Forever Lost in Books

Destiny Series Giveaway/Blog Hop

2012-03-07T14:04:00.001-05:00

A big thank you to the hosts, I Am a Reader Not a Writer and Bookworm Lisa for hosting this great giveaway!

Go Check Out Other Blogs' Giveaways!!!

So, I am doing a giveaway of the whole Meeting Destiny trilogy in paperback (INT), thanks to the author, Nancy Straight!

MARCH 8TH TO 13TH!

My Review of Book One | My Review of Book Two | My Review of Book Three

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: The giveaway will end at 12:01 am on February 15th 2012. 1 (one) winner will be randomly selected using the Rafflecopter form and will be promptly contacted for the whole Destiny Series. The winners have 72 hours to reply or another winner will be chosen. Giveaway is open to everyone (INT)!!! The author or me isn't responsible for prizes lost or damaged in the mail.

Reading Week Update!

2012-03-07T11:07:00.000-05:00

Here's a quick update!

Alright, so I read 5 books on the 11 books (I added one!) so 12!

TO READ :
~~blablabla~~ : read
: currently reading
: Next (maybe)

Shine by Lauren Myracle
~~The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan~~
~~Genesis by Bernard Beckett~~
~~Become by Ali Cross~~
The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
~~Lost Voices by Sarah Porter~~
The Puzzle Ring by Kate Forsyth
~~Ash by Malinda Lo~~
The Witches of the Glass Castle by Gabriella Lepore
Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
Sapphiqe by Catherine Fisher
Lover Unbound by J. R. Ward

Added to read :

The Final Warning by James Patterson

WWW(W) Wednesday (1)

2012-03-07T08:35:00.000-05:00

Alright, so I decided to mix one of my favorite memes (Waiting on Wednesday) and a new and cool-looking meme called WWW Wednesday. It's basically three questions(always the same), but I'll be adding mine : what are you waiting for? So, let'S get on with it!

What are you currently reading?

I'm reading Shine by Lauren Myracle. I had it on hold for about 3 to 4 days, but I've started it again, and it's pretty good for now! I'M hoping to finish it by tonight, even though I'm only 60 pages in

What did you recently finish?
Lost Voices, and I'll maybe be posting a review on it! It was pretty good!

What do you think you'll be reading next?
The fourth book in the Maximum Ride series, The Final Warning. I just love this series and I really want to read the rest!

Added question: What are you waiting for?
Everlasting by Elizabeth Chandler, because I just LOVE this series!

Leave a link to or just tell me your WWW Wednesday!

Destiny's Wrath : Book Review : OMG! I loved!

2012-03-06T07:39:00.000-05:00

Click for the Summary!

Title : Destiny's Wrath

Series : Destiny #3

Pages : 203

Author : Nancy Straight

Publisher : Self-Pub

Format : Paperback

Source : From the author to review

My Opinion :

Destiny's Wrath is the third and last installment in the Destiny Series by Nancy Straight. And I have to say, I can't wait to get more of this great author!

Destiny'S Wrath is a great conclusion. It's a happily ever after ending, even though there are characters... who aren't happy...

Destiny's Wrath introduced us to a lot of new characters, like Bert who hosted the demon Samael, and his new girlfriend. I found what Samael did to Bert's new girlfriend horrifying *gulp* I won't tell you more!

I really love Nancy Straight's writing! It's fst-paced, action-filled and you won't be able to put it down!

I found myself attached to the two main characters; I felt connected to them! And that's a great power for an author to have.

I can't wait for Nancy's next novel!

And so, yeah, I LOVED!

4 roses!

Ingo : Book Review

2012-03-05T08:02:00.000-05:00

Click for the Summary!

Title : Ingo

Series : Ingo 1

Pages : 306

Author : Helen Dunmoer

Publisher : HarperCollins

Format : Hardcover

Source : Library

My Opinion :

You'd think that , with all the scientific discoveries, scientifics would have discovered Ingo... but no.

Ingo was a great book.

Helen Dunmore, the author, wasa ble to create a whole new word where readers couldn't find a flaw (by that I mean with the construction of the world, the world itself).

Ingo is actually not a too much terrifying concept, because I absolutely love to swim, but now it got me a little wary... *sigh*

I find that the characters are too young for how they speak and how they react. I mean, a 13 years old boy watching over his sister? I have never heard of something like that...

This is the first book in a series, and I'll be sure to try and get the other books, because

4 roses!

On My Shelf (15) (IMM)

2012-03-04T07:42:00.000-05:00

On My Shelf

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and is a post for bloggers to share what books they've received to review, bought, won, borrowed or were gifted.

But I call it: On My Shelf! Because... well... I don't receive many books In My Mailbox, so... yeah :D

So, this week I got 7 books!

From the Library :

Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson

Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce

The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan

Genesis by Bernard Beckett

Lost Voices by Sarah Porter

For Review:

Become by Ali Cross, thanks to the author

The Puzzle Ring by Kate Forsyth, thanks to the author or Macmillan Australia

So, roses, what did you get on your shelf/ in your mailbox?

March/Reading Week TBR pile

2012-03-03T15:50:00.001-05:00

Alright, so this is my TBR pile of my READING WEEK!

TO :READ :
~~blablabla~~ : read
: currently reading
: Next (maybe)

Shine by Lauren Myracle
~~The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan~~
~~Genesis by Bernard Beckett~~
Become by Ali Cross
The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
Lost Voices by Sarah Porter
The Puzzle Ring by Kate Forsyth
Ash by Malinda Lo
The Witches of the Glass Castle by Gabriella Lepore
Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
Sapphine by Catherine Fisher
Lover Unbound by J. R. Ward

I'll be posting new updates!

Book Spotlight: XOXOXO

2012-03-03T07:56:00.001-05:00

Hey roses, so I'm introducing Bethany Lopez, the author of Ta Ta For Now! and XOXOXO!

Bio : Bethany Lopez was born in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Michigan and San Antonio, Texas. She went to High School at Dearborn High, in Dearborn, Michigan, which is where she has set her Young Adult novel. She is married and has a blended family with five children. She is currently serving in the United States Air Force as a Recruiter in Los Angeles, California. She has always loved to read and write and has seen her dream realized by independently publishing her first novel through Amazon with CreateSpace and Kindle Direct Publishing. Ta Ta for Now! is also now available through Smashwords at Barnes and Noble.com, on the Nook, and the Sony eReader. Her second novel in the series, xoxoxo, will be released on March 2, 2012.

Independent Author Network

www.bethanylopez.weebly.com

@bethanylopez2 (Twitter)

Amazon
Smashwords
Barnes & Nobles

And, here's an excerpt of XOXOXO! Enjoy! :

ENTRY ONE

First New Journal Entry:

I know, I know, I know… it has been a really long time since I have written anything. In fact, it has been so long, that I decided to get this pretty new journal to replace my other one. That one is old news anyway! When I noticed that the last entry was in October, and it is now April, I knew that I needed to start fresh.

A lot has changed in the last six months. Jess, Jimmy, and I have been inseparable. My parents call us the Three Musketeers (Such an old person saying). I am glad that Jess and Jimmy never actually dated because now we are the best of friends! Brian and Layla are still hanging out and are annoyingly sweet to me whenever we run into each other (which seems to happen all of the time!). Megan has started seeing Mark, and he is at our house all of the time now. I can never seem to be in the living room or kitchen for five minutes without them running in and taking over the TV or grabbing a snack. Nothing has really changed with Mikey or Monica, and Mom is still pregnant. She looks like she is about to burst. It seems like she is always in pain and eating weird food, like grits with maple syrup. I feel bad for her!

