Moonlight Book Reviews

Sundial Kindle Edition Exclusive!!

2012-02-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

As many of you know from reading my review of Sundial, I loved the novel. From the breathtaking cover to the intricate plot Sundial captured my attention.

To go directly to Sundial's website head on over HERE!

OR

You can head on over and download Sundial to your e-reader or kindle app right now! Go HERE!

This special exclusive is only going on today so make sure you get on it and grab it!

To read my review head HERE!

Waiting on Wednesday #5

2012-02-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

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

Darkness Before Dawn by: J.A. London, May 9th 2012,

by HarperTeen

This electrifying new trilogy blends the best of paranormal and dystopian storytelling in a world where the war is over. And the vampires won.

Humans huddle in their walled cities, supplying blood in exchange for safety. But not even that is guaranteed. Dawn has lost her entire family and now reluctantly serves as the delegate to Lord Valentine, the most powerful vampire for miles. It isn’t until she meets Victor, Valentine’s son, that she realizes not all vampires are monsters....

Darkness Before Dawn is a fresh new story with captivating characters, unexpected plot twists, a fascinating setting, and a compelling voice. Written under the name J. A. London by a talented mother-son team, the trilogy is perfect for fans of True Blood and the House of Night and Morganville Vampires series.

Isn't the cover just gorgeous!! I love the flowing dress and contrast of dark and light tones. At first glimpse I think of Fallen by: Lauren Kate, but those covers were gorgeous and I love the direction this cover has taken with the summary. Now many people are sick of girls with dresses on covers of books, and you know what I don't care. As long as cover artists keep giving us such breathtaking images, I see nothing wrong with it. I love dystopian and vampires so Darkness Before Dawn is right up my alley! I can not wait to get my hands on it!

A Tale of Two Cities by: Charles Dickens (Review)

2012-02-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Title: A Tale of Two Cities

Author: Charles Dickens

Date of Release: 1859
Number of Pages: 489
Summary:

'Liberty, equality, fraternity, or death; -- the last, much the easiest to bestow, O Guillotine!'

After eighteen years as a political prisoner in the Bastille, the ageing Doctor Manette is finally released and reunited with his daughter in England. There the lives of two very different men, Charles Darnay, an exiled French aristocrat, and Sydney Carton, a disreputable but brilliant English lawyer, become enmeshed through their love for Lucie Manette. From the tranquil roads of London, they are drawn against their will to the vengeful, bloodstained streets of Paris at the height of the Reign of Terror, and they soon fall under the lethal shadow of La Guillotine.

Disclaimer: Well this review is a tad bit different from my others. I wrote this originally for extra credit and to fill my time in one of my classes. So in the review I am pretending to be a reviewer when the novel was first published!

Book Review for the Times of London.

The latest installment Dickens has added to his repertoire of novels is A Tale of Two Cities. The novel takes place in two cities London and France The Tension is thick in the opening scene and the air of mystery you could cut with a knife. As always the twist you won’t see coming and Dickens makes sure you shed a tear or two.

The novel has a great flow and the amount of quality writing is very much appreciated. Their is a scene with a wine cask breaking that foreshadows the coming French Revolution and the blood that will be shed throughout the story. The last novel that Dickens wrote was a complete flop but this one was something I found to be a complete gem. Dickens left the reader guessing through most of the book, but it wasn’t annoying for he added incredible imagery describing events and scenery. the foreshadowing made me have so many questions and my answers were time after time incorrect.

Sydney Carton was my favorite character. In the beginning I didn’t enjoy reading about him. At the end though and I guess I could say the middle as well where he really grew as a character. I haven’t yet read or met a more dynamic character like Sydney that was this heroic in Dickens's writing yet.Charles Dickens did more character development with Sydney in two lines than most authors ever are able to pull off in a whole book.

Dickens tended to be a bit of a drama queen at parts and I found myself doing many mental eye rolls. I really did not like Darnay and Lucie. They stayed static and flat (Packet 11). Their is no change, and I honestly have no idea how anyone could think Darnay was a protagonist (Packet 65). I would have like to see more relationships grow. Also to help that out and in general, I needed more dialogue. While there was some present the use of extra would have held my attention even more. It was evident that Jerry Cruncher was supposed to be funny and he was, but as a woman and man making his wife cower in fear is no laughing matter.

