// - LA FEMME READERS - //

Book Review: The Maze Runner by James Dashner

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 20:42:00 +0000

The Maze Runner (Maze Runner, # 1) by James Dashner

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: October 6, 2009

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Pages: 374

Summary: "If you ain't scared, you ain't human." When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He's surrounded by strangers--boys whose memories are also gone.Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It's the only way out--and no one's ever made it through alive.Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying

My Review: The Maze Runner had heart pounding action, with non-stop out of your seat anticipation! I've had this series sitting on my bookshelf for some time now, and decided what the heck, let me give it a try. The movie is coming out in September, so I figured I'd read the book first.

I was pleasantly happy with the outcome of the first installment. I'm a little skeptical when I see a novel full of male characters, my automatic thought was, okay this will be a guy kind of book. Boy, was I wrong! James Dashner schooled me into not judging a male lead off the bat.

Thomas, oh Thomas, I love this kid. His courageous ability to attack every obstacle blew my mind. In instances where I would probably freeze up and cry in the corner, he would put himself out there even if it meant it was life or death. I really enjoyed getting to know him from start to finish. In addition, all the other supporting characters were just as strong. I have a little thing for Min Ho. Yes, he is sarcastic and a bit of a jerk at times, but I also loved how he was a fighter. They balanced each other out very well.

James Dashner did a phenomenal job in creating this blocked world filled with tests and trials. I was so intrigued by the idea of "who is controlling this whole thing" concept. I was yearning to know more and more, that's why I finished this book in two days.

All in all, this was a great start to the Maze Runner series. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the installments, along with watching the book come to life in a few months. The trailer thus far seems to stick to the story's vibe. I can't wait!

My Rating: (4.5)

Author's Info:

James Dashner is the author of the New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series that includes The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials, The Death Cure, and The Kill Order. He has also written The Eye of Minds (book one in the Mortality Doctrine series), the 13th Reality series, and two books in The Infinity Ring series: A Mutiny in Time and The Iron Empire. Dashner was born and raised in Georgia but now lives and writes in the Rocky Mountains.

To learn more about James and his books, visit JamesDashner.com, follow @jamesdashner on Twitter, or find dashnerjames on Instagram.

Movie Trailer:

Korean Love: The Master's Sun Drama

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 12:00:00 +0000

Some of you who know me outside of reading books, know that I am obsessed with Korean dramas. I decided to post about them once in a while just to keep my love for blogging going. I'll be sporadically posting about dramas that I've previously watched or am currently drooling over.

________________________________

My current love for the past week has been this drama:

The Master's Sun

Oh my gosh. I finished this drama some time ago and holy crap, this is one of my favorite Korean dramas ever. It has just the right mix of drama and comedy with a supernatural theme. If you love creepy ghosts popping up all over, than look no further. I simply fell in love with all the characters and literally did not want it to end. I really hope they make a second season, I just need more!!

This is what the drama is about:

Joo Joong-won (So Ji-sub) is the stingy and greedy CEO of Kingdom, a conglomerate that includes a major department store and hotel. He meets the gloomy Tae Gong-shil (Gong Hyo-jin), who started seeing ghosts after an accident. Their lives take a new turn as they work together to deal with the terror and sadness brought about by the spirits, while delving into a kidnapping incident in Joong-won's past.

Check out the trailer below:

Interested in watching? Check out these sites for episodes with english subtitles!

-Viki

-Hulu

-DramaFever

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 12:00:00 +0000

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

____________________

Plus One Hardcover by Elizabeth Fama

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: April 8, 2014

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Pages: 384

Summary: Divided by day and night and on the run from authorities, star-crossed young lovers unearth a sinister conspiracy in this compelling romantic thriller. Seventeen-year-old Soleil Le Coeur is a Smudge—a night dweller prohibited by law from going out during the day. When she fakes an injury in order to get access to and kidnap her newborn niece—a day dweller, or Ray—she sets in motion a fast-paced adventure that will bring her into conflict with the powerful lawmakers who order her world, and draw her together with the boy she was destined to fall in love with, but who is also a Ray. Set in a vivid alternate reality and peopled with complex, deeply human characters on both sides of the day-night divide, Plus One is a brilliantly imagined drama of individual liberty and civil rights, and a fast-paced romantic adventure story.

