Waiting on Wednesday (2) + Swag giveaway reminder!

UPDATE: As a reminder, I'm hosting a small swag giveaway a couple posts down from this one. It ends September 6th, so get on it for your chance to win! Also, I gave you all the wrong link on the post, so if it didn't work the first time, try the link again and it should be good to go.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine where you feature an upcoming release that you're highly anticipating. Mine this week is the second book in the Angelfire series by Courtney Alison Moulton:

Wings of the Wicked

Release date: February 14th, 2012.

Life as the Preliator is harder than Ellie ever imagined.
Balancing real life with the responsibility of being Heaven’s warrior is a challenge for Ellie. Her relationship with Will has become all business, though they both long for each other. And now that the secret of who she really is has come out, so have Hell’s strongest reapers. Grown bold and more vicious, the demonic threaten her in the light of day and stalk her in the night.

She’s been warned.
Cadan, a demonic reaper, comes to her with information about Bastian’s new plan to destroy Ellie’s soul and use an ancient relic to wake all the souls of the damned and unleash them upon humanity. As she fights to stay ahead of Bastian’s schemes , the revelations about those closest to her awaken a dark power within Ellie that threatens to destroy everything—including herself.

She’ll be betrayed.
Treachery comes even from those whom she loves, and Ellie is broken by the deaths of those who stood beside her in this Heavenly war. Still, she must find a way to save the world, herself, and her love for Will. If she fails, there will be hell to pay.

What are you "waiting on"?

Teaser Tuesday (1)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

My teaser for this week is from The Girl of Fire and Thorns, an e-ARC gratefully given to me by HarperCollins.

"He grins at me now, a boyish grin that warms me as much as the Godstone ever does, and my disquiet slips away. I smile back, feeling shy.

'Do you miss home, Elisa?'"

Swag GIVEAWAY!!!!

THIS CONTEST IS OVER

As this is my first ever giveaway, it's small and involves swag only. Don't worry, I have some goodies waiting on my shelves for you, but that will have to wait for when I can have more people entering. I know, you want to be the only one and therefore win everything, but as tempting as that is, it can't work that way. Anyway, onto the swag packages!

The first package is from Alyson Noel, and includes Everlasting tattoos, a Shimmer tattoo, and a Shimmer and Radiance bookmark.

The second package is from many authors. Left to right:

• The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton bookmark, signed
• Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready bookmark, signed
• Beautiful Darkness/Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl bookmark
• Paranormalcy/Supernaturally by Kiersten White bookmark
• Cryptic Cravings by Ellen Schreiber bookmark
• (center) DVD book sampler from sequels to books, such as Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan, Rebel Angels by Libba Bray, Kisses and Lies by Lauren Henderson, Nobody's Prize by Esther Friesner, Frogs & French Kisses by Sarah Mlynowski, and Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce.

This giveaway ends September 6th, a week from now. And there's so many more ways you can win! Use Twitter, Facebook, and your Blog to get the word out and earn extra points. Just don't forget to fill it out in the specified slots in the form, which you can find! Good luck, and thanks so much for entering!!

In My Mailbox (4)

In My Mailbox is a meme posted by Kristi over at The Story Siren, where you create a post of the books you either received in the mail, bought at a bookstore, or borrowed from the library. If you'd like to know my thoughts about IMM, check out the link near the top of my blog called In My Mailbox. Simple, right? Anyway, onto the books!

NOTE: If you're unfamiliar with how I do things with my IMM, I basically give a little back story to the books I have pictured. Also, if there are ARC's, I'll give a synopsis and date published.

~ Deadly Little Lies by Laurie Faria Stolarz: Another book where I bought it because it was the last copy at Borders, but I have yet to read the first one. I loved her Blue is for Nightmares series when I was in middle school and I can't wait to start this series.

~ The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness: I'm not exactly sure what this is about, but I've seen it in polls on Goodreads and I've heard pretty good things about it. It also sounds really interesting and has been calling to me for a while now. This was also a last copy deal at Borders.

~Kiss Me Kill Me by Lauren Henderson: I always find the second and third books of this one, but never the first. Luckily, I had my radar vision on when I was at Borders and scoped out the first one! The second one was also there but I decided that might not be the best idea... I'll probably buy it this week sometime if it's still there.