Overall Dickens has created another timeless classic for his readers. I think you will find this historical novel surpasses the last one by the height of a mountain. The vocabulary and language of the novel will be great to use to impress the others at the next opera or ball. On your next trip in to the shops skip the cigars and ribbons and pick up A Tale of Two Cities.

In My Mailbox #53

2012-02-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

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!

For Review:

Dating The Undead by: Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe
Collision by: Stefne Miller
Legions by: Karice Bolton

Bought:

Angel Fire by: L.A. Weatherly
Reckoning by: Lili St. Crow

What did you get?

Moonlight On Rachel Deagan (Interview) (Giveaway)

2012-02-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Rachel Deagan is the author of Caged Moon a YA paranormal tale with werewolves! I am thrilled to have her here, and can't wait to see what she will do with her writing next!

When did your fascination of werewolves start and did that motivate you to write Caged Moon?

I think my first real interest in werewolves started after I watched American Werewolf In London as a kid. I found it fascinating and then started to read books that carried that theme such as Stephen King’s Cycle of the Werewolf, and then later Annette Klause’s Blood and Chocolate. I think I’ve seen just about every werewolf movie there is at this point.

Werewolves have always been a passion of mine and I knew for a long time that I wanted to write a book around the topic. So when I finally got to the point of writing a novel, I just knew, and everything around it fell into place.

If you could travel in time and go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I would go back about two and half years to a small town on the East Coast where I met the love of my life, and this time, I would make the moment last forever.

Yes, I’m a hopeless romantic. I think that carries through in my writing as well.

What was your writing process like for Caged Moon?

Caged Moon, in its entirety, took over 3 years to get to the publishing stage. When I started it, my life was in a very upside down place. As such, there was a lot of ‘stop and go’ when it came to writing it in order for the chaos in my real life to fit in. But it was always my goal. It was something I had to do for myself, and so I pushed forward. After quite a big break at one point, I ended up re-writing almost the entire book before the final edits that brought it to where it is today. I think after the break, I found myself in a different life place and thus saw the book differently. I believe it made Caged Moon a much stronger read.

Why do you think young adult paranormal books are so popular right now?

I can’t speak for everyone, but I think there’s always been a big fascination with the paranormal. The difference is in the level that the Young Adult genre has become open to accept. When I was a young adult I remember a lot of ‘accepted literature’ being much more muted down and ‘childish’ in its approach as a whole. With the lines of young adult fiction and adult fiction starting to cross, Young Adult Readers now have the opportunity to really delve into these fantastical universes and situations that may have been deemed too ‘edgy’ years ago. Of course younger readers are going to jump at that.

Where do you want your writing to take you?

Writing isn’t just something I like to do or want to turn into a career, writing is who I am. Even if I never sold a single book, I would still write them. It makes me happy and gives me a sense of fulfillment. Of course, having a career involved with that kind of fulfillment would be wonderful. Is it a dream, a goal? Yes.

Is there going to be a sequel to Caged Moon?

As of now, Caged Moon is a stand-alone book. I do have a tentative outline for a sequel, but it’s on the back burner. I’m working on a new universe at the moment that I’ve fallen in love with. This time, there are no werewolves, but it is another YA Paranormal with a hint of sci-fi. I can see this one having a sequel or two. The working title right now is, “The Star Children.”

What are five random facts about yourself?

Hm. Tough one.

1.       I love rats. I have two who are like dogs to me. Sam and Arty.
2.       I love writing in role playing games and am involved in one where I play/write a bad boy fallen angel named Nick.
3.       I’m a single mom, with two sons.
4.       I love to sing and took classical voice lessons in college.
5.       I’d rather be reading, writing, or watching a movie at home than going out.

Summary:
Haunted by an animal attack, seventeen year old Charlotte feels she is being followed. When she runs into a mysterious boy while camping, she’s afraid. Nothing seems right about him. Despite trying to stay away, there is an unmistakable draw to be near him. Even his scent smells familiar. But the closer she gets, the faster the secrets begin to unravel. Not only is he not human, he may have a link to her past. When Charlotte finds out someone wants her dead, she is torn between love and fear. Can she trust him to keep her safe?