Dissonance by Erica O'Rourke

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: July 22, 2014

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Pages: 496

Summary: In this inventive romantic thriller, Del has the power to navigate between alternate realities—and the power to save multiple worlds. Delancey knows for sure that there is more than one universe. Many more. Because every time someone makes a choice, a new, parallel world is spun off the existing one. Eating breakfast or skipping it, turning left instead of right, sneaking out instead of staying in bed—all of these choices create alternate universes in which echo selves take the roads not traveled. Del knows all of this because she’s a Walker, someone who can navigate between the worlds, and whose job is to keep the dimensions in harmony. But Del’s decisions have consequences too. Even though she’s forbidden from Walking after a training session goes horribly wrong, she secretly starts to investigate other dissonant worlds. She’s particularly intrigued by the echo versions of Simon Lane, a guy who won’t give her the time of day in the main world, but whose alternate selves are uniquely interested. But falling for Simon draws Del closer to a truth that the Council of Walkers is trying to hide—a secret that threatens the fate of the entire multiverse.

What are your thoughts on Plus One and Dissonance?

Tantalizing Future YA Releases!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 12:00:00 +0000

Tantalizing Future YA Releases is a weekly feature where I showcase upcoming YA covers. All titles are linked to GoodReads for summary details.

Also, please note that covers may not be final. If changes occur I will replace the covers with the new versions.

_______________________________

One Past Midnight by Jessica Shirvington (Walker Childrens, July 22, 2014)
Servants of the Storm by Delilah S. Dawson (Simon Pulse, August 5, 2014)

Starlight's Edge (Timedance, #2) by Susan Waggoner (Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), August 19, 2014)
Breaking Butterflies by M. Anjelais (Chicken House (August 26, 2014)

Six Feet Over It by Jennifer Longo (Random House Books for Young Readers, August 26, 2014)
Amity by Micol Ostow (EgmontUSA, August 26, 2014)

The Book of Bad Things by Dan Poblocki (Scholastic Press, August 26, 2014)
Of Monsters and Madness by Jessica Verday (EgmontUSA, September 9, 2014)

Evidence of Things Not Seen by Lindsey Lane (Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), September 16, 2014)
The Bodies We Wear by Jeyn Roberts (Knopf Books for Young Readers, September 23, 2014)

Tabula Rasa by Kristen Lippert-Martin (EgmontUSA, September 23, 2014)
Very Bad Things by Susan McBride (Delacorte Press, October 14, 2014)

Trust Me, I'm Lying by Mary Elizabeth Summer (Delacorte Press, October 14, 2014)
They All Fall Down by Roxanne St. Claire (Delacorte Press,October 14, 2014)

Damsel Distressed by Kelsey Macke (Spencer Hill Contemporary, October 14, 2014)
Hellhole by Gina Damico (HMH Books for Young Readers, January 6, 2015)

Books for Thought: What are some releases you read in 2013/2014?

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 12:00:00 +0000

Books For Thought is a feature where I post a book-related question up for discussion. I am open to all opinions and enjoy reading diverse comments from my lovely followers. I look forward to picking your minds!

Have a question idea? Share it here and I'll feature your blog in this post.

____________________

I've been out of the blogging loop for a while now, so I'd love to get some reading suggestions from you all. What are some releases you read in 2013/2014 that is worth reading?

My Answer: Honestly, it's been awhile since I read, but the most recent book that I thoroughly enjoyed was Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. It was a great and witty read. I don't want to say too much since I'll be writing a review soon.

What are your bookish thoughts?

My Top 5 Make Up Products I Can't Live Without!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 19:33:00 +0000

Hey everyone! I came to the conclusion that I'll be blogging about various subjects, besides books. Today's post will be about my top five make-up products I can't live without. I hope you all enjoy it, leaving feed back would be great. :)

*My Top 5 Make-Up Products*

#1 - Mac Matchmaster Foundation

Mac so far in my opinion, has the best coverage for my face. It feels light, yet covers all the imperfections.

Buy: Mac.com

#2 - Prestige Cosmetics Liquid Black LE-01 Eyeliner

90% of the time I do not leave the house without my cat eye look. Prestige has been my favorite liquid eyeliner for years now. It lasts long and the brush is easy to use, especially for those just starting out. It's designed to make it efficient for those that have difficulties making a straight line on the eye.

