’s the summer before senior year when Joy reaches a breaking point—from her life-threatening asthma, from her family’s smothering, from the boyfriend who crushes her. She runs away to the streets of Seattle, where she meets new friends who teach her how to live…and Creed, who teaches her about love. When her new life is threatened, she must make a choice—speak up and save a life, or stay silent and lose someone she cares about most.

Erika has asked Joy to tell us a few of her This or Thats, so without further ado, here is Joy:

1. Bad Boys or Preppy?

Definitely Bad Boy…until I realized the bad boy could be worse than I ever imagined.

The calmness in his grey, grey eyes conflicted with the set of his jaw, made even sharper by the flickering glow.” I don’t care if anyone else knows…I only care if you know, Joy.”

2. Coffee or Tea?

In the land of Starbucks? A latte with a splash of almond…but I’ll take some of May’s watery grounds and cream if I have to.

I popped off the top to inspect the contents—brownish water with a few floating bits and a swirl of cream—and took a cautious sip. Hot, bitter, with a hint of grit.

“Not bad,” I said.

“Not bad? That’s some quality brew, ‘Burbs.”

3. Kittens or Puppies?

Neither, since dog or cat fur could send me to the hospital. But I have a weakness for Santos’s ferret.

A tiny striped face popped out of Santos’s hoodie—the infamous ferret. It crawled up onto his shoulder in one fluid movement and wrinkled its nose at me, as if I were the stinky one.

4. Love at first sight or Love that grows over time?

I used to think love came from the kind of fire that could burn with its quickness and heat. Now I’m not so sure.

Creed never explained to Santos and May where I’d come from, and they didn’t seem to recognize me. And when we curled up together on the dingy mattress, I thought about how he made me feel safe but not crushed. He sang himself—and now me—to sleep.

I could fall for someone like that.

5. E-books or Physical books?

Library books!

May went back to reading by candlelight. A library sticker wrapped around the spine.

“What kind of person steals from the library?” I asked.

“FYI: I am a card-carrying member of the Seattle Public Library,” she replied.

8. Popcorn or Candy?

Ice cream.

I wanted to ask him more, but he stopped short on the sidewalk and took my hand with the ice cream cone.

Slowly, he lifted it to his mouth. Closed his eyes. I wondered if he could feel my frantic heartbeat just by holding my hand. He took a taste and let out a sigh of pleasure. I could feel the echo in my own body.

“Mmmm. I haven’t had bubble gum in a long time.”

7. Early Mornings or Late Nights?

I’d take a morning with Creed over night with Asher, now and forever.

I couldn’t imagine what could be worse than what happened that night, but I was sure Asher could.

8. The truth even if it hurts, or a lie?

Truth or a lie…that was the choice I had to make.

I could see the kind of force operating here that kept all of them together. At home, they clipped my wings and then caged me so I couldn’t fall. Here, they bandaged one another’s’ broken wings, helped each other fly. Telling them the truth would expel me forever.

Thank you, Erika, for inviting Joy to your blog, and I hope readers enjoy Don’t Breathe a Word. Check out the review today at Proud Book Nerd, and see a vid of the Seattle locations that inspired DBAW over at Chica Reader. And follow the tour at {Teen} Book Scene for all kinds of chances to win books and swag!

Other Links:

Goodreads Giveaway

Official Website

Pre-Order on Amazon

Pre-Order on IndieBound

TELL ME A SECRET Available now from HarperTeen

DON’T BREATHE A WORD Coming 1.3.2012

“Nothing has hit me so hard since Laurie Halse Anderson’s SPEAK.”
~Stephanie Kuehnert, author of BALLADS OF SUBURBIA

Shatter Me by: Tahereh Mafi (Review)

2011-12-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Shatter Me

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Publisher: Harper Teen

Number of Pages: 338

Date of Release: November 15^th, 2011

Summary From Goodreads:

Juliette hasn't touchedanyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked herup for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as shedoesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumblingto pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying thepopulation, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds arethe wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so theythrew Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors arewhispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Julietteis more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactlywhat they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Orbe a warrior.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superherostory as thrilling as The X-Men. Fullof pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and originaldystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiouslyawaiting its sequel.

Review: Okay Tahereh you have blown my mind!!The way you wrote the novel is like nothing I have ever read before. The thingsthat were crossed out but still readable let us see into Juliette’s inner mostthoughts letting us get to know her even better. Shatter Me is a book that willbe an instant hit with any dystopian lover.

