Wednesday, February 29

Tempest: Book Review (Abroad)

Here is just another review I have done over at Fire and Ice.   So anyway, without further ado. . .

Presenting. . .

Tempest
by Julie Cross

Moment Divine:
"No more talk about me delivering six children, either. Just thinking about that gives me the urge to cross my legs and leave them that way."
Also, there is a giveaway of the ARC. So get over there already!

Waiting on Wednesday: Illuminate

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Illuminate
by Aimee Agresti

Publication Date: March 6th


From Goodreads





Haven Terra is a brainy, shy high school outcast. But everything begins to change when she turns sixteen. Along with her best friend Dante and their quiet and brilliant classmate Lance, she is awarded a prestigious internship in the big city— Chicago—and is sent to live and work at a swanky and stylish hotel under the watchful eyes of a group of gorgeous and shockingly young-looking strangers: powerful and alluring hotel owner Aurelia Brown; her second-in-command, the dashing Lucian Grove; and their stunning but aloof staff of glamazons called The Outfit.

As Haven begins falling for Lucian, she discovers that these beautiful people are not quite what they seem. With the help of a mysterious book, she uncovers a network of secret passageways from the hotel’s jazz-age past that leads her to the heart of the evil agenda of Aurelia and company: they’re in the business of buying souls. Will they succeed in wooing Haven to join them in their recruitment efforts, or will she be able to thwart this devilish set’s plans to take the souls of her classmates on prom night at the hotel?

Illuminate is an exciting saga of a teen’s first taste of independence, her experience in the lap of luxury, and her discovery she may possess strength greater than she ever knew.

Tuesday, February 28

Leap into Books Giveaway Hop

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Jinky is Reading.

Recently, I gave away Eyes Like Stars and now I am giving away its sequel.


US only


A Monster Calls: Book Review

by Patrick Ness and Siobhan Dowd


This is an extraordinarily moving novel about coming to terms with loss. The monster showed up just after midnight. As they do. But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting. He’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming. . . .
This monster, though, is something different. Something ancient, something wild. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor.
It wants the truth.

Patrick Ness spins a tale from the final story idea of Siobhan Dowd, whose premature death from cancer prevented her from writing it herself. Darkly mischievous and painfully funny, A Monster Calls is an extraordinarily moving novel about coming to terms with loss from two of our finest writers for young adults.






The weight to size ratio of this book is a bit off.  Meaning it is way heavier than you would expect.  Perhaps, the heavier weight of this book reflects the content it contains.  This is a very deep heart wrenching story about the inner demons we face.
About how we can sabotage our ability to make the most of the moments we have.  Allowing our dark thoughts to overshadow and consume.
About finding healing by accepting our limits and realizing truth and its ability to be both harsh and cruel but also to set us free.
Remember bad things will happen and we will come close to faltering but we can and will pass through the darkest night into the dawn.
A must read!  I love the author's note at the beginning.  Don't pass it up.

Monday, February 27

Starling: Cover Reveal

Today I am glad to have stumbled upon the cover reveal for Starling by Lesley Livingston and wanted to share!

So, without further adieu, I give you STARLING!

HarperTeen
August 15th 2012
Young Adult/ Fantasy







"Love is just the beginning... of the end."

When Mason Starling rescues an unconscious young man from the ravages of a terrible storm—and he rescues her from the otherworldly creatures lurking in that storm—little does she know her whole life is about to spiral dramatically, mystically out of control. Someone is trying to kill her, someone else is trying to use her, and the only one who seems willing to help her is the tantalizing, dangerous stranger who can’t even remember who—or what—he is. All he remembers is his name: Fennrys Wolf.

What Fennrys doesn’t know is that, thanks in part to his past actions, a crack has appeared in the barrier between the mortal world and the Beyond Realms. The crack has opened up a nexus of dark energy in the middle of the East River and it’s attracting the attention of powerful entities on both sides of the rift.

Because of that, a longstanding truce involving the members of several ancient underworld cartels is now in jeopardy. Mason, Fennrys, and the students of elite Gosforth Academy—a neutral-ground “safe haven” for children of the Families—soon find themselves caught in the crossfire as the servants of the warring pantheons fight to see whose gods come out on top...and whose demons go down in flames.