Links:

Follow Rachel on Twitter: @racheldeagan
Rachel's Facebook
Rachel's Blog
Goodreads
Caged Moon on Amazon

Giveaway:

I am giving away one paperback copy from amazon and two kindle copies. Entering is easy! Giveaway is closed on the 25th at 12am EST. Winners will be notified and announced.

First to get an entry you must have commented on this post. (Include name, e-mail)
To receive extra entries tweet about the giveaway or follow/comment on any of Rachel's links given above. To get credit you must link me to them.

MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT EVERY STOP!!

YA-Aholics - Februrary 15th (book review/interview)

Diary Of A Book Addict - February 16th (review/character interview)

Reviewing Shelf - February 17th (Giveaway/interview)

Moonlight Book Reviews - February 18th (interview)

Read Between The Lines - February 19th (book review)

Penny's Tales - February 20th (interview)

In Between Reading And Writing - February 21st (book review)

YA Books: Beyond The Cover - February 22 (book review)

A Tale Of Many Reviews - February 23rd (short excerpt)

Lovey Dovey Books - February 24th (interview/short excerpt)

Paranormal Reads Reviews - February 25th (book review)

*If you are interested in becoming a part of the tour, please email shiverfae1@yahoo.com

Stained by: Ella James (Review)

2012-02-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Stained

Author: EllaJames

Publisher:Barkley’s Books

Date of Release: September14^th, 2011

Number of Pages:157

Summary:

After a fire destroys seventeen-year-old Julia’s home andkills her foster parents, she chases the half-demon responsible across thecountry and back, determined to avenge her family and discover why a host ofcelestial baddies want her dead. With Julia is enigmatic hottie - Cayne, whohas his own score to settle with the half-demon, and who might be just asdangerous as the creature he and Julia hunt.

Review: I was intriguedand hooked from the very first page. During the first chapter, I was confused,but in a good way because it kept me guessing, and it wasn’t soon before Julia’spoint of view had me hooked. There is something special about a book that canmake your heart pound so hard you think you may be having a heart attack. Thenthe next moment drop your stomach into the inferno of hell leaving you nauseouswith worry and sadness. Ella James is a talented writer with the ability tograb her readers’ attention and pull it into the magnificent world she hascreated in Stained.

Julia is a complex main character, and we don’t fully knowwho she is until the final pages. The character development within her wasflawless and I loved every bit of information on her that was revealed witheach turn of the page. Even though she was in such a desolate place emotionallyshe didn’t give up hope. The only thing I want now is more!! Cayne wasinfuriating at first, which I suppose is the attraction. I really liked howuncertain of his past he was and how we got to learn who he was alongside of Julia.This provided a unique experience that I enjoyed with each revelation. Caynewas the perfect companion to Julia as the MC, he provided the right amount ofedge and compassion.

The development of the plot was steady and while the novelis short, it only left me desperately needing more. The fluidity of each eventthat built and then receded only to build again, was action packed andexciting. If you have read Angelfall or Angel Burn, this book will be right upyour alley. I adored those books and now am adding Stained to my list offavorites! Go grab Stained and then make sure to grab book two Stolen on March10!

Waiting On Wednesday #4

2012-02-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

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

Knee Deep by: Jolene Perry, May 1st, 2012 by Tribute Books

Summary:

Shawn is the guy Ronnie Bird promised her life to at the age of fourteen. He's her soul mate. He's more uptight every day, but it's not his fault. His family life is stressful, and she's adding to it. She just needs to be more understanding, and he'll start to be the boy she fell in love with. She won’t give up on someone she’s loved for so long.

Luke is her best friend, and the guy she hangs with to watch girlie movies in her large blanketopias. He's the guy she can confide in before she even goes to her girlfriends, and the guy who she's playing opposite in Romeo and Juliet. Now her chest flutters every time he gets too close. This is new. Is Ronnie falling for him? Or is Juliet? The lines are getting blurry, but leaving one guy for another is not something that a girl like Ronnie does.

Shawn’s outbursts are starting to give her bruises, and Luke’s heart breaks as Ronnie remains torn. While her thoughts and feelings swirl around the lines between friendship and forever, she’s about to lose them both.