Buy: Amazon.com

#3 - Mary-Lou Manizer AKA The Luminizer

I freakin' love this luminizer! For those make-up fans that love to highlight, this is one of the best products I've used. The shine looks natural and it gives a great balance to countering.

Buy: Amazon.com

#4 - CoverGirl Wetslicks Lipgloss, Honey Talks

I love this lip gloss! I'm a fan of neutral colors, and this gives the soft look with just the right gloss. Plus, it never dries up, which is a plus for me. I hate when some lip glosses or lipsticks leave behind that nasty cakeyness.

Buy: Amazon.com

#5 - High Impact Mascara, Black Clinique

I'm addicted to mascara, so I've tried a lot. So far, this one is up there on my list of good mascaras. It makes my lashes long without clumping them.

Buy: Amazon.com

I really hope you all enjoyed this post, if you want more make-up posts, let me know!

Thank you! xoxo

It's been a year of no blogging + I'm pregnant!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Sun, 29 Dec 2013 16:13:00 +0000

Hello my fellow followers and bloggers! Remember me? Eleni from La Femme Readers. It's been over a year since my last post, and maybe I'm ready to come back? I miss sharing my love of reading with everyone. I built some great relationships through blogging and I am forever grateful for that.

But, over time, blogging became like a second job. I barely had time to read because of my actual full time job, let alone post on a daily basis. Back then, I was extremely passionate about reading and blogging. However, once it became a chore, I stared feeling burnt out.

Also, I felt like the quality of reading changed once the YA genre became more popular. Some amazing books came out of it, but also a lot of repetitive story lines. I could only read so many supernatural themes without feeling bored.

I really want to come back, but I'll be posting sporadically. Plus, I have so many books on my shelves that I haven't touched because I felt like I had to read all the new releases. That notion will also change since I will be reviewing books from years ago.

I really would love to hear what you've all been up to and what amazing books you've read recently that I've missed out on, so please leave comments. :)

Now, besides reading, three months ago I found out that I was pregnant! My husband and I were trying, so when it finally happened we were both ecstatic. One day I'm good, the next day I am depressed and angry. I can thank the good ol' hormones for that one! I just wanted to throw it in here, just to give an update on a major change in my life.

Thank you all for reading and I look forward to building my blog up again!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 12:00:00 +0000

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

____________________

ACID by Emma Pass

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: April 25, 2013

Publisher: Corgi Children's Books/Random House Children's Publishing

Pages: 334

Summary: A fast and furious thriller featuring the coolest, toughest bad girl since Lisbeth Salander. Meet Jenna Strong. In Jenna’s world, ACID – the most brutal, controlling police force in history – rule with an iron fist. And it was ACID agents who locked Jenna away for life, for a bloody crime she struggles to remember. But Jenna’s violent prison has taught her a thing or two about survival. And when a mysterious rebel group breaks her out, she must use her strength, speed and skill to stay one step ahead. A gripping futuristic debut that will hook you from the very first page.

What are your thoughts on ACID?

Merry Christmas + International Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 18:44:00 +0000

Hello ladies and gents! Have you been well? I really hope so! I wanted to take the time out today to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, well to those who celebrate it.

My blog has been non-existent for the past year, working full time has really minimized my blogging time. My free time just hasn't been like it used to be. Also, I am currently renovating my basement due to Hurricane Sandy, so I'm mainly focused on getting it finished before January. Now, I do plan on making a comeback but with a little changes. I love reading and primarily it will be a book blog.

However, I will be mixing in a few other topics such as movies, TV shows, music and fashion. All the things that I find interesting will pretty much make an appearance here. It'll help me bring back the blogging love that I've lost. I got a little bored of the repetitive posts I've been doing since 2009. Wow, 2009 -- I can't believe it's been 3 years!

So, I will definitely post here and there but not everyday. I just can't do it. I have to be honest and let you know what to expect from La Femme Readers.

Thank you to all of my followers who stuck by me for so long. To show my gratitude I will be hosting a giveaway for two lucky winners. Check out the details below and I hope you all have a great Christmas!

__________________________________

I Love These Titles: 2013 Releases

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:16:00 +0000

Hurricane Sandy should be approaching soon, it's crazy windy at the moment, but it's still the calm before the storm. I'm bored so I decided to post 2013 releases which caught my eye, not because of their cover designs, but the actual titles. It only takes a few words together to make a person think, "hm, that has a nice ring to it."

Let me know what you think about these future releases!