Set in New York City, with all its dark, gritty sparkle, the STARLING saga explores the spaces between the worlds and the realms of the ancient gods… only a heartbeat beyond. It’s a tale spun from ancient mythologies—Norse and Greek and Egyptian—filled to the brim with adventure, danger, and romance, and played out against the backdrop of a city with its own siren-song.

From the universe of Lesley Livingston’s WONDROUS STRANGE, a new series and captivating heroine make their exciting debut.



Pre-order

Amazon.com

Find it on Goodreads 

Also, check out the giveaway

Luminosity: Cover Reveal

Today I am glad to be part of the cover reveal for Luminosity by Stephanie Thomas!

So, without further adieu, I give you LUMINOSITY!

Entangled Publishing
November 13th 2012
Young Adult/ Fantasy







My name is Beatrice. When I was born, I was blessed with the Sight. I was immediately removed from my parents and enrolled in the Institution. At the age of twelve, I had my first true vision, earning my raven’s wings. And when I turned seventeen, one of my visions came true. Things haven’t been the same since.

The Institution depends on me to keep the City safe from our enemy, the Dreamcatchers, but I’m finding it harder to do while keeping a secret from everyone, including my best friend Gabe. It is a secret that could put us all in danger. A secret that could kill me and everyone close to me.

The enemy has been coming to me in my dreams, and I think I'm falling in love with him. He says they're coming. He says they're angry. And I think I've already helped them win.



Pre-order

Amazon.com

Find it on Goodreads 

Saturday, February 25

IMM and My Reading Pile: 2

IMM: Hosted by The Story Siren
My Reading Pile: Hosted by [Fikt]shun


In the Mail:
Grave Mercy by R. L. LaFevers

Library:
Warm Bodies by Issac Marion
Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey
Dark Passage by M.J. Putney
Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare


In the Reading Pile:
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey
Until I Die by Amy Plum


Wishful Thinking:
Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck

Friday, February 24

Hana: Novella Review

by Lauren Oliver
HarperCollins
February 28th 2012
Young Adult/ Dystopian

This is a short story from the point of view of Hana. It takes place around the raid that also involved Lena.
Not everyone falls in love when they are young, several just explore the finer points of lust. Hana takes a walk on the wild side and is searching for something that makes her feel complete. In her haste she may have missed the mark. On top of that she faces some friendship problems and a serious change in her future. All of these things could easily breakdown the most stalwart of individuals and Hana is no exception.
I am not sure if it is necessary to read this novella in order to understand what happens. Perhaps, what has been divulged within will be discovered in Pandemonium. If not, this is a definite must since the last pages are a bit chilling and really adds depth to what occurred at the end of Delirium.

My Fair Book Date: Switched


So I took the plunge and dared to let a friend set me up on a date with a few reservations. I got to pool together five dates and let them decide the lucky one.
I picked five guys I can't actually remember at the moment. Okay, yeah so that isn't a good thing. But in my defense I have had a really busy month for reading and my brain is a bit stretched. Anyway, so my secret matchmaker has done her best and decided upon. . .

Switched by Amanda Hocking

Here is the little tidbit I got in explanation of the choice.

"My choice is Switched by Amanda Hocking. I looked through your blog and noticed that you seems to love paranormal and fantasy genre's a lot and after reading some reviews and watching the book trailer for Switched - I realized it was the perfect book to suggest. I read on a review that Amanda Hocking's book is "A mix between The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff and The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa." I really do hope you enjoy this book (I have a copy sitting here just waiting to be read and I am looking forward to it)."

So I have stayed out late with my date and tried my best to enjoy the treat. Here is the result in summary. . .

Yeah, glad that date was over.  My "dream" date turned out to be a bit of a bore. Although there was a bit of unexplained higher knowledge and severe mood swings. There was a real lack of depth to my date and we spent far too much time going on and on about proper behavior. No desperate kiss full of passion is enough to sway my opinion. But there at the end my date did throw in a bit of intrigue. I suppose if I can't line up any other dates for a night in my future I might just be tempted to see what else is hiding in my dates future.

Remember I picked this book out as a possible target and my matchmaker had to pick from my choices. I have no one but myself to blame for my original choice.

Thank you for the fun event.

Thursday, February 23

Book Tagged

I have been tagged! I almost missed that little detail on a recent comment. Very sneaky. Then I asked myself what in the world does that mean. Perhaps, there is a ginormous box load of books coming my way. Sweet! No that would be too good to be true. How about mentioned on someones blog. Hey, it could happen. Maybe, an author noticed my existence. Nah, could that happen? So curiosity got the better of me and I clicked. Yep, I followed the link back to its source. Turns out another someone wants to get to know some random facts about me, ten to be exact.