I am really excited for Knee Deep and I don't get excited about contemporary novels! The parallelism to Romeo and Juliet and the intense subject matter in my opinion will make for an epic novel. I can't wait for May!

The Color of Snow by: Brenda Stanley June 1st, 2012

by Tribute Books

Summary:

When a beautiful 16-year-old girl named Sophie is found sequestered in a cage-like room in a rundown house in the desolate hills of Arbon Valley, Idaho, the entire community is shocked to learn she is the legendary Callidora--a baby girl who was kidnapped from her crib almost seventeen years ago and canonized in missing posters with portraits of what the fabled girl might resemble. Authorities soon learn that the cage was there to protect people from Sophie, because her biological father believes she is cursed.

Sophie is discovered after the man she knows as Papa, shoots and injures Damien, a young man who is trying to rescue her. Now, unsocialized and thrust into the world, and into a family she has never met, Sophie must decide whether she should accept her Papa’s claims that she is cursed and he was only trying to protect others, or trust the new people in her life who have their own agendas. Guided by a wise cousin, Sophie realizes that her most heartbreaking challenge is to decide if her love for Damien will destroy him like her Papa claims, or free her from past demons that haunt her mind.

The Color of Snow looks right up my alley! Sophie has the makings to be the perfect character and I can not wait to see what she has to say!!

You may have noticed these are both from Tribute Books. Tribute Books is a phenomenal publisher and I enjoy working with them. Recently they have expanded their focus to add more YA novels to their name. I have read a couple of them so far and have to say, that Tribute Books has the makings to be one of the leading YA publishers and definitely one a fan of YA should look into!

What Are you waiting for?

Traveling Book Box update!

2012-02-11T18:07:00.000-08:00

So I just wanted to direct your attention to the new Tab for the TBB page which is also new! All further posts and information will be added to that page.

I currently added all new tourers to the list and all of my official spreadsheets (Yes I have more spreadsheets than the ones you fill out in the sign up forms).

Also there is so many people interested I need to get another box together so we can get through everyone efficiently. There is a need for Donations, because I do not have enough books currently for that box. More information on the TBB page.

Never heard of the TBB? It is not to late to sign up!

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Born Wicked by: Jessica Spotswood (Tour Stop) (Tens List)

2012-02-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood is one of the books I am most excited to get my hands on this year. So without further ado here is Jessica Spotswood here to talk about her Tens List!

Top Ten Things I Want To Do:

1. Travel around the Greek islands

2. Spend two weeks at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival next summer with my husband (who’s a playwright)

3. Learn to make bread and ravioli from scratch

4. Write a fairy-tale retelling (I have one in the works…)

5. Dye purple or blue streaks in my hair (I used to have pink streaks!)

6. Establish a regular yoga routine

7. Send more cards and letters just because (I have a whole stationery drawer! I have no excuse!)

8. Become less terrified of public speaking (I hope touring will help with this!)

9. Become a mom

10. Improve my writing with every new book

Goodreads
Jessica's Website
Jessica on Twitter

Synopsis From Goodreads:

A Great and Terrible Beauty meets Cassandra Clare in this spellbinding fantasy

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other.

Waiting on Wednesday #3

2012-02-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

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

Struck by: Jennifer Bosworth, May 8th 2012

by Farrar, Straus and Giroux BYR

Summary From Goodreads:

Mia Price is a lightning addict. She’s survived countless strikes, but her craving to connect to the energy in storms endangers her life and the lives of those around her.

Los Angeles, where lightning rarely strikes, is one of the few places Mia feels safe from her addiction. But when an earthquake devastates the city, her haven is transformed into a minefield of chaos and danger. The beaches become massive tent cities. Downtown is a crumbling wasteland, where a traveling party moves to a different empty building each night, the revelers drawn to the destruction by a force they cannot deny. Two warring cults rise to power, and both see Mia as the key to their opposing doomsday prophecies. They believe she has a connection to the freak electrical storm that caused the quake, and to the far more devastating storm that is yet to come.

Mia wants to trust the enigmatic and alluring Jeremy when he promises to protect her, but she fears he isn’t who he claims to be. In the end, the passion and power that brought them together could be their downfall. When the final disaster strikes, Mia must risk unleashing the full horror of her strength to save the people she loves, or lose everything.