_______________________________________

Demonosity by Amanda Ashby (Speak, 8/15/13)

Summary: An ancient myth + a mean girl + a reluctant warrior = a lively take on good vs. evil The Black Rose--a powerful ancient force--has been let loose and has taken up residence in Celeste Gibson, popular girl at Cassidy Carter-Lewis' high school. Thomas Delacroix is the spirit of a fourteenth-century knight who is devoted to protecting the Black Rose, but he needs a contemporary living being to take on the challenge. That's where Cassidy comes in. She's a quirky high school junior who just wants to dress in her vintage clothes, hang out with her best friend, and take care of her father, who is recovering from surgery. She's the last person who would ever volunteer for such a task, but no one actually asked her. Now, like it or not, she finds herself training before dawn and battling demons at parties, the mall, and even at school. But hey, no one ever said high school was going to be easy. . .

Fingerprints of You by Kristen-Paige Madonia (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 8/6/13)

Summary: Lemon grew up with Stella, a single mom who wasn’t exactly maternal. Stella always had a drink in her hand and a new boyfriend every few months, and when things got out of hand, she would whisk Lemon off to a new town for a fresh beginning. Now, just as they are moving yet again, Lemon discovers that she is pregnant from a reckless encounter—with a guy Stella had been flirting with. On the verge of revisiting her mother’s mistakes, Lemon struggles to cope with the idea of herself as a young unmarried mother, as well as the fact that she’s never met her own father. Determined to have at least one big adventure before she has the baby, Lemon sets off on a cross-country road trip, intending not only to meet her father, but to figure out who she wants to be.

The Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Robin Palmer (Speak, 6/27/13)

Summary: Gilmore Girls meets Postcards from the Edge crossed with L.A. Candy! Sixteen-year-old Annabelle Jacobs never asked to be famous, but as the daughter of Janie Jacobs, one of the biggest TV stars in the world, she is. Growing up is hard enough. Having to do it in public because your mother is a famous actress? Even harder. When your mom crashes and burns after her DUI mug shot is splashed across the internet? Definitely not fun. Then your mom falls for a guy so much younger than she that it would be more appropriate for you to be dating him? That’s just a train wreck waiting to happen.

The Impossibility of Tomorrow (Incarnation, #2) by Avery Williams (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 6/4/13)

Summary: No description yet.

Truth or Dare by Jacqueline Green (Poppy, 5/14/13)

Summary: Some say the seaside town of Echo Bay is cursed. They may be right. When a game of truth or dare spins out of control, three beautiful teen girls start receiving mysterious dares containing hints to dark secrets long buried. For artsy outcast Sydney Morgan; perfect, popular Caitlin "Angel" Thomas; and queen bee Tenley Reed, the truth is not an option. This is no party game-it's do or die. And it's their turn to play.

Review: From What I Remember... by Stacy Kramer + Valerie Thomas

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 11:30:00 +0000

From What I Remember... by Stacy Kramer + Valerie Thomas

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: May 15, 2012

Publisher: Hyperion Book CH

Pages: 480

Summary: In the span of forty-eight hours, socially awkward valedictorian, Kylie Flores and conceited jock, Max Langston, who've never spoken in four years of high school, will find themselves kidnapped, taken over the Mexican border, married and falling in love. Kylie's best friend, Will, Max's girlfriend, Lily and Max's wingman, Charlie are the unlikely cavalry charged with rescuing them. Against all odds, this crew must find their way back over the border in time for graduation and for Kylie to give her long awaited valedictorian speech, without killing each other en route.

Hilarious and poignant, FROM WHAT I REMEMBER blends high-octane adventure, romance and coming of age. No one is exactly who they seem here and by the end of their road trip together, they will all be changed in ways they never could have imagined.

FROM WHAT I REMEMBER was recently nominated for a YALSA Reader's Choice Award. Film rights bought by Paramount Pictures.

My Review: Grippingly entertaining, From What I Remember, made me smile from the beginning along with a great amount of laughter until the end. The witty story line and charismatic characters developed a balanced combination of friendship, family, love and just downright craziness. The ups and downs that were presented throughout Kylie and Max's journey to Mexico were so visually written in the moment that I found myself feeling like I was right there with them.