Oh wait, lets get the nitty gritty out of the way first.
Rules:
1. You must post the rules.

2. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and then create ten new questions to ask people that you have tagged.

3. Tag ten people and link to them on your post.

4. Let them know you've tagged them!


My tagger is Paige @ Comfort Books and here are her questions for me and my super stellar answers:

1. How long does it take you to read a book on average?
Well, I have these two little obstacles I like to call my children. Completely adorable when unconscious but otherwise stubborn and attention hogs. So, alas, I don't get so much reading done as I would like. If I try my absolute hardest with life factoring in the equation I can read a book in a couple of days.

2. What's your favorite genre inside of YA?
My absolute favorite subject to read about is Werewolves. Yep, they totally fulfill my wildest dreams when it comes to a book. Next on the list lately would have to be Dystopian and all of its heart stopping gory, oops glory. Yeah, not exactly genres but I like to think outside the box.

3. Vampires? Werewolves? or Fallen Angels? and why?
As mentioned in my previous answer Werewolves. I just don't get the fallen angel thing yet. The closest I have gotten to a good read on that subject is Angel Burn. Oh, and when it comes to vampires you are aware that Edward the shiny rock is just not attractive. Yech! (But I did enjoy the book, nevertheless)

4. How long have you been blogging for?
Exactly 2356 days. Just kidding, I made that number up. I have been blogging since those disappointing days after Christmas of 2010.

5. What is your favorite book turned movie or TV Series?
Is that possible? I do enjoy Pride and Prejudice, with Colin Firth. Also, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. But I haven't actually read Lord of the Rings.

6. Out of the books you've read this year who is your favorite book couple?
Ha ha ha. As if I could choose, you do know I have read a lot of books. Okay, okay, just let me look at my Goodreads pile and think of a couple. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (much later) Oh, yeah I was putting this post together. I got side tracked on Twitter. For this year my favorite couple would have to be, Saba and Jack from Blood Red Road by Moira Young.

7. How many days a week do you read?
Six out of the seven.

8. Who are your top 5 favorite authors?
Georgette Heyer is a favorite of mine. Other than that I am completely persuadable otherwise. I have enjoyed Maria V. Snyder, Shannon Hale, Cassandra Clare, Julie Kagawa, and so many more. You would really have to check out my Goodreads profile to get a better answer.

9. What is one of your favorite book blogs?
I am really bad at favorites. Basically, I read whatever post strikes my fancy. So I have a healthy number of books blogs I peruse on a regular basis.

10. Are you a writer? If so how do you keep yourself motivated? If your not a writer how do you keep yourself motivated to read?
Well, I have a few story ideas written out on my computer. Maybe, someday I will actually do something with them. But at this point I am completely content to read the masterpiece's of others. Reading is hard to stay motivated to do. Right now I have so many books piled up for review I have to set a daily page count goal to get through it. I am thinking I need to take a break from accepting reviews so I can just read for fun. When I get to read a phenomenal book I find ample motivation to keep reading.


Alright, so here is the part where I find more victims:
A little something about me, I dare to defy the follow chain. Yep, I have tons of bad luck stacked up over my shoulder. Oh well, I can't really help it.  I really just rebel against expectations. Why do you think I love escaping into books so much? So I won't be picking ten unfortunate souls to torture with my questions. Instead, I will just send my questions out into cyberspace and see if anyone answers back.

1. If you could have any book instantly memorized cover to cover, which book would you choose?

2. If money and time weren't an issue would you be attending all of the various book conventions and author parties?

3. If you could meet any one fictional character who would you choose?
4. Have you ever wanted to meet an author? If so, who would it be?

5. What is the best book recommendation you have ever gotten?

6. Have you ever combined stalking with your love of books?

7. Do you sniff books and pet covers?

8. Ever jumped up and down after getting a book? Care to share the source of such happiness?

9. Ever wished it were possible to live inside one of the fictional worlds you have read? If so, which one?

10. What book are you most looking forward to right now?

Dear Cyberspace,

Please suck this post up into your black hole depths.

Sincerely,

ephrielle

Defiance: Cover Reveal

Today the cover for Defiance by C. J. Redwine has been unveiled!

So, without further adieu, I give you DEFIANCE!