Have I mentioned that I really do not want to have kids, EVER!!??

Jess, Jimmy, and I completed our first semester of freshman year, and we did so great in our Photography class, that we were asked to join the Yearbook staff second semester. It is the best class ever! We are in charge of getting great action pics of the freshman class. So, we spend a lot of time going to events and takings pictures for Yearbook. It has been so much fun, and it has really kept our social calendar full. We get invited to all of the best parties and have been to every sporting event. We are always there to hang out and back each other up, and I couldn’t imagine having better friends than Jess and Jimmy.

I am not going to lie… I took the whole Brian and Layla thing pretty hard. I mean, I really liked Brian and thought that we were going to have a shot at a great romance, but the whole fiasco with the dance and my parents really messed things up. Then you throw in the Layla thing, and I was totally bummed for a while. Jess and Jimmy did everything they could to cheer me up, but with Brian on the swim team and Layla joining freshman track, they are often the subject of our photos. I see them everywhere! And whenever I see how he is with Layla, I am reminded of how great Brian is! Plus, she is in my Physical Science class… Ugh! We have been friendly to each other, and I really don’t have anything against her anymore… It just makes me sad more than anything. I can’t help thinking, “What if?”

Christmas was a lot of fun. We had the festivities at my Uncle Lou’s house this year. He lives on Runyon Lake in Fenton, and we had family members travel from all over Michigan to get together at his place for the holidays. It was sooo much fun! I love going to Uncle Lou’s. He has this great house with so many beds in it that you could sleep in a different bed every night! Everyone just shares rooms and space and kind of snuggle together like a gigantic slumber party. I don’t get to see my cousins that often, but when we do get together we have a blast - especially at Uncle Lou’s! Even though it gets pretty cold at Christmas, we all go outside and make snow angels and snow men. I have this new totally cute set of gloves, hat and scarf. They look like they are crocheted with pink yarn, but they actually have a thick and fuzzy liner, so they keep me warm while looking totally fab! I bought this beautiful charcoal grey coat to match, and I have to say, they look really good together.

There was one day where it was cold enough that the shallow end of the lake froze, and my cousins and I went out and tried to skate around on it. Boy, did my Mom and aunts flip out when they saw us doing that… My Mom still brings it up when she gets mad at me! (“What if Monica would have seen you and tried to go out there? You could have been seriously hurt if the ice had broken!) Blah, blah, blah… nothing bad happened, and we had a great time!

Dad and my uncle’s went out on the last day and built an igloo for the little kids to play in. They just made a big mound of snow and then tunneled into it and hollowed out the inside. The bigger kids went out when they were almost done and decorated the outside to make it look like bricks. It looked pretty cool, and I got some awesome pictures of the kids going nuts as they played in there.

After the holidays, Jess, Jimmy, and I would go sledding on a big hill down the street from Jess’s house. I know, sledding is for little kids, not high school freshman, but we had the best time. We would take turns going down together, and we would laugh until our sides hurt. We had such a great time, that for the first time, I was not happy to see the snow start melting. Of course, that only lasted for a minute until I felt the sun on my cheeks. I started imagining flowers blooming, walks at Henry Ford Mansion and Greenfield Village, sun dresses, shorts, tank tops and flip flops, and I immediately felt anxious in anticipation of spring… Not to mention Spring Break, which begins next week!

It is 11 o’clock now, and I have school tomorrow, so I need to get some sleep. I have caught up, for the most part, from the last entry, and will fill in the rest tomorrow!

February Wrap-Up & Book of the Month

2012-03-01T07:09:00.001-05:00

Hey roses!

So, I decided, instead of doing challenges updates every 10 books, I'll just put one each month!

So, this month I read 19 books!! I know to some people, this will seem huge, and to some not... to me it's not! But, anyways, I've read loads of great books this month! And it was hard choosing the book of the month... So that's why I'll do a Top 3. Then, there will be all the other books!

1st!

2nd & 3rd

And the others :

So, yeah! Lots of great books!

I'll maybe be posting my March To Be Read (TBR) soon on Youtube!

My Take on... The New York Time Bestsellers List(1)

2012-03-01T06:42:00.000-05:00

So, this is a new meme over here!! Basically, it's just what I think of the books in the New York Times Bestsellers list (I'll maybe do this each week, I'm not sure...)

This week, I'm going to 'evaluate' the books in the Children's Paper Books (*this is the version that will appear in the issue of the NYT on March 4th.)

War Horse by Micheal Morpurgo. Weeks on the List : 15. I haven't read this book, but I have seen talk about the movie (also saw a scary trailer). It's in a war... therefore... the title... yep...
The Book Thief by Markus Zuzak. Weeks on the List : 232! This book has been on my To-Read list for a long time,a nd I really can't wait to read it, but I have so many other good books that I want to buy that it isn,t one of my priorities, although it looks great!
Switched by Amanda Hocking. Weeks on the List : 7. Switched was replublished by St. Martin's Griffin. Amanda Hocking is the indie publishing guru, and I have read the first three books of her My Blood Approves series, so this one is on my To-Read list too, because of the great summary, the hype and buzz about it, and just because it's a Amanda Hocking book.
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan. Weeks on the List : 27. This is yet another one of Rick Riordan's great series, but I haven't gotten to it yet... but it does look good... so... yeah...
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. Weeks on the List : 20. Alright, so if you haven't heard of this book, I'm sorry to say this, but it's because you've been living under a rock. I loved this book! Go check out my (old) review!
Matched by Ally Condie. Weeks on the List : 22. I really love this series! It's great! Go Check out my Review.
A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull. Weeks on the List : 1. I. Have. Never. Heard. Of. This Book. 'Nuff said.
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. Weeks on the List : 36. This book has been on my To-Read list FOREVER!!! It looks great!
I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore. Weeks on the List : 26. I really loved this book. I own it and it's great! It's a really special book about aliens you don't want to win.
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable by Dan Gutman.Weeks on the List : 4. Again. I. Have. Never. Heard. Of. This Book. 'Nuff said.

So, what do you think (about the books ) ?? Do you like this new meme? I know I do!

Waiting On Wednesday (6)

2012-02-29T07:25:00.000-05:00

Hey, my roses!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's Waiting on Wednesday is featuring... *drum rolls*...

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t…
For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable–hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet…for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

Oh gosh I can't WAIT to read this book!

Bay House Paperback giveaway!

2012-02-28T18:06:00.000-05:00

Check out other blogs' giveaways!

Click for the Summary

Thanks to the hosts!

So, the giveaway runs from February 29th to March 5th!

Must follow through GFC! Good luck to everyone!

Thanks to the author of Bay House for giving away a paperback copy of her book. Only US & CA mailing addresses accepted!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: 1 (one) winner will be randomly selected using the Rafflecopter form and will be promptly contacted for the paper back novel Bay House. The winner has 72 hours to reply or another winner will be chosen. Giveaway is open to US & CA mailing addresses! The author, nor me, isn't responsible for items damaged or lost in the mail.

Art Geeks and Prom Queens : Book Review

2012-02-28T06:58:00.001-05:00

Click for the Summary!