Juliette fromthe very first page, we read was lonely and that is a very relate-able thing thatwe readers can relate to. I was scared for her and actually felt that I was inthe cell with her. Then we Adam, and I don’t get why he is there at all and heseems to be a grade A jerk. I really like the interaction between Juliette andAdam as the novel progresses even after we get that huge freaking bombshell Ididn’t see coming and get to see the outside world Tahereh Mafi has created.That world was intense, and painted in shades of grey, yet the emotions of thepeople lit the world up like the fourth of July. The politics with Warner and thewhole sector thing was intricate and I applaud Tahereh for being able toeffortlessly work that in.

As these tinynuggets of information is revealed throughout the book they explode intomassive revelations. Which is crazy and intense and I loved it!! The whole notbeing able to touch thing I think would be so horrid and my heart ached forJuliette and the love she was never able to have. I think the coolest part ofthe novel is the whole well military aspect. I am not going to say what,because frankly spoilers suck. This is something I haven’t seen done in YAbefore and you know what it was pretty awesome and I am going to say it madethe novel even hotter. Uhuh I went there.Oh and if anyone has read this novel andknows a guy like Adam.... please send him my way *wink*.

Okay thatending was like scream worthy and I am not going to lie my book went flyingacross the room. I felt so sorry and then proceeded to hug and cradle it. I’mweird I know. This book is so freaking good I need the next one ASAP. Buy itnow with your new Christmas money!!!

The Mephisto Covenant by: Trinity Faegen (Review)

2011-12-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Title: The Mephisto Covenant

Author: Trinity Faegen

Publisher: Egmont

Number of Pages: 439

Date of Release: September 27^th, 2011

Summary From Goodreads:

Sasha is desperate to find out who murdered her father. Whengetting the answer means pledging her soul to Eryx, she unlocks a secret thatputs her in grave danger—Sasha is Anabo, a daughter of Eve, and Eryx’s biggestthreat.

A son of Hell, immortal, and bound to Earth forever, Jax looks for redemptionin the Mephisto Covenant—God’s promise he will find peace in the love of anAnabo. After a thousand years, he’s finally found the girl he’s been searchingfor: Sasha.

With the threat of Eryx looming, Jax has to keep Sasha safe and win her over.But can he? Will Sasha love him and give up her mortal life?

Review: OH MY GOD!! I NEED ONE OF THESE BOYS!!! I adored this book so freaking much. I thought the concept was brilliant and the love wasn't cheesy. The action was intense and held my attention. Can not wait for the next book! Trinity is my new home girl!

I love everything and I meaneverything about this novel. The cover is spectacular and I could stare at itfor hours and I probably have. I met Trinity in NYC this past summer, but Ihadn’t read TMC yet and now I can’t believe I was so close to her she is amazing!!The Mephisto Covenant pulled at my heart and had me on the edge of my seat witheach flip of the page.

Sasha, I didn’tunderstand in the first few pages, I thought she was reckless and didn’t getit. When I read in a few more pages it all made sense and my heart went out forher and her situation. Then that scene in the warehouse happened and I was likeshut the front door no freaking way who are these gorgeous bad boys. Whichleads me to the next point I want to talk about. Every character in this novelhas a background complex and yet endearing. We don’t understand them and yet thereis a promise that we will in the future which is what I love.

The mythologyis breathtaking and done like no other author has before. Trinity has takenAjax and the Mephisto and made it her own, instantly gaining my respect. Thefunny thing is after I read this novel, I found like little bits of thismythology everywhere I looked. I can’t believe I had missed it all before.

Jax was wella little annoying but entirely sincere and endearing which made up for itcompletely. I need to find a guy like him *sigh*. Well maybe I can I just needa birthmark and one of his brothers to find me!! Well a girl can hope can’tshe!!

This novel isintense and I mean it. There is never a moment you can relax, which is greatbecause I couldn’t stop reading and even though it was a school night I stayedup into the squeaky hours of the morning. I didn’t even regret it the next dayas I walked around like a zombie and dragged my butt through that horrid milepacer in PE *Shudder*. I can’t express how much I think you need to read thisnovel. I am starving for the next Trinity has promised me will come fromanother brothers point of view!! Deffinitly a book you will not want to miss!!

Blood Magic by: Tessa Gratton (Review)

2011-12-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Blood Magic
Author: Tessa Gratton
Publisher: Random House
Number of Pages: 405
Date of Release: May 24th, 2011
Synopsis From Goodreads:

It starts off simply.

Draw a circle ... place a dead leaf in the center ... sprinkle some salt ... recite a little Latin ... add a drop of blood ...

