MandyCanRead

Enter to Win Transformation by Kimmel Tippets

2011-07-25T23:34:00.000-04:00

Update/Last Post I'll Be Making, For Like Ever

2010-07-15T02:44:00.000-04:00

         Anyone who looks at my last two post may notice the large time gap between the two. This is because I may have, possibly, finally, completely "quit" the book-blogging world.

         The same person who noticed my latest disapperence, may also note that I've done this several times over the last year. But what this person might not know, is this time is different. I've been thinking about giving up on my blog for a while now.

         While I love reading comments, however few they are, that I get on posts, and seeing that my follower base has grown, my life always got in the way of posts. Part of this might be due to the fact that reviews take about an hour to put together, and my WWW posts take several hours.

         I had managed to find time, and when I couldn't, I would take a break from my blog, than come back strong when I was ready. I even started writing up a bunch of posts on the odd weekend night when I was home, and just scheduled them ahead so that when life came in the way, I wouldn't be totally absent.

         So, this loyal, observant, follower may be wondering why I'm so sure that this is finally the end. The answer is relatively simple. I haven't checked my dashboard, haven't even logged into my blogger account on my computer since the thursday before Memorial Day weekend.

         Now, to some, this sounds like an unimportant detail. But, it's truly not. I had been logging into my blogger account, and scrolling through my dashboard posts from the blogs I follow, basically since I made my blog. I would log in everyday, or mostly everyday since I wasn't always available on weekends, and scroll through the post on my dashboard till I got to the first post that I saw from the last time I was on. Even during my post breaks, I was keeping up with the book-blogging world.

         Then, I went to the beach from Friday to Monday night during Memorial Day weekend. When I got back I was to tired to log on. Then, on Tuesday, I kept putting it off, knowing that I'd have 5 days of post to go through. Then next thing I knew, it had been a week since I touched my account, and I had finals the next morning, then I went to my friends house for the weekend, then I had more finals, then, next thing I knew school was out, and I spent most of the next two weeks away from home, only sleeping a night or two in my own bed, before taking off again, never giving the book-blogging world a second thought. By the time I settled back down at my house for more than a night or two, it had been a month, and I was way too overwhelmed by the pure thought of back-logging that much, that I realized that I can finally quit, once-and-for-all. (And yes, I had to back-log it. It would drive me bananas to start back up, without going through all the posts I missed. I'm very paticular like that, I don't enjoy doing half jobs.)

         You see, I didn't really have very many people who knew about the blogger side of me. My sister saw it in the browser history when I had first started last summer, back before I had my own computer, and she teased me quite a bit. Mandy Can Read, she'd mockingly say to me. So, that made me even more secretive about it, more anxious to keep it hidden.

         (Just a little side note, although it might not seem like it, me and my sis love each other, and are practically inseperatible when we both happen to be home at the same, which is less common this summer. She was just teasing and we both knew it, and she knew without me even having to say, that I didn't want people knowing, and she respected that. Okay, little mushy sister love rant over)

         My mom, my sister, my stepdad to an extent, and one my friends are the only ones who know anything about my blog. And none of them have actually read my blog, so they don't know what it really means. And they only know because they all have been here when I received packages of books in the mail, and that usually intails some lame explaination of contests. Mostly, they think that all blogging is, is contests.

         Okay, back to what I was saying. So since the whole no-checkage thing, I feel free to finally not have this part of me that I have to hide, and trust me hiding it was easier than trying to explain it.

         So, maybe that one loyal concerned, observant follow has some slight stalkerish tendancies has noticed that I've posted comments on some posts on other blogs since I've "quit". My answer to that, dear stalker, beside to offer that maybe you might need some therapy, is that while I was still active, I found myself subscribed to emails to a small handfull of blogs. And since I check my email constantly on my iPod, I get these emails, and sometimes cannot help reading and commenting on some of the posts. But it so much less activity compared to before, I don't even count it.

         So, yep, this is it. Most likely. I mean I can't absolutely say that I won't relapse back into my little blogging addiction. But, I really think it's different this time. I mean, look, I spent the last hour writing this post. I've never done that before. And the only reason this post is being wrote, is because I had to write the reviews for those two books in my last post, since I recieved them for review. If it weren't for that, I would have left that poor, stalkerish follower wondering where I went. And even so, it's taken me weeks to finally do the review.

         So, yeah, this is goodbye. It's been fun! And I mean that.

         But, dear stalkerish follower, don't fret too much, I still go on goodreads, so I'm not too unexcessible. And I most definitely didn't stop reading, so I'm still helping the book world with my sales :D

         (How ironic is it that my final fairwell is probably the longest post I've ever written? :P)

         (And if you actually read all that, then I must say: Thank you! You must really love me! And for that I absolutely love you!)

Review: Zan-Gah & Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country by Allan Richard Shickman

2010-07-15T01:36:00.000-04:00

Recieved this book for review. The description is from Goodreads. Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links).

Title: Zan-Gah & Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country

Author: Allan Richard Shickman

"The hero, Zan-Gah seeks his lost twin in a savage prehistoric world, encountering suffering, captivity, conflict, love, and triumph. In three years, Zan-Gah passes from an uncertain boyhood to a tried and proven manhood and a position of leadership among his people. Themes: survival, cultures, gender roles, psychological trauma, nature's wonders and terrors"

"The prehistoric saga continues in Zan-Gah and the Beautiful Country, the sequel to the award winning Zan-Gah: A Prehistoric Adventure. In this story, Zan s troubled twin brother, Dael, having suffered greatly during his earlier captivity, receives a ruinous new shock when his wife suddenly dies. Disturbed and traumatized, all of his manic energies explode into acts of hostility and bloodshed. His obsession is the destruction of the wasp men, his first captors, who dwell in the Beautiful Country. When he, Zan-Gah, and a band of adventurers trek to their bountiful home, they find that all of the wasp people have died in war or of disease. The Beautiful Country is empty for the taking, and Zan s people, the Ba-Coro, decide to migrate and resettle there. But the Noi, Dael s cruelest enemies and former tormentors, make the same migration from their desert home, and the possibility develops of contention and war over this rich and lovely new land."

Cover: Ugh, I truly dislike these covers. When I was first contacted about reviewing these books, I immediately decided no because the covers, then I read what it was about and that just backed up that choice. It was only by luck that I decided to check out a few reviews by other bloggers, and after reading how they actually like the books, I decided to give them a try.

StoryLine: Like I said, I went into these books expecting disappointment, but I was pleasently suprised. At some point in the first book, I found myself oddly hooked to the story. I remember near the end of the first book, I actually said something along the lines of "No, no, no" out loud (it was late at late and I get really into books and movies when I'm tired). And the second book, while a lot more dark, gave me much of the same reaction.

Characters: I was expecting the characters to be very "Me Tarzan, You Jane", but surprisingly they were much like people of today when you get down to it. It was very surprising.

Parting Thoughts: These books were not my favorite books or anything, but considering how far out of my element they were, I actually liked them. I recommend for anyone who isnt afraid to read outside of the typical paranormal love story ( not that I'm in any way saying I dont love those (: )

I give it a B-

Review: Willow by Julia Hoban

2010-05-27T17:00:00.001-04:00

Won this book from a contest. The description is from Goodreads. Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links).

Title: Willow
Author: Julia Hoban
"Seven months ago, on a rainy March night, sixteen year- old Willow’s parents died in a horrible car accident. Willow was driving. Now her older brother barely speaks to her, her new classmates know her as the killer orphan girl, and Willow is blocking the pain by secretly cutting herself. But when one boy—one sensitive, soulful boy—discovers Willow’s secret, it sparks an intense relationship that turns the “safe” world Willow has created for herself upside down.
Told in an extraordinary fresh voice, Willow is an unforgettable novel about one girl’s struggle to cope with tragedy, and one boy’s refusal to give up on her."
Cover: I like this cover. It's like a cut up picture, which I think is amazing. I don't know how to describe why, but I just love it. Maybe my love for the book rubs off on my view of the cover? ;D
StoryLine: I loved this book. It was just so beautiful. I love "cutter" books, as long as they're not whiny, and this book wasn't. I loved it. I couldn't put it down, and I kept thinking about how I can't wait to lend it to my friend because I know she'll love it. And this book made me cry at least once, maybe even twice. Which is definitely a good thing. (:
Characters: I liked Willow, she was an interesting character. I loved how she saw thing so different from how they really were, how she was so convinced of some thing, but how they weren't actually that way. It was sad, thus it was beautiful. I loved Guy, though! He was so amazing, I loved how he handles the whole Willow thing. And I loved David, he was amazing.
Parting Thoughts: I loved this book, like so much! I always have a hard time giving good books any justice with my reviews, so just take my word on it, you NEED to read this book!
I give it a A+

Review: Fat Cat by Robin Brande

2010-05-26T17:00:00.001-04:00

Title: Fat Cat
Author: Robin Brande
"You are what you eat. . . .
Cat is smart, sassy, and funny—but thin, she’s not. Until her class science project. That’s when she winds up doing an experiment—on herself. Before she knows it, Cat is living—and eating—like the hominids, our earliest human ancestors. True, no chips or TV is a bummer and no car is a pain, but healthful eating and walking everywhere do have their benefits.
As the pounds drop off, the guys pile on. All this newfound male attention is enough to drive a girl crazy! If only she weren’t too busy hating Matt McKinney to notice. . . .
This funny and thoughtful novel explores how girls feel about their bodies, and the ways they can best take care of their most precious resource: themselves."
Cover: The cover is kind of boring, in my opinion, thought it does fit the book.
StoryLine: In all honesty, when I picked up this book, I didn't think I would like it. Boy, was I wrong! After the first 50 or so pages, I was hooked. I didn't want to put it down. It's not my usual type of book, but it was great.
Characters: I liked Cat, but I loved Matt. I also loved Amanda (Hey, thats my name ;D) and Jordan. They were so cute together. But, did I mention I loved Matt? I love stories with the whole childhood love (:.
Parting Thoughts: This was one of the books that suprised me. I didn't think that I would like a "fat chick" book, but this was more then that, and I would recommend it, even if you think it might not be your "type".
I give it a A

This Blog Is Carbon Neutral

2010-05-25T19:42:00.000-04:00

So guess what?

This blog is now carbon neutral!

How, you may ask.
By following these few simple steps:

Write a blog post about the initiative + insert your favourite button
E-mail the link to your post to CO2-neutral@kaufda.de
We plant a tree for your blog in Plumas’!

Note: We plant a tree for each domain. Please copy the html-code and paste it in your blog. Make sure the carbon-neutral button works, the html-code must not be changed. Use the carbon-neutral-white button for a white background or the carbon-neutral-transparent button for different colored backgrounds. If you need help, please contact CO2-neutral@kaufda.de. We are looking forward to planting your tree!

So, what are you waiting for?
Head over here to make your blog carbon neutral, it's quick, it's easy, and it's good for the environment (:

Thanks Pages for notifying me of this! (:

Review: TMI by Sarah Quigley

2010-05-25T17:00:00.000-04:00

Title: TMI
Author: Sarah Quigley
"Friends call Becca the Overshare Queen, but her tendency for TMI never seemed like a problem to her until she blabs about her sweet band-geek boyfriend’s sloppy kisses—and gets dumped! Realizing it may be better to resist the temptation to overshare face-to-face, Becca decides to blog anonymously about everything instead. On her blog, Too Much Information, Becca unleashes her alter ego, Bella. Bella tells it like it is . . . though perhaps with a bit more drama. After all, no one’s going to read it, right???"
Cover: The cover is nice. I like how the green eyes match the font.
StoryLine: This book was kind of hard to get into. Don't get me wrong, there were times where I found myself flying through the pages, eager to know what happens next, but there were just as many times where I found myself trying to pick the book back up and to get back into it.
Characters: The main character, Becca, annoyed me at times. The stuff she said was just so embarrassing most of the time. The rest of the characters were just, there, but maybe a just feel that way since I couldn't get into the book enough to care.
Parting Thoughts: I'm sad to say I really just couldn't make myself love this book. I'm sure it was a great book, but it just wasn't really my thing. Or maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this book. I know that there I was moderately interested and some parts were good and there might have been a few parts that made me laugh, but it just didn't leave the best impression on me.
I give it a C
I feel the need to remind people that these are my own personal opinions, and that they shouldn't keep you from checking a book out if your interested in it. (I feel so guilty for the bad review "/)

Review: The Host by Stephenie Meyer

2010-05-24T19:22:00.001-04:00

Title: The Host
Author: Stephenie Meyer

"The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed. But Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind. Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves--Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love"

Cover: I love the eye, it's so beautiful! In fact while I was reading on the couch, my sister came over and told me that the eye was "so pretty". And I especially like how theres a silver ring in the eye that shines in light. It fits the well.
StoryLine: This book hooked me pretty early on. Its 600+ pages, but I knew I would love it by the first 50 pages. With it's size, theres a lot of ups and downs, so to speek, but it still flowed well from one subplot to the next.
Characters: I loved Wanda, Mel, and Ian. They were amazingness personified. (Ok, maybe I'm going a little overboard there :p) Jared was cool and all, but I just didn't really like him. I mean he had his bright moments, just like most of the other characters, but like Wanda pointed out at one point, if she were meeting him for the first time, without all the memories, she wouldn't know if she would like him. And since we arent actually in Mels body, I just didn't see his amazingness. Jamie was so sweet, but most of the time it was so easy to forget he was supposed to be 14. He seemed so young most of the time, and the times when he acted older always shocked me into remembering his age.
Parting Thoughts: I don't know what it is, but Meyer just has a way of writing addictive books. I'm embarrassed to admit that I really like the Twilight books, but I think The Host was even better. I had a hard time even putting it down. I would totally recommend it to everyone.
I give it a A+

SUPER HUGE MEGA CRAZY Birthday Bash!!!!!

2010-05-02T19:04:00.001-04:00

Hooked on YA Books is hosting a SUPER HUGE MEGA CRAZY Birthday Bash!!!!!
Here.
There will be at least 6 winners and theres almost 60 books to choose from!
Go check it out. Ends June 30th

Cover Lust (4)

2010-04-22T17:33:00.000-04:00

Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links). Discription from Goodreads.

Have you seen this yet?

Title: The Poison Diaries

Author: Maryrose Wood

Publish Date: July 20 2010

"Jessamine Luxson lives with her father, Thomas, an apothecary, in an isolated cottage near Alnwick Castle. Thomas’s pride and obsession is his locked garden full of dangerous plants, which Jessamine is forbidden to enter.
When a traveler brings an orphan to their cottage, he claims the boy has special gifts that Thomas might value. Jessamine is drawn to the strange but intriguing boy, called Weed. Soon their friendship deepens into love. Finally, Weed shares his secret: He can communicate with plants. For him they have distinct personalities—and some are even murderous. From the locked garden the poisonous plants call to Weed, luring him with promises of deadly power.
When Jessamine falls inexplicably ill, only Weed’s relationship with the Poisons can save her. But Thomas is determined to exploit Weed’s abilities, even if it risks Jessamine’s life—or drives Weed to the brink of madness.…"

Review: Ice by Sarah Beth Durst

2010-04-20T19:39:00.000-04:00

Title: Ice
Author:Sarah Beth Durst

"When Cassie was a little girl, her grandmother told her a fairy tale about her mother, who made a deal with the Polar Bear King and was swept away to the ends of the earth. Now that Cassie is older, she knows the story was a nice way of saying her mother had died. Cassie lives with her father at an Arctic research station, is determined to become a scientist, and has no time for make-believe.
Then, on her eighteenth birthday, Cassie comes face-to-face with a polar bear who speaks to her. He tells her that her mother is alive, imprisoned at the ends of the earth. And he can bring her back — if Cassie will agree to be his bride.
That is the beginning of Cassie's own real-life fairy tale, one that sends her on an unbelievable journey across the brutal Arctic, through the Canadian boreal forest, and on the back of the North Wind to the land east of the sun and west of the moon. Before it is over, the world she knows will be swept away, and everything she holds dear will be taken from her — until she discovers the true meaning of love and family in the magical realm of Ice."

Cover: I really love this cover. Its so pretty, with the swirling snowflakes, and even the materal its printed on reminds me of a cold metal. And then the girl is so pretty, and matches the MC discription and, I mean a YA cover with a face on it! You know how uncommon that is for some reason? And bear. Ah, just its beautiful (:

StoryLine: Honestly, I didn't think I would like this book. When I first heard of it, I passed it over, despite the cover. I was relunctant, afraid the book would be all beastiality-ish. But it wasn't like that. The story grabs you and pulls you in. It was so different from anything I've ever read. And the concept of munaqsri will be imprinted in your mind, leave you pondering about them long after you finish the book. I really love books like that.
Characters: The characters were great, even the supporting characters were interesting. Gram, Max, Father Forest, the aspen, the North Wind, and even the princess troll were fascinating and well developed.
Parting Thoughts: This was one of those books I'm really glad I gave a chance. I would absolutely recommend it.
I give it a A

Cover Lust (3)

2010-04-20T19:07:00.003-04:00

Have you seen this yet?