Sounds epic right?!? That is because it is! I received a copy before Christmas and devoured this novel over break! The imagery is devastating in a completely breathless way.

Anyaways The cover is not only gorgeous but fits with the novel perfectly!

Make sure you add Struck to your TBR piles! I am adding it to my need shiny finished cover list!

Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin (Character Interview)

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

A Brief Interview With Kelsey Finkelstein!

I was really excited to get the chance to speak with Kelsey Finkelstein of Meredith Zeitlins novel, Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters. Kelsey's answers are hilarious and totally along the lines of what any freshman girl feels like!

Make sure you check out Kelsey's Website!

(WITHIN BE SPOILERS! IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK YET, PERHAPS DO NOT PASS? WHY AM I TALKING LIKE A PIRATE!?)

Where do you hope to fit in at your High School?

Well, I guess as long as I don't get thrown out, it doesn't really matter, right? Seriously, though, I'm happy just kind of hanging out with everybody. Mostly my three best friends, but also the girls I play soccer with, and some of the kids from the play... I like to get to know different people. It's more interesting that way. Sure, I guess there's always that piece of me that wants to magically be in with the most popular clique... but ultimately it's better to have great friends you can rely on. (As long as I still get invited to the good parties, obv.)

What is growing up in Brooklyn like?

Awesome. It's really of the best of both worlds, because it's so close to the city, but a little removed. I can walk around my neighborhood in pajama pants if I want and nobody cares. (Except my mother, but as you know, her opinion is to be avoided at all costs.) It's definitely more laid back than the city. But then there are lots of cool stores and places to hang out here, too. Plus my family has an actual backyard, unlike some of my friends who live in Manhattan and have to go all the way to Central Park if they want to see some grass. Of course, it can suck if everyone's hanging out in the city and the F train is taking my entire life to even leave the station, much less the borough. And people can be such pains about coming to Brooklyn... Maybe I should get a pied a terre in Manhattan! Hmmm... think my parents would pay for that? Yeah, probably not. Brooklyn pride forever!!

Do you have any rivals at school?

Besides Julie Nelson? I don't think I have room for another one, frankly. She has enough horribleness in her giant eyebrows for, like, ten rivals. (I seriously do NOT know what her problem is.) I suppose Lexi started out as kind of a rival, but only in my head - she didn't know she was ruining my life, after all. And as you know... she's actually really cool. Which you wouldn't expect from a girl who looks like a supermodel, but then, life's full of surprises, I guess. Cassidy and I were on the outs for a while, but we made up. And she could never really count as a rival. That was just a rough patch.

What has been your worst experience so far of Freshmen year?

Seriously? I have to choose?! Maybe I could just spin the giant wheel of misery and see what it lands on...? Okay - I guess if I HAVE to pick, I'd say when I saw Jordan kissing Cass at the Foreign Scarves show. Because the other things that happened this year, they were horrible in the moment but at least ended up being kind of funny after some time had passed, you know? The night of the concert, though... I mean, I lost my crush AND totally got stabbed in the back by someone I trusted. That hurt so much, I don't think I'll ever be able to laugh about it. Not now, not ever. Yeesh. Now you've totally depressed me!

If you could do one thing without any repercussions what would it be?

Oh, that's a tough one. I think... I'd stay out all night and go clubbing. But there'd have to be a guarantee that nothing bad would happen: my parents wouldn't find out, we wouldn't get carded, there'd be no cover, no one would get drunk or sick or attacked by a crazy guy... we'd just have an awesome time getting dressed up and dancing and hanging out with really hot guys. Then we'd go home and maybe I'd find out my sister had been sent to boarding school. Oh, sorry - is that extra?

In My Mailbox 52

2012-02-05T11:52:00.000-08:00

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!

I am changing things up a little bit and going back and doing my IMM a little old school with pictures this week!

From Random House:

Fallen In Love by: Lauren Kate

Bought:

At Courtney Allison Moulton's Launch Party I bought two copies of Wings of The Wicked. Both are signed one to me and one just general to give away. I just finished it and OMFG, words can't describe how good this one is guys!
Paleo Comfort Foods by: Julie & Charles Mayfield many of you know I have fibromyalgia, and I am currently doing a trial through the hospital to test if the paleo lifestyle can truly reverse auto-immune dissorders. I got this book to give my diet more variety!