Maybe that last part isn't exactly simple. Yet somehow it feels right to Silla Kennicott. And nothing in her life has felt remotely right since her parents' horrific deaths. She's willing to do anything to uncover the truth about her family—even try a few spells from the mysterious book that arrived on her doorstep ... and spill some blood.

The book isn't the only recent arrival in Silla's life. There's Nick Pardee, the new guy next door who may have seen Silla casting a spell. She's not sure what he saw and is afraid to find out. But as they spend more time together, Silla realizes this may not be Nick's first encounter with Blood Magic. Brought together by a combination of fate and chemistry, Silla and Nick can't deny their attraction. And they can't ignore the dark presence lurking nearby—waiting to reclaim the book and all its power.

Tessa Gratton's intoxicating first novel will keep pulses racing, minds reeling, and pages turning right up to the very last drop of blood.

In My Mailbox 47 Christmas Edition

2011-12-25T12:38:00.000-08:00

In My Mailbox or otherwise known as IMM was inspired by Alea and hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, one of my favorite book blogs out there and Kristi is very helpful!

Bought:
Obsidian by: Jennifer L. Armentrout GOODREADS
Oddily by: Linda Pohring GOODREADSk
Branded by: Keary Taylor GOODREADS
Touch of Power by: Maria V. Snyder GOODREADS

Merry Christmas and Happy Reading!!

Merry Christmas!! (Giveaway) (Update)

2011-12-25T11:10:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is enjoying their time with family and friends during this time and is getting in some reading time. I know I am! I have been have a ton of trouble sleeping, so since I can't sleep I have been reading.

Many of you have noticed that I have been doing a ton of vlogs lately; reviews, announcements etc. I am not quitting writing reviews or anything like that, I just have a ton of reviews to get in before the end of the year, ten to be exact, and am switching things up a bit to give a bit more

variety in my content.

I have a couple of giveaway news to announce as well right now!!

The winner of my contest during The Thirteen Days of Doctor Who Blog Hop is...

#6. NATALIE of (Mindful Musings)

As always I put the number of entrants into random number generator and it chose #6.

Looky Looky!! Well Alex, Half-Blood, won in the Heroine Tourney during the last match against Rose, Vampire Academy, this past Friday. if you were on twitter you saw me blowing up your tweet feed and I got put in twitter jail twice!! Anyways in the post announcing the match up I said that if Alex one I would give two people a copy of Daimon and Half - Blood!! which I adored and you can find my reviews in the archive. So as always I am good on my promises and here is how you can enter. The contest is open internationally wherever Amazon and the Book Depository ships. The contest ends on December 30th at midnight CST. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post. following is not necessary for this giveaway, but as always very appreciated.

Jennifer L. Armentrout promised us things if you can remember if we hit a certain number of votes, and then if we won the match up. Everything she promised was super hot and like I had to fan myself and take a few breaths to get my heart rate back into control!!

500 VOTES: If Alex reaches 500 votes, I will give you a juicy scene from Pure. It involves a pool, but will be edited to avoid spoilers.

MR: You guys can find that HERE. Prepare yourself!!

750 VOTES: If Alex gets 750 votes, I will give you Chapter 16 from Half-Blood in Aiden's POV. Yes, that chapter.

MR: Okay and this scene is even hotter than the pool scene!! Check it out HERE!

1000 VOTES: If Alex gets 1000 votes, I will give you Chapter 26 from Obsidian in Daemon's POV.

Yes, that chapter.

MR: Well I just finished Obsidian so I still have to go read this, BUT if the trend I see continues you may want a defibrillator nearby!! Head on over HERE!

WINNING VOTES: If Alex wins against Rose, I will write a very lengthy scene/basically a freaking novella from Aiden's POV about a trip he and Leon took that involved searching down a certain daimon that got away at the end of Half-Blood. Now. If she wins, all of this will take me some time, of course.

MR: Well we have won, but this hasn't gone up yet, because JLA is celebrating obviously!! BUT she did give us the cover of the Lux novel #2 Shadows!! I love it and now i need to know what is in the novel after reading Obsidian which is a total OMG shut the front door moment!!

Look at the prettiness HERE!!

Have a fantastic Christmas everyone!!

XOXO,

Erika Stroup

Blood Red Road by: Moira Young (Review)

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Blood Red Road
Author: Moira Young
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Number of Pages: 459
Date of Release: June 7th, 2011
Synopsis From Goodreads:
Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.

Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.

Blood Red Road has a searing pace, a poetically minimal writing style, violent action, and an epic love story. Moira Young is one of the most promising and startling new voices in teen fiction.