Title: Night Star (The Immortals Book 5)

Author: Alyson Noel

Publish Date: November 23 2010

"At the start of this mesmerizing new installment in the Immortals series Ever and Damen are still separated by the poison lingering in Damen’s body. Their only hope of being together is the antidote that was spilled on Jude’s shirt when he killed their enemy Roman. Now Haven is in possession of the shirt—and she’s out for revenge. Blinded by rage and grief, Haven— who blames Ever for killing Roman—could be Ever and Damen’s deadliest enemy yet. Ever is forced to make an impossible choice—allow Haven to destroy her and her dearest friends, or send her to the Shadowland, the abyss for lost souls."

And if you want to compare:

They keep getting better. (the covers, I've only read the first two, so I dont know about the actual books themselves)
And the pictures link to each books amazon page so you can order/preorder the books. (:

In Which I Promote Some Contests

2010-04-20T15:15:00.001-04:00

Heidi R. Kling

is giving away a copy of

Everlasting by Angie Frazier

Here.

Angie Frazier

is giving away a copy of

Everlasting

Sea by Angie Frazier

Ice by Sarah Beth Durst
The Revealers by Amanda Morrone

Here.

Both contests end Friday.
And the pictures link to each books amazon page so you can order/preorder the books if you don't win (:

Cover Lust (2)

2010-04-13T21:05:00.000-04:00

Have you seen this yet?

Hexbound (Dark Elite Book 2) by Chloe Neill

Isn't it beautiful? (:

And in case you want to compare:

Firespell (Dark Elite Book 1) by Chloe Neill
"As the new girl at the elite St. Sophia’s boarding school, Lily Parker thinks her classmates are the most monstrous things she’ll have to face…

When Lily’s guardians decided to send her away to a fancy boarding school in Chicago, she was shocked. So was St. Sophia’s. Lily’s ultra-rich brat pack classmates think Lily should be the punchline to every joke, and on top of that, she’s hearing strange noises and seeing bizarre things in the shadows of the creepy building.
The only thing keeping her sane is her roommate, Scout, but even Scout’s a little weird—she keeps disappearing late at night and won’t tell Lily where she’s been. But when a prank leaves Lily trapped in the catacombs beneath the school, Lily finds Scout running from a real monster.
Scout’s a member of a splinter group of rebel teens with unique magical talents, who’ve sworn to protect the city against demons, vampires, and Reapers, magic users who’ve been corrupted by their power. And when Lily finds herself in the line of a firespell, Scout tells her the truth about her secret life, even though Lily has no powers of her own—at least none that she’s discovered yet…"

OMG, you need to see this

2010-04-10T16:16:00.000-04:00

Have you been to Princess Bookie's page today?
Well you should!
Because she is hosting an awesome contest craze!
That's right, not just one contest, but several!
And they well be more posted through out the day!
So go check it out (:

Cover Lust

2010-04-01T01:15:00.000-04:00

So here are a few new covers I've found on goodreads. Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links). All descriptions are from Goodreads.

Title: The Mockingbirds

Author: Daisy Whitney

Publish Date: November 2 2010

"Some schools have honor codes.
Others have handbooks.
Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.
Themis Academy is a quiet boarding school with an exceptional student body that the administration trusts to always behave the honorable way--the Themis Way. So when Alex is date raped during her junior year, she has two options: stay silent and hope someone helps her, or enlist the Mockingbirds--a secret society of students dedicated to righting the wrongs of their fellow peers.
In this honest, page-turning account of a teen girl's struggle to stand up for herself, debut author Daisy Whitney reminds readers that if you love something or someone--especially yourself--you fight for it."

Title: The Legacy

Author: Gemma Malley

Publish Date: September 6 2010

"When a Pincent Pharma lorry is ambushed by the Underground, its contents come as a huge surprise - not drugs, but corpses in a horrible state. It appears Longevity isn't working and the drugs promising eternal youth are failing to live up to their promises. A virus is sweeping the country, killing in its wake, and Longevity is powerless to fight it. When Richard Pincent of Pincent Pharma suggest that the Underground has released the virus, something has to be done to put the story straight and once and for all alert everyone to the truth."

Title: Trackers

Author: Patrick Carman

Publish Date: May 1 2010

"In the 21st century landscape of bits and bytes, everyone leaves a digital footprint ... even the most advanced cyber criminals. And that’s where the Trackers come in. Four tech-savvy kids armed with high-tech video cameras and esoteric coding skills, the Trackers can find almost anyone, anywhere. Told through a collage of videos, text, and websites, Trackers #1 follows Adam, Finn, Lewis, and Emily as they become entangled in a high-tech, high-stakes game of cat and mouse with Shantorian, the world’s most dangerous hacker. At least, that’s who they think they’re tracking....
As the four dig deeper into the shadowy world of online crime, they soon learn that things aren’t always as they seem."

MIA (A Post In Which I Apologize For My Lack Of Posts)

2010-03-14T00:28:00.000-05:00

Do you see this?
I haven't posted any reviews in almost a month, and haven't done any WWW in over a month.
You guys (those who are left) probably think I died, or have been sick or had a death in the family (or else you haven't even noticed my absence, in which case, I don't blame you).
But, nope, super loyal, worried followers (Ha), I don't have an excuse.
None at all.
I've just been lazy, and not inspired to post.
Yep, thats all.
I know, I know I can hear your incredable disappointment, can see the tears in your eyes because the emptyness you've felt during my abscence has been for selfish reasons.
(And this is the point where you start wondering if I've truly lost my mind, and you just might be right)
Well, I'm really going to try and keep on top of posting. (We'll see how long that lasts)
So thank you for being there. (:

Maggie's Contest Ends Tonight

2010-02-21T20:33:00.002-05:00

In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love -- the light and the dark, the warm and the cold -- in a way you will never forget.

Comes out in stores everywhere July 20th. Pre-order here.

Enter to win an advanced review copies of LINGER, Sisters Red, The Dead-Tossed Waves, and The Replacement on Maggie's blog.

Mini Review (2)

2010-02-15T17:00:00.001-05:00

I've been having a kind of Bloggers block lately. I've read a bunch of really great books, but haven't really been feeling it for blogging, which makes me feel guilty. So as a kind of compromise, I'm going to do a series of quick mini reviews to try and catch up.

Title: Lipstick Apology
Author: Jennifer Jabaley

"Sometimes a good-bye is just the beginning…
When Emily Carson’s parents die in a plane crash, she’s left with nothing but her mother’s last words scrawled in lipstick on a tray table: “Emily, please forgive me.”
Now it’s fall and Emily moves to New York City— where she attracts the attention of two very different boys: the cute, popular Owen, and her quirky chemistry partner, Anthony. With the help of some surprising new friends, Emily must choose between the boy who helps her forget and the one who encourages her to remember, and ultimately heal.
Debut author Jennifer Jabaley has written a wonderful, feel-good romantic comedy with real emotional depth. Full of lovably wacky characters, Lipstick Apology is a heartwarming story about the true meaning of forgiveness. "

On thing that surprised me about this book was that it wasnt sad and depressing. I think this is because the death happens in the very first chapter, and then the book skips ahead a few months. It was more of a book about forgiveness than grieving. This makes it a refreshing change. The storyline wasn't all deep issues either. The main character dealt with other normal issues that come with being the new kid, as well as being a famous persons niece. This was a cute fun story, and I'll definately be keeping an eye out for more by this other.

Title: How To Say Goodbye In Robot

Author: Natalie Standiford

"New to town, Beatrice is expecting her new best friend to be one of the girls she meets on the first day. But instead, the alphabet conspires to seat her next to Jonah, aka Ghost Boy, a quiet loner who hasn't made a new friend since third grade. Something about him, though, gets to Bea, and soon they form an unexpected friendship. It's not romance, exactly - but it's definitely love. Still, Bea can't quite dispel Jonah's gloom and doom - and as she finds out his family history, she understands why. Can Bea help Jonah? Or is he destined to vanish? "

This book was deeper than I first expected. I was expecting something light and fluffy, but instead I got a beautiful book about love, friendship, grief, forgiveness, standing out, fiting in, and growing up. I loved Jonah and Bea. They were amazing, and if this were light and fluffy, they would have fell in love and lived happily ever after. I loved the radio talk show. The ending to this book will have you falling out of your seat. Its a great endin, but you just wish that it never happened. I absolutely loved this book, and I will be watching out for this author.

Title: The Lonely Hearts Club
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg

"Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows: no more. It's a personal choice. . .and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born: The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways . . . which is too bad, because there's this certain boy she can't help but like. . . . "

This was a really cute, quick, fun read. I loved the romance, and I loved watching the character grow. And I loved how blind the main character was at times. And I loved the friendships. The book was a little unrealistic, but then again, realistic is boring. I recommend this book, and I will be looking out for more by this author.

Mini Reviews

2010-02-08T19:25:00.002-05:00

Title: The Maze Runner
Author: James Dashner

"When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.
Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.
Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.
Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind."

I love me a good dystopian. This book was suspenseful and awesome. The characters are so loveable. I actually cried like a baby at the end. If you love dystopians, or you're thinking of trying one out, or even if not, I would recommend you this book. I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel.

Title: Hush, Hush

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

"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. Not until Patch came 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 who 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 way 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."

By now you probably know that fallen angels are hot. Even before their recent popularity in YA I've had a thing for fallen angels and angels of death. Anyway, on to the book. Patch was the perfect bad boy. When I was reading this book, I kept thinking shame shame to Nora. Look Nora, I thought, think of all the things that Patch does, think of everything you think he does, he's bad news, stay away. But even though I knew better, I still found myself totally loving him. And it's not just Patch that made this book so amazing, the story is so interesting, you just have to stay up all night to know what happens next. You've got to get this book! Another book that I'm anxiously awaiting the sequel to.

Title: Shiver
Author: Maggie Stiefvater

"For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.
Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever."

One thing I don't understand is when people say that this book was filled with sex. There was one fade-to-black scene in the whole book. That aside, this was a good book. I'm very team werewolves, and this was an interesting twist. The ending wrapped up nicely, so I'm eager to see what will end up happening in the sequel.

Title: The Dark Divine

Author: Bree Despain

"Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood--but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.
The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.
The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul."

I must say, this book surprised me. It reminds me of Beautiful Creatures in that you know that there is some dark secret mysterious paranormal activity going on, and while you don't know what kind of spooky beings are involved, you have a theory. And just like with Beautiful Creatures, you couldn't be more wrong. I love it! I'm so used to the whole you know that the person is going to be a vampire or a werewolf or a fallen angel or a fairy or a witch or whatever before you even touch the book, it's a nice change to be left guessing right along with the MC. This is another book that I highly recommend. I was so excited when I found out that theres going to be a sequel, so thats another I'll be waiting on.

Oh, and a some fan art by the lovely Katie at Sophistikatied Reviews:

I love her work! She has such great talent!

Ok, that's it for know. I'll do a few more soon.

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing (11)

2010-02-07T21:01:00.005-05:00

So this week, the books I'm waiting wanting wishing for:

Title: Thirteen Days To Midnight

Author: Patrick Carman

Publish Date: April 12 2010

"When Jacob’s foster father whispers, “You are indestructible” seconds before dying in a car crash that should’ve killed them both, Jacob never imagines he could possess a real superpower. To test it Jacob and his friends start indulging comic book-like fantasies. Later, they commit to use this amazing power of indestructibility to do good in the world and save others from death. But how do they decide who to save? And what happens when they blur the lines of life and death, right and wrong, and good and evil? Thirteen Days to Midnight is a nail-biting tale of dark intrigue, powerful romance, friendship and adventure."

Title: Rot & Ruin

Author: Jonathan Maberry

Publish Date: September 7 2010

"A teenager grows up in a post-apocalypic, zombie-infested America in Jonathan Maberry's Rot & Ruin. "

Title: Pegasus

Author: Robin McKinley

Publish Date: November 2 2010

"Because she was a princess she had a pegasus."

Title: The Prophecy

Author: Dawn Miller

Publish Date: May 1 2010

"This intense, emotionally charged supernatural thriller is set in the dark city streets of St. Louis, where five teenagers are reunited by a reoccurring nightmare from their childhood. They soon learn that what was meant to destroy them would be the catalyst that drives them to embark on an epic journey of good versus evil—a journey that will open their eyes and hearts to the true power of God and the reality of evil determined to blind the world from that truth."

Title: The Replacement

Author: Brenna Yovanoff

Publish Date: September 16 2010

"Mackie Doyle seems like everyone else in the perfect little town of Gentry, but he is living with a fatal secret - he is a Replacement, left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now the creatures under the hill want him back, and Mackie must decide where he really belongs and what he really wants.
A month ago, Mackie might have told them to buzz off. But now, with a budding relationship with tough, wounded, beautiful Tate, Mackie has too much to lose. Will love finally make him worthy of the human world?"

Title: Forget You

Author: Jennifer Echols

Publish Date: July 20 2010

"Zoey’s life in her Florida beach resort town is happy and organized. She’s the captain of her high school swim team, and she works for her dad at his popular water park. Then her dad has an affair with one of his employees, and her mother has a breakdown. But Zoey begins a committed relationship with a hot lifeguard, which makes her feel stable, even if things aren’t perfect at home. Everything is still under control.
Until she has a car accident that she can’t remember. She should have been with her boyfriend that night, but he doesn’t seem to know anything about the accident—and he doesn’t seem to care. The person who does care, and knows more than he’s telling, is Doug, Zoey’s darkly handsome arch-enemy who saved her from the wreckage. As Zoey begins to piece together what happened that night, she finds her sense of control over her life was only an illusion. And she inches closer to discovering the darkest secret of all: why Doug has fallen in love with her."

Sorry that some of these dont have very good descriptions, but it was all I can find.

So what are you Waiting, Wanting, Wishing for this week?

Mrs. Magoo Reads contest

2010-02-05T18:20:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Magoo Reads is having an awesome contest for 10 books here.

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing (10)

2010-02-01T20:22:00.000-05:00

So this week, the books I'm waiting wanting wishing for:

Title: Inside Out

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Publish Date: April 1 2010

"I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? Not like it's all that dangerous - the only neck I risk is my own. Until I accidently start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution. I should have just said no..."

Title: Guardian Of The Dead

Author: Karen Healey

Publish Date: April 1 2010

"In less than a day I had been harassed, enchanted, shouted at, cried on, and clawed. I’d been cold, scared, dirty, exhausted, hungry, and miserable. And up until now, I’d been mildly impressed with my ability to cope.
At her boarding school in New Zealand, Ellie Spencer is like any ordinary teen: she hangs out with her best friend, Kevin; obsesses over her crush on a mysterious boy; and her biggest worry is her paper deadline. Then everything changes: In the foggy woods near the school, something ancient and deadly is waiting."

Title: 13 To Life: A Werewolf's Tale

Author: Shannon Delany

Publish Date: June 22 2010

"Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction…
When junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only presume it’s for one of two reasons. Either they’ve finally figured out who wrote the scathing anti-jock editorial in the school newspaper or they’re hosting yet another intervention for her about her mom. Although far from expecting it, she’s relieved to discover Guidance just wants her to show a new student around—but he comes with issues of his own including a police escort.
The newest member of Junction High, Pietr Rusakova has secrets to hide--secrets that will bring big trouble to the small town of Junction—secrets including dramatic changes he’s undergoing that will surely end his life early."

Title: Breathless

Author: Jessica Warman

Publish Date: August 18 2009

"When Katie Kitrell is shipped off to boarding school by her distant father and overbearing mother, it doesn’t take her long to become part of the It Crowd. She’s smart, she’s cute, and she’s an Olympic-bound swimmer who has a first class ticket to any Ivy League school of her choice. But what her new friends, roommate, and boyfriend don’t know is that Katie is swimming away from her past, and from her schizophrenic older brother, Will, who won’t let her go. And when he does the unthinkable, it’s all Katie can do to keep her head above water."

Title: Raised By Wolves

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Publish Date: May 11 2010

"At the age of four, Bryn watched a rabid werewolf brutally murder her parents. Alone in the world, she was rescued and taken in by Callum, the alpha of his pack. Now fifteen, Bryn's been raised as a human among werewolves, adhering to pack rule (mostly). Little fazes her.
But the pack's been keeping a secret, and when Bryn goes exploring against Callum's orders, she finds Chase, a newly turned teen Were locked in a cage. Terrifying memories of the attack on her mom and dad come flooding back. Bryn needs answers, and she needs Chase to get them. Suddenly, all allegiances to the pack no longer matter. It's Bryn and Chase against the werewolf world, whatever the consequences."

Title: Losing Faith

Author: Denise Jaden

Publish Date: September 7 2010

"When Brie’s sister Faith falls tragically from a cliff, sixteen-year-old Brie is left devastated and convinced it isn’t an accident. In her grief, she becomes friends with another girl at her school, Tessa, whose sister has also passed away. Tessa and Brie join forces to seek out the truth of what happened the night of Faith’s death and discover, among other things, a religious cult in which Faith was a rebellious member.
Brie falls out of the popular crowd into a band of misfit teens who help her learn the truth about Faith, the sister she hated and loved"

What are you waiting wanting wishing for this week?