Title : Art Geeks and Prom Queens

Series : -

Pages : 226

Author : Alyson Noel

Publisher : St. Martin's Griffin

Format : Hardcover

Source : Library

My Opinion :

Art Geeks and Prom Queens is written by the author of the Immortals series, and I believe this may be her debut novel (does anybody knows???). And it is completely different. While the Immortals series is of poor quality, Art Geeks and Prom Queens is actually a book where you learn something, and that the characters have a well-written background. If you didn't like the Immortals series by Alyson Noel, then do not let it keep you away from this GREAT book!

Art Geeks and Prom Queens is a bout about teenage life, as you maybe have guessed with the title. But the end is great, and holds a meaning, that is why EVERYONE should read it.

I really liked all the characters, but I was rooting for Jas and Rio (she's the girl) to get together. Well, for Jas to realize that Rio is better for him.

I was really sad throughout the book, when Rio got bitchy and all...

I really liked this book!

Four stars for a cute read!

Interview with author of Always You

2012-02-27T07:13:00.002-05:00

1. Why/How/When did you start writing?

I started writing fiction only a couple of years back. I cannot say I always wanted to be a writer though I could always express myself better through words. Some of my first writings were 4-5 pages long letters to my close friends. :) Then thanks to encouragement from friends and teachers, I realized I actually write better than others. But I never took it seriously till I start freelancing. I wrote a lot of non-fiction articles but every time I would read a fiction book, I would get this itch to write one too. I have always been an avid reader. So, when I actually started writing fiction, it felt very comfortable. Since then, writing has always been my favorite therapy and a path to complete happiness. I love the creative process of building a story.

2. Did Always You have another name? What was it and why did you change it? And if not, what would you change it to?

Always You went through several changes! First it was "Casanova in love". I thought that it was a tad cheesy. Then, I went for "Memories Rustle". I actually liked that name and had stuck to it for a while but the more I thought about it, the more sad it sounded to me. Then I even thought of "Yours Forever". But that did not work as well. I have troubled so many of my friends, family to give me a name! Finally one fine day, I decided "Always You" and promised myself not to think about it again. It is apt as well especially because in the story, Alex and Lyla always loved each other. They just didn't acknowledge for a long time.

3. What inspired you (author, book, etc.)?

Always You was a result of 3 days and nights of Mill and Boons books. It was couple of years back when over a long weekend, I did nothing but read several Mills & Boons books and thought I can write so much better! Pretty arrogant statement at that time but I did start on this book but never quite finished it. I finished it 2 years later while on another holiday 6 months back. It has been amazing since then.

4. What is your favorite 2011 book?

Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa. I have not enjoyed a book so much since some time. Plus, there is a lot to learn for a writer in that book.

5. What does it feel like to get published? Dread, happiness, anxiousness?

All I would say. Happiness for finally having your book and name out there. Anxiousness and dread that people may not like your book. But its mostly happiness. The very fact that someone has taken the time out of their life to read your book is honor enough to not complain again. I love that. Its thrilling to say the least.

So... um... I feel bad because I knew there was something missing from my Always You post and this was it ... DANG IT!

I'm entering a New Challenge!

2012-02-26T14:57:00.000-05:00

So I'm entering a new challenge, and it's basically to try and read books from A to Z during 2012!

Go here for more info on the challenge and to enter.

I'll be updating it on the new challenge page!!

On My Shelf (14) (or IMM)

2012-02-26T06:57:00.000-05:00

On My Shelf

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and is a post for bloggers to share what books they've received to review, bought, won, borrowed or were gifted.

But I call it: On My Shelf! Because... well... I don't receive many books In My Mailbox, so... yeah :D

So, this week I got 11 books!

*I was too lazy to put the links... sorry!*

School Library:

Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell *read*

City Library:

School's Out - Forever by James Patterson *read*

Art Geeks and Prom Queens by Alyson Noel *read*

The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison

Sapphique by Catherine Fisher

Ingo by Helen Dunmore *currently reading it*

Wildwing by Emily Whitman

Ash by Melinda Lo

For review :

Destiny's Revenge by Nancy Straight, thanks to the author

Destiny's Wrath by Nancy Straight, thanks to the author

CHECK OUT THE GIVEAWAY! (INT)

So, that's all I got this week, what did you get in your mailbox, on your shelves?

Happy reading, roses!

A Letter To My Younger Self...

2012-02-25T16:14:00.000-05:00

So, Julie Cross, the author of Tempest, is doing a giveaway on her blog. And what's fun is that you have to write a letter to your younger self.

You can see my letter there, but I didn't put everything I wanted... so that's why I'm rewriting it here. This is kind of personal, but it tells all of you roses more about myself :

Hello dear 11 years old self,

it's me, your 13 years old future self! Yep... I'm taller than you * sticks tongue out * and older. So, yeah.. let's get to the heavy stuff...

So, now you,re in Fifth grade and you feel sooooo like a big kid.... I hate to burst your bubble, but you're not really. Now, don't think I'm harsh, I'm just telling the truth! Because... I'm in high school now... yup! Oh, and, High School isn't that hard... so don't be stressed out about that!

So, you,re not really good in English yet, though you manage to get Bs and B+s... but wait until you read this saga... you know, the Twilight Saga, which at first you'll be so scared of, because of the vampire. But trust me, vampires are sexy, hot, gorgeous and you want to kiss them. So, just jump on the book and read it already! You'll love it, as well as the whole series, and it'll be the only thing that gets your attention for months!
Also, mom and dad will think you've been washed off the planet... because you almost never talk to them since you're nose is always in a book. You can quote any part of the series, and your English is getting really better.... but wait until you find that great and awesome site about books... which I won't mention.

But, well, now I've got a great book blog with awesome book blogger friends!

But for now, you're really lacking of self-confidence in your grades and your appearance. But, please be strong even if people call you a giraffe and the CN tower. But trust me, you'll laugh about it in two years... well, not always, but you will. And you'll still be the nerd of your class in high school, just so you know.

Also, that guys you really hate in the class, you know B... well you'll meet a stupider and meaner a** in high school that,ll bully one of you two new best friends, and you'll want to redo his face. And cut his head off to stuff it, then put it on your wall. So, B isn't bad after all, he's just a stupid kid who wants attention. But the other kid in High School... well, steer clear of him.

Oh, also, cherish the time you get with grand-ma... she'll die in the summer from a bad fall (well, the consequences of a bad fall), then your grand-pa, two months after her death, will start going out with a women. So, yeah... *cough* *cough*

Dearly,
Your 13 years old and a bit more wiser self who loves books.

2012 Reading Challenge Update (3)

2012-02-25T08:52:00.000-05:00

Here's another update for my roses!

The Angel Experiment by James Patterson
Meeting Destiny by Nancy Straight (review)
Generation Dead by Daniel Waters
Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala
School's Out - Forever by James Patterson
Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien
Destiny's Revenge by Nancy Straight
Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell
Art Geeks and Prom Queens by Alyson Noel (review to come)
Zombie Love : The Outbreak by Eric J. Sobolik (review)

So, that's all!

Zombie Love : The Outbreak : Book Review

2012-02-25T08:24:00.002-05:00

Click for the Summary!

Title : Zombie Love : The Outbreak

Series : Zombie Love 1

Pages : Average 200

Author : Eris J. Sobolik

Publisher : Self-Pub

Format : Paperback

Source : From the author to review

My Opinion:

Zombie Love : The Outbreak was sent to me from the author to review, and it was my first real (physical) book I got! You can't imagine how happy I was!