Kylie, an intelligent and quirky protagonist grabbed my attention from the get-go. I enjoyed the fact that she started out as a socially awkward character and then slowly turned into this badass girl, that embodied this fiery bravery that I wish I had in scary situations. Max, started out to be a typical jerky jock, but later turned out to prove Kylie wrong with the whole, "Don't judge a book by its cover" statement.

The turbulence with being being kidnapped and going over the border to an unknown territory would literally freak me out. Yes, they were both scared, but holy crap did they handle it well! The budding relationship between the two was increasingly exciting to watch. I am forever rooting for the underdog to win over the popular guy in school. Don't you love when that happens? *Sighs* Also, Kylie's best friend, Will, was hilarious. He had personality to last you for days. Plus, he was a great friend to Kylie, most friends don't exist like that anymore, so it was refreshing to read.

All in all, I flippin' loved this book. I seriously have no complaints about this novel. Stacy and Valerie are a team that could write anything and make it sound sincere and comical at the same time. I cannot wait to see what they both come up with next!

My Rating: (4.5)

Author's Info:

FROM WHAT I REMEMBER...is the second novel by Stacy Kramer and Valerie Thomas. Their first novel, KARMA BITES, was a middle grade novel published by Houghton Mifflin in 2010. Kramer is a former film producer and currently writes movies, tv and magazine articles. Her television credits include LIZZIE McGUIRE and LESS THAN PERFECT. Her film credits include LABOR PAINS (writer), JAWBREAKER (producer) and IGBY GOES DOWN (producer) among others. She's at work on a new movie for Twentieth Century Fox. In addition, she's written comic pieces for ELLE, MARIE CLAIRE and THE LONDON SUNDAY TIMES as well as a variety of other publications. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her husband and three children.

"I'm a writer of young adult novels. I spent many years working in the film industry as a producer and screenwriter until I escaped to the relative calm of the book world."

For more info on Stacy and Valerie, visit there sites:

-Stacy's Twitter

-Stacy and Valerie's Website

-Stacy's GoodReads

-Valerie's GoodReads

-Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:00:00 +0000

My current love for the past week has been this drama:

The Moon That Embraces the Sun

I am so in love with this drama. I've been watching it every night after work. My husband is continually saying, "you're still watching this?" It's that good. There are twenty episodes so you do need a good week and a half to finish it, depending on your free time. I wasn't really a fan of historical dramas until recently, besides The Rooftop Prince, which was my previous love, this one is absolutely breathtaking. It's romantic, dramatic, scandalous, just everything you'd like to see in a drama.

This is what the drama is about:

The story of the secret love between Lee Hwon, a fictional king of Joseon, and Wol, a female shaman. Wol was born as Heo Yeon Woo, the daughter of a noble family who won the love of the crown prince, Hwon. Her enemies, jealous of her family's position in court, schemed against her and wrestled away her rightful place as crown princess and nearly takes her life. Years later, an embittered Hwon meets Wol, now a female shaman who has no recollection of her past.

I couldn't find a trailer, but this music video of the theme song portrays the romantic feel of the drama. It also has english subtitles, so that helps us non-Koreans. :)

Interested in watching? Check out these sites for episodes with english subtitles!

-Viki

-Hulu

-Ep Drama

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 11:00:00 +0000

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

____________________

Pulse (Pulse Trilogy, #1) by Patrick Carman

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: February 26, 2013

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Summary: From New York Times bestselling author Patrick Carman, a teen fantasy-adventure of epic proportions. In 2051, some teens have a “pulse,” the power to move objects with their minds. Compulsively readable, with thrilling action scenes and a tender love story.

The year is 2051, and the world is still recognizable. With the help of her mysterious classmate Dylan Gilmore, Faith Daniels discovers that she can move objects with her mind. This telekinetic ability is called a “pulse,” and Dylan has the talent, too.

In riveting action scenes, Faith demonstrates her ability to use her pulse against a group of telekinesis masters so powerful they will flatten their enemies by uprooting street lights, moving boulders, and changing the course of a hurtling hammer so that it becomes a deadly weapon. But even with great talent, the mind—and the heart—can be difficult to control. If Faith wants to join forces with Dylan and save the world, she’ll have to harness the power of both.

Patrick Carman’s Pulse trilogy is a stunning, action-filled triumph about the power of the mind—and the power of love.