Review: Never Slow Dance With A Zombie by E. Van Lowe

2010-01-24T17:00:00.002-05:00

Won this book from Karin's Book Nook. The description is from Amozon's Product Discription. Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links).

Title: Never Slow Dance With A Zombie
Author: E. Van Lowe

"Principal Taft's 3 Simple Rules for Surviving a Zombie Uprising:
Rule #1: While in the halls, walk slowly and wear a vacant expression on your face. Zombies won't attack other zombies.
Rule #2: Never travel alone. Move in packs. Follow the crowd. Zombies detest blatant displays of individuality.
Rule #3: If a zombie should attack, do not run. Instead, throw raw steak at to him. Zombies love raw meat. This display of kindness will go a long way.
On the night of her middle school graduation, Margot Jean Johnson wrote a high school manifesto detailing her goals for what she was sure would be a most excellent high school career. She and her best friend, Sybil, would be popular and, most important, have boyfriends. Three years later, they haven't accomplished a thing!
Then Margot and Sybil arrive at school one day to find that most of the student body has been turned into flesh-eating zombies. When kooky Principal Taft asks the girls to coexist with the zombies until the end of the semester, they realize that this is the perfect opportunity to live out their high school dreams. All they have to do is stay alive...."

Cover: I like the cover. It's very simple. The finger nails kind of skeev me out though. But I guess that's kind of the point.
StoryLine: This is a funny story. It's light hearted, but too fluffy. It gets kind of rediculous at times, but its still kind of enjoyable.
Characters: The main character is pretty nieve and stuck up, and with most of the other characters being zombies, you can't read this expecting ace character development, but you'll still read it to see the crazy things that happen.
Parting Thoughts: This is a nice book to read if you want something lighthearted and humorous.

I give it a B-

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing (9)

2010-01-24T00:09:00.000-05:00

So this week, the books I'm waiting wanting wishing for:

Title: The Turning

Author: Helen Ellis

Publish Date: May 1 2010

"Mary Richards is a normal sixteen-year-old girl living in Manhattan. Well, almost normal. She goes to private school on the Upper East Side, having been saved from a life of squalor by an adoptive family. But she’s also slowly transforming into a cat.
Struggling to hide her physical metamorphosis, Mary discovers that she isn’t alone. A whole race of cat people prowls the streets of Manhattan at night, including Mary’s long-time crush, Nick.
Aside from heightened feline senses, hanging out with Nick is the best thing about discovering her inner kitty. But Mary’s transformation is special and could decide the outcome of a citywide turf war. She must decide whether to embrace her powerful feline side and become a pack leader or go back to being a normal teenage girl. Can she land on her feet or will curiosity be her downfall"

Title: Freefall

Author: Ariela Anhalt

Publish Date: January 18 2010

"Luke was not eager to accompany his best friend, Hayden, and the cocky new kid, Russell, up to the cliff that night. The plan was to watch Russell jump off the cliff into the lake--his initiation to the Briar Academy fencing team. But instead, after an angry confrontation with Hayden, Russell falls to his death.
Now Hayden is in jail and the pressure is on Luke to report what he saw. But what did he see? An accident--or a murder? Luke has always followed Hayden's lead, but this is one decision he'll be forced to make on his own. And to do it, he must face the truth about his friendship with Hayden and his own painful past.
This suspenseful and scandalous tale of rivalry, peer pressure, and finding the courage to take responsibility will have an impact on readers long after the last page."

Title: For Keeps

Author: Natasha Friend

Publish Date: April 6 2010

"Josie’s never met her dad, and that’s fine with her. To Josie, Paul Tucci is just a guy who got her mom pregnant and then moved away. It all happened sixteen years ago, when Josie’s mom was still a teenager herself. But now Paul Tucci is back in town, and Josie has to deal with not one but two men in her life—her father and her first boyfriend, who Josie fears will hurt her just like Paul hurt her mother."

Title: The Sky Is Everywhere

Author: Jandy Nelson

Publish Date: March 9 2010

"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."

Title: The Returners

Author: Gemma Malley

Publish Date: March 2 2010

"London teenager Will Hodge is miserable. His mother is dead, his father’s political leanings have grown radical, and his friends barely talk to him. To top it off, he’s having nightmares about things like concentration camps. Then Will notices he's being followed by a group of people who claim to know him from another time in history. It turns out they are Returners, reincarnated people who carry with them the memory of atrocities they have witnessed in the past. Will realizes that he, too, is a Returner. But something about his memories is different, and with dawning horror, Will suspects that he wasn’t just a witness to the events, he was instrumental in making them happen. Set in the near future, with the world on the verge of a new wave of ethnic cleansing, Will must choose to confront the cruelty he's known in his past lives, or be doomed to repeat it . . . again"

Title: All Unquiet Things

Author: Anna Jarzab

Publish Date: January 12 2010

"Carly: She was sweet. Smart. Self-destructive. She knew the secrets of Brighton Day School’s most privileged students. Secrets that got her killed.
Neily: Dumped by Carly for a notorious bad boy, Neily didn’t answer the phone call she made before she died. If he had, maybe he could have helped her. Now he can’t get the image of her lifeless body out of his mind.
Audrey: She’s the reason Carly got tangled up with Brighton’s fast crowd in the first place, and now she regrets it—especially since she’s convinced the police have put the wrong person in jail. Audrey thinks the murderer is someone at Brighton, and she wants Neily to help her find out who it is.
As reluctant allies Neily and Audrey dig into their shared past with Carly, her involvement with Brighton’s dark goings-on comes to light. But figuring out how Carly and her killer fit into the twisted drama will force Audrey and Neily to face hard truths about themselves and the girl they couldn’t save."

So what are you waiting, wanting, wishing for this week?

Super Awesome Contest Over at Teens Read and Write

2010-01-23T23:12:00.000-05:00

The gang over at Teens Read And Write are having another super awesome MegaBook Giveaway! Last year they had 37 (!!!) winners winning 41 books. (Sadly, I wasn't one of those winners.) This time around they're hoping to have even more! So go enter!

Here's there giveaway list so far:
1) Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
2) The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
3) Fallen by Lauren Kate
4) Darklight by Lesley Livingston
5) Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
6) City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
7) Wish by Alexandra Bullen
8) Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor
9) Sceptor of the Ancients by Derek Landy
10) Candor by Pam Bachorz
11) Violet Wings by Victoria Hanley
12) The EverAfter by Amy Huntley
13) Wish You Were Dead by Todd Strasser
14) Invisible Lines by Mary Amato

And their possible future adds:
Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
Firespell by Chloe Neill
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

So, what are you waiting for? Go enter silly!

Review: Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore

2010-01-23T22:52:00.000-05:00

Won this book from Katie's Book Blog. The description is from Amazon's Product Discription. Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links).

Title: Magic Under Glass
Author: Jaclyn Dolamore

"Nimira is a foreign music-hall girl forced to dance for mere pennies. When wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to sing with a piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it is the start of a new and better life. In Parry's world, however, buried secrets are beginning to stir. Unsettling below-stairs rumors swirl about ghosts, a madwoman roaming the halls, and Parry's involvement with a league of sorcerers who torture fairies for sport. Then Nimira discovers the spirit of a fairy gentleman named Erris is trapped inside the clockwork automaton, waiting for someone to break his curse. The two fall into a love that seems hopeless, and breaking the curse becomes a race against time, as not just their love, but the fate of the entire magical world may be in peril. "

Cover: Well, by now you've probably heard of the white-washing issue with this cover. So I obviously dont think the cover fits, so boo for inaccuracy, but I do love this cover. I love the lighting and mysteriousness feeling to it. And the models outfit is hella pretty. So its a beautiful cover on its own, it just doesn't really fit the character discription. Unfortunately this happens a lot, but 'tis life. The media is always trying to change things to what they think will sell. But it's not the author's fault, and if anything it might have attracted readers who might have passed it by, because like I said, it is beautiful.
StoryLine: I was totally engrossed in this story. It was very interesting and orginal. My only complaint is that it was a little short. But it still wrapped up well, and left an opening (hopefully) for a sequel.
Characters: All of the characters were interesting and complex. I loved Nim's and Erris relationship. I also loved Linza, and Karstor. And Anni and Hollin.
Parting Thoughts: Great story, a little short, but amazing and unique. I would definately recommend it.

I give it an A

The Body Finder Trailer

2010-01-23T13:43:00.000-05:00

Check out the great new trailer for The Body Finder:

Also, don't forget to go enter to win The Body Finder over at Kimberly's blog

Contests: Jan. 23-29

2010-01-22T17:00:00.010-05:00

Contests ending this week:

Extreme Reader Book Reviews: Win The Looking Glass Wars. Ends Jan. 24
Extreme Reader Book Reviews: 200 Followers Mini-Contest. Ends Jan. 24
Tina's Book Reviews: 150 Followers. Ends Jan. 24
I Want To Read That: 100 Followers. Ends Jan. 25
Only Sexy Books Allowed: Win Something Like Fate. Ends Jan. 27
I Should Be Writing: Happy 2010 and 200 Followers Contest. Ends Jan. 28
Writer Musings: January Giveaway. Ends Jan. 29

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing (8)

2010-01-18T12:04:00.000-05:00

So this week, the books I'm waiting wanting wishing for:

Title: Birthmarked

Author: Caragh M. O'Brien

Publish Date: March 30 2010

"After climate change, on the north shore of Unlake Superior, a dystopian world is divided between those who live inside the wall, and those, like sixteen-year-old midwife Gaia Stone, who live outside. It’s Gaia’s job to “advance” a quota of infants from poverty into the walled Enclave, until the night one agonized mother objects, and Gaia’s parents are arrested.
Badly scarred since childhood, Gaia is a strong, resourceful loner who begins to question her society. As Gaia’s efforts to save her parents take her within the wall, she herself is arrested and imprisoned.
Fraught with difficult moral choices and rich with intricate layers of codes, BIRTHMARKED explores a colorful, cruel, eerily familiar world where one girl can make all the difference, and a real hero makes her own moral code."

Title: She Thief

Author: Daniel Finn

Publish Date: April 13 2010

"The girl, Baz, and the boy, Demi, are master pickpockets. They weave through rich neighborhoods to slip bags off shoulders and wallets out of pockets before disappearing into the crowd. Their loot goes to Fay, who runs a gang of child thieves from her den in the Barrio. This sweltering slum—in a city that is imagined, but all too real—is what passes for home to the kids, and Fay is what passes for family.
That all changes the day Demi steals a magnificent blue ring. Soon, the police chief and the Barrio’s crime boss close in on Fay, and she begins to break under their pressure.
Baz has never doubted Fay before. She’s never been apart from Demi, either. But soon, Baz is left alone to find her way through a world more corrupt than she’s ever realized. Here, the lives of children are thrown away without a moment’s hesitation. Here, the rich and powerful are just thieves on a larger scale. And somewhere in this wreck of a city, Baz must find the scraps of hope, the small acts of kindness, and the steely strength that will take her back to Demi and wash them both out of the Barrio for good."

Title: Dark Life

Author: Kat Falls

Publish Date: May 1 2010

"Set in an apocalyptic future where rising oceans have swallowed up entire regions and people live packed like sardines on the dry land left, DARK LIFE is the harrowing tale of underwater pioneers who have carved out a life for themselves in the harsh deep-sea environment, farming the seafloor in exchange for the land deed.
The story follows Ty, who has lived his whole life on his family's homestead and has dreams of claiming his own stake when he turns eighteen. But when outlaws' attacks on government supply ships and settlements...
... threaten to destroy the underwater territory, Ty finds himself in a fight to stop the outlaws and save the only home he has ever known.
Joined by a girl from the Topside who has come subsea to look for her prospector brother, Ty ventures into the frontier's rough underworld and begins to discover some dark secrets to Dark Life.
As Ty gets closer to the truth, he discovers that the outlaws may not be the bloodthirsty criminals the government has portrayed them as. And that the government abandoning the territory might be the best thing for everyone, especially for someone like Ty, someone with a Dark Gift. "

Title: Party

Author: Tom Leveen

Publish Date: April 27 2010

"It's saturday night in Santa Barbara and school is done for the year. Everyone is headed to the same party. Or at least it seems that way. The place is packed. The beer is flowing. Simple, right? But for 11 different people the motives are way more complicated. As each character takes a turn and tells his or her story, the eleven individuals intersect, and reconnect, collide, and combine in ways that none of them ever saw coming."

Title: In A Heartbeat

Author: Loretta Ellsworth

Publish Date: February 2 2010

"A touching novel of last regrets and second chances in
the tradition of Lurlene McDaniel and Gabrielle Zevin.
When a small mistake costs sixteen-year-old Eagan her life during a figure-skating competition, she leaves many things unreconciled, including her troubled relationship with her mother. From her vantage point in the afterlife, Eagan reflects back on her memories, and what she could have done differently, through her still-beating heart.
When fourteen-year-old Amelia learns she will be getting a heart transplant, her fear and guilt battle with her joy at this new chance at life. And afterwards when she starts to feel different — dreaming about figure skating, craving grape candy —her need to learn about her donor leads her to discover and explore Eagan’s life,meeting her grieving loved ones and trying to bring the closure they all need to move on.
Told in alternating viewpoints, In a Heartbeat tells the emotional and compelling story of two girls sharing one heart."

Title: Wereling

Author: Steve Feasey

Publish Date: April 27 2010

"Fourteen-year-old Trey Laporte is not a kid anymore. Not after the day he wakes up in agony—retina-splitting, vomit-inducing agony. His clothes are torn. His room is trashed.
Enter Lucien Charron, the mysterious, long-lost “uncle” with freakish fire-flecked eyes and skin that blisters in the sun. Suddenly, Trey finds himself living in a luxury penthouse at the heart of a strange and sinister empire built on the powers of the Netherworld—vampires, demons, sorcerers, and djinn.
And there is a girl—Alexa Charron—who is half vampire, half human, and insanely pretty, with powers all of her own. Trey is falling for her.
Trey is training night and day to control the newly discovered power lurking inside him. Now, demons are closing in on every side, and the most psychopathic bloodsucker to rock the Netherworld wants to destroy him. Above all, he must face one terrifying question: Is he a boy . . . or is he a beast?"

So what are you Waiting, Wanting, Wishing for this week?

Review: Hearts At Stake by Alyxandra Harvey\

2010-01-18T00:12:00.001-05:00

Won this book from SciFiGuy. The description is from Amozon's Product Discription. Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links).

Title: Hearts At Stake
Author: Alyxandra Harvey

"On Solange’s sixteenth birthday, she is going to wake up dead. As if that’s not bad enough, she also has to outwit her seven overprotective older brothers, avoid the politics involved with being the only daughter born to an ancient vampire dynasty, and elude Kieran Black—agent of an anti-vampire league who is searching for his father’s killer and is intent on staking Solange and her entire family.
Luckily she has her own secret weapon—her human best friend Lucy—who is willing to defend Solange’s right to a normal life, whether she’s being smothered by her well-intentioned brothers or abducted by a power-hungry queen. Two unlikely alliances are formed in a race to save Solange’s eternal life—Lucy and Solange’s brother Nicholas, and Solange and Kieran Black—in a dual romance that is guaranteed to jump start any romance-lover’s heart."

Cover: I like this cover. Nothing really special, but it's simple and I love the font. I, personally, think the tone of this cover fits the tone of the story then the original cover did. On a side note, you can find the person who took the photo on the cover here. It's cool that the model was just some girl in the cover makers town.
StoryLine: This was a cute and quick, and often funny read. There's some nice action and some great romance.
Characters: I really liked Lucy and Nicholas. They have such a cute romance.I loved his over-protectiveness and her spunk. The other characters were good too, but they were my favorite.
Parting Thoughts: I really loved this book. I devoured it in one sitting and enjoyed every minute of the quick read. I can't wait for the sequel. (:

I give it an A

Review: Gone by Michael Grant

2010-01-15T17:57:00.000-05:00

Bought this book from Borders. The description is from Amozon's Product Discription. Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links).