I read this book last night in one sitting. That tells you how the story is fast to read. It also has about 200 pages.

The plot is really great, but I don't really understand where the humor is? (Because of the quote on the back ''... filled with genuine humor and wit...'' - Landon Wasem) Um... where's the humor? I thought the book was actually kind of sad...

Also, in the beginning, Summer's mother is all lion on her daughter... but not anymore afterwards? I would have liked to know why/how it happened?

Overall, a good read!

/
3.5 roses!

Why I read?

2012-02-24T06:36:00.000-05:00

So, theebookmonster, a book vlogger on youtube, made her video first. I only thought it was great and wanted to try and make my own... hers is better... ENJOY!

So, what did you think?

Wander Dust Giveaway!

2012-02-23T07:16:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the hosts : vvb32 reads &

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer fvor this great giveaway!

Go Check Out Other Blogs' Giveaways!!

FEBRUARY 24TH TO 28TH!

Here's the summary of Wander Dust :

Ever since her sixteenth birthday, strange things keep happening to Seraphina Parrish.

The Lady in Black… burns Sera’s memories.

Unexplainable Premonitions… catapult her to other cities.

The Grungy Gang… wants to kill her.

And a beautiful, mysterious boy… stalks her.

But when Sera moves to Chicago, and her aunt reveals their family connection to a centuries old, secret society, she is immediately thrust into an unbelievable fantasy world, leading her on a quest to unravel the mysteries that plague her. In the end, their meanings crash into an epic struggle of loyalty and betrayal, and she’ll be forced to choose between the boy who has stolen her heart and the thing she desires most.

Wander Dust is the breathtaking fantasy that will catapult you through a story of time, adventure, and love.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: 1 (one) winner will be randomly selected using the Rafflecopter form and will be promptly contacted for the e-novel Wander Dust. The winner has 72 hours to reply or another winner will be chosen. Giveaway is open to everyone (INT)!!!!

Destiny's Revenge : Book Review

2012-02-23T07:10:00.000-05:00

Hey, my roses!

Title : Destiny's Revenge

Series : Destiny

Pages : 278

Author : Nancy Straight

Publisher : Self-Published

Format : Paperback

Source : Book to review from the author

Summary: There was no reason for Lauren to be in a coma. Her physical injuries had healed, but she had been non-responsive for so long that her doctors told her family and Max to move on. She awoke to find her life in a shambles; the man she loved was gone, her friends had moved on with their lives, and her family was ripped apart by her accident. No one knew of the evil forces watching, waiting for her in the shadows, in the lonely corners, even in the eyes of those she loved. Lauren needed to reclaim her destiny, to get her life back; the last thing she ever expected was Destiny’s Revenge.

From Goodreads

My Opinion:

Destiny's Revenge arrived in the mail about two weeks after I had read Meeting Destiny, the first book in the (GREAT) trilogy. I couldn't wait to received my own (AWESOME) copy of the two next books! As soon as the two arrived, I began reading this book.

At first, I couldn't believe how much I liked the first one, so I dug into the second book excited AND apprehensive. But, how stupid was I! The first and second book were so good, l because the author is simply AMAZING!

I love how Lauren evolved so much during the second book. And slowly, but neatly. But I kind of hated how Max and Samael... yeah.... I don't want to included spoilers....

Destiny's Revenge is full of perilous twists, and holds a great story.

5 ROSES!

Waiting On Wednesday : STARTERS, baby!!! (5)

2012-02-22T07:12:00.000-05:00

Hey, my roses!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's Waiting on Wednesday is featuring... *drum rolls*...

HER WORLD IS CHANGED FOREVER

Callie lost her parents when the Spore Wars wiped out everyone between the ages of twenty and sixty. She and her little brother, Tyler, go on the run, living as squatters with their friend Michael and fighting off renegades who would kill them for a cookie. Callie's only hope is Prime Destinations, a disturbing place in Beverly Hills run by a mysterious figure known as the Old Man.

He hires teens to rent their bodies to Enders—seniors who want to be young again. Callie, desperate for the money that will keep her, Tyler, and Michael alive, agrees to be a donor. But the neurochip they place in Callie's head malfunctions and she wakes up in the life of her renter, living in her mansion, driving her cars, and going out with a senator's grandson. It feels almost like a fairy tale, until Callie discovers that her renter intends to do more than party—and that Prime Destinations' plans are more evil than Callie could ever have imagined. . .

So, yeah, you may have seen me tweeting about how I'd kill to get this book. The cover is gorgeous, the excerpt is AWESOME, and the summary taunting. Also, it's dystopian!!!

IF ANYONE HAS AN ARC OF IT AND DON'T WANT IT ANYMORE I'LL TAKE IT HAPPILY! (not kidding)

The Sky is Everywhere : Book Review

2012-02-21T07:02:00.000-05:00

Title : The Sky is Everywhere

Series : -

Pages : 283

Author : Jandy Nelson

Publisher : Dial

Format : Old ARC

Source : Old ARC from The Story Siren

Summary:

Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life - and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey's boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie's own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they're the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can't collide without the whole wide world exploding.

This remarkable debut is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Francesca Lia Block. Just as much a celebration of love as it is a portrait of loss, Lennie's struggle to sort her own melody out of the noise around her is always honest, often hilarious, and ultimately unforgettable.

From Goodreads

My Opinion:

The Sky is Everywhere is a book you expect to be awesome and great from the start, partly because of its gorgeous cover, and also because of the great summary. But it didn’t start out as well as it should have with me. Maybe it’s because I was so caught up with the last book I had read, Meeting Destiny, or maybe it’s just because I didn’t like the beginning.

After a while, I got a bit tired and restless with the book, but I still continued, because of the many gushing reviews and fans. And as I reread my last paragraphs, I realize you probably don’t know yet if I liked it or not. I disliked the beginning, but the rest was actually really great!

I think what I hated the most was the how Lennie was lost. I didn’t like how she dealt with it, or how the author wrote it.

I also didn’t like that Lennie *SPOILER* cheated on Joe. Couldn’t she just stop!! *spoiler done!*

I guess, overall, this book was good!

4/5 stars!!

Book Blogger Confessions (#1)

2012-02-20T16:56:00.000-05:00

Hi y'all! Welcome to the blogger meme hosted by All Consuming Books/Media and For What It's Worth Reviews. It's time to open up and share (and vent) about our blogging experiences!

Blogging about books is one of the best hobbies ever, and I love it, since I've made friends (well, I figure we're kinda... maybe more acquaintances, but I feel like they are friends because they are so nice) with Wendy, Giselle, Stephii(two iis on purpose!) and Katie!

This week's question : Social networking with authors: Do you interact on Twitter/Facebook/etc with authors? Does it affect how you review their work or do you look at their books differently because you're on friendly terms with them?
(Question suggested by Andrea from The Bookish Babes)

My Answer:
It depends. I'm really active on Twitter actually, and it seems like lots of authors too. It depends on the author, like I already loved Tahereh Mafi's book, Shatter Me, and it was sooooo fun to get to sometimes talk to her. She's nice and funny!

It may change a bit my opinion, but not necessarily. Like Lissa Price has been talking to me, and I can't wait to read her book, Starters (seriously, if anyone has it and don't want it anymore, SEND IT TO ME (email me first (go to the Review Policy Page to get my email)) And I don't think it's gonna be bad, at all!