Balzer & Bray
August 28th 2012
Young Adult/ Fantasy







Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.



Pre-order
Barnes & Noble 
Amazon.com

A Chance for Charity: Transcendent

A chance for charity-
Fifty percent of net sales in the month of February will go to St Jude Children's Research Hospital to support the care and treatment of children with cancer.  

For more information, check out Rita's blog post.


Transcendent
by Lani Woodland, Melonie Piper,
Rita Webb, Wendy Swore,
Melanie Marks, Heather McCubbin,
  and Evan Joseph
Robot Playground
December 24th 2011
Young Adult/ Paranormal

Discover the secrets of a siren, fly with a hawk girl over the mountains of Montana, and flee supernatural party-crashers as the décor comes to life in this magical journey through paranormal stories.
Along the way, watch for ghosts in a haunted house, or ride through the moonlight with a stranger. Save a comatose boy who has lost his soul, and don’t forget to bring your garlic and wolfsbane—you never know when the shadows will snag you.
Transcendent includes eight stories of magic, love, death, and choice by some of the newest names in young adult fiction.
An Excerpt from Transcendent:
Seduction of a Siren

Lani Woodland
& Melonie Piper

JASON HOLDEN DECIDED being kissed awake was far superior to an alarm clock. It would be perfect—if he knew whose lips were on his. It couldn’t be Becky’s because she recently dumped him for Trevor, the idiot varsity basketball star. And since no one had rushed forward to claim Becky’s place, he couldn’t imagine who his kisser could be.
A three-day bender had nothing on the deep haze the kiss pulled Jason from, and his mind, preoccupied with the foreign lips, took a while to realize he was wet, lying on the damp and gritty ground. Before he could ponder this further, a tongue slid into his mouth, performing a maneuver he wouldn’t have thought possible, one that made his hormones take off faster than an Olympic sprinter. This couldn’t be a dream. His subconscious lacked the imagination capable of creating that particular kissing technique.
His eyes popped open, and he hissed in pain as the punishing sunlight sent his head spinning. He tried to peer up at the girl to figure out who she was (and where he was), but the light poured over her shoulders and cast her into silhouette revealing only a feminine shape with oddly uneven hair.
The girl pulled back, moving out of his range of vision. He didn’t know where she went, and he hurt too much to even think about looking for her, so he settled for sitting up, ignoring his body’s protest, and a groan escaped his lips. He cradled his head to stop the world from tilting. Playing chicken with a brick wall couldn’t have hurt worse. Slowly his eyes adjusted to the unforgiving sun and a white-sand beach, surrounded by turquoise water.
Where was he? He ran his fingers through his hair, accidently finding a sensitive spot, and winced. When he pulled his fingers away, blood coated them. Trying to calm the sudden queasiness of his stomach, he slammed his eyes shut, but the images of the thick red liquid still danced behind his closed lids.
The blood, however nauseating, triggered his missing memories. He had travelled to Greece on a month-long student-exchange program for A.P. students. He signed up for sailing lessons so he could get away from the sight of Trevor and Becky making out at every corner, only to find out Trevor signed up as well. Even worse, he and Trevor were the only students, so they spent an unpleasant hour together before the freak storm appeared.
Jason frowned as his memory of the storm sharpened. A wave had knocked their instructor overboard and another capsized the boat, tossing Jason and Trevor shortly afterward. Jason thought he would die from the pounding waves, even with the life vest, but somehow he managed to get caught in a strong current that carried the two of them for hours.
An island, surrounded by jagged rocks, appeared on the horizon. His body tired, he clutched Trevor and swam toward the island, struggling to keep Trevor’s head above water since he had passed out after the first couple of hours. Jason barely managed to avoid the jagged rocks and drag himself and Trevor onto the beach before he finally dropped into unconsciousness.
Glancing around, Jason spotted the oversized lump that could only be Trevor, still alive, given the rise and fall of his chest. Jason couldn’t decide if Trevor’s survival really forwarded the best interest of mankind. Maybe he should have let him drown.
A hand caressed Jason’s back and massaged his shoulders. The mystery girl had returned. Whoever she was, she proved to be welcome company, her nimble fingers working through the impossible knots in his neck. Apparently her lips weren’t the only talented part of her body. Jason struggled to form a coherent thought.
“Thank you,” he tried to say, but only a hoarse croak came out. His throat ached as if cats had used it as a scratching post.
“You’re alive.” Her voice, so beautiful, stole Jason’s breath. It was low, but sweet, innocent, yet seductive, and he knew with absolutely certainty that if this was the last sound he ever heard, he could die happy. He remembered hearing it while in the water. Her voice had brought him such joy in the moment right before his head bashed against the rocks.
“You almost didn’t survive. I had to perform life-saving measures.”
“I’ve never heard of CPR being done with a tongue before, but I’m not  complaining.” Jason grinned, pleased his life had been saved by her amazing kisses and not Trevor’s, the backstabbing jerk. He cleared his throat. “Thanks again.”
“I’m Anntrophrite. Welcome to Anthemusa,” she said in her angelic voice. “I’m Jason.” He stuck his hand out and turned, prepared to see the hottest girl in the universe. Instead he stared at a grotesque and distorted monster, fit for nothing but a nightmare.
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Partials: Book Review