~ Forgiven by Janet Fox: As always, I am a cover whore. I mean, seriously, what's with all these dresses on the covers of YA lit these days? Actually, the covers in YA now send out a signal saying, "This is YA and awesome. READ ME!!!!" I am such a lost cause. Oh, and it sounds interesting.

~Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson: You know, when I first saw this title in hardcover, I was in my Twilight book phase and so I automatically thought of that scene in his car where it comes on for the first time. Nothing like the movie. So, of course, I'm intrigued.

~The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney: This book hasn't gotten the best reviews, but it sounds interesting to me. Also, the cover is gorgeous and you know me! And it was 50% off at Borders... can't beat that. Well, you can, but it might not be there when the prices drop.

~Wildefire by Karsten Knight: It's strange. Before the book was actually released, I heard nothing but good things. Now, I'm not so sure. Getting mixed messages here people! Ah well, I guess I'll just have to find out for myself. And the cover!! Gets me every time.

~Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver: Yes, you read right. This was the big surprise I mentioned in my last In My Mailbox, a wonderful lovely ARC of Lauren Oliver's debut book for middle grade readers. I won it on another blogger's site and soon, very soon, I will be reviewing it here on my blog for all of you. I'm also going to a signing of hers in October, so yay! Although this version is already signed, but I've already utilized my cheesy line of signed, sealed, delivered.

Tune in next week for In My Mailbox (5)! And don't forget to check out the swag giveaway I'm about to post as long as my internet stays intact long enough.

The Hunger Games teaser-trailer aired last night on the MTV VMA's

For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, don't worry, I didn't watch the Video Music Awards last night either. But hopefully you heard that the very first official Hunger Games trailer for the movie releasing next spring was aired live on MTV last night! Though there wasn't much, it was enough to get me pretty stoked. And I like how they did Katniss. For some reason, the incident where the actress that played Victoria from New Moon was replaced in Eclipse came up in my head, and all I kept thinking was that Victoria #1 looked fierce and cat-like (perfect fit from the book) while Victoria #2 just looked frightened and innocent the whole time. I was nearly expecting that for Katniss, because there's just so many ways they can screw up this movie. But I think they picked a good actress. Goodness, I like to blab, don't I? You probably didn't even read this! I can't wait for more of this movie. Well, here's what you clicked the link for:

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver: review

Goodreads rating: 4.03

Paperback, 470 pages

Published March 2nd 2010 by HarperCollins

ISBN

0061726818 (ISBN13: 9780061726811)

Characters

Kent McFuller, Ally, Samantha Kingston, Lindsay Edgecomb, Elody ...more

Setting

Connecticut (United States)

Literary Awards:

Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Fiction, Debut Author, Nominee for Goodreads Author, Favorite Heroine (2010), YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults (2011), RT Reviewers' Choice Award Nominee for Best Young Adult Paranormal/Fantasy Novel (2010), Publishers Weekly's Best Children's Books of the Year for Fiction (2010)

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?
Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.
Instead, it turns out to be her last.
Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.  

5/5

This book is one of the saddest and most heart-warming stories I've read in a long time. Lauren Oliver's writing style is brilliant and it flowed easily as I read page after page; it was hard to put it down. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect, because this is one of those stories where an author can totally pull it off or completely fail at it. Oliver succeeded gracefully and beautifully.

Sam (Samantha) Kingston is the definition of a mean girl, as are all three of her best friends. They're really nice to each other and perfect best friends. In fact, they act the way I do with my best friends, so Oliver hit that spot on, but they make fun of people every chance they get, and that is something I was unfamiliar with experience-wise but could understand. The only issue I had with the whole best friend thing is that it's made clear that their are some things you just don't talk about with your best friends, which is partially true. But it seemed like their were many things that they were keeping under lock and key from each other and that's not always the case with best friends. I suppose the argument is that they were popular so they had to not talk about certain things, but I guess I just didn't agree with it. As you can see, I'm being nitpicky about this because there really isn't much bad that I can say about this book. 

Most people know Lauren Oliver from her dystopian series, Delirium. But if I'm being honest, Before I Fall is way better than Delirium. You do not want to miss this stand-alone debut. I read all 480 pages in one day if that's any sort of indicator.