Title: Gone
Author: Michael Grant

"In the blink of an eye.
Everyone disappears.
Gone.
Everyone except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not a single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. Gone, too, are the phones, internet, and television. There is no way to get help.
Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents—unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers—that grow stronger by the day.
It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen and war is imminent. The first in a breathtaking saga about teens battling each other and their darkest selves, gone is a page-turning thriller that will make you look at the world in a whole new way. "

Cover: I love this cover. Especially since the model for Sam is so yummy. (:
StoryLine: The action begins in the very first paragraph, with the adults disappering, and doesnt stop till the end. With many twists and turns, you'll find yourself totally engrossed till the last page, wondering where the 558 pages went.
Characters: Grant does a great way of portraying the panick these kids experience. And the way the bullies react is both realistic, and cringe-worthy.
Parting Thoughts: Gone is an incredibly addicting book that will grab you by the throat and won't let go. And when you finnish it, you'll find yourself running to the nearest bookstore to pick up the sequel

And, I also have another amazing piece of Fan Art made by the lovely Katie over at Sophistikatied Reviews that's based off of this book:

Contests: Jan. 16-22

2010-01-15T17:00:00.001-05:00

Contests ending this week:

Bookworming In The 21st Century: Win The Awakening. Ends Jan. 16
Mrs. Magoo Reads: Win Duplikate. Ends Jan. 17
The Bookologist: Win Dream Life. Ends Jan. 17
WORD For Teens: Win Lonely Hearts Club. Ends Jan. 17
T.V. And Book Addict: Win The Lonely Hearts Club. Ends Jan. 18
In Which A Girl Reads: 100 Followers. Ends Jan. 19
The Dreamer Reader: Win The Lonely Hearts Club. Ends Jan. 19
The Hiding Spot: Win Bleeding Violet. Ends Jan. 19
Mindful Musings: 400 Followers Giveaway. Ends Jan. 20
Park-Avenue Princess: Win Firespell. Ends Jan. 20
Ramblings Of A Teenage Bookworm: Win Dirty Little Secrets. Ends Jan. 20
Page Turners: Win The Mark. Ends Jan. 20
My Tea Time Is Book Time: Win The Truth About Forever. Ends Jan. 21
FANTASTIC BOOK REVIEW: Win Firespell & Swag by Chloe Neill. Ends Jan. 22

Review: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

2010-01-14T23:08:00.001-05:00

Bought this book from Borders. The description is from Amazon's Product Discription. Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links).

Title: Beautiful Creatures
Author: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

"There were no surprises in GatlinCounty.
We were pretty much the epicenter of the middle of nowhere.
At least, that's what I thought.
Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.
There was a curse.
There was a girl.
And in the end, there was a grave.
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them."

Cover: I really love this cover, It's dark and mysterous, which matches the tone of the book. And I really love the font, it reminds me of a breeze blowing through smoke. All looping and twisting and elagant.
StoryLine: This story has so many twists and turns, but in a good way. It was almost impossible to put down. As soon as you figure out one thing, theres another mystery to figure out. You think you know how its going to end, then something happens, but then you think you figured it out and then, BAM! something else happens. And then you get to the last line, and you didn't even realize that had been almost to the end, and your left (im)patiently waiting for more.
Characters: Beautiful Creatures had some amazing characters. Link is the best friend you wished you had, and Amma and Macon, aside for being something that you really find in YA, parental figures that are present in the characters' lives, are also both really "cool" for lack of a better word. Kind of crazy in their ways, but both so loving of their "kids". And, of course, Ethan and Lena are great characters with an amazing romance between them.
Parting Thoughts: I totally loved this book, and will recommened it to anyone and everyone.

I give it an A+

Also, I thought I would share some lovely Fan Art that the telented
Katie at Sophistikatied Reviews made based of this book. This girl is amazing!:

Review: Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr

2010-01-13T17:00:00.002-05:00

Borrowed this book from my local library. The description is from amazon product discription. Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links).

Title: Fragile Eternity
Author: Melissa Marr

"Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone—but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he'd ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.
Aislinn never expected to rule the very creatures who'd always terrified her—but that was before Keenan. He stole her mortality to make her a monarch, and now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined.
In Melissa Marr's third mesmerizing tale of Faerie, Seth and Aislinn struggle to stay true to themselves and each other in a milieu of shadowy rules and shifting allegiances, where old friends become new enemies and one wrong move could plunge the Earth into chaos. "

Cover: Not my favorite cover. The hand looks funny, and so does the girls face. But I like the font and the butterfly.
StoryLine: Marr has a way of writing that you just get so engrossed in her world. Looking back, there are some things that bothered you, like that there was more telling then showing, but when you're reading it you don't even notice.
Characters: Like in the first two books, Fragile Eternity has good. You feel just as torn up by the awkward love square as the four envolved. The only thing is, Aislinn is more, well, weak than in the first book.
Parting Thoughts: All in all, if you liked the first two books, you'll like this third installment. It just has a more transition book feel to it. A book to take you from where the first to books left off, and take you to where the forth book will most likely start.

I give it a B-

Review: Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr

2010-01-12T17:00:00.002-05:00

Borrowed this book from my local library. The description is from. Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links).

Title: Ink Exchange
Author: Melissa Marr

"Unbeknownst to mortals, a power struggle is unfolding in a world of shadows and danger. After centuries of stability, the balance among the Faery Courts has altered, and Irial, ruler of the Dark Court, is battling to hold his rebellious and newly vulnerable fey together. If he fails, bloodshed and brutality will follow.
Seventeen-year-old Leslie knows nothing of faeries or their intrigues. When she is attracted to an eerily beautiful tattoo of eyes and wings, all she knows is that she has to have it, convinced it is a tangible symbol of changes she desperately craves for her own life.
The tattoo does bring changes—not the kind Leslie has dreamed of, but sinister, compelling changes that are more than symbolic. Those changes will bind Leslie and Irial together, drawing Leslie deeper and deeper into the faery world, unable to resist its allures, and helpless to withstand its perils. . . . "

Cover: This cover is so pretty. And the tatoo is just like the one in the book. I really love the black wings. Just, beautiful.
StoryLine: This is a very dark book. Leslie's dad is a drunk, and her brother is a drug that will do anything for his next fix, including letting his drug dealer's get to his little sister. The darkness doesnt stop there. The story is filled with hurt and anger and longing and lust. The story was amazing and beautiful, but my only issue is that the way it ended for Leslie. It was like going 85 down the freeway and then pulling the E-brake. It was a little unrealistic. You just can't go back to normal after the things she went through
Characters: The characters wore beautiful. The perfect villian is the villian you can symphasize with, and she even got that right.
Parting Thoughts: If you liked Wicked Lovely, then you'll love Ink Exchange.

I give it a B+

Review: The Everafter by Amy Huntley

2010-01-11T17:00:00.005-05:00

Borrowed this book from my local library. The description is from the product discription on Amazon. Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links).

Title: The Everafter
Author: Amy Huntley

"Madison Stanton doesn't know where she is or how she got there. But she does know this—she is dead. And alone, in a vast, dark space. The only company she has in this place are luminescent objects that turn out to be all the things Maddy lost while she was alive. And soon she discovers that with these artifacts, she can reexperience—and sometimes even change—moments from her life.
Her first kiss.
A trip to Disney World.
Her sister's wedding.
A disastrous sleepover.
In reliving these moments, Maddy learns illuminating and sometimes frightening truths about her life—and death.
This is a haunting and ultimately hopeful novel about the beauty of even the most insignificant moments—and the strength of true love even beyond death."

Cover: The cover is beautiful, and is fitting because it's one of the objects that she lost, and uses to re-live a moment in her life. The effect done to the orchid fits so well with how the lost objects are discribed, too.
StoryLine: This story is told in a series of flashbacks that while not in cronological order, still make sense. You start the story out just as lost and confused as Madison, which makes it easier to get into the story. While death is a hard subject to cover, the first thing you find out when you read the first page is that the main character is dead, so it really is a story that leaves you with a general feeling of hope.
Characters: Because the way the book is set up, we see only random scenes so character development was more sparatic, but yet somehow you still feel attached to the characters.
Parting Thoughts: This is one of those books that you'll find yourself thinking about as you let your mind wonder. Maybe in a year you wont remember the chacters names, or any really specific details, but you'll remember the concept of the lost items, and probably the main characters death scene. A thought provoking read that I would definately recommend to anyone who wants a books that will leave a lasting impression.

I give it an A.

Bloggiesta Wrap-Up

2010-01-10T21:17:00.000-05:00

So I achieved:

Labeled my posts
Typed up 3 review
Made future Contests lists
Made future WWW posts
Completed all the mini challenges
Added a sitemeter
Commeted 25+ times on others blogs
Decided on a review rating sytem and went back and used it on old reviews
Got a new layout

and that's about it. I must say I'm a little proud of myself.

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing (7)

2010-01-10T21:13:00.000-05:00

So this week, the books I'm waiting wanting wishing for:

Title: Numbers

Author: Rachel Ward

Publish Date: January 5 2009

"Since her mother's death, fifteen-year-old Jem has kept a secret. When her eyes meet someone else's, a number pops into her head - the date on which they will die. Knowing that nothing lasts forever, Jem avoids relationships, but when she meets a boy called Spider, and they plan a day out together, her life takes a new twist and turn. Waiting for the London Eye, she sees everyone in the queue has the same number - something terrible is going to happen."

Title: Almost To Die For

Author: Tate Hallaway

Publish Date: August 3 2010

"On her sixteenth birthday, Anastasija Parker's present winds up being the shock of a lifetime. When her mom referred to her absentee dad as a deadbeat it was actually half true -- he's a vampire. And a king, no less. A king who wants his daughter to assume her rightful position at his side. But, thanks to Ana's mother, the blood of a witch also runs through her veins....
Too bad vampires and witches are mortal enemies.
With her parents gearing up for an all out brawl over her destiny, Ana's about ready to scream. But things get even crazier when a male witch and a brooding bad boy vampire start vying for her affection. Then the barely leashed tension between the vampires and the witches starts to boil over, and Ana has to figure out once and for all if she wants to become heir to her dad's throne. And deciding your eternal destiny is a pretty big deal for a girl who just wants to get through high school."

Title: Banished

Author: Sophie Littlefield

Publish Date: October 2010

"Sixteen-year-old Hailey Tarbell can’t wait for the day she’ll leave Gypsum, Missouri, far behind, taking only four-year-old Chub, the developmentally-delayed little boy her cruel drug-dealing grandmother fosters for the state money. But when a freak accident in gym class leaves a girl in critical condition, Hailey feels drawn to lay her hands on the injured girl and an astonishing healing takes place. Before Hailey can understand her new powers, a beautiful stranger shows up…just in time to save her and Chub from hired killers. A desperate race begins, with Hailey as the ultimate prize: there are those who will stop at nothing to harness her gifts to create an undefeatable army of the undead. Now it is up to Hailey and a small but determined family of healers to stand up to the unbelievable and face the unthinkable."

Title: Runaway Storm

Author: D. E. Knobbe

Publish Date: January 1 2010

"When Nate discovers his mother is not moving home and his father cancels their summer kayaking adventure, Nate is devastated. He decides to solo the Canadian wilderness in his kayak. Half drowned after risking his life in a wild storm to avoid getting caught, Nate reaches an uninhabited island paradise. His tranquility is shattered by the arrival of a girl named Kat, but she has something Nate needs, an ample supply of fresh water. As romance blossoms, another threat drifts in: a drug smuggler with a sailboat full of marijuana. Soon Kat and Nate find themselves fighting for their lives."

Title: A Blue So Dark

Author: Holly Schindler

Publish Date: May 1 2010

"Terrified that her mother, a schizophrenic and an artist, is a mirror that reflects her own future, sixteen-year-old Aura struggles with her overwhelming desires to both chase artistic pursuits and keep madness at bay.
As her mother sinks deeper into the darkness of mental illness, the hunger for a creative outlet keeps drawing Aura toward the depths of her own imagination—the shadows of make-believe that she finds frighteningly similar to her mother’s hallucinations.
Convinced that creative equals crazy, Aura shuns her art, and her life unravels in the process."

Title: The Starlighter

Author: Bryan Davis

Publish Date: May 1 2010

"In this new four-book fantasy series for young adults by bestselling author Bryan Davis, human and dragon worlds collide when Jason Masters enters the dragon planet and meets Koren, a descendant of humans who were kidnapped and are now the dragons’ slaves."

So what's on your list?

One Lovely Blog Award

2010-01-09T13:00:00.001-05:00

The rules are:

Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 5 other blogs that you've newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Yay! My first award! =) And the thanks go to Aye. Me? at Reversing The Monotony! Thank you!

Now, I'm passing it to:
Bookalicious Ramblings
Loves To Read
Melanie's Musings
Sophistikatied Reviews
Shut Up! I'm Reading

Contests: Jan. 9-15

2010-01-08T21:12:00.002-05:00

Contests ending next week:

Princess Bookie: Its A New Year Contest Ends. ???
LiyanaLand!: Exclusive Firespell Sneak Peek + Contest Ends. ???
Parajunkee: New Year New Blog Design Contest. Ends Jan. 9
The Hiding Spot: Celebrating 300 Followers. Ends Jan. 10
The Book Butterfly: Win The Dark Divine. Ends Jan. 10
Sophistikatied: 200 Followers. Ends Jan. 11
Laurens Crammed Bookshelf: Win The Dark Divine. Ends Dec. 12
Dark Faerie Tales: Win The Dark Divine. Ends Jan. 12
Don't Lose My Place!: Win Love You Hate You Miss You. Ends Jan. 13
Who, What, When, Where, Why: 12 Books. Ends Jan. 13
Books Make Great Lovers!: 200 Followers Contest. Ends Jan. 14
FANTASTIC BOOK REVIEW: Win Tangled by Carolyn Mackler. Ends Jan. 14
Books At Midnight: 200 Followers. Ends Jan. 15
Bookworming In The 21st Century: 600 Followers. Ends Jan. 15
Mari Mancusi: Christmas Giveaway. Ends Jan. 15
LiyanaLand!: Magic Under Glass, Scones and Sensibility, The Dark Divine Launch Contest. Ends Jan. 15
Sharon Loves Books And Cats: Win The Iron King. Ends Jan. 15
Tales Of Whimsy: 200 Followers. Ends Jan. 15
Trisha's Book Blog: Win Firespell. Ends Jan. 15

Bloggiesta

2010-01-08T18:59:00.004-05:00

So, I'm going to do it! I really really could benifit from it, so I'm doing it. What am I doing you may ask. Joing Bloggiesta! My poor blog is slowly getting neglected more and more. I won;t be able to spend to much time doing it, because I have plans saturday and finals to study for(Yikes!), but I'll try.

My goals:

Type up some reviews and schedule them so I don't feel guilty next week when I can't do anything because of finals
Type up some WWW posts so that when I'm busy and don't have time to start from scratch, I'll have some ready and waiting
~~Type up contests list posts so I can clean out my favorites.~~ Thats much better =)
~~Comment on every blog I go to. (This is a hard one because I'm a horrible lurker)~~ 20+ comments so far I believe =)
~~Get a new layout~~ Yay! My first goal acomplished =)
Decide if I should get a review rating system
~~Add a sitemeter~~

Those are my main goals, but if I think of some more, I'll add them.

200 100+ Reading Challenge

2010-01-05T16:25:00.001-05:00

2010 100+ Reading Challenge:

"1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
--Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post. To learn how to sign up without having a blog, click here.
2. There are four levels:
--The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels.
--Just My Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 25 Young Adult novels.
--Stepping It Up YA Reading Challenge – Read 50 Young Adult novels.
--Super Size Me YA Reading Challenge – Read 75 Young Adult novels.
3. Audio, eBooks, re-reads all count.
4. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.
6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to your post where your Young Adult novels will be listed. Include the URL so that other viewers can find this fun challenge. If you’d prefer to put your list in the sidebar of your blog, please leave your viewers the link to the sign up page. Again, so viewers can join the challenge too."

Here's my list so far:
1. The Everafter by Amy Huntley
2. Gone by Michael Grant
3. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
4. Rich Boys by Jenny O'Connell
5. Rumors by Anna Godbersen
6. Max by James Patterson
7. Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
8. Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White
9. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
10. The Girl With The Mermaid Hair by Delia Ephron
11. Captivate by Carrie Jones
12. The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg
13. Pastworld by Ian Beck
14. How To Say Goodbye In Robot by Natalie Standiford
15. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
16. Same Difference by Siobahn Vivian
17. Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
18. Oblivion Road by Alex McAulay
19. Never Slow Dance With A Zombie by E. Van Lowe
20. A Living Nightmare by Darren Shan
21. The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan
22. Tunnels Of Blood by Darren Shan
23. The Trouble With Magic by Madelyn Alt
24. A Charmed Death by Madlyn Alt
25. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

2010 Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge

2010-01-05T16:17:00.001-05:00

2010 Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge:

"1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
--Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post. To learn how to sign up without having a blog, click here.
2. There are four levels:
--The Mini – Check out and read 25 library books.
--Just My Size – Check out and read 50 library books.
--Stepping It Up – Check out and read 75 library books.
--Super Size Me – Check out and read 100 library books.
(Aim high. As long as you read 25 by the end of 2010, you are a winner.)
3. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Young Reader – any book as long as it is checked out from the library count. Checked out like with a library card, not purchased at a library sale.
4. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
5. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.
6. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.
7. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to your post where your library books will be listed. Include the URL to this post so that other viewers can find this fun challenge. If you’d prefer to put your list in the sidebar of your blog, please leave your viewers the link to the sign up page. Again, so viewers can join the challenge too."

Im going for --Just My Size – Check out and read 50 library books
My list so far:
1. The Everafter by Amy Huntley
2. The Dangerous Days Of Daniel X by James Patterson

2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge

2010-01-05T16:12:00.003-05:00

2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge:

"1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.