Truly, Madly, Deeply, You BLURB

2012-02-20T07:22:00.000-05:00

Here's the blurb to Truly, Madly, Deeply, You :

Four days before Valentine’s Day, Liese Hansfeld is determined to shut the door to her house, as well as her heart, for her annual four days of mourning her one true love. Little does she know her best friend Freytag Meier is just as determined to keep her from her ritual. He’s ready to pick the lock to her apartment door and camp in her living room if that’s what it takes.

What Freytag isn’t prepared for is the surge of deep-rooted emotions he feels for Liese, but two things stand in his way: the grief and guilt she still clutches close to her heart, and a man who threatens to snatch Liese from under Frey’s watchful eye. Frey is determined to distract her into forgetting her pain. But is that enough to ease her grief, or help her see he can be more than her best friend?

Inbetween COVER REVEAL!

2012-02-20T07:17:00.000-05:00

Preorder it on Amazon
Add it on Goodreads

Summary:

Since the car crash that took her father’s life three years ago, Emma’s life has been a freaky—and unending—lesson in caution. Surviving “accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option.

It’s not easy being dead, especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn’t let her die before, and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the only thing he has left...his soul.

From Goodreads

What do you think? I think it's so gorgeous!

On My Shelf (Or IMM) (13)

2012-02-19T07:18:00.000-05:00

On My Shelf

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and is a post for bloggers to share what books they've received to review, bought, won, borrowed or were gifted.

But I call it: On My Shelf! Because... well... I don't receive many books In My Mailbox, so... yeah :D

This week I got... 1 book... yeah... but I still got a pretty SIGNED bookmark!!!

From the Library :

This is a dystopian title I'll soon be getting to! It looks sooooo great!

Swag :

Thanks to Emily White, the author of Elemental, for sending me a SIGNED bookmark of her book!!!

So, that's all! Leave me a link to YOUR IMM or On My Shelf and I'll be sure to check it out!

Always You Giveaway (CLOSED!)

2012-02-16T19:25:00.001-05:00

Thanks to I Am a Reader Not a Writer and Read For Your Future for hosting the giveaway!

So, here's an awesome e-Giveaway of ALWAYS YOU! Just enter the form below! (INT)

Go And Check out My Review!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Go and check out other great giveaways!

Disclaimer: (one) winners will be randomly selected using the Rafflecopter form and will be promptly contacted for the e-novel Always You. The winner have 72 hours to reply or another winner will be chosen. Giveaway is open to everyone (INT)!!!!

Always You : Book Review!

2012-02-16T19:19:00.000-05:00

Click for the Summary

Title: Always You

Series : -

Pages : 112 (may change)

Author : Shilpa Mudiganti

Publisher : Inkspell Publishing
Publication Date : March 6th 2012

Format : eBook, PDF

Source : eARC- Blog Tour - Owned
Genre : Romance - YA or Adult

My Opinion : Always You was a hot, twisted and great romance you don't want to miss!

This is my first book in the DAC Challenge by The Story Siren!! So, let's do a happy dance!

This was a really great book, but I thought the characters could have been more developed and that the story could have had different elements, but overall, it pretty good.

The cover is really hot and represents well the characters, as well as the setting of the book, which takes place in Paris (also other places, but Paris is mentioned lots of times) And by Paris, it means romance!

I liked it a lot, and you should totally read it when it comes out! Meanwhile, watch out for the giveaway on February 17th!!

4 roses!

GRAVITY COVER REVEAL!!

2012-02-16T07:12:00.000-05:00

(October 2012)

Pre-order it on Amazon
Add to Goodreads

Summary:

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. Sheąs a military legacy whoąs 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.

From Goodreads

Waiting On Wednesday (4)

2012-02-15T07:04:00.000-05:00

Summary:

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

I sooo can't wait since I loved Divergent!!! And the cover is as gorgeous as the first!!

Tweet

Meeting Destiny : Book Review

2012-02-14T06:54:00.000-05:00

Title : Meeting Destiny

Series : Destiny #1

Pages : 291

Author : Nancy Straight

Publisher : Self-Published

Format : Paperback

Source : Got for review from the author

Summary:

Lauren is visited in her dreams for years by a stranger claiming to be her destiny. Destiny becomes reality when paths cross during a failed robbery attempt. Lauren and the stranger experience chemistry like no other and now her doubt over her long time relationship with her high school sweetheart is not her only secret…someone else knows about her keen intuition and sixth sense.A mysterious clairvoyant seeks Lauren out and tells her not only of her life now but what the future may hold. Soon Lauren is in the middle of a murder investigation and a questionable friendship with the key suspect. Law enforcement, friends and family are concerned for Lauren but unfortunately they are unaware of the true danger…Sinister forces are at work and will stop at nothing to destroy Lauren’s abilities.

From Goodreads

My Opinion:

*This counts towards my 2012 DAC!!*

Meeting Destiny is a book worth buying, reading, gushing, reviewing and loving!

Meeting Destiny is a GREAT love story, and it’s why I decided to post my review on it on the day of love, VALENTINE’S DAY!! (I was supposed to post Thursday… and post my The Sky is Everywhere review today). Anyways…

I really loved how the story was written; its unforeseen twists, its romantic (yet not so sexy) scenes, and EVERYTHING. I can’t tell you how much I love this book than with:

Yep, that's how I feel!

I started reading it with a medium expectation… and it was met and more!!!!

The characters are well developed (for example, some actually have backgrounds!) and the story is just breath-taking! The plot it so great and the twists great! Expect this to probably be in the ‘Best book of February 2012’

I can't wait to get the second book!!!

GO BUY THIS BOOK!!! I am even giving you the links to stores where to: Amazon (Kindle is Free for now!!!)

On My Shelf (or IMM) (12)

2012-02-12T07:30:00.000-05:00

On My Shelf

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and is a post for bloggers to share what books they've received to review, bought, won, borrowed or were gifted.

But I call it: On My Shelf! Because... well... I don't receive many books In My Mailbox, so... yeah :D

This week I got 5 books!! Two books to review from the authors and three from the library!

So, here's my vlog!

*I have already read The Angel Experiment since I filmed this on Friday*

**Also, I am halfway in Meeting Destiny... It's pretty good!**

Library Books :

-Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (read)

-Shine by Lauren Myracle

-The Angel Experiment by James Patterson (read)

Books to Review :

The Witches of the Glass Castle thanks to the author, Gabriella Lepore

Meeting Destiny thanks to the author, Nancy Straight (currently reading)

So, that's all! What did you get in your mailbox/on your shelf?

HAPPY READING, MY ROSES!!!

Books to Movies - Why a Trend?

2012-02-11T08:29:00.000-05:00

As you can see, this is my second 'Why a Trend'. I loved doing the other one, and so I am doing another one on :

Books to Movies

So, yeah, it seems like a lot of movie producters/makers/distributers have a dream; to be like Summit Entertainment, which is the distributer that made Twilight. Now, I know lots of you are like 'Oh, Twilight sucks' But Twilight was still pretty popular (as are the sequels) and make a lot of money. As did Harry Potter. So, I've seen lots of books are in the making of movies (and The Hunger Games is already and will be out March 23rd!! *Can't wait*), like Beautiful Creatures (which I love), The Host (which I love), and Legend (not in the process, but possibly!).

What I love about that is to see if I see 'eye to eye' with the producers and the author on the books' characters and settings. Also, to see if the chosen actors do justice to the book.

But what I dislike is also that, after I see a movie and reread the book or read the next book, the actors take the place of the characters' images in my mind and it leaves me nothing for my imagination to work on!