The Soul Screamer's Omnibus

It was announced yesterday on Rachel Vincent's website that the first two Soul Screamers novels and a Soul Screamers novella (for the first time in print) will be released in November! This is one of my favorite series, and with this cover I'm almost temped to buy it. I am such a cover whore. Here's what Rachel says about the collection on her website:

Volume One will be available Nov 22, and is your first and only chance to get the prequel novella “My Soul To Lose” in print. Haven’t started the series yet? This is your chance to get three stories for the price of one. (It’s $8.99 at Amazon, even less at B&N and BAM.) Already a Soul Screamers reader? Here’s your chance to pass your copies of My Soul To Take and My Soul To Save to a new reader (or library!) and get this gorgeous new cover (and print version of the novella) for yourself.

She's really trying to sell it to us, isn't she? Now all I need is for her to come out to Southern California again, and have her sign the rest of my books!

And before this omnibus shows its beautiful face in stores in November, the newest Soul Screamers novel, If I Die, will be hitting the shelves on September 27th!! It still seems too far away! Again for your viewing pleasure:

*sob* Just gorgeous!

Entice (Need #3) by Carrie Jones: review

Goodreads rating: 3.95

Paperback, 264 pages

Published January 3rd 2011 by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC (first published December 14th 2010)

ISBN

1408810441 (ISBN13: 9781408810446)

URL

http://www.carriejonesbooks.com/my-books/need-series/book-three-in-need/

Series

Need #3

Characters

Nick McKenna, Betty, Cassidy, Devyn, Zara White Zara White , Astley, Issie

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 teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys need all 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 small problem: Zara's been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to go with her? Especially since she hasn't just turned...she's Astley's queen.

4/5

This is one of those series you can be very comfortable with, but has it's heart-wrenching moments, and this book was amazing! The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because the dialogue and, well, nearly all the writing didn't flow quite right. And it's because of the lack of contractions (the grammar kind, not the pregnant kind). I think I literally cringed every time a teenager talked like a-a schmuck! I just couldn't get over it. I understand with Astley because that's the way he is, but no one normal talks that way, and especially not teenagers. Shortening words are kind of our thing.

But I loved the story. It was everything I was hoping for and more. I'm glad Zara and Astley got to know each other more. He really is a nice guy and I can understand why she starts to like him more than just as her king (which is weird, getting used to Zara being a pixie queen; weird for her too apparently). I missed Nick in this one. He really is Zara's soulmate and him not being there for her and her doing anything and everything to get him (even sacrficing people she loved) and being in so much pain made ME in pain. I can't imagine what that's like. To know that your soul mate is dead and that there's a chance you could bring him back, but everyone is thwarting your attempts. Everyone except your friends, who keep sacrificing themselves to get Nick and make you happy again.

With all the attacks piling up in Bedford, I can't wait to see where the next book is going to take us. One thing for sure, Zara is going to have to choose between Astley and Nick. And it's not going to be easy. Next year is way too far away!

Follow Friday (2)

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.

Okay, so here's the question of the week:

Q. In some books like the Sookie Stackhouse series the paranormal creature in question "comes out of the closet" and makes itself known to the world. Which mythical creature do you wish this would happen with in real life?

 

This is actually an easy one for me. I get the feeling everyone is saying "vampires, VAMPIRES, please for the love of Job, give me vampires!!!" Well, let me tell you, I want nothing to do with vampires. I mean, we all know they don't sparkle and they don't even have a heart beat. Just saying. My pick would be fallen angels. There's something about the inner antithesis for me. They're angels, which means that they're good and pure at heart. But since they're fallen, they're rebels and you know they have a bad side. And, well, they have wings and always look sexy because that is the definition of an angelic man. They are the mythical creatures that I feel are the least destructive, but yet they have so much more power than any of the other creatures if you spin the mythology right.

Change is good... I think + Cold Kiss teaser

If any of you have noticed, I've totally changed around the look of my blog. The title picture is different and the background is different, but what hasn't changed is the quality of book blogging that I try for. I knew the blue background wasn't working with the picture I had in mind, so I've done a lot of experimenting with this today and came to this final decision you see here. Point being, I hope you like what I've done, but only the surface of this blog has changed. If you'd like to leave any feedback for me it'd be greatly appreciated!

On to my next topic, I know it's a late for Teaser Tuesday (another book-blogging meme) but I just can't contain myself because I really want to show you my knew photoshop-ed teaser photo.

Ta-da!