Carrier of The Mark by: Leigh Fallon (Review)

2011-12-24T12:26:00.000-08:00

Title: Carrier of The Mark
Author: Leigh Fallon
Publisher: Harper Teen
Number of Pages: 342
Date of Release: October 4th, 2011
Synopsis From Goodreads:

From the moment she sets foot at her new school in Ireland, Megan is inexplicably drawn to the darkly handsome Adam DeRis. But Megan soon discovers that her feelings for Adam are tied to a supernatural fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that unites them could be their ultimate destruction.

This electrifying debut novel was first discovered on inkpop.com. the online community for aspiring writers. THE CARRIER OF THE MARK sizzles with unbridled romance, a unique supernatural hook, and a breathtaking Irish setting, and will entice fans of the Need series by Carrie Jones and the House of Night series by P. C. and Kristin Cast.

Kiss of Night by: Debbie Viguie (Review)

2011-12-24T12:22:00.000-08:00

Title: Kiss of Night
Author: Debbie Viguie
Publisher: FaithWords
Number of Pages: 304
Date of Release: October 7th, 2011
Synopsis From Goodreads:

Centuries ago, Raphael was a blasphemous knight who fought in the Crusades purely for his own mercenary benefit, and to satisfy his taste for killing. Now, condemned for his evil passions and hypocrisy, he wanders the earth a vampire, cursed with first-hand knowledge of the supernatural world he once denied existed. The powerful relic he still possesses from his days as a Crusader has been stolen by a rival vampire who has recruited an army of soulless underlings to aid him in spreading evil. At the time he learns this, Raphael has been hunting this vampire for nearly a century, and it seems the final battle is destined to take place in Prague.br For help in this quest, Raphael must enlist the aid of two humans, David and Susan, who suddenly find themselves immersed in a world they never imagined, entangled with supernatural forces they can't control. Susan, in particular, finds herself conflicted as she struggles with her inexplicable attraction to Raphael. In the end, both Susan and Raphael will be called upon to exercise courage and faith, and in the process, the question, "What would happen if a vampire truly accepted God?" is answered.

End of 2011 Signed Novels Giveaway!!

2011-12-23T17:05:00.000-08:00

Okay so you heard me right I am giving away three ARCS and one paperback. Granted the arcs are old, but the novels are still great and they are signed! I am going to do two winners for this contest. The first one gets to pick two novels he/she wants and the second person gets the remainder. On top of the novels I have some swag I am going to throw in and I have a lot of swag so those people are going to get a ton of it!! The contest runs from now until January 1st at midnight. And it is open international to everyone!!

I haven't made it required this year at all but for this contest you must be a follower of the blog to enter.

Click HERE TO ENTER!

Happy Reading!!

YA Heroine Tourney! (Alex of Half-Blood Needs You)(Giveaway)

2011-12-22T21:49:00.000-08:00

Well the The YA Sisterhood is at it again pitting our favorite characters against one another for some epic battles. This time around though it's all about the females! Check out the bracket below for the match ups and winners so far!

Some of the winners I have to say have shocked me, but really I am not surprised because these characters have some pretty sweet advocates who will do just about anythig to get your vote and proving why their Heroine is the best. (Side note: every time I type heroine i feel like i am talking about drugs)

The match I need to talk about today is Alex (Half-Blood) and Rose (Vampire Academy). All I can to day is that is going to be one heck of a battle.

The advocate for Alex who is Momo from Books Over Boys is doing a spectacular job swaying me to the Alex side! I will talk why I am leaning towards Team Alex below but need to get some more info out there!!

OH MY GOD!! Alright so Jennifer L. Armentrout just said this about the contest and I am freaking out here!!

500 VOTES: If Alex reaches 500 votes, I will give you a juicy scene from Pure. It involves a pool, but will be edited to avoid spoilers.

750 VOTES: If Alex gets 750 votes, I will give you Chapter 16 from Half-Blood in Aiden's POV. Yes, that chapter.

1000 VOTES: If Alex gets 1000 votes, I will give you Chapter 26 from Obsidian in Daemon's POV.

Yes, that chapter.

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR. Okay so the whole juicy scene from Pure is like amazing but that scene from chapter 16 is ahhh I need Aiden St. Delpi's point of view on that scene like I need air. People I am not being dramatic!! While I haven't read obsidian (its in the mail) I really think I will want that scene as well. Also the final prize of winning is like something that I want super badly right now.

Alrighty so why am I so into Alex and not Rose?

Okay well I kind of think it is a hard choice, and I have thought about this match in great length. I have read all the VA novels and the first two of JLA novels, so I had the necessary info needed. I think alex is better developed in the first novel than Rose was throughout the whole VA series. The fact that I could relate to Alex pretty much sealed the package. Alex was vulnerable but held her own and didn't give in and still was able to retain friends and build relationships. Which is why I am voting for Alex. YOU NEED TO TO!