Overall, I kind of like and don't like books to movies!

So, roses, what do you think?

2012 Reading Challenge (2)

2012-02-10T08:14:00.001-05:00

And, here is another update you guys!

[First being the first read in the books]
* = Debut Author Book (this means it's in the DAC challenge!)
= Bests!

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
Always You by Shilpa Mudiganti *
Pink by Lili Wilkinson (vlog review here)
Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts
Faery Rebels by R. J. Anderson
Fate by Amanda Hocking
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan
Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon (review here)
Flutter by Amanda Hocking
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

So, yep...! Lots of favorites!

Carrier of the Mark : Book Review

2012-02-09T07:29:00.001-05:00

Click for the Summary!

Title : Carrier of the Mark

Series : Carrier #1

Pages : 342

Author : Leigh Fallon

Publisher : HarperTeen

Format : Paperback

Source : Library

My Opinion :

Um, yep, WHAT ARE YOU DOING????? I ask the

author (which probably won't read this).

WHY DID YOU FINISH THIS BOOK SO QUICKLY?? I

WANTED MORE! I WANTED MORE! I WANTED

MOREEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

And now I have to wait till 2012 to wait (late 2012).

I really loved this book! I think what made it special was that it was in

Ireland! I actually am a little tiny bit Irish (my great grand-father was

Irish!).

Then... when I finished this book...

It can't be finished! No! No! No! (That was my original reaction!)

Then I threw popcorn everywhere (maybe not!)

4 roses! (sorry for the over use of images to describe my feelings!)

Waiting On Wednesday (3)

2012-02-08T07:02:00.000-05:00

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

I really can't wait to read this, since Delirium was my favorite book of 2011! It looks great!

Want to Read!

2012-02-07T07:11:00.000-05:00

Hey guys!

So, I didn't know what to post for today, but I'm just going to list books that I either can't wait to read or will soon be reading!

Not yet released (but soon) by I really really want to read it!

Released and can't wait to read!

On My Shelf (11)

2012-02-05T08:07:00.000-05:00

On My Shelf

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and is a post for bloggers to share what books they've received to review, bought, won, borrowed or were gifted.

But I call it: On My Shelf! Because... well... I don't receive many books In My Mailbox, so... yeah :D

This week wa really special to me, even though I only got 2 books because I got my first real (paperback) review copy sent from an author!
* I didn't do a vlog since I only got 2 books. But I'll be posting a 2011 favorites!

For review :

From the Library :

Already read it and loved it! Similar to Across the Universe!

So, what did you get in your mailbox?

Breaking Dawn Parody

2012-02-04T12:19:00.000-05:00

I've been subsribed to this awesome Youtube channel since their first Twilight parody, and I want to post the newest one : BREAKING DAWN! It's hilarious!

Book Trailers : Why a Trend?

2012-02-04T07:53:00.001-05:00

So, I have been getting more involved in Youtube, and by that, I mean I have been watching other book blogger's video to improve. That's when I stumbled upon book trailers. Then, I saw that there were SO many new! It seems like lots of books have one : Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne, Incarnate by Jodi Meadows, Bewitching by Alex Flinn, Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver, Delirium by Lauren Oliver and Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. I mean, and that's just a little fraction of it! And it seems to be a new trend.

Now, I am asking myself; is a less-than-one-minute? I always, each time I see a book trailer, think that it's worth nothing since you don't even get a big enough glance in the book. I also find that a book trailer that have real people in them to be more of my taste and get me more interested in the book. I always seem to hate the trailer with only images and moving background with a voice. I feel like they just did it to get more people to notice it, but don't want to actually want to film and put work in it. It just seems worthless to me! For example : I really couldn't (and still can't) wait to read Incarnate by Jodi Meadows. Then, I saw its trailer and it kinda lost a bit of its appeal to me. I wanted to see how they saw the characters, and if they had put work into the book because they actually believed in it.

Maybe, it's just because the first book trailer I had seen and actually noticed enough was Harbinger's. There was also Starter's. It was actually those book trailers that got me wanting to read the books! The characters, the playing, the setting, all of it made me put the books in my TBR pile and had me wanting to read them as soon as I could! Bravo to anyone who did them!

The point of actually making a book trailer is to get the reader's attention, and by that, I mean with actual, real people!

If you have read up to this point, then you are awesome!

So, here's what I ask you :

Do you like watching book trailers? And do you prefer when they put actual real people in them?

Random Reads (2)

2012-02-03T07:18:00.000-05:00

In short, Random Reads is a meme where we pick a random book from our shelf to read within the month. I’m on Goodreads so I’m using a combination of the sorting feature and Random.org to pick the book I’m going to read.

So, I've got lots of books to read, and this will decide!

The Sky is Everywhere
Upper Class
To Die For
Pants on Fire
Don't Breathe a Wird
Inconvenient
Catwalk
Hold Me Closer Necromancer
Grace
Generation Dead
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side
To Die For
Destined
Carrier of the Mark
Shadowland
Saving Maddie
Zombie Love : The Outbreak

So, the number the generator chose is..... 14!

So, I'll be reading Carrier of the Mark as soon as I finish Glow and Flutter.

FAVORITE BOOK OF JANUARY 2012!

2012-02-01T07:22:00.000-05:00

So, this is something I'll be trying to do every first of each month!

So, this month was kinda difficult, actually, but a book was just... OMG.... it's... CLOCKWORK PRINCE BY CASSANDRA CLARE!

Click here to read my review!

Waiting On Wednesday (2)

2012-02-01T07:14:00.000-05:00

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's Waiting on Wednesday is featuring... *drum rolls*...

In a near future in which the diminishing oil supply has led to mass rioting, 16-year-old Faye is sent to an educational facility for "delinquents and crazies," where she is tormented by strange visions of a being sent to destroy the Earth in order to save it.

I can't wait to get this book! It looks just so great! The book cover is jaw-dropping and the summary taunting!

A Fellow Blogger's Giveaway!/Pink : Book Review!

2012-01-31T07:25:00.000-05:00

Hey guys! So, Amber from Fall Into Books is having a giveaway down at her blog! Go and check it out!

So, here's my first vlog review! I hope you like it!

99 FOLLOWERS GIVEAWAY (CLOSED!)

2012-01-30T17:31:00.006-05:00

GO see other blogs doing the giveaway!

A special thank you to I am a Reader not a Writer and Rachel Renee Anderson for hosting this giveaway!

Hi my roses (I'm trying to call you that... so yeah... awkward)!!

Anyways, so, I noticed lots of people do giveaways when they hit 100 followers, they do a giveaway. But, I wanted to do one at 99 followers :D Because, poor number 99, everyone likes a 100 more, but I don't! I am a 99 Fan!! Woohoo! I know I only got 97, but still!

Also, this is for the Follower Love Giveaway!!! Go over to check out other awesome blogs doing the giveaway!

This giveaway is INT (because of the eBooks).

What I am hoping for this giveaway is to get more people (book lovers and others) to notice my blog ;)

Here are the eBooks I am giving away:

Second in a series, but the first is free on Smashwords.

Rules to enter :

-Be a GFC followers (after all, it's Followers Love Giveaway Hop)

-Need to be 12 years old or older

-Put your email address in the form (which isn't there yet since the giveaway isn't opened yet) and NOT in the comment section

-Answer after 72 hours to my email if you won!