by Dan Wells
Balzer + Bray
February 28 2012

 Young Adult/ Science Fiction/ Post-apocalypse

Eleven years haven't changed a thing; the human race is still going extinct. There is no cure for the deadly virus that kills all newborns. Kira Walker is tired of watching them die and sets herself on the hunt for the cure. The only problem is that her hunt leads her to the Partials. Old memories die hard and the Partials are key to the decimation that occurred eleven years before. Kira finds herself pitted against the very society she seeks to save. Time is running out. . .




The cover absolutely represents the book. Kira is a very strong character that is determined to save mankind. It is her against the world and she will find little outside help on her way. The humans are set on paths of destruction as they fight over territory. The title, Partials, is great since everything hinges on the Partials. Much as their namesake, we have partial knowledge of their creation. It seems that the company which created them may have been up to much more.
While this is set in a fictional world, it very closely parallels the conflicts found in modern society. Those in power find themselves in the dark cycle to get more power. Everyone thinks that their motives are pure and above reproach. While the people are tagged as precious, they are treated like cattle that need to be wrangled.
Dan Wells also puts together some intense scenes where you can't trust a soul. More than that, nothing ever goes according to plan for the characters. This kept me on the edge of my seat as I began to expect death or destruction at every turn.
The best part of the book is how society has squarely placed blame for their destruction upon the Partials only to find that they need them.
To lighten the despairing tone of the book is a delightful dialogue between characters. Kira is a great character with many sides and secrets. Samm was much like a present. At first he seemed to be very self-explanatory but upon a closer inspection he has more to offer. Marcus wins for my least favorite. I couldn't help but want to escape from the cage of his desires.
Humanity gets caught in the present with little thought for the future. The ability to step back and see the bigger picture is often the last thing we think to do. Perhaps, as this book suggests, we need someone who can both understand us and have a greater view. 
The very last page delivers the biggest bomb of the entire book and leaves me on the edge of my seat wishing for more. Riveting, suspenseful, and packed with humorous wit. Worth ever second of your time and several hours of lost sleep.

Moments Divine:
"Sometimes the hand that feeds you needs a good bite."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"It's good to see you," said Haru. "You can see me?" asked Marcus, patting himself in sudden shock. "The potion must have worn off! That's the last time I give my lunch to a talking squirrel."
-------------------------------------------------------------------- "Anyone can see that he's bad," said Marcus, speaking calmly, "but we've splinted it, we've wrapped it, and I can drug him so hard he'll think he's flying home on a magical gumdrop rainbow. You could get high on his farts."
------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I wondered when someone would finally get around to that. It's been on my to-do list for ages, but you know how things are: Life gets so busy, and saving the human race is such an inconvenience--"
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"My contribution was to somehow refrain from peeing myself. You can thank me later."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
"Now, just take two of these and you'll feel better in no time." She leaned in and gave him two quick kisses.
"Mmmm," said Marcus, grabbing her by the waist, "how many of those did you say to take?"
"Just two," said Kira, "but I suppose it couldn't hurt to take more." She leaned in again, licking her lips, but he stopped her with his hand.
"No," he said firmly, "as a medic I just don't feel comfortable with it. Medication is nothing to play around with--what if I overdose?" He pushed her gently away. What if I become addicted?"
Kira pushed back toward him. "You are such a geek."
"What if I build up a tolerance?" he asked, his face a rictus of mock horror. "Two now and two later and suddenly two won't be enough--I'll need four or eight or twenty just to take the edge off! Do you think I can handle that many kisses?"
Kira moved in again, turning on her most sultry voice. "I think you could find a way."
He froze, watching her come closer, their faces almost touching, then stopped her at the last moment with a finger on her lips. "You know, the best way to prevent an overdose is to vary the active ingredient. That blond nurse at the south clinic is great at drawing blood; I could get two from you, two from her."
Kira snarled playfully, grabbing his collar. "Oh no, you don't"
"Medically speaking, it would be perfectly safe," said Marcus. "I could even get two from you and two from her at the same time. I might get a little dizzy, but--ow!"
Content: Mild swearing and violence