Birthday Gifts:

DJ my best friend and author of Hunted, bought me Lola and The Boy Next door by: Stephanie Perkins! I don't read contemporary often but he told me I would fall for the male lead!
DJ also helps me with my writing, and is the person who recieves my rant filled e-mails of how I can't go on with my current WIP, he knows me too well guys! He also gifted me copies of Some Instructions on Writing and Life by: Anne Lamott and Mastering Point of View by: Sherri Szeman.
Another friend of mine Miranda gave me Damn You, Autocorrect! by: Jillian Madison. This book had me laughing so hard I had tears streaming down my cheeks!

I had a fabulous birthday on the second and an even better time on the first at Courtney's Launch party! I got to sit by Aimee Carter like always at the events in Lansing! AND Leah Clifford and I had a long chat. I love her! I haven't seen DJ since October and we had so much to talk about and I never wanted to stop talking with him. I think even if we spent all of eternity talking we would never run out of things to say! Courtney let me hold THE Khopesh Swords! I almost wet myself in excitement! I mean those are the swords in her interviews, Angelfire Series Covers and the trailers! To say I was excited was an understatement! Thanks Courtney! xoxo

What did you guys get in your mailboxes!?!?

Promises by: Amber Garr (Review)

2012-02-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Title: Promises (The Syrenka Series #1)

Author: Amber Garr

Number of Pages: 276

Date of Release: December 7^th, 2011

Summary From Goodreads:

Sometimesfollowing your heart can end up destroying the ones you love.

When seventeen-year-old Eviana Dumahl is faced with the responsibility of anarranged marriage and clan leadership, she is forced to choose between the liferequired of a mermaid and one of a teenage girl simply infatuated with thewrong guy. Kain, her devoted fiancé would make a wonderful husband except thatshe’s been in love with Brendan, a shape-shifting selkie, ever since they werekids. Choosing to abandon her family, her clan, and her life with Kain willhave dire consequences far beyond anything she could have imagined.

A war is brewing amongst the clans and Eviana unwittingly becomes a pawn in theintricate schemes of a twisted mastermind. With Brendan’s life on the line, shehas no choice but to involve those who she once considered friends. Amidstencountering senseless tragedies and immense loss, Eviana discovers that she ismore valuable as a clan leader than anyone ever suspected. Her survival is notonly dependent upon the loyalty of her friends, but also on her acceptance of alife that she had so adamantly tried to escape.

Promises is the first book of The Syrenka Series trilogy following Eviana andher friends through the perils of growing up in a discrete world thatinherently threatens human society.

Review: I don’t even know where to begin inthis review! Let’s start with the cover that I cannot take my eyes off of. Thedesign is not only breathtaking but also fits flawlessly with the novel. I amalways leery of mermaid stories, because I haven’t had a good history withthem. I was not expecting Promises to take me on such a ride! Promises is abreathtaking debut, that will leave your heart aching for Eviana. Amber Garr’s writingis effortless and the refined way she writes, left me needing more.

Eviana, has asweet name, who has read a book with a character with that name before? I knowI haven’t and I liked the originality. Anyways, I thought being trapped betweentwo guys would make her kind of a well not nice person who I would hate to readabout. That so didn’t happen and I loved every minute of her narration. The wayAmber portrayed her as a character and the situations she put her in, was whatmade the novel. Seeing how Eviana was being forced to marry Kain, I expectedhim to be kind of dull, but man oh man was he HOT! There are things that hesaid to Evianna, that I just keep thinking about and man oh man that rarelyhappens. Not only that but he is one of the sweetest guys I have read about ina long time. Brendan while I knew was really sweet held back a lot, and it wasthat which made me a Kain fan instantly, but as you read on the favorite, kindof blurs. So now I have no idea which one is my favorite I am so TORN!!

So while Idid anticipate some of the key plot points, it didn’t bother me because it wasthe minor conversations and events in those points that were such a surprise. Like I mentioned before, there is justsomething so effortless and lyrical about Ambers writing style and I can’tquite put my finger on it yet, but I love it. Another cool part of the novelwas the legends and folklore that was added in on all of these creatures thatyou have only ever briefly heard of. I really liked that element and it madePromises truly unique. The only thing I really disliked was how Promises suckedme in and then spit me out! HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO ME AMBER! I really needmore, right now I am like a junkie waiting for my next fix.