Momo is giving away a copy of Daimon, Half-Blood and a pre-order of Pure on her blog in honor of the Tourney so make sure you go and check it out!!

The stakes are high and I know that you guys know it so make sure you go to the YA Sisterhood and vote now!!

As a side note if Alex wins the tournament I will be giving away a copy of Daimon and Half-Blood to two winners! That post will be later!

Blog Designer Needed

2011-12-20T16:45:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking long and hard about this and have come up with a couple of things.

I either need a new design or I need to update my current one ie the menu bar, social networking buttons, and tweet link on posts.

I need a whole new design altogether. I really adore my design my favorite part is the name coming out of the candle, and i would love to incorporate this into a new design. The layout will either have two or three column I have no preference anymore. I would love to keep a fantasy, steampunk element to the blog but mainstream it more with updating ways to be more social networking friendly.

If you would like to work with me please e-mail me at moonlightbookreviews@gmail.com !

I have a bit of trepidation on changing the whole design, but change is good right?!?

Shadowspell by: Jenna Black (Review)

2011-12-20T16:26:00.000-08:00

Title: Shadowspell (Faeriewalker #2)
Author: Jenna Black
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Number of Pages: 295
Date of Release: January 4th, 2011
Summary From Goodreads:
On top of spending most of her time in a bunkerlike safe house and having her dates hijacked by a formidable Fae bodyguard, Faeriewalker Dana Hathaway is in for some more bad news: the Erlking and his pack of murderous minions known as the Wild Hunt have descended upon Avalon. With his homicidal appetite and immortal powers, the Erlking has long been the nightmare of the Fae realm. A fragile treaty with the Faerie Queen, sealed with a mysterious spell, is the one thing that keeps him from hunting unchecked in Avalon, the only place on Earth where humans and Fae live together. Which means Dana's in trouble, since it's common knowledge that the Faerie Queen wants her -- and her rare Faeriewalker powers -- dead. The smoldering, sexy Erlking's got his sights set on Dana, but does he only seek to kill her, or does he have something much darker in mind?

Beautiful Creatures by: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl (Review)

2011-12-20T16:20:00.001-08:00

I look like death in this video sorry about that my fibro is pretty awful right now and I haven't been sleeping.

Title: Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles #1)
Author: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Number of Pages: 563
Date of Release: December 1st, 2009
Summary From Goodreads:
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

MTV's Best YA Novel of 2011!

2011-12-20T04:29:00.000-08:00

I normally just tweet about things like this BUT I think that this is something really wuick that we can all do to show are love for your favorite book of 2011. MTV is doing this poll for the best YA novel of 2011 and while quite a few of my favorites were missing, I still struggled picking my favorite of the year from the list. It was fun going through the list and reflecting on where I was when I read that novel and how I felt. That is the beauty of things like these polls which is why you should always participate!

Anyways you have until December 25th so go get your vote on!!

LINK

I am not sharing my favorite, but let me know what your guesses are below.

Meanwhile I am TEN reviews behind!! BAD ME!! Not sure how I let this happen but I need to fix it before the end of the year!!

Happy reading!!

Every Other Day by: Jennifer Lynn Barnes (Review)

2011-12-18T12:07:00.000-08:00

Title: Every Other Day

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Publisher: Egmont USA

Number of Pages: 352

Date of Release: December 27^th,2011

Summary FromGoodreads:

Everyother day, Kali D'Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to publichigh school. She attends pep rallies. She's human.

And then every day in between . . . She's something else entirely.

Though she still looks like herself, every twenty-four hours predatoryinstincts take over and Kali becomes a feared demon-hunter with the undeniableurge to hunt, trap, and kill zombies, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures.Kali has no idea why she is the way she is, but she gives in to instinct anyway.Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism.

When Kali notices a mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, sheknows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of these creatures.Kali has twenty-four hours to save her and, unfortunately, she'll have to do itas a human.

Review: I am a huge fan ofJennifer Lynn Barnes’s writing and when I saw the summary for this novel, Iliterally could not wait to read this book! The cover is stunning andcompliments the novel perfectly. Every Other Day brings a whole new concept tothe paranormal genre and will leave fans of Jennifer’s Raised by Wolves seriesbegging for more.

Ilove everything about Kali, especially her name she shares with the goddess ofdestruction. It was intriguing watching her be the predator one minute and preythe next. It led to a lot of character analysis that really gets the readingthinking about what makes Kali tick. To not give anything away I will just saythat I loved all the minor characters as well, because they all brought anotherelement specific to them to the story that had me laughing and crying.