-Well, answer all the form!! :D

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclaimer: The giveaway will end at 12:01 am on February 15th 2012. 7 (seven) winners will be randomly selected using the Rafflecopter form and will be promptly contacted for their e-novel of choice in the books mentioned. The winners have 72 hours to reply or another winner will be chosen. Giveaway is open to everyone (INT)!!!!

On My Shelf (10)

2012-01-29T07:37:00.000-05:00

On My Shelf

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and is a post for bloggers to share what books they've received to review, bought, won, borrowed or were gifted.

But I call it: On My Shelf! Because... well... I don't receive many books In My Mailbox, so... yeah :D

THIS IS MY FIRST VLOG FOR OMS!!! OMG!!!!!

*I make lots of weird faces

Here are the links:

From the library :

Fearscape by Simon Holt

To Die For by Christopher Pike

Jessica's Guide To Dating on The Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Shadowland by Alyson Noel

Bought :

Reign Check by Michelle Rowen (signed)

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Hold Me Closer Necromancer by Lish McBride

Pink by Lili Wilkinson

Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts

Grace by Elisabeth Scott

Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala¸

Upper Class series by Hobson Brown and two others

Catwalk by Deborah Gregory (no the same edition!)

Inconvenient by Margie Gelbwasser

Withering Tights by Louise Rennison

Pants on Fire by Meg Cabot

Saving Maddie by Varian Johnson

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Generation Dead by Daniel Waters

Spell Hunter (or Faery Rebels) by R. J. Anderson (signed!!)

So, you guys, what did you get in your mailbox?

HAPPY READING!

Cover Remakes (1)

2012-01-28T10:52:00.000-05:00

Cover Remakes is a fun way for ANYBODY to remake a cover of a book. It's fun! Join us me!!

First Cover Remake : Delirium!

And here's mine:

So, what do you think of it? :D

Melanie Cusick-Jones Guest Post

2012-01-27T11:58:00.000-05:00

Who is Melanie Cusick-Jones? (Here's a text written by her!)

"Are you animal -- vegetable -- or mineral?" the lion asked Alice.

Who am I? It probably sounds like a weird question, but as soon as you start doing interviews or telling people about yourself and why you wrote a book, it definitely needs some thought. And it’s not that easy to answer.

I’m sure potential readers don’t want to know that I prefer dogs to cats, drink tea not coffee, can tidy but not clean…or maybe they do? Perhaps it would give some perfect insight into my writing. Then I have to decide on whether to go with *serious face* professional author interview or something lighter…am I funny, or is that only in my own head?

You can see from the number of questions I have – I’m really not sure who I am when it comes to writing about myself. I think everyone has so many personality facets it’s hard to decide which ones are relevant when you’re asked to write about yourself. It gets even harder when you’re used to focusing on what characters do and how they behave, rather than yourself. I’m sure of my characters, less so of myself it seems.

So maybe I’ll move away from who I am – which is obviously rather confused – and focus on what I do. If you haven’t already guessed, I write J and at the start of 2012 I released my debut novel Hope’s Daughter, a lightly sci-fi YA story. I’ve been writing for a long while now (not including the awful mock Agatha Christie-style play I wrote at school, A Dirty Deed, which is certainly worth forgetting) and it definitely hasn’t been as easy a process as I thought it would. Ideas come easily and quickly…it’s everything else that takes time and hard work.

When I look back at my very early attempts at writing (which are seriously cringe-worthy to read now) you realise that it takes time to get into your stride. It can be very clunky when you begin with lots of repetition and lack of depth in your scenes (sights, sound, smells). Probably one of the hardest things is ensuring that the internal world of the book makes sense, especially once you start describing places and people: I remember in my first book the main character was four different ages within the story at different points, simply because my various references to him didn’t tally correctly. Continuity fail J

I originally began writing really to see if I could do it. After finishing uni I’d read so many books – some great, some not so great – that I wondered if I had what it took to write my own. I had a rough idea of a story and a character and just started tinkering away. Like I said, the first stuff is pretty bad when I look at it now, but it was a first step and I can see how just ‘doing it’ helped me to get better.

Over the last few years, the more I’ve written, the easier it has become: my first attempts flow better, there’s less repetition and I find myself always thinking about the ‘world’ the characters are in, trying to give it texture. Completing your first book is also a big step in itself: it means you’ve created something with a start, middle and ending, that makes sense and ties together. I love writing one-shots for characters and they’re a great way of putting scenes together, but they don’t give you the same challenge as building an entire book does. I suppose its two different skills: one to look at the overall picture and the intricacies of the story to ensure that all the threads run properly through the narrative; the other being able to ‘zoom in for a close-up’ and write the detail of dialogue, thoughts and scenery.

So…here it is…my first novel. Obviously I like it J I just have to wait and see if anyone else does!

Hope’s Daughter

Life should be simple for Cassie.

For the small population of Earth survivors who live on the Space Station Hope everything they do is planned and scheduled, down to the cyclical food menus, their roles in the station, even how many children they have.

Despite rigid controls directing her life, Cassie feels more out of synch than ever and worries she won’t find a place for herself within the station community. Perhaps that’s because she’s hearing things inside her head that can’t possibly be real. Or maybe it’s the regular elopements of her peers, heading off to a romantic future in the Married Quarter of the space station, whilst she’s never even been attracted to a boy – no matter how hard her best friend Ami pushes them at her. Then there are the odd questions her work placement partner Balik keeps raising. His questions are just as troubling for her as his distracting smiles and eyes that seem to see inside her.

As Cassie draws closer to Balik she finds that everything else in her life begins to shift. He tells her things that call into question the system they live within. She can't believe he is right, but at the same time she finds it hard to deny the sincerity of his ideas. Could there be a connection between Cassie’s problems and Balik’s questions? The truth will drag them both to a terrifying and deadly conclusion beyond anything they could have imagined.

Find the author:

Her Blog

Hope's Daughter's Facebook

Buy the book:

2012 Reading Challenge (2)

2012-01-26T07:30:00.000-05:00

Here's another update, with the ratings!

Soustice by Simon Holt :

Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten : Review!!
Lover Revealed by J. R. Ward :

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare : Review!!
Wake by Lisa McMann :
Fade by Lisa McMann :
Gone by Lisa McMann :

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare : (Old) Review!

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare : Review!!
Fearscape by Simon Holt :

Waiting on Wednesday (1)

2012-01-25T17:21:00.000-05:00

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

This week's Waiting on Wednesday is featuring... *drum rolls*...

Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students—children of the wealthy and powerful—carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead’s breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.

I really can't wait for The Golden Lily since I loved Bloodlines (and I will be getting my own copy as soon as I can!) It looks just... so good! And the cover is stunning!

Clockwork Prince : Book Review

2012-01-25T07:37:00.000-05:00

Title : Clockwork Prince

Series : Infernal Devices #1

Pages : 498

Author : Cassandra Clare

Publisher : Margaret K. MacElderry

Format : Hardcover

Source : Bought - Owned

My Opinion : Let's start with saying that Cassandra Clare is, without a doubt, a writing guru, and one of my personal favorite authors.

And this book was just another.... WOW for me. This book contained a bundle of emotions, wrapped in a pretty book with an awesome and great cover! I mean.,.. the emotions that went though me. From happiness, to being angry, to sadness.