Wednesday, February 22

Waiting on Wednesday: Embrace

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Embrace
by Jessica Shirvington

Publication Date: March 6th


From Goodreads





It starts with a whisper: “It’s time for you to know who you are…”

Violet Eden dreads her seventeenth birthday. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. As if that wasn’t enough, disturbing dreams haunt her sleep and leave her with very real injuries. There’s a dark tattoo weaving its way up her arms that wasn’t there before.

Violet is determined to get some answers, but nothing could have prepared her for the truth. The guy she thought she could fall in love with has been keeping his identity a secret: he’s only half-human—oh, and same goes for her.

A centuries-old battle between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity has chosen its new warrior. It’s a fight Violet doesn’t want, but she lives her life by two rules: don’t run and don’t quit. When angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden…

Look for the sequels ENTICED in September 2012 and EMBLAZE in March 2013!

Tuesday, February 21

Twisted: Book Review

by Gena Showalter

His vampire girlfriend might have brought him back to life, but he's never felt more out of control. There's a darkness within him, something taking over…changing him. Worse, because he was meant to die, death now stalks him at every turn. Any day could be his last.
Once upon a time, the three souls trapped inside his head could have helped him. He could have protected himself. But as the darkness grows stronger, the souls grow weaker—just like his girlfriend. The more vampire Aden becomes, the more human Victoria becomes, until everything they know and love is threatened.
Life couldn't get any worse. Could it?
This book really deserves two ratings or maybe no ratings.  The rating I chose above reflects how I feel about the way the story played out.  So, as far as everything else is concerned this was a good book.  The characters were well written and the story very compelling. 
Basically, I hate things that leave me feeling insulted.  Yeah, this it turns out qualifies. 
*Spolier Alert*
Okay I have read 1572 pages only to be told it was all a pointless waste of my precious time and brain cells.  Psych, nevermind.  Just forget that all happened.  Well why bother writing it in the first place?  None of the characters will be themselves anymore.  Okay, in the authors defense I am going to assume it won't work out as predicted.  Otherwise it seems to scream we should get stuck in the shoulda woulda coulda instead of facing the here and now.  So does this mean we have to read three more books covering the same time period?  This could be endless.
Oh and by the way Riley is such a turd.  At the end of the story he loses his spot as my favorite character.  Such a complete waste.

Monday, February 20

Book Blogger Confessions: 2/20


The topic is: Social networking with authors. Do you interact with authors on Twitter/Facebook etc? Does it effect how you review their books if you are on friendly terms with them?

I don't have too much interaction with authors. I do occasionally comment on a tweet they have posted. Not too much happens as a resort of those comments. When it comes to Facebook I am at a complete loss. I just don't understand it.
I do enjoy it immensely when they tweet back but then I enjoy when just about anyone acknowledges that I exist. So far it hasn't effected how I review books. I can't see that a friendship would change my opinion of a book. It might make me really hesitant to review a book for a friend since I wouldn't want to hurt their feelings. Well, I won't know until I cross that bridge.

Thanks for the topic.

 So I just noticed I missed a few of these and thought I would log my responses to past posts.  I hope that is okay.

Topic for January 2nd: How has the "job" of book blogging changed your reading habits? Both pro and con.

As of late I have noticed that I am reading a bit less for fun. Too much stress to meet my deadlines is creeping in. On top of that I often force myself to finish books I don't like since I made a commitment. When too much stress or torture ebbs its way into my reading moments I find myself struggling. In fact, I will then find ways to avoid reading, such as doing my chores. Eventually, I sit down and force my way out of the slump but it is a lot of work.
On the other side sometimes through blogging I have found some great recommendations on other blogs. That has been very helpful. When I have read a particularly fine book it is hard to put into words how great it is. But I really do want to share it with others. Even if only one person reads the post and finds a great read it was all worth it. So the job of blogging has really helped keep my TBR pile overflowing.