Whileat first glance the world Kali lives in is very similar to what we know oftoday. As we delve deeper in the story we see that while there are manysimilarities, there are some key things that changed in the past that have ledto major repercussions on this new world. I found this world to be shocking yetI found that it could have been entirely possible in this day. That is whatpretty much made the novel the fact that the setting was so believable.

Ihighly recommend this novel to my readers. If you like novels with wild twistsand turns, and action Every Other Day is the novel for you.

The Book Wish Foundation (Aspiring Writers)

2011-12-17T12:56:00.000-08:00

I was recently contacted by Logan Kleinwaks the President of this foundation and was impressed with what they are doing to aid literacy efforts. I was even more excited when the contests that they have for aspiring authors are also very informative about current events in struggling countries. So I want to share a little bit of information on the contests and you can decide for yourselves if you want to enter. I know a lot of you guys love to write like me and this is a phenomenal opportunity for you!

"Aspiring YA writers: win a literary agent or acclaimed author's feedback on your unpublished manuscript. This rare opportunity is being offered to the six winners of an essay contest recently announced by the literacy charity Book Wish Foundation. See http://bookwish.org/contest for full details. Open to U.S. residents age 13+.

You could win a manuscript critique from:

Laura Langlie, literary agent for Meg Cabot

Nancy Gallt, literary agent for Jeanne DuPrau

Brenda Bowen, literary agent and editor of Karen Hesse's Newbery Medal winner Out of the Dust

Ann M. Martin, winner of the Newbery Honor for A Corner of the Universe

Francisco X. Stork, winner of the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award for The Last Summer of the Death Warriors

Cynthia Voigt, winner of the Newbery Medal for Dicey's Song and the Newbery Honor for A Solitary Blue

All that separates you from this prize is a 500-word essay about a short story in Book Wish Foundation's new YA anthology, What You Wish For. Essays are due Feb. 1, 2012 and winners will be announced around Mar. 1, 2012. If you win, you will have six months to submit the first 50 pages of your YA (or middle grade) manuscript for critique (which means you can enter the contest even if you haven't finished, or started, your manuscript). You can even enter multiple times, with essays about more than one of the contest stories, for a chance to win up to six critiques.

If you dream of being a published YA author, this is an opportunity you should not miss. To enter, follow the instructions at http://bookwish.org/contest."

The Anti - Social Network by: Sadie Hayes (Review)

2011-12-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

Title: The Anti – Social Network (Start – Up # 2)

Author: Sadie Hayes

Publisher: Backlit Fiction LLC

Number of Pages: 66

Date of Release: October 22^nd,2011

Summary FromGoodreads:

The Dory twins grew up with nothing. Now on the verge ofhaving everything, their fledgling company—built on Amelia’s intellect andAdam’s ambition—threatens to be torn apart by new, powerful enemies and old,malicious ones.

The Anti-Social Network is the second episode in The Start-Up series, afast-paced and exciting serial story.

Review: If you haven’t readmy review of The Start – Up #1, head on over HERE!

Well,first off this series is classified as a serial series meaning that eachnovella comes out about every month and is rather short. It’s kind of like a tvepisode in that sense and like the first novel TASN had a huge cliffhanger.

Onething I really like about the novel is that it has this whole nerd factor goingon with Amelia and her coding yet it all gets glammed up in the setting ofStanford and Silicon Valley. It also is a higher YA novel, because of thecollege scene which I love, because it’s where I am at in my life right now.

Anyways,can anybody believe , I am going to keep this spoiler free, that the one girlis having an affair with that guy! AND he has the balls to say he wants to stayengaged to the other girl!?!? I mean I can’t! Also I love how Amelia is stillstaying true to her beliefs of not getting all corrupted, but it is becomingincreasingly more difficult with billionaires offering her money if she sellsout. Oh, and my favorite part she has a nerdy love interest that is beginning toblossom.

Iknow that last paragraph was really vague, but the novel is so explosive thatif I go into any more details the OMG moments will be ruined for you!! I definitely recommend this series!

The Start - Up by: Sadie Hayes (Review)

2011-12-17T10:58:00.000-08:00

Title:The Start - Up

Author:Sadie Hayes

Numberof Pages: 90

Dateof Release: October 17^th,2011

SummaryFrom Goodreads:

Whena college freshman's breakthrough software program catapults her into thelimelight, she and her twin brother must navigate a treacherous world of money,power, and envy: Silicon Valley.