Waiting On Wednesday #2

2012-02-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

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

Rebel Heart (Dust Lands #2) by: Moira Young October 30th 2012 by Margaret K. McElderry

The Tonton have been defeated. Lugh has been rescued.
The heartstone has brought Saba and Jack together
Now, Saba and her family head west to meet him and start a new life. All should be well.
But shadows of the dead are stalking Saba.
And another kind of shadow is creeping over the dustlands.
Then a messenger shows up.
With news of Jack.

OH MY GOD!! The guy on the cover, even though you can't see his whole face, is so HOT!! Now that I have that out of my system. I loved Blood Red Road, and I can not wait to pick this one up. I honestly don't know how I am going to be able to endure the wait!! That summary has my heart pounding!! I really need this book!!

Lucid (Brightest Kind of Darkness #2) by: P.T. Michelle Spring 2012

Right now there isn't a date for the release or a summary of the novel, but after reading book one I am dying to get my hands on Lucid. If you haven't read Brightest kind of Darkness you ca find my review in the archive. I loved it though in short!

What are you waiting for?

On The Bright Side by: S.R. Johannes (Release Day)

2012-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today is the release day for S.R. Johannes new novel On The Bright Side from Coleman & Stott. Already it has many authors offering their words of praise and buzzing about it. If you like reading middle grade fiction it should definitely be added to your TBR list this year!

Summary:

On the Bright Side is a hilarious road to guardian angeldom paved withso much drama and due-paying that it makes middle school look painless.

As if the devil’s food cake at her wake and the white fat pants she’sstuck wearing for eternity weren’t bad enough, fourteen year-old Gabby is quickto discover that Cirrus, the main rung of Heaven, is a far cry from thePearly Gates. Here, Skyphones and InnerNets are all the rage. Until Gabby findsout she has to protect Angela, her school nemesis, in order to move upthrough the training levels of heaven. Problem is, Angela is now hitting onGabby's should-have-been boyfriend. (awkward!)

Instead of protecting Angela, Gabby pranks her (like tripping is asin?) at the hopes of cooling off the new couple. At first, they seem harmlessuntil the school dance sabotage gets completely out of control. Then, herCelestial Sky Agent, who happens to have anger management issues of his own,puts Gabby on probation, threatening her eternal future.

Determined to right her wrongs, Gabby steals an ancient artifact thatallows her to return to Earth for just one day. Without knowing, she kicksoff a series of events and learns what can happen when you hate someone todeath.

More on S.R. Johannes:

S.R. Johannes is the author of Untraceable (a teen wilderness thriller) and On The Bright Side ( a tween paranormal). She lives in Atlanta Georgia with her dog, British-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess, which she hopes- someday- will change the world. After earning an MBA and working in corporate america, S.R. Johannes traded in her expensive suits, high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and her love of writing.

Praises for On The Bright Side

"S.R. Johannes delivers a cute paranormal thrill ride for middle graders! Even in death there is a BRIGHT SIDE!" - Addison Moore, author of the bestselling Celestra series and soon to be TV show

Clever and charming, ON THE BRIGHT SIDE is the story of a reluctant guardian angel, her still-breathing crush, and the frenemy she’s assigned to protect. A great read! -Suzanne Young, author of A Need So Beautiful, A Want So Wicket (6/12), and The Program (2013)

“ON THE BRIGHT SIDE is both hilarious and heart-warming – a tale that’ll have you hoping that there really *are* spunky and determined angels like Gabby who’ve got our backs.” - Kristin O’Donnell Tubb, author of Selling Hope & The 13th Sign (2013) (Feiwel & Friends)

"With a smart, snappy heroine and a heart-warming crush, ON THE BRIGHT SIDE is a page-turning new take on guardian angels that left me begging for a sequel!" - Gretchen McNeil, author of Possess and Ten (9/12) (Balzar + Bray)

Links:

In My Mailbox #51

2012-01-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

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:

Sweep Vol. 5 by: Cate Tiernan

DBAW Street Team Contest #2 Winnings:

Audiobook of Tell Me A Secret by: Holly Cupala
SWAG

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!!!