Now, here's the actual teaser, from Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey (ARC). This is from the very first paragraph:

I wasn't thinking about falling in love the day I met Danny Greer. I wasn't thinking about anything beyond the paper on the Industrial Revolution I hadn't started yet, and the cool pewter sky above me. I was lying on the top row of the bleachers facing the practice field, watching the clouds skid past, and absently wondering if I could lift myself off the cold metal. Just a few inches. Nothing anyone would notice.

Admit it, you're intrigued now. To be honest, this one is starting out slow and a bit confusing, but I know it'll get better. It's a mysterious mystical unicorn and I will figure it out!

City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4) by Cassandra Clare: review

Goodreads rating: 4.14

Hardcover, 424 pages

Published April 5th 2011 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

ISBN

1442403543 (ISBN13: 9781442403543)

URL

http://www.mortalinstruments.com

Series

The Mortal Instruments #4

Characters

Alec Lightwood, Jace Wayland, Isabelle Lightwood, Clarissa Fray, Magnus Bane ...more

Setting

New York, New York, 2007 (United States)

" 'He does make me happy,' Clary said. 'But he can't control everything in the world, Mom. Other things happen—' she fumbled for words; how could she explain that it wasn't Jace making her unhappy, but what was happening to him, without revealing what that was?" "In a world where everything went away from him eventually, she was one of the few remaining constants." Except for teasers, the fourth installment of Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments romance fantasy has been strictly embargoed, leaving us clutching for word clues. A teen series that keeps readers on tenterhooks.

5/5 

About halfway through this book, I was thinking to myself: I can't believe I'm considering giving this book a four instead of a five. I guess I expected more than was given in the first half (the first three-fourths if I'm honest with myself). I kind of felt like it was pandering and I wondered where it was all going. Jace was being a butt-face and Clary didn't know how to handle it. Then he finally told her what was going on with him (for all the blathering teenagers take part in, communication is one of the biggest problems between teen couples), and he goes to the Silent Brothers. Not much of a spoiler there, it was obvious he was going to tell her one way or another. The second half was way better than I expected and was the reason I gave this one a 5 instead of a 4. It's a great read for Mortal Instruments fans (yes, some steamy, sexy Clary and Jace scenes are included).  If for some reason you haven't started this series, get on top of it. I have no choice but to go into spoilers now.

The pressures of being a new book blogger

Man, am I feeling the pressure! I shouldn't and I know this, but being a new book blogger has taken its toll. Here's my problem: who should I please? Reading certain, select books really helps with my writing, significantly. And I'm really gunning to finish my own personal edits of my manuscript soon before I start searching for an agent. But what about the publishers that have sent me ARC's by my request or the publishers on netGalley that have approved my requests for e-ARC's? Is one or the other more important? And then there's my followers. I love and appreciate every single one of you, and I can't fall behind and lose your interest. When I take vacations, I have to see if there's wifi in the area, and if there isn't I feel guilty. If the summer lasted forever, I wouldn't be having this post. But, alas, nothing lasts forever.

So, to fix this, I'm going to warn you now that, because school is starting, I am physically incapable of posting as much as I have. If I could, I would make book blogging my job. But college calls, my nearly-finished novel calls, my friends call, and especially my boyfriend calls. The good news though is that because I've been posting every day, I'll likely post every other day, or on a bad week only a couple times. School also gives me less time to read, and I'm running out of good reviews on my Goodreads. I will try my best to post as often as all of this mayhem lets me, and hopefully it's enough!

Wating on Wednesday (1) - Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine where you feature an upcoming release that you're highly anticipating. My first one ever is going to from one of my favorite authors, Cassandra Clare.Yes, this week's selection is:

Clockwork Prince

by Cassandra Clare

Publication date: December 6th

From Goodreads:

In the magical underworld of Victorian 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 her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.

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

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, but her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

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

What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

In My Mailbox (3)

 

In My Mailbox is a meme posted by Kristi over at The Story Siren, where you create a post of the books you either received in the mail, bought at a bookstore, or borrowed from the library. If you'd like to know my thoughts about IMM, check out the link near the top of my blog called In My Mailbox. Simple, right? Anyway, onto the books!

NOTE: If you're unfamiliar with how I do things with my IMM, I basically give a little back story to the books I have pictured. Also, if there are ARC's, I'll give a synopsis and date published.

Hereafter by Tara Hudson: This book just sounds amazing, and I've only heard great reviews for it. When I was in Australia I really wanted a copy. But my Dad (the annoying holder of all Australian money) said we'd get it another time because I'd bought too many already. Which was true, but hey, he kept his word. I'm now the proud owner of a hardcover. Take that! Oh, and it's another steal from Borders. I will likely be reviewing this one.

Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma: Another novel where I've heard only the best. I tried to win a few copies of this one somewhere along the road. At least I have a copy now! Nearly stolen from Borders. I will likely be reviewing this one.

Stork by Wendy Delsol: The main reason for this purchase was because I received an e-ARC of the sequel, which is called Frost. Obviously, I didn't want to to read the second one without having read the first, and now I can. Another one from Borders.

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick: If you keep up with my blog at all, you know that I've already read and written a review for this book. So why did I buy another copy? Two reasons. One: it was $2.99, I don't think that needs justification. And two: I didn't buy it for me, I bought it for you guys. Yes, you read right, either when I hit 50 or 100 followers on this blog, I will be giving away a signed copy of Hush, Hush. Is this incentive to get more people to follow? Mmmm maybe...

Deception by Lee Nichols: I got wind of this book not only at Borders, but also at Mundie Moms, where they were having a contest for it. I've picked it up a couple times to buy, but didn't until last week at the closing Borders. It definitely looks intriguing.

The Secret Life of Prince Charming by Deb Caletti: As if that title doesn't just suck you in. Who wouldn't want to know about the secret life of prince charming. That's what made me buy this book, besides the fact that it was $2.99.

Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder: You have no idea how long I've looked for this one. I have the first two (admittedly sitting on my bookshelf), and for the life of me I couldn't find the third one! Luckily, Borders had one copy in the YA section. I grabbed it up quick, and reveled in my spoils.

Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink: Last week, I introduced the first book of this series in my IMM, and now I own the second in the series. I seriously need to stop buying books... it's a serious condition. What kind of person buys the sequel to a book they haven't even read yet?! *cough* me *cough*

Tune in next week for In My Mailbox (4)! I may have to feature a couple of my bargains from Australia, but there's something awesome coming in the mail for me, so hold onto that until next Tuesday.

Awesome giveaway over at Missy's Reads and Reviews

Yes, that's right, Missy's Reads and Reviews is having what she calls Missy's Epic 1000 Follower's Giveaway. And let me tell you, it is indeed epic. I won't bore you with the details (because you can find them all here), but here's the gist:

You get to choose from 5 themed prize packs (The Beach Bum; Bitten & Smitten; Boys, Boys, Boys; Everything In-Between; Surprise Pack; and as a bonus the Ultimate Follower Pack). And you get to do it in all kinds of ways (Facebook, Twitter Goodreads, etc.). You are allowed to enter to win all of the prize packs, and the giveaway is even international. I know people not from the U.S. or Canada love that word when it comes to giveaways, so it needed to be in bold. The chance to win these amazing prize packs ends September 4th, so get on it quick.

Illusions (Wings #3) by Aprilynne Pike: review

Goodreads rating: 4.11

Hardcover, 375 pages

Published May 3rd 2011 by HarperCollins Publishers (first published April 28th 2011)

ISBN

0061668095 (ISBN13: 9780061668098) 

Series

Wings #3

Characters

Laurel Sewell, David Lawson, Tamani

Laurel hasn't seen Tamani since she begged him to let her go last year. Though her heart still aches, Laurel is confident that David was the right choice.

But just as life is returning to normal, Laurel discovers that a hidden enemy lies in wait. Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible. And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail. 

5/5

This series has gotten progressively better. I went to a signing with Aprilynne Pike a few days ago and she said that she's been waiting the whole series to write this book, and you could tell. Much more action, a lot more mystery and intrigue, and so many more times where I wanted to hit one of the characters. Especially David and Tamani. Boys *rolls eyes*. I liked the addition of the new character, Yuki, as well as appearances of old ones. I'll be interested to see where this is all going in the nest one, but it's so far away from now :( As a side note, she said the final one takes place an hour after the end of Illusions, so get pumped!! Btw, Aprilynne is like one of the sweetest authors alive! :D

**SPOILERS!!**
Can you guess what I'm going to start with? The only part that really matters: the Laurel-Tamani-David love fest. Well I can't say I was disappointed. Thank the gods Laurel couldn't fight her attraction towards Tamani for long, and I am SO Team Tamani. I mean honestly, David is an annoying little science geek that started liking Laurel in sophomore year of high school. And Tamani-mmm sweet, sexy, brooding Tamani-has been watching over her for her whole life. He even went to specific training so he could be her (complicated Gaelic that I can't remember, but it means: ) Guardian. He's loved her since before she even knew about him and he'd die for her. David says he'd do the same, but somehow I kind of doubt he knows the true meaning of those words. I mentioned up at the top that I called it, and I did. I bet you Tamani and Laurel will be together (of course) and Chelsea will make a move on David and they'll be together. It's the perfect solution, I just hope that's what Pike chooses otherwise I will be extremely pissed!! Anywho, we shall see I suppose.