Topic for January 16th: Have you ever had reading/blogging slumps? How do you work through them or work around them?

I most definitely have slumps. Sometimes it feels like I have more slumps than good days. It is hard to put your time and heart into a post and then watch it languish. Or when I send a question into cyberspace and it is left unanswered. I pick up a book I have been looking forward to and it is a complete drudgery. Worse when I have to slog through a few of them in a row. I am not proof to jealously either. When I am out and about visiting blogs it is great to see how they are socially connected. But that little evil voice inside my head doesn't talk sweet. All these things start to crack my passion for reading and sharing good books. I begin to wonder why I am bothering to write up reviews. Maybe I should just go back to reading just for the simple pleasure of it.
My first and best way to pull myself out of these slumps is to drop what I am doing and go reread a favorite book of mine. This will help restore my faith in books and allow me the energy to go in search of the next read that will leave me breathless. As far as the blogging side of the slump I will just try to push on through. It helps to attempt contact with others at this point. Any sort of comment back can help me stumble on a bit longer. Also, it can help to try something new.

Alright now I am up to date.

Saturday, February 18

IMM and My Reading Pile: 1

IMM: Hosted by The Story Siren
My Reading Pile: Hosted by [Fikt]shun

In the Mail:
Until I Die by Amy Plum
Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
(Both borrowed from The Passionate Bookworm)

Won:
Dying to Know You by Aidan Chambers



In the Reading Pile:
Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin
Hounded by Kevin Hearne
Tempest by Julie Cross

Wishful Thinking:
Until I Die by Amy Plum

Friday, February 17

Feature & Follow: 2/17



Q: "I like unique names for characters and am looking forward to coming up with some when I start writing. What’s the most unique character name you’ve come across?"

I don't know who gets first place so I will just list those who come to mind.

Han - Seven Realms Series
Four - Divergent
Tens - Meridian
Patch - Hush, Hush
Pathic - Away (My mind keeps trying to switch in Pathetic instead)
Weed - The Poison Diaries

TGIF: 2/17





Book Blogger Pride: What do you take pride in when it comes to blogging?

I haven't ever really thought of it that way. I get very excited when I get a comment on a post. It is really very nice when a book I have recommended hits the spot. Just to see them coming back for another great read is fulfilling. I absolutely love to hear from authors. It is really nice to get requests to read books. And when the postman drops books off at my house I am so excited. But when it comes to pride I think it is more that I have just kept at it. Far too many times I have flagged in my devotion to blogging and wondered if it was worth it. So I have a bit of pride in the fact that I have pushed on regardless of whether there was anyone on the other side of cyberspace reading my posts.

Thursday, February 16

The Fox Inheritance: Book Review

by Mary E. Pearson

Once there were three. Three friends who loved each other—Jenna, Locke, and Kara. And after a terrible accident destroyed their bodies, their three minds were kept alive, spinning in a digital netherworld. Even in that disembodied nightmare, they were still together. At least at first. When Jenna disappeared, Locke and Kara had to go on without her. Decades passed, and then centuries.
Two-hundred-and-sixty years later, they have been released at last. Given new, perfect bodies, Locke and Kara awaken to a world they know nothing about, where everyone they once knew and loved is long dead.
Everyone except Jenna Fox.
An odd book, I really started getting into it and then Locke would start rambling on about this or that and I would start to wander in my mind.  Definitely not as good of a read as the first book.  But it was a disturbing read at several points.  I found myself wanting to shake Locke so many times for his complete block headed.  It is possible that things could have worked out differently but the chances were always slim.  He was just so determined to not see the blatant signs in front of him.  I still can't believe it worked out as well as it did.  I was expecting a really sad ending. 

Gravity: Cover Reveal

Today I'm very excited to be a part of the Gravity by Melissa West Cover Reveal!

So, without further adieu, I give you GRAVITY!

Entangled Publishing
October 2012
Young Adult/ Science Fiction







In the future, only one rule will matter:

Don't. Ever. Peek.

Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed - arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die.

Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she's been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she's falling for him. But Ari isn't just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention.  SheÄ…s a military legacy whoÄ…s been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know - especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war.