Now, Cassandra Clare, you are tearing my heart in two! Because I like Jem a lot and want him to be happy, but I love Will! And I don't want him to hurt! Poor Willy (lol, that's his nickname from me, cute, eh?). Also.... I like Tessa a lot. And I love the idea of Gideon and Sophie being a couple! They would look so cute together (even though I have never seen them or anything xD)

I have to say Clockwork Prince is even better than Clockwork Angel.

And, I mean.... I have all Cassandra Clare's main books (one's that aren't anthologies) in hardcover. So that means all of the published books The Mortal Instruments series, and all the published book in The Infernal Devices series. So, yeah, I love you Cassandra Clare (hugs imaginative Cassie)! Keep writing, Cassie!

5 ROSES, PEOPLE, CUZ IT'S AWESOME!

Foreign Covers (4)

2012-01-24T07:25:00.000-05:00

I find it really fun to compare foreign covers of the same book, because they are always so intriguing. You can do it whenever you want or when you find cool covers. Just share it and have fun with it!!!

So, yep, SHIVER!!!

I think Italian Cover....

US cover

French Cover

UK cover

Polish cover

Weird Audio German Cover

My favorite cover is the UK cover!!!!

Foreign Covers (3)

2012-01-23T07:36:00.001-05:00

So, today I'll post two Foreign Covers, the first one (this one) being Hex Hall. Then, Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater :D

US cover

Spanish Cover

Polish Cover

German Cover

UK cover

So.... since Hex Hall's got a lot of beautiful covers, it's hard to choose one... but I guess the US cover and the Spanish one are great!

On My Shelf (9)

2012-01-22T07:15:00.000-05:00

On My Shelf

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and is a post for bloggers to share what books they've received to review, bought, won, borrowed or were gifted.

But I call it: On My Shelf! Because... well... I don't receive many books In My Mailbox, so... yeah :D

Bought :

!!!!!!!!!

For Review from the authors:

This was a pretty good week. So guys, what did you get in your mailbox/shelf?

Betrayal's Shadow Summary :D

2012-01-20T07:22:00.000-05:00

HOT GUY ON THE COVER!

Summary : What would you do to save your people from extinction?
What if your race held the key to mankind’s future?
One Guardian will risk hell to change the future.

Descended from the race of Guardians, Turen’s people have survived the last two hundred years, quarantined and isolated. Living in secrecy with no mates and no offspring, they fail to deliver on their ability to replenish and heal human souls through the birth of their Guardian children. Risking his life, Turen chooses capture at the hands of a comrade-turned-enemy to seek answers to change the future.

Mia Bowman has no knowledge of the secret Guardian race. Yet, her uncontrollable, nocturnal summons to Turen’s prison cell and her strong sense of justice leave her with little choice but to help him. She can heed his warning and stay clear of his people’s problems or she can ferret out the lies and unravel an ancient tale of murder and deceit. It will take an ultimate sacrifice to stop the unexpected evil and reverse a fatal ending to the Guardian line.

THE GUARDIANS OF EDEN:
A race of beings created in a Sanctum at the far edge of Eden. Co-existing with mankind, they safeguarded human souls and the promise of eternity—until a virus killed all over the age of eighteen. The surviving children fled to the Sanctum for protection, children raising children without the full legacy of their history and knowledge. Two hundred years of solitude have produced a race of semi-immortals fortified with powers and intellect but lacking the mates who will make them whole and allow them to fulfill their covenant with mankind.

Buy it on Amazon or on All Romance Books!!!

City of Fallen Angels : Book Review

2012-01-18T07:38:00.001-05:00

Click for the Summary

Title : City of Fallen Angels

Series : Mortal Instruments #4

Pages : 524

Author : Cassandra Clare

Publisher : Margaret K. MacElderry

Format : Hardcover

Source : Bought - Owned

My Opinion : : City of Fallen Angel is Cassandra Clare’s

shining fourth book in her acclaimed series called The Mortal

Instruments. And, since every work she’s written is a piece of

art, I am now calling her a writing guru!!!

It’s been a month since I’ve owned this book, and I’ve been putting it off simply because I was afraid it wouldn’t be as good as the first three books in her series. I thought City of Glass was the perfect end to her series, and I couldn’t imagine what more she could add to that book. But I was wrong! Silly me to think Cassandra Clare wouldn’t be good enough to continue her series. And now, I cannot wait to read the next book in the series, City of Lost Souls.

I’ve kinda fallen in love with Simon; he sounds so sweet! And, it seems like Clary was less in this book, which I didn’t mind. Jace is too self-punishing! Poor him! But I still love him. Even more than I love Simon. Cassandra Clare has a way to make me love every guy she introduces, like Kyle (I know it’s not his real name, but I like it better!). I love Kyle too :D

I can’t wait to read City of Lost Souls. Neither can I wait to reread Clockwork Angel (first book in her prequel series of the Mortal Instruments) and Clockwork Prince (read it for the first time). I’ll be getting both of them soon!

4.5 roses, but more of a 5!

So, what did you think of this book if you have read it?

Wherever Nina Lies : More of a Quick Review...

2012-01-17T07:29:00.000-05:00

Title : Wherever Nina Lies

Series : -

Pages : 288

Author : Lynn Weingarten

Publisher : Point

Format : Paperback

Source : Library

My Kinda Opinion : So, since it's been a while since I've done a review, and I wanted to do this quickly, this is going to be short. So, here it goes!

This was Lynn Weingarten's debut novel, and I know her second, The Secret Sisterhood of Heartsbreakers, which, just so you know, has a gorgeous cover. Wherever Nina lies has too a beautiful cover, but TSSoH (her other book!) is gorgeouser (that's not even a word! XD).

I liked this book so much! I finished it in less than 2 hours!! I kinda finished it in one sitting... so that would be my first one sitting book! Ahhhhh! It's a really quick read!

I didn't seen the twist in the book coming! I was like : OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! (that sums how I was... yep)

So, yeah, I really really really want to read her second book! And I hope it's as good!

4 roses and a half!

Reviews?

2012-01-16T19:39:00.000-05:00

So, as you may have noticed, it'S been about a week (or more) that I've done a review on the blog :( The thing is... I've read only two YA in the last week, and the rest an Adult series.

One thing I can guarantee is that I'll be having a review of City of Fallen Angels up soon, because I just started the book. However, I'll maybe try to review my last YA read :D

Anyways, by, roses!

On My Shelf (8)

2012-01-15T07:25:00.000-05:00

On My Shelf

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and is a post for bloggers to share what books they've received to review, bought, won, borrowed or were gifted.

But I call it: On My Shelf! Because... well... I don't receive many books In My Mailbox, so... yeah :D

My second On My Shelf video:

*P.S. : I forgot to mention two eBooks for review!

From the Library:

For my Nook (eBooks):

And the eCopies for review (that I forgot in the vid!):

So, that's all folks, what did you get this week?

2012 Reading Challenge

2012-01-14T08:46:00.000-05:00

So, every 10 books I've read, I'll put up an update! (At least, I'll try :D)

So, here are the first 10 books (two are rereads)! They are in order of the first read to the latest.

So, that'S it folks|

Book Video : The Joy of Books

2012-01-13T07:14:00.001-05:00

I found this awesome video about books. If you haven't seen it yet, watch it now!

ENJOY!!

Foreign Covers (2)

2012-01-11T07:05:00.000-05:00

US cover

Aussie Cover

You see, I can't decide... actually I can! I love the Aussie cover! I love it and I find that it looks a lot like Hex Hall (which will be the next Foreign Covers!)

Which one is your favorite? And why?