One part that annoyed me was how close Tamani was getting to Yuki. I mean, at the end, it's obvious they're not going to be together (she's an unbound Winter faerie, gasp!), but still the whole time I felt like he was deliberately leading her on for his own gain instead of trying to get information from her. I cringed every time he touched, and when they kissed, I got as angry as Laurel would have. But as long as he still loves Laurel, I won't beat him up. On the note of Yuki, I can't believe Klea is a faerie!! At least, I think that's what Pike was alluding to. And what kind I wonder. I mean, Yuki is Winter, what if Klea is just as powerful? Such a cliffhanger with this part!

I don't wanna wait for the last one :( But if I must, I must. *sigh*

The Goddess Test (The Goddess Test #1) by Aimee Carter: review

Goodreads rating: 3.87

Paperback, 293 pages

Published April 19th 2011 by Harlequin

ISBN

0373210264 (ISBN13: 9780373210268)

Series

Goddess Test #1

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess. 

4/5

I think a lot of people's problem with this book is that it's not exactly historically accurate. And they're right, it's not. Hades wouldn't be a virgin, obviously. But that's the point of a re-telling people. It's not exactly the same. There's truths and there's twists, but it's the author's ultimate vision. It doesn't have to be accurate if it comes from a myth in the first place. I also think that what the gods can do wasn't exactly delved into, but it's been set up for a lot more mythology in the next one. The writing seemed a little distant at times in the beginning and I didn't exactly like Kate at first, but by the end I cared what happened with her and Henry. I can't wait to see what happens in the next one, and I want more Kate and Henry moments ;) 

And to be honest, I may be a little biased. I met Aimee at Schuler's in Lansing, MI (check out my post about it). I had dinner with her and all the other authors and really got to know her. It's different when you know the person the book is coming from, but this review is my honest opinion. The main thing about mythology is that it's not even accurate in the first place, and should always be open for interpretation. Besides, it's a young adult book with Greek mythology, which is hard enough. You can't make it too innocent because then it would be middle grade and be branded as a Percy Jackson look-alike, but if you sex it up too much, you hit above the audience you're targeting. Carter seems to have found the right balance with that. I cannot wait until Goddess Interrupted!

Even with my luck, I somehow won an award for this blog!!

So apparently there's this award called the Liebster Blog award, where basically a fellow blogger will choose their top 5 blogs that they enjoy that have under 200 followers, and I was chosen!! First, a special thanks to Farhana at BookChowDown who chose me as one of her top 5! I am definitely honored, and to be honest surprised. I really had no idea that anyone knew about this blog except the few people that follow me. It gives me hope. Anyway, onto the second part of this announcement, where I give my own top 5. Here they are:

1) Bringing The Epic 

2) Dazzling Reads

3) YA Infatuation

4) Fans of Fiction

5) I Read Romance Novels Not Tragedies

For those 5 blogs I've listed, here's what you have to do in order to spread the award around the blogging community:

1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.

2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.

3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.

4. Have faith that your followers will spread the love to other bloggers.

5. And most of all - have bloggity-blog fun

Thanks again, Farhana! I'll be contacting the other blogs soon! :) As for my followers, thank you. You all mean a lot to me, even though I have no idea who most of you are. I appreciate that you've decided to follow me.

In My Mailbox (2)

Likely no one will read this since I'm posting it so late but the point is I'm posting it now within the confines of this day. If you read this, I love you and now have proof that you must be an insomniac. In My Mailbox is hosted every week by The Story Siren.If you'd like to know my thoughts about IMM, check out the link near the top of my blog called In My Mailbox. Simple, right? Anyway, onto the books!

NOTE: If you're unfamiliar with how I do things with my IMM, I basically give a little back story to the books I have pictured. Also, if there are ARC's, I'll give a synopsis and date published.

~Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter: I actually received this one in my mailbox. Sealed, signed, and delivered - literally! Thanks to the girls at Free Book Fridays, I won a signed copy of this one. I haven't yet read the first one, Heist Society, but luckily it was on uber sale at Amazon. I've heard nothing but good things about this series and I can't wait to start reading!

~Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink: I've heard nothing but amazing things about this series, despite the ratings on Goodreads. This is a Borders steal and I'm very intrigued by it.

~Love Story by Jennifer Echols: I love everything this woman has written. Especially her MTV books. I think I tried to win an ARC of this a couple times but to no avail. Another great steal from Borders.

~Hexbound by Chloe Neill: This book and the first one (Firespell) have always caught my eye in the book store. I bought Firespell a while ago and for some reason thought I owned Hexbound. Well, now I do! If this is about witches, I'm already wary, but we shall see.

~The Goblin War by Hilari Bell: This is an ARC! A special thanks to the people at HarperTeen for sending me a copy to review.

SYNOPSIS: Hilari Bell’s thrilling finale to the Goblin trilogy! Alliances are once again tested, and the fate of the entire kingdom rests in the hands of some unexpected heroes.

A multitude of vicious barbarians is out to take over the Realm. The only ones who know what it will take to stop them are teenage hedgewitch Makenna, former knight Tobin, his well-meaning but often naïve younger brother, Jeriah—and a whole lot of goblins. They’ll need to work together to formulate a plan. The answer lies with the Otherworld Spirits and also with the blood amulets that give infinite power to the barbarians. The question is: Can they band together and save the Realm in time?

Readers will relish the intricate politics, high adventure, and intensely satisfying conclusion to this epic trilogy. Master storyteller Hilari Bell’s world-building fantasy-adventure has just the right combination of complexity and accessibility and will appeal to fans of Kristin Cashore’s Graceling. 

Hardcover, 320 pages

Expected publication: October 11th 2011 by HarperTeen

ISBN

0061651052 (ISBN13: 9780061651052)

Series

Goblin Wood #3

~Frost by Marianna Baer: This is an ARC! A special thanks to the people at HarperTeen for sending me a copy to review.

SYNOPSIS: Leena Thomas’s senior year at boarding school begins with a shock: Frost House, her cozy dorm of close friends, has been assigned an unexpected roommate: confrontational, eccentric Celeste Lazar. But while Leena’s anxiety about a threat to her sanctuary proves valid, it becomes less and less clear whether the threat lies with her new roommate, within Leena’s own mind, or within the very nature of Frost House itself. Mysterious happenings in the dorm, an intense triangle between Leena, Celeste, and Celeste’s brother, and the reawakening of childhood fears, all push Leena to take increasingly desperate measures to feel safe. Frost is the story of a haunting. As to whether the demons are supernatural or psychological . . . well, which answer would let you sleep at night?

Hardcover, 400 pages

Expected publication: September 13th 2011 by Balzer & Bray

~Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey: This is an ARC! A special thanks to the people at HarperTeen for sending me a copy to review. I will also be attending a signing of hers, so check out my Signings page for details.

SYNOPSIS: “It seemed so right. Danny was mine, I was his, and that wasn’t going to work if he was dead. So I would make him not dead, not anymore. I didn’t think any further than what it would feel like to kiss him again, to wrap my arms around him and bury my head against his shoulder.
That was my first mistake. It also turned out to be the biggest.”

When her boyfriend, Danny, is killed in a car accident, Wren can’t imagine living without him. Wild with grief, she uses the untamed powers she’s inherited to bring him back. But the Danny who returns is just a shell of the boy she once loved.

Wren has spent four months keeping Danny hidden, while her life slowly unravels around her. Then Gabriel DeMarnes transfers to her school and somehow, inexplicably, he can sense her secret. Wren finds herself drawn to Gabriel, who is so much more alive than the ghost of the boy she loved. But Wren can’t turn her back on Danny or the choice she made for him—and she realizes she must find a way to make things right, even if it means breaking her own heart.

Amy Garvey’s transcendent teen debut is perfect for fans of Shiver and Beautiful Creatures. Wren’s unforgettable voice and story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.

Hardcover, 336 pages

Expected publication: September 20th 2011 by HarperTeen

ISBN

006199622X (ISBN13: 9780061996221)

Tune in next time for In My Mailbox (3)! I already have a great lineup.

YALSA's Teen's Top 10: VOTE!!