--Non-Bloggers: Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post. To learn how to sign up without having a blog, click here.
2. There are four levels:
--The Mini YA Reading Challenge – Read 12 Young Adult novels.
--Just My Size YA Reading Challenge – Read 25 Young Adult novels.
--Stepping It Up YA Reading Challenge – Read 50 Young Adult novels.
--Super Size Me YA Reading Challenge – Read 75 Young Adult novels.
3. Audio, eBooks, re-reads all count.
4. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.
6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to your post where your Young Adult novels will be listed. Include the URL so that other viewers can find this fun challenge. If you’d prefer to put your list in the sidebar of your blog, please leave your viewers the link to the sign up page. Again, so viewers can join the challenge too."

Im going for --Super Size Me YA Reading Challenge – Read 75 Young Adult novels.
Heres my list so far:
1. The Everafter by Amy Huntley
2. Gone by Michael Grant
3. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
4. Rich Boys by Jenny O'Connell
5. Rumors by Anna Godbersen
6. Max by James Patterson
7. Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
8. Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White
9. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
10. The Girl With The Mermaid Hair by Delia Ephron
11. Captivate by Carrie Jones
12. The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg
13. Pastworld by Ian Beck
14. How To Say Goodbye In Robot by Natalie Standiford
15. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
16. Same Difference by Siobahn Vivian
17. Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
18. Oblivion Road by Alex McAulay
19. Never Slow Dance With A Zombie by E. Van Lowe
20. A Living Nightmare by Darren Shan
21. The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan
22. Tunnels Of Blood by Darren Shan

2010 Debut Author Challenge

2010-01-05T16:08:00.001-05:00

2010 Debut Author Challenge:

"What is the 2010 Debut Author Challenge?

•The objective is to read a set number of YA (Young Adult) or MG (Middle Grade) novels from debut authors published this year.* I'm going to challenge everyone to read at least 12 debut novels! I’m hoping to read at least 30! You don’t have to list your choices right away, but if you do feel free to change them throughout the year. I will also be focusing on mostly Young Adult novels.

•Anyone can join, you don’t need a blog to participate. If you don’t have a blog you can always share your views by posting a review on Amazon.com/BarnesandNoble.com/GoodReads/Shelfari, or any other bookish site.

•The challenge will run from January 1, 2010- December 31, 2010. You can join at anytime!

* I would like to limit the novels to those released in 2010.

You’ll have to do all the research to make sure a novel meets the criteria for the challenge. I do have a few sites that can help with your search; 2010: A Book Odyssey/The Tenners, AuthorsNow & The Class of 2k10.
If you're still unsure... I've tried to make a list of titles that meet the criteria at GoodReads: 2010 Debut Authors.

More Challenge Guidelines:
•authors that have "adult" titles currently published but are debuting a YA/MG novel in 2010 can be included in your challenge lists. This goes for authors that have childrens books published as well.
•novels must be read between the dates of January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010 to count toward your challenge total. (this means if you've read a 2010 debut novel in 2009, it doesn't count..... but!)
•reviews posted in 2010 will count toward the monthly prize packs, even if you read the novel in 2009. Does that make sense? For example I've read debut author Jennifer Hubbard's novel The Secret Year, in 2009. But I will not be posting my review until closer to its release date in 2010. So, even though it can't be counted as one of my "challenge" books, I could still use its review for a prize pack entry.
•please do list the 2010 debut novels you've already read in your challenge lists. That way other participants can find out about a book they might not have otherwise. "

There's alot of books I wish to read for this one, but the ones I'm sure I'll be able to read (aka I already own) so far are:
1. Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
2. Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing (6)

2010-01-04T20:02:00.003-05:00

Sorry that this is late, but I haven't been able to post.
So this week, the books I'm waiting wanting wishing for:

Title: Heist Society

Author: Ally Carter

Publish Date: Febuary 9 2010

"When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own--scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected.
Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat's dad needs her help.
For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in history-or at least her family's (very crooked) history."

Title: Nearly Departed

Author: Rook Hastings

Publish Date: Febuary 4 2010

"'I've seen a ghost,' said Emily. 'Well, not seen one exactly. Heard one. At least, I think I have!' Everything has a rational explanation. Unless it doesn't. Welcome to Weirdsville...Wierdsville is not like other towns. Night falls a little earlier there, the shadows are darker and denser, and everyone knows it's a place where strange things happen. Even if they won't admit it. Bethan would prefer to be anywhere but here. Jay has his theories, but isn't ready to share. Hashim sees more than he'll say, while Kelly's demons are all too flesh and blood. But Emily's freak-out brings them out of denial and face to face with the supernatural. Anywhere else, Friday night would be date night. But not in Weirdsville!"

Title: Shadow Mirror

Author: Richie Tankersley Cusick

Publish Date: March 18 2010

"Unsettling. There’s no better word to describe Miranda Barnes’s ability to hear the cries of the dead, feel the wind move her hair when they run by, and—dare she look into a mirror—see the reflection of a ghostly woman behind her. There’s only one person to turn to for support: Etienne. As sexy as he is mysterious, Miranda can’t help but be drawn to him. He believes her; he wants to help her. But there’s a secret in Etienne’s past, something Miranda’s on the verge of discovering. As paranormal activity escalates, passion grows, and soon Miranda is caught up in both love . . . and tragedy"

Title: Possessed

Author: Kate Cann

Publish Date: Febuary 1 2010

"Rayne can't wait to start her summer job at a remote country mansion, far from the crowded, noisy London she so desperately wants to escape. But the retreat soon turns into a nightmare -- the mansion is creepy, the legends of ghosts keep Rayne up at night, and she doesn't feel safe anywhere.
Can Rayne figure out why she's so freaked -- before she becomes a ghost story herself?"

Title: My Invisable Boyfriend

Author: Susie Day

Publish Date: April 1 2010

"Heidi has the perfect solution to her popularity problems - a fake boyfriend. She's even made him an Internet profile that makes him look like a motorcycle-riding, poetry reading bad boy. *swoon* Heidi's friends are so impressed they start emailing Heidi's fake boyfriend with their problems . . . including their problems with Heidi.
As if that weren't bad enough, a delicious and possibly single person called "A Real Boy" emails Heidi to say he knows the truth. Can Heidi escape from her world wide web of lies? Or will her chance at romance disappear faster than you can type gtg?"

Title: A Little Wanting Song

Author: Cath Crowley

Publish Date: June 8 2010

"CHARLIE DUSKIN loves music, and she knows she's good at it. But she only sings when she's alone, on the moonlit porch or in the back room at Old Gus's Secondhand Record and CD Store. Charlie's mom and grandmother have both died, and this summer she's visiting her grandpa in the country, surrounded by ghosts and grieving family, and serving burgers to the local kids at the milk bar. She's got her iPod, her guitar, and all her recording equipment, but she wants more: A friend. A dad who notices her. The chance to show Dave Robbie that she's not entirely unspectacular.
ROSE BUTLER lives next door to Charlie's grandfather and spends her days watching cars pass on the freeway and hanging out with her troublemaker boyfriend. She loves Luke but can't wait to leave their small country town. And she's figured out a way: she's won a scholarship to a science school in the city, and now she has to convince her parents to let her go. This is where Charlie comes in. Charlie, who lives in the city, and whom Rose has ignored for years. Charlie, who just might be Rose's ticket out.
Told in alternating voices and filled with music, friendship, and romance, Charlie and Rose's "little wanting song" is about the kind of longing that begins as a heavy ache but ultimately makes us feel hopeful and wonderfully alive."

Title: Torched

Author: April Henry

Publish Date: March 5 2009

"When Ellie’s parents are busted for possession of marijuana, the FBI gives her a choice: infiltrate the Mother Earth Defenders (MED), a radical environmental group, or her parents will go to jail. At first Ellie is more than willing to entrap the MEDics, but the more time she spends undercover—particularly with Coyote, the green-eyed MEDic that she can’t stop thinking about—the more she starts to believe in their cause. When talk turns to murder, Coyote backs out, but Ellie is willing to risk everything to save her family—even if it means losing Coyote and putting her own life on the line.
April Henry, author of the acclaimed YA thriller Shock Point, pulls an issue straight from the headlines as she deftly explores what happens when good intentions get out of hand. With the environment a hot topic, this blend of explosive action and romance will make Torched a must-read for all suspense lovers."

Well thats it for this week. What books are waiting, wanting, wishing for?

Contest: Jan. 1-8

2009-12-30T23:06:00.004-05:00

So I'm going to change how I do this a little bit.

So here's the contests that are ending next week:

January 1st:

Book Whisperer: Check Me Out 100 Followers

The Story Siren

Good Books & Good Wine: Tis The Season Contest!

The Undercover Book Lover (Not Really): Contest: Taken By Storm - Author Week (5)

Tynga's Urban Fantasy reviews

January 2nd:

Sharon Loves Books and Cats: Holiday Strand Books Contest

January 4th:

Author Interview & Giveaway: Firespell by Chloe Neill | Dark Faerie Tales

January 5th:

Bites: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan + Contest!

Happy Holidays Book Blowout | Dark Faerie Tales

The Hiding Spot: Contest: Win a copy of Darklight by Lesley Livingston!

January 6th:

Pure Imagination: The Dark Divine International Giveaway!

January 7th:

FANTASTIC BOOK REVIEW: Win Magic Under Glass & Swag by Jaclyn Dolamore!

January 8th:

FANTASTIC BOOK REVIEW: Win Darklight & Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston!

Shooting Stars Mag: Year's Worth of Books Giveaway! Open to ALL!

The Story Siren
Book Crazy: Win - The River by Mary Jane Beaufrand (ARC Signed)

Review: Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle

2009-12-30T20:18:00.004-05:00

Borrowed this book from my local library. The description is from the back of the book. Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links).

Title: Let It Snow
Authors: John Green; Maureen Johnson; Lauren Myracle

"A trio of today's best selling authors-John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle-brings all the magic of the holidays to life in three hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance, and kisses that will take your breath away."

Cover: The cover is cute and simple.

These three stories follow different characters from one small town over their adventures between Christmas eve to the day after Christmas.
In the first story, The Jubilee Express, Jubilee's parents got arrested on Christmas eve, forcing Jubilee to miss her boyfriend's party and have to take a train to Florida during the worst snow storm in 50 years. Her train crashes, and she is left deserted in a small town with no one she knows. She meets new people, and realizes her boyfriend might not be as great as she thought.
Out of all three love stories, this one was my favorite. Stuart was so great. Him and Jubilee are so cute together.
In the second story, The Cheertastic Christmas Miracle, Tobin's friend calls him on Christmas eve to tell him that a train just crashed, and now The Waffle House where he works is full of fourteen cheerleaders. He tell's them that him and the two other guys working each get to call one car of people to come, but only the first car to arrive with twister gets to come in. So Tobin, and his two friends, JP and The Duke (a girl), set of on a race through the worst snow storm in 50 years, in persuit of cheerleaders and free hashbrowns.
This was the funniest of the three stories. The things they had to do to get to that Waffle house first.
In the third story, The Patron Saint of Pigs, Addie is heartbroken because she cheated on her boyfriend, and she wants him back. Addie always inspires other's to be better, but she can be pretty selfish. On the day after Christmas, she promises to pick up her friends teacup pig during her break at work. But the universe just never goes her way, does it?
This story had the most Christmas magicness to it of the three stories. This was the first time I've ever read a story from the cheaters perspective, but by the end your cheering for her despite her past.
By the end of this story, all the characters from the other come together for one happy ending.

Parting Thoughts: This book is the perfect book to cuddle up in a blanket with by the fire, sipping eggnog.
I give it a B

Some fan art by the lovely Katie at Sophistikatied Reviews:

I love her work!

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity 12

2009-12-29T13:09:00.000-05:00

Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman

This book was my favorite when I was a kid

To particapate:

1. On your blog, list the book cover(s) with author information for books about animals.

2. Use Mr. Linky to link back to the Holiday Break Reading Challenge blog.

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity 11

2009-12-28T22:42:00.000-05:00

So here are the challenges I plan to particapate in this year:

2010 Debut Author Challenge:
For more information, click the button.
There's alot of books I wish to read for this one, but the ones I'm sure I'll be able to read (aka I already own) so far are:
1. Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
2. Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White

2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge:
For more information, click the button.
Im going for --Super Size Me YA Reading Challenge – Read 75 Young Adult novels.
Heres my list so far:
1. The Everafter by Amy Huntley
2. Gone by Michael Grant
3. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
4. Rich Boys by Jenny O'Connell
5. Rumors by Anna Godbersen
6. Max by James Patterson
7. Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
8. Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White
9. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
10. The Girl With The Mermaid Hair by Delia Ephron
11. Captivate by Carrie Jones
12. The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg
13. Pastworld by Ian Beck
14. How To Say Goodbye In Robot by Natalie Standiford
15. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
16. Same Difference by Siobahn Vivian
17. Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
18. Oblivion Road by Alex McAulay
19. Never Slow Dance With A Zombie by E. Van Lowe
20. A Living Nightmare by Darren Shan
21. The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan
22. Tunnels Of Blood by Darren Shan

2010 Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge:
For more information, click the button.
Im going for --Just My Size – Check out and read 50 library books
My list so far:
1. The Everafter by Amy Huntley

2010 100+ Reading Challenge:
For more information, click the button.
Here's my list so far:
1. The Everafter by Amy Huntley
2. Gone by Michael Grant
3. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
4. Rich Boys by Jenny O'Connell
5. Rumors by Anna Godbersen
6. Max by James Patterson
7. Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
8. Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White
9. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
10. The Girl With The Mermaid Hair by Delia Ephron
11. Captivate by Carrie Jones
12. The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg
13. Pastworld by Ian Beck
14. How To Say Goodbye In Robot by Natalie Standiford
15. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
16. Same Difference by Siobahn Vivian
17. Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
18. Oblivion Road by Alex McAulay
19. Never Slow Dance With A Zombie by E. Van Lowe
20. A Living Nightmare by Darren Shan
21. The Vampire's Assistant by Darren Shan
22. Tunnels Of Blood by Darren Shan
23. The Trouble With Magic by Madelyn Alt
24. A Charmed Death by Madlyn Alt
25. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

So those are the challenges I plan to do this year. I feel confident that I'll achieve them, considering I've read nearly 140 books this year.

To particapate:
1. Create a post on your blog about Challenges, either in general or specific to the ones you plan to join for 2010.
2. Use Mr. Linky to link your post back to this one.

I'd Like To Give A Shout Out To...

2009-12-27T16:19:00.000-05:00

So for this challenge, we are supposed to share at least 3 of our favorite blogs, which I think is great because theres so many blogs out there, it's easy to accidentaly skip over some gems.

Steph Su Reads

Steph Su has simular taste in books as me, which is a great way to find other books I'll like. She also has been having tons of lists of her favorite books this year in different catagories, that I've especially enjoyed.

Shut Up! I'm Reading.

Jessica has very similar taste in books as me, plus her reviews are enjoyable, and she's funny.

Sophistikatied Reviews

What I love most about Katie's blog is her Fan Art Friday, which I look foward to every friday night. If for nothing else, at least check her blog out for that.

Katie's Book Blog

If you need a good detailed review of a book, Katies the girl to see. She rates The Writing, The Cover, The Ending, The Originality, The Plot and The Characters.

Teens Read and Write

Between Alyssa, Jake, and Gregory, this blog has a wide range of YA book reviews. They also post lots of interesting posts, and are highly hillarious.

So those are the blogs that I feel deserve a shout out. Check them out! =)

And to enter this activity you need to:

1 . Go to Google or one of your favorite search engines and find search for blogs that cater to your tastes. Try to find at least 3 blogs to share.
2 . Keep track of their title, web address, and a short summary of what you like about it.
3 . Post something on your blog about these blogs with the title I'd Like To Give A Shout Out To...
4 . Come back here and use Mr. Linky so we can visit your site and visit some of the blogs you've found.

Review: Taken By Storm by Angela Morrison

2009-12-27T00:23:00.002-05:00

Borrowed this book from my local library. The description is my own. Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links).

Title: Taken By Storm
Author: Angela Morrison

Michael just moved in with his grandma, after being the sole survivor of a devastating hurricane that killed his mom and dad. While his life once revolved around diving and girls, it now depends on little blue pills. That is, untill that first encounter with Leesie. He hopes that Leesie can re-awaken his animal instincts, and make him normal again. Leesie is the daughter of a Mormon family, and a pretty religous Mormon herself, which is what gives her the school nickname of The Ice Queen. She know's that something horrible happened to Michael's parents, and that he is suffering and needs her help. Both of them had there own motives after that first encounter, but neither one of them planned on falling in love. Can love real heal all?

Cover: I really love this cover, it looks like a page from a scrapbook or something, which fits because a majority is written in the form of a divers log or poems.. I love the colors, and the picture is nice. And the littles graphics are fitting.
StoryLine: Like I mentioned above, the book is written in the form of Michael's diving logs, with a few chatspot chatlogs between him and Leesie or Leesie and her friend, and the occasional poem written by Leesie thrown in. One think that irked me, was Michael always used lowercase i's instead of I. During his dialog, and during his narration, from when he firsts starts writting again after the storm, to the condo scene. I guess it's like supposed to show that he lost himself? I mean its really poetic when you think of it like that actually, it just bothered me to see at first. =) Anyway, to the point. The story's pace changed accordingly, which I really liked. At times it was fast and at others it was more leisurely. But alas, the tragic ending. It was so upseting! Why oh why couldn't work out? It was soo close! But that the beauty of Morrison's story telling; I was so engrossed in the tale she weaved, that when it didn't end fairytale perfect, it distroyed a small part of me.
Characters: I just loved Michael. At times he seemed arrogent, egotistical, and stuck up, but his grieving was so heart-wrenching at times, and then watching him do what he thought was impossible, falling for someone without actually making love with them, was just, ah, amazing. And the poems and chatlogs did wonders for Leesie's character, because on the outside, she does seem pretty Ice Queen.
Parting Thoughts: Even the though ending rubbed me the wrong way, this book was beautiful and highly recommendable.