In a world of tweets, apps, and mobile games, The Start-Up is a fast-paced andexciting serial story with a new episode released each month.

Review: I think there is something magical aboutthe world Sadie Hayes has created in her first novel. I don’t really ever readrealistic fiction, because I can’t get into it, because the personalities ofthe characters I can never connect to. With The Start - Up I loved every minute and flip of the page.

Ireally love programming and coding so Amelia was my favorite of the twins. Herwhole concept of writing a code for an iphone app, that was super complicatedand worth millions, but wanting none of the money, really hit me. The moralstandards she kept and wanting not to be tainted by the evils of Silicon Valleywas very interesting to read about.

Hertwin brother Adam is like the polar opposite of Amelia. He doesn’t like beinglooked down on as a scholarship student at Stanford, and will do anything and Imean literally anything to show them he is worth their attention. It was kindasad to read about him, but the reality is that is a very natural human instinctand can be seen almost anywhere.

ThenSadie throws in the complicated romantic elements, and like wolla I was hooked.Its not one of these elements she puts together that makes the book a good readits all of them. This book is kind of like gossip girl, but without so many ofthe annoying rich snobs. I definitely recommend this novel!!

the Thirteen Days of Doctor Who (Tour Stop and Giveaway)

2011-12-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

(Banner by Studio D)

Fwoop Fwoop *steps out of Tardis* I think this tour is just about the most fantastic thing in the world the only thing that might rival it is a fork bracelet *cough cough mom*!! So as many of you guys no I am pretty much addicted to Doctor Who. If it is going to be on hold the phone, because unless it is an emergency or life shattering event, I will be in front of the t.v. on Saturday nights at 9pm. Most of the time by around 9:55pm my jaw is on the floor because somehow the show has yet again baffled me and the ending was so shut the front door worthy!!

Anyways I am specifically going to talk about is the whole Season Six with the eleventh doctor.

Spoilers of the first part of Season Six below. you have been warned! *exterminate* (sorry couldn't help myself)

Okay so it all started with the Rebel Flesh. In which this awful acid stuff needed to be contained and these gangers were able to make a copy of a persons body and allow the original person to inhabit it without fear of dying for if the did they would return to their original body. Well a lot of freaky things happened during couple episodes there. I am trying to keep this brief, because if you are reading this you know what happened, because you watched it. Well anyways somehow Amy becomes a Ganger and no one ever knows and the continue their travels until this point. It all built to this pivotal point.

From The Almost People:

The Doctor: I said, breathe, Pond. Remember? Well. Breathe.
Amy: Why?
The Doctor: Breathe. {she has a stomach cramp}
Rory: What's wrong with her?
The Doctor: Get her into the TARDIS.
Rory: Doctor, what is happening to her?
The Doctor: Contractions.
Rory: Contractions?
She's going into labor.
Amy: What did he say? No, no no. Of course he didn't. Rory, I don't like this.
Rory: You're going to have to start explaining some of this to me, Doctor.
The Doctor: What, the birds and the bees? She's having a baby. I needed to see the Flesh in its early days. That's why I scanned it, that's why we were there in the first place. I was going to drop you off for fish and chips first. But things happened and there was stuff and shenanigans. {to himself} Beautiful word. Shenanigans.
The Doctor: I needed enough information to block the signal to the Flesh.
Amy: What signal?
The Doctor: The signal to you.
Amy: Doctor?
The Doctor: Stand away from her Rory.
Rory: Why? No and why?
The Doctor: Given what we've learned I'll be as humane as I can but I need to do this and you need to stand away!
Amy: Doctor I am frightened. I'm properly, properly scared.
The Doctor: Don't be, hold on. We're coming for you, I swear. Whatever happens, however hard, however far, we will find you.
Amy: I'm right here.
The Doctor: No you're not. You haven't been here for a long long time.
Amy: Oh no. {he melts her}.
Eye Patch Lady: Well dear. You're ready to pop, aren't you? Little one's on its way. Here it comes. Push...

I mean a total hold the phone moment right?!? Anyways the point I am getting at is that we all watched the whole show to this point believing Amy was well, Amy. the only thing we knew was off was that the doctor kept looking at a monitor and scanning to see if she was pregnant, which was weird but, we all were not expecting the whole you are here in mind but not body thing.

I know its weird but, really once you get past that their is a whole different message to doctor who after you watch it. the fact you don't know what is happening and then their is flashbacks that show you what really went down like in The Big Bang. All goes to show nothing is ever what it seems. Which is a lesson the show is trying to get across to its viewers. Never take anything for face value, always assume something is wrong and most importantly ask questions, don't ever follow blindly!!