A special YA section of ALA (American Library Association) is hosting a survey for the Top Ten Teen novels from last year! A few of the titles include The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, Matched by Ally Condie, Nightshade by Andrea Cremer, Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick, Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver, Paranormalcy by Kiersten White, and many others. Cast your vote through September 15th and see which ones make the Top 10!! The official list will be announced during Teen Read Week (October 16-22).

Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush, #1) by Becca Fitzpatrick: review

Goodreads rating: 4.02

Hardcover, 391 pages

Published October 13th 2009 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

ISBN

1416989412 (ISBN13: 9781416989417)

URL

http://www.hushhushbook.ca/

Series

Hush, Hush #1

Characters

Nora Grey, Patch Cipriano, Vee Sky, Marcie Millar, Rixon

Setting

Coldwater, Maine (United States)

Literary awards

Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Young Adult Series (2009), ALA Teens' Top Ten (2010)

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.
 

5/5

 I LOVED this novel! But I was honestly putting off reading it. I bought at Borders with the mentality of 'well there aren't many good/decent books I haven't read so why not?' When I went to buy it, the cashier said that the author had come by earlier in the week and had signed books and they had some left over. It wasn't any extra money so I got it and am really glad I did! This is one of the best novels I've read in a long time. 

As I said I was putting off reading this one, but only because I'd been reading a long line of YA novels that just didn't meet my standards in one way or another. When I started to read Hush, Hush, I was expecting the same result. I mean the name alone threw me off a little. Still, I started to read it and it sounded a tiny bit like Twilight in the beginning (with the biology class and new kid blah blah blah) but then I knew it was about angels and not vampires so that put that thought to rest. 

I love Nora's character. So many girls in YA books just automatically fall head-over-heels for the dangerous guy without second thoughts about repercussions. I felt Nora's reactions to her feelings for Patch and his feelings for her were completely natural and more than likely how I would act. 

Patch is certainly the comic relief, but also an amazing love interest. You want him and Nora to be together the whole time no matter what he does. And he didn't act his normal self right away with her. He made it seem like he didn't like her and then it turns out that he actually loves her and I really love when it starts that way. It was certainly a satisfying end of the novel and the beginning of their relationship. 

Sometimes it's hard to explain what exactly makes a great novel. Flow and language are certainly a big part that most authors tend to forget about sometimes. But it's also about the characters, and authors also seem to forget that their readers don't know all the things that they do and when that happens it just ruins it for the reader. In this novel the characters were well developed and the writing was truly amazing. It's a great addition to the fallen angel part of the YA genre.

Silence, the third book in this series, will be out October 6th. Check out my Signings page for details on details on the signing I'm going to for her and two other new YA authors.

Shift (Shade #2) by Jeri Smith-Ready: review

Goodreads rating: 4.31

Hardcover, 367 pages

Published May 3rd 2011 by Simon Pulse

ISBN

1416994084 (ISBN13: 9781416994084)

series

Shade #2

Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to. Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift.
As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart.

In honor of Zachary Moore's graceful loss to Jace Wayland in YA Crush Tourney, I've decided to post my review of Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready. WARNING: I often take on the persona of the novel in my reviews if it was an amazing book, and in this case there's a couple of profanities and suggestive material (*no big ones obviously, I happen to like my reviewing integrity*) but I also didn't want to take away from the... sassyness... of my review.

5/5

Honest-to-God wishing my boyfriend was Scottish right now. I even slept on this review, and it's still true. Zachary is one of my favorite YA guys, also because he's so sweet. This book, though, definitely didn't show him in the best light at times. I can count on one hand how many times I wanted to punch him, but they were still big deals. I can't say much else about Zach without spoiling. Except of course that his accent makes me melt into my shoes.

Logan was annoying as crap. It's made obvious in the cliffhanger in Shade that he comes back all violet and non-Shady again. But it gets worse (see spoilers). Then he wants to start forming a band that only pre-Shifters can see and still wants to be with Aura (dude, it doesn't work, and she likes Zachary, get it through your nonexistent skull!). But Aura can't piss him off because she doesn't want him to go Shade again. The ending of this one ends in nearly the same way as the last one, with just Aura and Logan. I hope he leaves this time...

What an amazing sequel to Shade. I feel like this book is highly underrated, in that no one is reading it. But seriously, this is an awesome series and I cannot wait to see what waits for me in the final installment.