I give it an A

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity 9

2009-12-26T22:17:00.003-05:00

So for this challenge, we could either post a blog about 's books OR post a blog about ZOMBIES!!! so guess which one I chose. Links lead to their Amazon page.

If you hadn't noticed from my Waiting, Wanting, Wishing posts, I love zombie books, because I love zombies. I've read quite a few books with zombies, like, The Summoning, The Awakening, Prom Nights From Hell, and You Are So Undead To Me. Then there's the books about zombies that I wish to read, like, Zombie Queen Of Newbury High, Generation Dead, The Forest of Hands and Teeth, and I Kissed A Zombie and I Liked It. And I just chose Never Slow Dance With A Zombie from the prize list for winning Thursday's Challenge.

So, any good zombie books I left out?

If you want to enter this challenge:

1 . You can feature Christopher Moore talking about books you've already read or ones you'd like to read

2 . You can go a totally different direction and create a post about books about ZOMBIES - either ones you've already read or ones you want to read.

3 . Mr. Linky to your post.

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing (5)

2009-12-25T23:30:00.002-05:00

So this week, the books I'm waiting wanting wishing for:

Title: Girl In The Arena

Author: Lise Haines

Publish Date: October 13 2009

"It’s a fight to the death—on live TV—when a gladiator’s daughter steps into the arena
Lyn is a neo-gladiator’s daughter, through and through. Her mother has made a career out of marrying into the high-profile world of televised blood sport, and the rules of the Gladiator Sports Association are second nature to their family. Always lend ineffable confidence to the gladiator. Remind him constantly of his victories. And most importantly: Never leave the stadium when your father is dying. The rules help the family survive, but rules—and the GSA—can also turn against you. When a gifted young fighter kills Lyn’s seventh father, he also captures Lyn’s dowry bracelet, which means she must marry him... For fans of The Hunger Games and Fight Club, Lise Haines’ debut novel is a mesmerizing look at a world addicted to violence—a modern world that’s disturbingly easy to imagine."

Title: Tell Me A Secret

Author: Holly Cupala

Publish Date: June 2010

"It’s tough, living in the shadow of a dead girl…
In the five years since her bad-girl sister Xanda’s death, Miranda Mathison has wondered about the secret her sister took to the grave, and what really happened the night she died. Now, just as Miranda is on the cusp of her dreams—a best friend to unlock her sister’s world, a ticket to art school, and a boyfriend to fly her away from it all—Miranda has a secret all her own.
Then two lines on a pregnancy test confirm her worst fears. Stripped of her former life, Miranda must make a choice with tremendous consequences and finally face her sister’s demons and her own.
In this powerful debut novel, stunning new talent Holly Cupala illuminates the dark struggle of a girl who must let go of her past to find a way into her own future."

Title: The Forbidden Sea

Author: Sheila A Nielson

Publish Date: July 1 2010

"When, one stormy night, a mermaid comes to take Adrianne Keynnman’s sister, Cecily, down into the depths of the sea, Adrianne knows she must fight with every ounce of her strength to protect her little sister. On land, Adrianne toils away, trying to eke out a living for her mother, sister, and aunt, after a tragic accident stole her father. Now, life takes a strange and frightening turn as Adrianne’s dreams are filled with the mermaid’s singing . . ."

Title: The Maze Runner

Author: James Dashner

Publish Date: October 6 2009

"When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. His memory is black. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade, a large expanse enclosed by stone walls.
Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning, for as long as they could remember, the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night, they’ve closed tight. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the lift. And no one wants to be stuck in the maze after dark.
The Gladers were expecting Thomas’s arrival. But the next day, a girl springs up—the first girl ever to arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. The Gladers have always been convinced that if they can solve the maze that surrounds the Glade, they might be able to find their way home . . . wherever that may be. But it’s looking more and more as if the maze is unsolvable.
And something about the girl’s arrival is starting to make Thomas feel different. Something is telling him that he just might have some answers—if he can only find a way to retrieve the dark secrets locked within his own mind."

Title: Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials

Author: Rosalind Wiseman

Publish Date: January 12 2010

"Looking for a new beginning after a terrible mean girl past, Charlie Healey realizes there’s no escaping high school drama.
Charlie Healey thinks Harmony Falls is the beginning of a whole new life. Middle school was brutal. But high school is Charlie’s big chance to start over and stay out of drama, except that on her first day she runs into Will, her ex–best friend, who had moved away. Now a varsity athlete and hotter than Charlie remembered, Will hangs with the crowd running the school. But Charlie doesn’t understand their power until an innocent delivery guy falls victim to a near-deadly hazing prank.
Torn between doing what’s right and her secret feelings for Will, Charlie must decide whether to turn in her very best friend or live with the guilt of knowing what he did.
Rosalind Wiseman’s first novel for young adults is a fresh, funny, and juicy read about friendship, betrayal, and how far some will go to be accepted."

Title: Claire de Lune

Author: Christine Johnson

Publish Date: May 18 2010

"A teenager learns that she is a werewolf, descended from a long line of female werewolves, and must balance her human and werewolf lives, while tracking down the rogue werewolf preying upon the people of her town."

(I wish I can find a better discription)

So that's it for this week. So, should I make this a meme, or just do Waiting on Wednesdays? Do you like this Waiting, Wanting Wishing layout, or should I change it? What books are on your list?

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity 7

2009-12-24T10:13:00.001-05:00

See my problem with books made into movies is, with a lot of them, I've either read the book, but have yet to see the movie, or I've watched the movie, but never read the book. Also, it would be hard to chose between the Harry Potter movies for the best, so I'm going to leave them out.

Any way, the best book to movie winner is:

Jennifers Body

The worst book to movie winner is:

Twilight

To pick your own:

1 . You need to choose the BEST Book-to-Movie Adaptation you've seen and the WORST Book-to-Movie Adaptation you've seen.
2 . Post the pictures of the book cover next to the movie poster for each pair.
3 . Use Mr. Linky to link your post to the Holiday Break Reading Challenge Blog.

Best Fictional Couple of 2009:

2009-12-23T21:35:00.000-05:00

The best fictional couple of 2009 in my opinion is:

Clary and Jace from The Mortal Instruments Series.

Ah, I just loved this series, and loved Jace and loved Clary and loved them together, and knew, knew in my heart that they would end up together against all the gross odds, and they did. Ah, perfectly perfect. If you haven't read the series, then you haven't lived yet, because you can't live with out reading Clary and Jace's saga.

So, who's your favorite fictional couple of 2009?

And don't forget to head on over to Not Enough Bookshelves to see her picks, and to enter her countdown contest.

Contest: Dec. 25-31

2009-12-23T18:19:00.006-05:00

Review: The Disreputable History Of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

2009-12-23T12:43:00.002-05:00

Borrowed this book from the Library. The description is my own. Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links).

Title: The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks
Author:E. Lockhart
Last year, Frankie was just the gawky little freshmen who depended on all those around her. But this year, with her new 'developed' body, people start noticing her, and she starts making the rules. When she finds out that her boyfriend's in an all boys secret society, she decides she isn't going to be left in the dark, and starts calling the shots, secretely ofcourse. Noone even guesses that she's the one controling their every move, well no one except the person taking all the credit. But this secret society isn't the only secret Frankies boyfriend is keeping from her. And when things go south, and people start getting in trouble for doing what she said, what will happen to Frankie
Cover: I might be a slight cover whore. Let me tell you why. So I've seen this title a few times at my local library, but have never picked it up, because it was the old cover, and the old cover didn't really appeal to me. But then, my local library picked up another copy but with the new cover, and lo and behold, I pick it up. So yeah, slight cover-whore-ness. Anyway on to the actual cover. I like it, I don't really know why, I think maybe it's because, to me, the over all effect makes it look, I don't know, polished somehow. But I don't like the girls outfit, and she's not as 'developed' as Frankie is in the book.
StoryLine: This book is really cute. Watching Frankie try to prove herself to Matthew, and seeing everyone under her control, is funny. It flowed well, and you just had to keep read, to see what she did next. The only thing is, the dialog reminded me of how I'm told I speak, trying to fit a lot of information in one breath. Like it would be like, talk talk, no pause to breath or anything, topic switch, topic switch, all the characters have like ADD or something. (I do have ADHD by the way so I'm not trying to be insulting by the way) But it was only in dialog, only some of the time, so if you just take a mental 'breath' between sentances while reading some of the parts that are like that, you'll be good. (I was always told, 'periods aren't commas. periods mean pause a second.' when I was younger and would read out loud) But even with that little issue, the story still flowed.
Characters: I enjoyed these characters. Frankie is a strong-willed, if not borderline psychotic at times, woman who doesn't become dependent when she falls in love. Alpha is manipulative, strong-willed, and just the perfect fit for Frankie, but sadly, they don't ever get together. I mean don't get me wrong Matthew is fine and dandy, but that didn't turn out so well either.
Parting Thoughts: This book was great, I read it in one day. I highly recommend it.

I give it an A-

Review: The Den of Shadows Quartet by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

2009-12-22T13:26:00.004-05:00

Borrowed this book from the library. The description is my own. Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links).

Title: The Den Of Shadows Quartet
Author:Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

The Den of Shadows Quartet is a collection of the four books in the Den of Shadows series, In the Forests of the Night, Demon in My View, Shattered Mirror, and Midnight Predator.

Cover: I absolutely love this cover! It's so beautiful.It looks even better in real life. Ah, love it.
StoryLine: Since I've never reviewed a book like this, I wasn't quite sure the best way to approach doing so. End the end, I just discribed a bit of each story:
The Den of Shadows is a collection of four novels, all based in the same world, but with stories. The first three involve reoccuring characters, but the forth has all new characters.
The first is the only one told in first person, the rest are all third person. The first book is about Risika, a powerful vampire, taking control of her life.
The second is about Jessica, a girl who writes vampire novels, which she thinks are just fiction of her imagination, but in reality, are completely, 100% non-fiction, and now all her 'characters' want to destroy the author who is blabbing all their secrets.
The third is about Sarah, the daughter of the most powerful of all witches, and a powerful one herself, who changes school, and starts to fall for a vampire of all people, just to discover that he has some relation to the vampire she's been hunting, who happens to be one of the most wanted of all vampires.
The forth book is about Turquoise, ex-human slave turned human vampire hunter, who gets a job to distroy a very powerful vampire, but the only way to do that is to sneak into Midnight, the capitol of the trade trainers, as a human slave.
Characters: All four stories had great characters. I think Aubrey and Jaguar are my favorites, they are so, just , ahh. The first novel didn't have any romance, sadly, but the last three did, and it was great.
Parting Thoughts: I really loved this collection. Each story was better then the last. Atwater-Rhodes is an amzing author, and I can't wait to read more of her work.

I give it an A

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity 5

2009-12-22T12:27:00.000-05:00

So I'm technically cheating, since I finished my book right before making this post, but, ah well, what can you do? =)

The Den Of Shadows Quartet by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Page 22 Line 22:

". . . watched him leave, not knowing what to say. I could . . ."

So there you go.

If you want to enter:

1 . Pick up the book you are currently reading.

2 . Since it is December 22nd, turn to page 22 in your book.
3 . Count down to the 22nd line on the page. (If there is a partial word on the line you can leave it off.)
4 . Post a picture of your book cover along with the 22nd line from the 22nd page on your blog.
5 . Use Mr. Linky to link your post to the Holiday Break Reading Challenge blog.

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity 4

2009-12-21T20:23:00.000-05:00

My book I'm reading is The Den Of Shadows Quartet by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. They're 4 novels in this book, but i'm doing it on the first one, In the Forests of the Night.:

Vampires killed Rachels twin brother, the person she loved most, and turned her into a monster all on the same night when she was 17.

But when she woke as a vampire, they changed her name to Risika. 300 years later, and she still goes by that name.

The only thing she loves now is a Tiger named Tora.

Risika lives a quiet but lonely life, that is, untill Aubrey threatens it, and the only way to live with honor is to fight him and win.

To join just:

1 . List the title and author of the book you are currently reading.

2 . Use any photo hosting site (Google Images, Flickr, Photobucket, FlickrCC, etc.) to find photos related to your book. "The image(s) you post need to have something to do with the book you're currently reading. You can post a painting or photograph that makes you think of the story or the characters, choose a few pictures that highlight some of the book's most important elements, or do a little of both. The only thing you can't do is just post the cover art and leave it at that, though you're welcome to include a cover image alongside your other selections." (Stella Matutina)

3 . Put a short description with each picture explaining what it means to the book.

4 . Use Mr. Linky to link to your own photo explanation of the book you are reading.

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing (4)

2009-12-21T12:40:00.002-05:00

Sorry that I'm posting this so late. I wanted to post it on Friday, but I was at my dad's house, and his computer is a pain.
So this week, the books I'm waiting wanting wishing for:

Title: The Lighter Side of Life and Death

Author: C.K. Kelly Martin

Publish Date: May 25 2010

"Acclaimed YA author C. K. Kelly Martin offers a sexy, soulful story of one confused boy, two girls, and all the complications that ensue in this romantic feel-good love story that celebrates friendship, first love, first lust, and second chances.
Sixteen-year-old Mason Rice is having the night of his life. He's just delivered an incredible performance in the school play, basked in celebratory afterglow vibes at the party of the year, and lost his virginity to one of his best friends—the gorgeous but previously unobtainable Kat Medina. His dreams are coming true, and the future looks golden.
Unfortunately, Kat sees things very differently. Crossing the friendship line was a big mistake, and all she wants is to forget it and move on, even if that means forgetting Mason altogether. What's a guy to do? Well, if you're Mason, you hang your hopes on the first attractive twenty-three-year-old you cross paths with. At first Mason wonders if he's imagining the chemistry . . . until Colette invites him over to her apartment. Suddenly Mason's living in a whole new world."

Title: Dreams Of The Dead

Author: Thomas Randall

Publish Date: September 29 2009

"Kara’s afraid to go to sleep—until the nightmares come when she’s awake . . . .Sixteen-year-old Kara Foster is an outsider in Japan, but is doing her best to fit at the private school where her father is teaching English for the year. Fortunately she’s befriended by Sakura, a fellow outsider struggling to make sense of her sister’s unsolved murder some months ago. No one seems to care about the beautiful girl who was so brutally murdered, and the other students go on as if nothing has happened. Unfortunately, the calm doesn’t last for long. Kara begins to have nightmares, and soon other students in the school turn up dead, viciously attacked by someone . . . or something. Is Sakura getting back at those she thinks are responsible for her sister’s death? Or has her dead sister come back to take revenge for herself?
This first book in a frightening new trilogy will have teens glued the page and scared to go to sleep."

Title: Incarceron

Author: Catherine Fisher

Publish Date: January 26 2010

"Incarceron -- a futuristic prison, sealed from view, where the descendants of the original prisoners live in a dark world torn by rivalry and savagery. It is a terrifying mix of high technology -- a living building which pervades the novel as an ever-watchful, ever-vengeful character, and a typical medieval torture chamber -- chains, great halls, dungeons. A young prisoner, Finn, has haunting visions of an earlier life, and cannot believe he was born here and has always been here. In the outer world, Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, is trapped in her own form of prison -- a futuristic world constructed beautifully to look like a past era, an imminent marriage she dreads. She knows nothing of Incarceron, except that it exists. But there comes a moment when Finn, inside Incarceron, and Claudia, outside, simultaneously find a device -- a crystal key, through which they can talk to each other. And so the plan for Finn's escape is born ..."

Title: Forgive My Fins

Author: Tera Lynn Childs

Publish Date: May 19 2010

"Lily Sanderson has a secret, and it’s not that she has a huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you’re a normal teenage girl, but when you’re half human, half mermaid like Lily, there’s no such thing as a simple crush.
Lily’s mermaid identity is a secret that can’t get out, since she’s not just any mermaid – she’s a Thalassinian princess. When Lily found out three years ago that her mother was actually a human, she finally realized why she didn’t feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she’s been living on land and going to Seaview high school ever since, hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, land has its problems – like her obnoxious, biker boy neighbor Quince Fletcher – but it has that one major perk – Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren’t really the casual dating type – when they “bond,” it’s for life.
When Lily’s attempt to win Brody’s love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily-ever-after never sails quite as smoothly as you planned."