Pre-order from Amazon: Gravity


Add to Goodreads: Gravity

Wednesday, February 15

Waiting on Wednesday: The Nightmare Garden

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

The Nightmare Garden
by Caitlin Kittredge

Publication Date: Yesterday


From Goodreads





Everything Aoife thought she knew about the world was a lie. There is no Necrovirus. And Aoife isn't going to succumb to madness because of a latent strain—she will lose her faculties because she is allergic to iron. Aoife isn't human. She is a changeling—half human and half from the land of Thorn. And time is running out for her.

When Aoife destroyed the Lovecraft engine she released the monsters from the Thorn Lands into the Iron Lands and now she must find a way to seal the gates and reverse the destruction she's ravaged on the world that's about to poison her.
I thought the first book in this series was interesting.  Not really fond of the cover this time around.

Tuesday, February 14

Shatter Me: Book Review

by Tahereh Mafi


Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

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

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

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.
Book Trailer:




 


Am I crazy or what?  Who really knows?  I know I certainly don't want to find out.  These are the types of things going through Juliette's mind.  Her journey will be pass through darkness before she can answer these questions.  Along the way she must decide who to trust.  Especially, when it comes to her already bruised heart.

I just loved this book from page one.  Even my husband who usually isn't interested or understanding of my book universe was hooked on the same page.  I love the way this was written with the strikeout.  It is a new way to portray the inner voice.  It reminds me also of hidden meanings and misinterpretation.  The whole, "what you really mean is. . ."  
So I was hooked on page one and Tahereh Mafi never let me go either.  The story just keeps piling on unique moments and escalating danger.  I also love that while this is the same old nuclear waste makes a superhero book you almost can't tell.  She has taken the same old tired story and weaved an amazing world that feels brand new.  
It surprises me how many terrible and frightening ways the world can go wrong.  With each new dystopian I pick up I find something new.  Now don't take this as a challenge to throw anymore world gone wrong nightmares my way.  I don't really want to know.  It is so horrifying.  This one especially in that moment with Warner and Juliette alone.  If you have read this book I am sure you know.  I couldn't get the nightmare of that moment out of my head all weekend.  In fact I can easily make myself shudder even now over that paralyzing moment of horror.  
It seems like the predictable flaws are going to come back and bite Juliette in the butt.  Namely doubt and miscommunication.  I really hope it all works out for them.  I don't think any girl or woman should be treated like a piece of property.  
So anyway, absolutely stellar read.  I most definitely recommend this to any closet conspiracy theorist(dystopian lover) out there.

Monday, February 13

Valentine's Day Hop: Giveaway


Good Choice Reading and Once Upon A Twilight have teamed up, yet again, to bring you the Valentine’s Day Books With Love blog hop!

I am giving away. . .
Looks pretty lovey dovey.

US only
Must be 13

Lovey Dovey: Romance is in the Air

I got adventurous and picked up a bag of Dove Dark Chocolate Cherry Valentine's treats. I am not a dark chocolate person so this really was adventurous for me. Upon eating the confection I discovered a small bonus. This just shows the true state of my mind. As I read each of these messages my mind wandered to the many love stories and moments I have read in books. Yep, the messages reminded me of books. So I thought I would share it with you. Please, feel free to share a couple or moment from a book that a message may remind you of. 

Be a little mysterious.
Vincent from Die for Me by Amy Plum is very mysterious.
Make someone melt today.
Sonny from Tempestuous by Leslie Livingston is melt worthy!













Savor small romantic moments.
Ky from Crossed by Ally Condie has little else to keep him moving forward than those small moments of love.









Sleep under the stars tonight.
Lucas and Helen from Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini are all about the stars.











Be your own Valentine.
Beatrice from Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev is a strong heroine that doesn't need a male counterpart to find happiness.










Listen with your heart.
Finn from Emma Burning by Shannon Hale is very good at listening with his heart.












Hold hands firmly, hearts gently.
Beth from Sing me to Sleep by Angela Morrison learns the strength of love.











Trust with your heart, not your head.
Darcy from Pride and Predjudice by Jane Austen had to learn that what his heart thought was more important than his head.









Share a secret.
Four from Divergent by Veronica Roth has exactly four secrets to share.







  



   
Remember your first crush.
Anne from Persuasion by Jane Austen will have no other than her first love.












Celebrate family and friends.
Meghan from The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa would do anything for her family and friends.











Discover how much your heart can hold.
Pietr from 13 to Life by Shannon Delany didn't want to open his heart but it is worth it.