Yes Matt Smith you can keep giving me that sexy pose! If you read this in River Songs voice you know you are a true Doctor Who Fan!! I know I am :P

Giveaways:

Grand Prize Tour Giveaway!

Win the complete sixth season of Doctor Who!!!

To enter the grand prize giveaway, please leave a comment with your name and email address. You may enter once at every stop on the blog tour for a total of thirteen chances. The Grand Prize giveaway is limited to the US and Canada, due to regional restrictions on the DVD. Individual contest will close at the discretion of the author, but the Grand Prize contest will accept entries on any site until midnight CST on December 24th. We will post the winner on December 25th, and notify the winner via email.

Moonlight Giveaway!!

Alright everyone if you watch my video specifically the one I rap in you got to saw that really cool Tardis hat my sister made for me!! She sells them in her Etsy store, and I have gotten her to make one for my giveaway. Also on the Etsy Listing, it's me modeling it! I always knew I should have been a model...

For more views of the hat head on over here!

Anyways the rules are the same except you will only be entered if you comment on my site! The time allowed for entry and date of announcement is the same.

Good luck and have a great time on the tour!

Head on over to Phoebe North to read her post on "The Doctor As Anti-Hero" Tomorrow December 17th!!

The Thirteen Days of Doctor Who (Tour Schedule)

2011-12-14T17:57:00.000-08:00

(Baner by Studio D)

I am very excited for this tour!! It is day three already I can't get enough of each persons post! Not to mention the fabulous Whovian prizes that are being given away. More information on at each stop and on my tour stop!! Have fun Hopping!!

December 12
Erica O'Rourke: The Moment I Fell In Love With The Doctor
www.ericaorourke.typepad.com

December 13
Eliza Evans: Vincent and the Doctor
www.elizaevans.com

December 14th
Allie Pleiter
www.alliepleiter.com

December 15
Sarah Enni: The Doctor and How He Changes His Companions' Lives
www.sarahenni.com

December 16
Erika Stroup: In Who, Nothing Is Ever What It Seems
www.moonlightbookreviews.com

December 17
Phoebe North: The Doctor As Anti-Hero
www.phoebenorth.com

December 18
Clara Kensie: Who Would Win -- The Doctor vs. Other Famous Doctors
http://clarakensie.tumblr.com/

December 19
Kim Samsin: The Missing Piece In Every DW Alien Species
Http://www.thedeepolddesk.com

December 20
Patricia Riley (and blogmates): The First Time I Met The Doctor
http://tangledupinwords.blogspot.com/

December 21
Ryann Murphy: Music In Doctor Who
http://ryannmurphy.com/

December 22
Lisa Bigelow: Must Love Doctor Who
http://lisajennbigelow.com/

December 23
Pamala Knight: Neil Gaiman and the Allegory of the TARDIS
http://pamalaknight.blogspot.com/

December 24
Beckybrarian: Growing Up With The Doctor
http://www.libridilectio.com/

December 25
The Drawing!
www.ericaorourke.typepad.com

Shattered Dreams by: Ellie James (Upcoming Release)

2011-12-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Shattered Dreams

Author: Ellie James

Publisher: St Martin's Griffin

Release Date: December 6th, 2011

Synopsis From Goodreads:

"Sixteen-year-old Trinity Monsour wants nothing more than to live a normal life. But that isn’t as easy as it seems. Trinity is different. She is special. She sees visions, and for those she’s seen, it’s already too late.

Trinity arrives on her aunt's doorstep in New Orleans with virtually no knowledge of her mysterious heritage. She begins settling into life at a new school and even starts making friends. But all too quickly her dreams accelerate; twisted, terrifying visions of a girl locked in a dark room. And when the head cheerleader, Jessica, goes missing, Trinity knows she has no choice but to step forward with what she's seen.

But people believe that Trinity has information about Jessica's disappearance not because of a dream, but because she is involved. She is kind-of dating Jessica's ex-boyfriend, Chase, and Jessica did pull a nasty prank on Trinity. Revenge seems like the likeliest scenario.

Nothing prepares Trinity for the dark odyssey that ensues while searching for Jessica, including the surprising romance she finds with Chase, or the shocking truths she learns, not just about the girl who has gone missing, but the past that has been hidden from her."

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I wanted to give everyone a heads up on this release, because I haven't seen it on very many other blogs and it looks like something right up my alley. Make sure if you want to get it to call ahead and pre-order it for the 6th so they have it in store!!

Happy Reading!

Also check out these links for more information:

Goodreads

Ellie's Website

Facebook Fan Page