Title: The Pace

Author: Shelena Shorts

Publish Date: August 19 2009

"Weston Wilson is not immortal and he is of this world. But, aging is not part of his existence, and eighteen-year-old Sophie Slone is determined to find out why. In doing so, she could also uncover something about her own life expectancy that she may not want to know. Suddenly, immortality will mean everything and nothing all at the same time.
Intensely fascinating and rich with determination, The Pace brings together romance, mystery, and suspense in a compelling bond that is sure to have readers asking for more.
"

Title: My So Called Death

Author: Stacey Jay

Publish Date: March 2010

"All in all it was a good day to die. If there really is such a thing.You hear characters in movies say that all the time, but does anyone really believe the words “good” and “die” belong in the same sentence?
Still, it could have been worse. It could have been dark and spooky night instead of a beautiful Georgia morning in late October, with a light wind whipping across the Peachtree High School football field, making zombies seem like the last thing anyone needed to worry about…
Fifteen-year-old freshman, Karen Vera, is well on her way to ruling her school when a freak cheer leading accident turns her into, well, a freak. Much to her Horror and Dismay, Karen learns she is a genetic mutation, one of the Death Challenged--a politically correct term for a zombie! Now she has to go to a top secret zombie school, eat brains for lunch, and take courses with names like "Secrets of Successful Morticians and their Uses for the Undead: Foundation and Beyond". And to make matters worse, her roommate is the most reviled girl at DEAD High, a complete head case, and maybe...a murderer. Can Karen find out who's offing the nearly un-off-able Undead before she becomes the next victim? Can she convince the super-cute captain of the swim team that a girl can have a pathological love for pink and still carry on an intelligent conversation? Will she ever pass remedial Algebra for the Death Challenged?"

So that's it for this week. So, should I make this a meme, or just do Waiting on Wednesdays? Do you like this Waiting, Wanting Wishing layout, or should I change it? What books are on your list?

Review: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports (Maximum Ride Book 3) by James Patterson

2009-12-20T23:31:00.004-05:00

I borrowed this book from a friend. The description is from the back of the book. Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links).

Title: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports (Maximum Ride Book 3)
Author: James Patterson

"This is the one you've waited for.
Max and the flock are clearly destined for greatness. Undaunted. Indomitable. Inseparable. But now our six winged heroes are being chased-no hunted-around the world by a new kind of enemy that is both spectacularly frightening and horrifically perfect. This time, it's enevitable: they will get caught. So they might as well have some fun!

Obstacles:

Flyboys: arrogant bruisers with wings (even stronger than Erasers).
A Genocidal Plot: the most terrifying human experiment imaginable.
The Unthinkable: there's a traitor among them.
Romance: a major problem-Fang never was one to take a hint.
Impossibility Factor: they can't even save themselves!

No one said saving the world was going to be easy."

Cover: I like the color of this cover, it's nice. The cover is just as pretty as the other ones.
StoryLine: This book is my favorite of the whole series. It flowed well, and was very funny at times.The only thing is I'm still confused by some of the many, many twistsin this story.
Characters: I've always liked Ari, however weird that might sound. So I was happy to see him change sides finally. I've really felt for the poor kid. I was devastated by the ending because of this. Oh, and Max and Fang are so dumb sometimes, why can't they both admit that they love each other already?
Parting Thoughts: I really liked this book and will post my review of the 4th book sometime soon.

I give it a B

Review: Gone (Dream Catchers Book 3) by Lisa Mcmann

2009-12-20T23:14:00.003-05:00

I won this book from a contest. The description is from the back of the ARC. Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links).

Title: Gone (Dream Catchers Book 3)
Author: Lisa Mcmann

"Janie thought she knew what her future held. And she thought she'd made her peace with it. But she can't handle dragging Cabel down with her.
She knows he will stay with her, despite what she sees in his dreams. He's amazing. And she's a train wreck. Janie sees only one way to give him the life he deserves-she has to disappear. And it's going to kill thme both.
Then a stranger enters her life-and everything unravels. The future Janie once faced now has an ominous twist, and her choices are more dire then she'd ever thought possible. She alone must deside between the lesser of two evils. And time is running out. . . ."

Cover: I really like this cover. Its so beautiful, and it makes so much since with the story.

StoryLine: This last installment was more internal conflict then external conflict, so it wasn't very action-ie, but I definately devoured it all in one sitting. The ending was quite sad, but I guess given the situation, it was the happer possible outcome. Also, Mcmann's writting style is very unique. She write in fragments, and I think it makes the story flow so beautifully.

Characters: I loved finally see Janies mom's charcter get developed. I finally see how she can be such a horrible, neglectful mother. But you still feel for her, because you get to see in a few glimpses, how embarased of herself she is of the way she is, and seeing, er, reading her cry is almost heart-breaking. And Cabel and Janie's relationship? From a realistic standpoint, I love how Cabel slips that one time, and how his dreams are sometimes, because no one can actually take what's happening and not be effected. But I was still sad to read that scene.

Parting Thoughts: Mmm, God, I really loved this trilogy. It was so amazing. Wake was actually my first leisurely Post-Twilight read. I'm really sad to see the end of Janie's story, because it was a great one.

I give it an A

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity 3

2009-12-20T22:44:00.000-05:00

Here is my sentance for the 3rd Holiday Break Reading Challenge:

"Rumors ruined Frankenstein."
Aw, poor Frankenstein has fallen victim to gossip.

If you want to form your own awesome sentance:

1 . Choose 3 or 4 books from your bookshelf that, when put together, form a sentence.
2 . Take a picture of your books / sentence.
3 . Post you sentence and your picture on your blog.
4 . Use Mr. Linky to link to your post to the Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity #3 post.
Don't spend too much time on this...BUT, make sure the sentence makes sense.

Holiday Break Reading Challenge Activity 1

2009-12-19T17:16:00.000-05:00

Here is my entry for the fist activity in the Holiday Break Reading Challenge:

Wince is a good dog. He really is. He is just kind of, well, hyper. So his owners got rid of him. Mark's pychologist thought that him getting a dog would be a good idea, so he went and chose the first one he saw at the shelter. Mark didn't know what he was getting into when he chose Wince. Will these two opposites make each other beter, or tear each other apart?

To create your own cover:

CREATE YOUR DEBUT YA COVER

1 – Go to “Fake Name Generator” or clickhttp://www.fakenamegenerator.com/
The name that appears is your author name.
2 – Go to “Random Word Generator” or clickhttp://www.websitestyle.com/parser/randomword.shtml
The word listed under “Random Verb” is your title.
3 – Go to “FlickrCC” or click http://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/index.php
Type your title into the search box. The first photo that contains a person is your cover.
4 – Use Picnik or similar to put it all together. Be sure to crop and/or zoom in.
5 – Post it to your site.
Then:
Go here and Mr.Linky your link.

Holiday Break Reading Challenge

2009-12-19T16:04:00.001-05:00

Yay! My first challange ever! =)

So, what I'm planning on reading:

Finished:
Gone by Lisa Mcmann

Currently reading:
The Den Of Shadows Quartet by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Next in Line:
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr
Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr
Let It Snow by Various authors
Taken By Storm by Angela Morrison
The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson
The Everafter by Amy Huntley
The Vampire is Just not That into You by Vlad Mezrich

So if you want to join too, just go here.

Contests: Dec. 18-24

2009-12-18T17:46:00.006-05:00

So I've decided that every friday, I'm going to post the contests I stumble across that would end sometime in the next week. So here's the contest that end between now and next Thursday.

Wow, theres a lot of contests this week.

Carrie is giving away 3 books. Ends Dec. 18

Brizmus is having a contest. Ends Dec. 18

Jennifer is giving away a few different prize packs. Ends Dec 19

The Bookiligist is giving away Bad Apple. Ends Dec. 19

2k9 Grad Contest. Ends Dec. 19

Erica is having a contest. Ends Dec. 20

Alyssa is giving away Secrets Girls Keed. Ends Dec. 20

Karin is giving away a signed copy of Linger. Ends Dec. 20

Lenore is giving several prizes. Ends Dec. 21

Diane is giving away a Visa gift card. Ends Dec. 21

Bree is holding a scavenger hunt to win cool prizes. Ends Dec. 22

Kristi is having a cool Xmas contest. Ends Dec. 22

Win Hearts At Stake. Ends Dec. 22

Elie is giving away Immortal. Ends Dec. 23

Rachel is giving away the first two books in her series, Soul Screamers. Ends Dec. 23

Alexa is having a contest for Fav. '09 Fiction Couple with great prizes. Ends Dec. 24

Erica is giving away copies of her book everyday between now and Christmas

Pictures that remind me of the south...

2009-12-15T21:37:00.000-05:00

This is for a contest to win Beautiful Creatures, that ends tonight.

So since I live in Florida, I'm going to just use three of my old nature photos. These are pictures of the photography that I have on my wall, so they are kind of suckish quality. But they were taken by me.

Review: Ruined by Paula Morris

2009-12-13T10:16:00.003-05:00

I won this book from a contest. The description is my own. Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links).

Title: Ruined
Author: Paula Morris

Rebecca was just your average 15 year old New York City girl. That is, untill her dad has to go China for a few months. Since it's such a long time away, he sends her to go live with her "Aunt" Claudia in New Orleans (who isn't even a real relative, and who she's only met once.), instead of just staying home like she usually does when her dad has to be gone. Aunt Claudia lives in a creepy house and reads tarot cards for a living, and to make matters worse, Rebecca comes to realize that everything in New Orleans is about whose family is who. This makes Rebecca even more of an outsider, because she doesn't have any family lines in New Orleans, or does she?
Then one night, Rebecca gets lost in the cemetary, and is helped by Lisette, a mysterious stranger. After a couple other run-ins with Lisette, Rebecca starts to befriend the strange, beautiful, colored girl, who may or may not be a ghost. Then Rebecca meets Anton Grey, who has a few secrets of his own.
As she starts to trust Anton and Lisette, Rebecca learns about curses, murders and the most scary of all, shocking things about her own history. Will Rebecca be able to right the wrongs of the past, when she's not quite sure who she can trust, or is it all ready too late?

Cover: The cover was the first thing that turned me on to this book. Its so beautiful. The colors are so amazing and I really love how the title is done. And I love how Lisette's dress is all smokey like. Just really great.

StoryLine: The story was a little hard for me to get in to at first; too much history can make me feel antsy =). There was a few times where I'd be really in to the story, but have to put it down for what ever reason, and then I'd be almost intimidated to pick it back up again. But then in the last 3rd of the book I'd have to work to keep myself away from in when I should be doing other things. The last 6 or 7 chapters I devoured in one sitting.

Characters: The characters where all good. I liked most of them, and really liked a few, but didn't love any. But that's okay, because it didn't effect the story for me. I still really cared how things where going to turn out. Anton was cool, I liked him. As well as Lisette the was great, but her voice was a little to off for a girl who lived 155 years ago, but that's okay, because it didn't even take away from the story.

Parting Thoughts: I really liked this book, and am a little sad that there won't be a sequel.

I give it an A-

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing (3)

2009-12-12T15:47:00.002-05:00

So this week, the books I'm waiting wanting wishing for:

Title: Devil's Kiss

Author: Sarwat Chadda

Publish Date: September 1 2009

"Bilquis SanGreal grew up knowing she would have to make sacrifices to be in the Knights Templar. Sacrifices like losing her mother to the Templar's ongoing battle against the Unholy; sacrifices like trading her childhood in for relentless training; sacrifices that keep her completely isolated from the world of a normal teen girl.

Billi's lone wolf status is challenged when her childhood friend, Kay, returns from his psychic training in Jerusalem. Kay manages to stir things up quickly -- he's gorgeous, arrogant, and wants to slide right back into his old place in Billi's life. Billi is skeptical, but interested, until she meets Michael -- an ethereally handsome guy who seems to understand her like no one before him, and effortlessly stakes a claim in her heart.

Just as Billi's starting to enjoy this pleasant new twist to her life, Kay ruins everything. In a moment of bravado, Kay uses the last of the Templar's treasures, King Solomon's cursed mirror, drawing the attention of one of the most dangerous of the Templars' enemies -- The Angel of Death.
Only with the mirror can the dark angel unleash his full powers, and now that he's heard the call of the mirror, he'll stop at nothing to get it. To save London from catastrophe, Billi will have to make sacrifices greater than she'd ever imagined."

Title: I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It
Author: Adam Selzer
Publish Date: January 26 2010
"Algonquin “Ali” Rhodes, the high school newspaper’s music critic, meets an intriguing singer, Doug, while reviewing a gig. He’s a weird-looking guy—goth, but he seems sincere about it, like maybe he was into it back before it was cool. She introduces herself after the set, asking if he lives in Cornersville, and he replies, in his slow, quiet murmur, 'Well, I don’t really live there, exactly. . . .'
When Ali and Doug start dating, Ali is falling so hard she doesn’t notice a few odd signs: he never changes clothes, his head is a funny shape, and he says practically nothing out loud. Finally Marie, the school paper’s fashion editor, points out the obvious: Doug isn’t just a really sincere goth. He’s a zombie. Horrified that her feelings could have allowed her to overlook such a flaw, Ali breaks up with Doug, but learns that zombies are awfully hard to get rid of—at the same time she learns that vampires, a group as tightly-knit as the mafia, don’t think much of music critics who make fun of vampires in reviews. . . ."

Title: By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead
Author: Julie Anne Peters
Publish Date: January 5 2010
"Daelyn Rice is broken beyond repair, and after a string of botched suicide attempts, she's determined to get her death right. She starts visiting a website for "completers"- www.through-the-light .com.
While she's on the site, Daelyn blogs about her life, uncovering a history of bullying that goes back to kindergarten. When she's not on the Web, Daelyn's at her private school, where she's known as the freak who doesn't talk.
Then, a boy named Santana begins to sit with her after school while she's waiting to for her parents to pick her up. Even though she's made it clear that she wants to be left alone, Santana won't give up. And it's too late for Daelyn to be letting people into her life. Isn't it?
National Book Award finalist Julie Anne Peters shines a light on how bullying can push young people to the very edge.
'23 Days and Counting
Dear
___mother
___father
___other
There was nothing you could do to stop me because:
___I’d already made up my mind
___I have been suffering my whole life
___ you were too slow to notice
I offed myself because:
___my life sucks
___the world sucks
___ you suck
Good-bye,
Daelyn'"

Title: Sleepless
Author: Cyn Balog
Publish Date: July 13 2010
"Eron De Marchelle isn't supposed to feel a connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce human charges to sleep. While he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn't encouraged to--after all, getting too involved in one human's life would prevent him helping his other charges get their needed rest.
But he can't deny that he feels something for Julia. Julia, with her fiery red hair and her sad dreams. Just weeks ago, her boyfriend died in a car accident, and Eron can tell that she feels more alone than ever. Eron was human once too, many years ago, and he remembers how it felt to lose the one he loved. Eron has always felt protective of Julia . . . but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can't seem to reach her . . .
Sandmen are forbidden from communicating with humans outside their dreams. But will Eron be willing to risk everything for a chance to be with the person he loves?"

Title: Token of Darkness
Author: Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Publish Date: Febuary 9 2010
"Cooper Blake has everything going for him—until he wakes from a car accident with his football career in ruins and a mysterious, attractive girl by his side. Cooper doesn’t know how Samantha got there or why he can see her; all he knows is that she’s a ghost, and the shadows that surround her seem intent on destroying her.
No one from Cooper’s old life would understand what he can barely grasp himself. . . . But Delilah, the captain of the cheerleading squad, has secrets of her own, like her ability to see beyond the physical world, and her tangled history with Brent, a loner from a neighboring school who can hear strangers’ most intimate thoughts. Delilah and Brent know that Cooper is in more trouble than he realizes, and that Samantha may not be as innocent as she has led Cooper to believe. But the only way to figure out where Samantha came from will put them all in more danger than they ever dreamed possible."

Title: Whisper
Author: Phoebe Kitanidis
Publish Date: April 27 2010
"I’d love a cup of coffee. I wish she knew how pretty she was. I wish I could drop this kid in the dryer sometimes. I just want her to be happy. I hope she didn’t find out what Ben said about her. I wish I knew how many calories were in a bite of muffin…
Joy is used to hearing Whispers. She’s used to walking down the street and instantly knowing people’s deepest, darkest desires. She uses this talent for good, to make people happy and give them what they want. But for her older sister, Jessica, the family gift is a curse, and she uses it to make people’s lives—especially Joy’s—miserable. Still, when Joy Hears Jessica whisper: I want to kill my Hearing dead, and kill me too if that’s what it takes, she knows she has to save her sister, even if it means deserting her friends, stealing a car and running away with a boy she barely knows—a boy who may have a dark secret of his own."

So that's it for this week. So, should I make this a meme, or just do Waiting on Wednesdays? Which layout is better, this weeks or last weeks? What books are on your list?

Contests: Dec. 11-17

2009-12-11T16:20:00.002-05:00

So I've decided that every friday, I'm going to post the contests I stumble across that would end sometime in the next week. So here's the contest that end between now and next Thursday:

Review: Schools Out - Forever (Maximum Ride Book 2) by James Patterson

2009-12-09T19:03:00.008-05:00

Schools Out - Forever (Maximum Ride Book 2)
James Patterson

"It's your best dream and worst nightmare: School's out - Forever!

Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman, Angel, and Maximum Ride: six incredible kids genetically engineered with the ability to fly, free as birds . . . until Max and her gang are discovered by an FBI agent and forced to face their worst nightmare: You guessed it - school. That is, the abominable place where they learn everything except how to survive as winged mutants relentlessly hunted by killers . . .

Flock Report Card:
Computer Skills: A. Can hack into any computer at lightning speed - bonus in a quest to locate missing parents.
Scientific Research: B-. Score points for discovering source of a diabolical plot, but often fail to identify clones and imposters.
Extreme Sports: A+. Earn extra credit by trading Dumpster diving for supersonic travel, aerial ballet, and flying with dogs.
Dating: C. Relationships with non-winged peers improve. Need work on picking suitable mates.
Discipline: D. Setting off explosives, stealing hidden documents, and harassing faculty are no-nos - even if the head master is evil.
Saving the world: This is a pass/fail course. . .

The jury is still out on the final grade. "

Cover: I like this cover. It's fits in well with the first one, having the same font, cityscape-type background, and bird flying in the background. And the model matches well with the discription.

StoryLine: This book is just as easy of a read as the first book. You dont even realize that the pages left is decreasing more and more. And everything flowed well. I like Patterson's writing style.

Characters: I love the characters in this book. Especially Max's voice, she's even funnier in this book then the last. And Fang, he is amazing. Angel gets kind of creepy, though.

Parting Thoughts: This book was just as good as the first, and slightly funnier. Look for my review on the 3rd instalment coming soon.
I give it a B-

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing (2)

2009-12-04T16:58:00.010-05:00

I've decided to make this a weekly meme, since there's so many books out there I want. Books that haven't been released yet, have the publication date in purple. Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page (Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links). All descriptions are from Goodreads.

So this week, the books I'm waiting wanting wishing for:

Title: Violet Wings
Author: Victoria Hanley
Publish Date: August 25 2009
"Orphaned fairy Zaria Tourmaline has always been told that her parents were killed by humans after taking an ordinary portal to Earth. Three years after their disappearance, Zaria finally turns twelve, and her inborn magic rises into being. But no sooner does she catch her first glimpse of the human world through a fey scope than she is Earth-struck! She wants nothing more than to go to Earth herself, despite the dangers. Zaria and her friend Leona sneak through a portal, and right away things begin to go wrong. First, they allow themselves to be seen by humans, which is a crime. They are caught and punished, but this doesn’t stop them from visiting Earth again. Leona’s wand is stolen by a human, and in helping to get it back, Zaria forms an acquaintance with a boy whose father is missing. Back in Feyland, she discovers she is one of the most powerful fairies alive—and others want her magic. She even begins to suspect that the mentor assigned to her—the beautiful and manipulative Lily Morganite—is behind her family’s disappearance. Lily uses enchantments to turn Zaria’s friends against her, and Zaria must seek help from a double-crossing genie, only to find herself bound by unbreakable troll magic. Betrayed and alone, how can Zaria free herself, save her friends, and find out what really happened to her lost family?"

Title: Jekel Loves Hyde
Author: Beth Fantaskey
Publish Date: May 3 2010
"Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents’ rules – especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her father’s office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, she's tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship.
To better her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristen’s sanity. Maybe his life. But Jill’s accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything – even Tristen’s love – just for the thrill of being… bad."

Title: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publish Date: March 2 2010
"When Sophie Mercer turned thirteen, she discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-Gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hecate Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward prodigium, a.k.a. witches, fae, and shapeshifters. By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard. Three powerful enemies who look like supermodels; a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock; a creepy, tag-along ghost; and a new roommate, who happens to be the most-hated person and only vampire on campus. Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her friend Jenna is the number one suspect. Meanwhile, Sophie has a more personal shock to grapple with. Not only is her father the head of the prodigium council, he's the most powerful warlock in the world, and Sophie is his heir. As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all prodigium, especially her."

Title: Undead Much
Author: Stacey Jay
Publish Date: January 21 2010
"Even Zombie Settlers with Super Hot Boyfriends get the Blues...
A few months ago I was a normal girl with a normal life. But that was before my power to Settle the Undead returned and someone tried to kill me with zombies.
Now I work magic and practice kicking butt while trying to find time for pom squad and my boyfriend, Ethan, and trying NOT to think about how freaky my life has become. It can be tough. Still…things could be worse…
Oh yeah, right:
1. Feral new super-strong zombies. Check.
2. Undead psychic hottie predicting a zombie Apocalypse. Check.
3. Earth-shattering secrets that could land me in Settler prison for life. Check.
4. Cheerleader vs. pom squad turf war threatening the end of the half time as we know it. Check.
I’m going to need therapy (and a cookie) if I live through the week. Unfortunately I’m learning that’s not something Zombie Queens can take for granted."

Title: Something Like Fate
Author: Susane Colasanti
Publish Date: March 18 2010
"Lani and Erin are bonded for life. One thing that connects them is their fascination of fate. Lani wonders how much of our lives has already been decided and how much we can actually influence. Since the Unknown can unexpectedly change our lives forever, how much can we really control?
From the minute Lani meets Jason, she can't deny the intense connection they share. It feels like she's known him forever. She's not sure if he feels it, too. But it doesn't matter. Because Jason is Erin's boyfriend. Lani is determined to ignore her feelings for Jason, no matter how powerful they are, rather than risk hurting her best friend.
How long can Lani keep running from the boy who might be her destiny?"

Title: Firespell
Author: Chloe Neill
Publish Date: January 5 2010
"As the new girl at the elite St. Sophia’s boarding school, Lily Parker thinks her classmates are the most monstrous things she’ll have to face…
When Lily’s guardians decided to send her away to a fancy boarding school in Chicago, she was shocked. So was St. Sophia’s. Lily’s ultra-rich brat pack classmates think Lily should be the punchline to every joke, and on top of that, she’s hearing strange noises and seeing bizarre things in the shadows of the creepy building.
The only thing keeping her sane is her roommate, Scout, but even Scout’s a little weird—she keeps disappearing late at night and won’t tell Lily where she’s been. But when a prank leaves Lily trapped in the catacombs beneath the school, Lily finds Scout running from a real monster.
Scout’s a member of a splinter group of rebel teens with unique magical talents, who’ve sworn to protect the city against demons, vampires, and Reapers, magic users who’ve been corrupted by their power. And when Lily finds herself in the line of a firespell, Scout tells her the truth about her secret life, even though Lily has no powers of her own—at least none that she’s discovered yet…"

So that's it for this week. So, should I make this a meme, or just do Waiting on Wednesdays?

Contests Dec. 4 - 10

2009-12-04T16:50:00.004-05:00

So I've decided that every friday, I'm going to post the contests I stumble across that would end sometime in the next week. So here's the contest that end between now and next Thursday:

Elie from Ellz Readz is giving away 5 copies of Fallen (Ends Dec. 4)

Carla is giving away 3 copies of Fallen (Ends Dec. 7)

Drea from Book Blather is giving away Beautiful Creatures (Ends Dec. 8)

The Enchanted Inkpot is having a huge contest with three winners and tons of great books.(Ends Dec. 9)

Jess is giving away a huge box filled with great books. (Ends Dec. 10)

The No Kill Book Shelter

2009-11-29T10:02:00.004-05:00

"Just because one person didn't appreciate a book doesn't mean that someone else won't absolutely love it. The books you'll find here in the shelter have been badly neglected and unloved. In some instances they've even been verbally abused. Book violence is a very serious issue, one that we should all do our part to remedy. Support your local No Kill Book Shelter and give a bad book a second chance."
So if you are willing to adopt an emotionally abused book, and give him the love he needs to be right again, head on over to
Life After Jane today. Adoption papers must be in by December 8th and the two loving families will be chosen and announced on the 9th.

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing (1)

2009-11-28T15:48:00.014-05:00

I'm sure you've seen the meme Waiting on Wednesday and several others with the same basic idea. So why do we keep seeing these wishlists all over the blogosphere? Maybe, it's because bloggers are forgetful and this way they can keep track of books that sound good, maybe, it's so they can share the up-coming titles they're excited for with other book geeks, or maybe they are spies and the posts are actually secret coded messages to their headquarters. But anyway, the point is, they're everywhere.

Now, to the point of this post; up-coming books that I'm super excited about
Click the book's cover to go to it's Amazon page(Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate, meaning I earn a small percentage for the items bought through my links). :

Title: Tagged
Author: Mara Purnhagen
Publish Date: March 2010

"Kate is just as confused as her best friend, Lan, when she arrives at Cleary High to find the building's been "tagged" with a life-size graffiti mural. Could the culprit be one of their friends or classmates? And is it vandalism or a work of art? Then Eli, Kate's favorite co-worker at the local coffee shop, goes MIA. With Lan preoccupied with boy troubles, Kate can't help but investigate, despite the risk of being labeled a snitch. But now, she can't stop thinking about Eli--and what she will do when all clues about the graffiti point to someone she's close to . . ."

Title: The Iron King
Author: Julie Kagawa

Publish Date: February 2010

"Meghan Chase has never fit in at her small-town high school, and now, on the eve of her 16th birthday, she discovers why. When her half brother is kidnapped, Meghan is drawn into a fantastical world she never imagined--the world of Faery, where anything you see may try to eat you, and Meghan is the daughter of the summer faery king. Now she will journey into the depths of Faery to face an unknown enemy . . . and beg the help of a winter prince who might as soon kill her as let her touch his icy heart.
"

Title: The Deathday Letter
Author: Shaun David Hutchinson
Publish Date: June 15 2010

"All fifteen year-old Oliver Travers wanted to do when he woke up Thursday morning was squeeze in a little underwear gymnastics before school, until his mom called him downstairs to tell him he had received a Deathday Letter, which sort of ruined the mood.
Content to spend his last day of life at school (where the girls are), Oliver's best friends Shane Grimsley and Veronica (Ronnie) Dittrich convince him to burn his books and ditch school to, you know, have a little actual fun before he kicks the bucket.
In a world where only taxes, Deathday Letters, and teenage boy's hormones are certainties, Oliver, Shane and Ronnie embark upon a bus ride that takes them from the post office, to a house filled with college-aged anti-Deathday Letter activists (and Dave Matthews fans), and nearly to prison. And as the end draws near Oliver learns that living is way tougher than dying…and that kissing is wetter than he'd expected."

Title: The Mark
Author: Jen Nadol
Publish Date: January 19 2010

"Cassandra Renfield has always seen the mark—a glow around certain people reminiscent of candlelight. But the one time she mentioned it, it was dismissed as a trick of the light. Until the day she watches a man awash in the mark die. After searching her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person’s imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.
Armed with a vague understanding of the light, Cassie begins to explore her “gift,” seeking those marked for death and probing the line between decision and destiny. Though she’s careful to hide her secret—even from her new philosophy-obsessed boyfriend—with each impending death comes the temptation to test fate. But so many questions remain. How does the mark work? Why is she the only one who sees it? And finally, the most important of all: If you know today is someone’s last, should you tell them?"

Title: The Body Finder
Author: Kimberly Derting
Publish Date: March 16 2010

"THE BODY FINDER is about Violet Ambrose, a 16-year-old girl who can locate dead bodies. Or at least, those that have been murdered. She can sense the echoes they leave behind … and the imprints they leave on their killers. As if that weren’t enough to deal with during her junior year, she also has a sudden, inexplicable, and consuming crush on her best friend since childhood, Jay Heaton.
Now a serial killer has begun terrorizing Violet’s small town . . . and she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him."

Title: Bleeding Violet
Author: Dia Reeves
Publish Date: January 5 2010

"Love can be a dangerous thing....
Hanna simply wants to be loved. With a head plagued by hallucinations, a medicine cabinet full of pills, and a closet stuffed with frilly, violet dresses, Hanna's tired of being the outcast, the weird girl, the freak. So she runs away to Portero, Texas in search of a new home.
But Portero is a stranger town than Hanna expects. As she tries to make a place for herself, she discovers dark secrets that would terrify any normal soul. Good thing for Hanna, she's far from normal. As this crazy girl meets an even crazier town, only two things are certain: Anything can happen and no one is safe."

Title: Sea
Author: Heidi R. Kling
Publish Date: June 10 2010

"Haunted by recurring nightmares since her mother’s disappearance over the Indian ocean three years before, fifteen-year old California girl Sienna Jones reluctantly travels with her psychiatrist father’s volunteer team to six-months post-tsunami Indonesia where she meets the scarred and soulful orphaned boy, Deni, who is more like Sea than anyone she has ever met.
She knows they can’t be together, so why can’t she stay away from him? And what about her old best friend-turned-suddenly-hot Spider who may or may not be waiting for her back home? And why won’t her dad tell her the truth about her mother’s plane crash? The farther she gets from home, the closer she comes to finding answers. And Sea’s real adventure begins."

Title: Harmonic Feedback
Author: Tara Kelly
Publish Date: May 25 2010

"Doctors have pinned 16-year-old Drea Horvath with everything from ADHD to Asperger’s Syndrome. She has an obsession with sound design, a tendency to blurt out whatever she’s thinking, and a problem making friends, but likes to think of this as following her own rhythm in a confusing world.
Drea is hesitant to befriend purple-haired Naomi Quinn, her teenage neighbor with a kamikaze personality. But Naomi is the first person to treat her like she isn’t a world class dork. Then there’s Justin Rocca, the persistent boy in her film class. If she’s learned anything from her mom, it’s that boys are trouble.
Still, Drea bonds with both of them when she discovers Naomi’s love for drums and Justin’s piano prodigy status, and the three form a trip-hop band. Fearing that her new friends will find out about her disabilities, Drea makes up stories about boyfriends she never had–all in an effort to seem ‘normal’. But Naomi and Justin have issues of their own. And Drea starts to question what ‘normal’ really means."

Updates and such

2009-11-28T12:20:00.007-05:00

So, I haven't posted much lately, sad I know. I have lots of stuff going on and all that.

So Happy belated Thanksgiving and Black Friday!

With every thing going on, I totally neglected NaNoWriMo, which I knew I would so that's ok.

Hm, what else, I have a few more reviews I plan to post soon.

Oh, and Florida vs. FSU today! =) Go Gators!

And some awesome contests going on just in time for the holidays:

Teaser Tuesday (Wednesday)

2009-11-25T12:42:00.004-05:00

So, yes its Wednesday, not tuesday. Oh well, I'm breaking all the rules this week. I also already finished the book im using yesterday, and im not chosing a random page, but a specific page, but I'm a ninja and ninjas don't have to follow all the rules. =)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This Weeks Teaser:

Saving The World And Other Extreme Sports (Maximum Ride Book 3)
James Patterson

"Now they looked a little irritated. I gave them another, say, five minutes before they cracked and this interview came to an exciting end.
'How high can you fly?' one asked abruptly.
'I'm not sure. Let me check my tummy altimeter.' I looked down and pulled up my sweatshirt a couple of inches. 'Thats finny. It was here this morning. . . .'
'As high as a plane?' Guy in White Lab Coat snapped.
'Higher,' said Nudge. They whirled on her.
'Higher than a plane?' on asked eagerly.
Nudge nodded confidently. 'Yep. We can go so high that we can't even hear the rubber band making the little propeller go around - thwip, thwip, thwip.' She made a circling motion with on finger. She frowned. 'You meant a toy plane, right?'"

Yes thats just a little more then two sentences, but, alas.

Review: The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride, Book 1) by James Patterson

2009-11-25T00:10:00.006-05:00

The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride, Book 1)
James Patterson

"Welcome to my nightmare.

Do not put this book down. I'm dead serious- your life could depend on it. I'm risking everything by telling you- but you need to know. -Max

Her full name is Maximum Ride. She's 98% human, 2% bird. And she can fly.

Max's Missions:

Protect the rest of her gang - Fang, Iggy, Nudge, the Gasman, and Angel - from a pack of half-wolf, half-human mutants with a taste for flying humans.
Rescue Angel from a crew of wack-job scientists.
Infiltrate a secret facility to track down their missing parents.
Figure out what she really thinks about Fang.
Get revenge on the one person she thought she could trust.
Discover the best chocolate chip cookie in New York City.
Save the whole world, for crying out loud.

Not necessarily in that order, of course."

Cover: I love the font. Its big and simple and looks like something a kid might write, and considering the MC is 14 and lacking in much education, it fits. The model fits the character description, the city scape background is nice, and the bird and its wing behind the model adds a nice effect.

StoryLine: The story gives a few pages of story set-up, then BAM, nonstop action. The story never felt slow. Everything flowed so well. And its an incredibly easy read. You feel like you just started, and next thing you know, your on the last page, wanting the next installment.

Characters: The characters were great. All of them were 14 or under, but you didn't feel like you were reading about children. Max is a refreshing,sarcastic, hilarious voice, with most of the story told in her first person. Max is also strong for someone who goes through all she has, all the characters are. I love how Max tries to seem strong even when she thinks she is literally losing her mind, but lets her guard down for Fang. Ah, Fang, got to love the dark quiet type.

Parting Thoughts: This story was a very good read, I loved it, and can't wait to start the sequel.
I give it a B-