The Haven by Carol Lynch Williams

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: April 16, 2013

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Summary: For the teens at The Haven, the outside world, just beyond the towering stone wall that surrounds the premises, is a dangerous unknown. It has always been this way, ever since the hospital was established in the year 2020. But The Haven is more than just a hospital; it is their home. It is all they know. Everything is strictly monitored: education, exercise, food, and rest. The rules must be followed to keep the children healthy, to help control the Disease that has cast them as Terminals, the Disease that claims limbs and lungs—and memories.

But Shiloh is different; she remembers everything. Gideon is different, too. He dreams of a cure, of rebellion against the status quo. What if everything they’ve been told is a lie? What if The Haven is not the safe place it claims to be? And what will happen if Shiloh starts asking dangerous questions?

---------------------------------

I'm a sucker for dystopian books and these sound great! I'm really looking forward to them, 2013 can't come any faster.

What are your thoughts on these books?

(Add them to GoodReads: Pulse / The Haven)

YA Books Being Turned Into Movies...

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:41:00 +0000

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Movie Release Date: February 13, 2013

Trailer:

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Movie Release Date: March 29, 2013

Trailer:

Here are a few others that are in development or are being optioned for a movie:

-City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (August 23, 2013)

-Wings by Aprilynne Pike (2014)

-Shiver by Maggie Steifvater (2014)
-Heist Society by Ally Carter

-Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

-The Maze Runner by James Dashner

-Uglies by Scott Westerfield

-Fallen by Lauren Kate

-Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

-The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

-Tempest by Julie Cross

-Vampire Academy by Rachel

-Sweet Valley High by Francine Pascal

-Divergent by Veronica Roth

-Delirium by Lauren Oliver

-Cycler by Lauren McLaughlin

-The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

-Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

-The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal by Nicholas Flamel

-Blood Red Road by Moira Young

-The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

-Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

-Firelight by Sophie Jordan

-If I Stay by Gayle Foreman

-The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

-Legend by Marie Lu

-Marked by P.C. + Kristin Cast

-Matched by Ally Condie

-The Raven Boys by Maggie Steifvater

-Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

-Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

-Wake by Lisa McMann

Whoa! Seeing all these movies makes me so giddy! I really need to catch up on reading some of these books. :)

Thank you to http://www.zap2it.com for the movie news.

Books For Thought: Do you ever get tired of the continuous series installments?

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 23:18:00 +0000

Previously known as Monday's Question of the Day, Books For Thought is a feature where I post a book-related question up for discussion. I am open to all opinions and enjoy reading diverse comments from my lovely followers. I look forward to picking your minds!

Have a question idea? Share it here and I'll feature your blog in this post.

____________________

Do you ever get tired of the continuous series installments?

My Answer: Unfortunately yes. I sometimes miss when a novel is just a novel. After I finish a book in a first series, I always wish I had the next installment to continue the cliffhanger. But, realistically speaking sometimes we, as readers, can wait up to a year for the next book.

By then, I most of the time have forgotten how the first book ended. I find myself struggling to remember while I read the sequel, which in the end takes away from my love for the series. The obvious reaction would be to read parts of the last chapters in the first book, but would I actually do that? Probably not.

I've even stopped reading some of my beloved series just because I couldn't keep up with the installments. So, yes at times I do enjoy a novel when it just ends, leaving you satisfied, instead of frustration.

What are your bookish thoughts?

New YA Imprint Releases: Soho Teen

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 11:30:00 +0000

A new imprint, Soho Teen, has caught my eye and I'd like to get the chance to introduce it to all YA readers. Here is a little background about this imprint, which could be found on their website, "Soho Teen, coming in 2013, publishes a select list of YA mysteries and thrillers by international bestsellers, award winners, and debut novelists with stellar credits. Born of the conviction that compelling YA of any genre involves thrill and mystery, Soho Teen’s titles include the paranormal and dystopian, the humorous and realistic, the tragic and uplifting—whatever serves a great story best. Soho Teen’s small list is unique in that every title has a high-stakes, page-turning puzzle at its heart." Sounds cool right?

Please check out their books below coming soon and make sure you add them to GoodReads...

What We Saw At Night by Jacquelyn Mitchard (Jan 8, 2013)

Summary: In a small hospital town, a trio of teens rebel against their fatal diagnosis of XP (an allergy to sunlight) with late night Parkour, an extreme sport of daredevil risks-and while doing so uncover a human devil in their midst.

Escape Theory by Margaux Froley (Mar 12, 2013)

Summary: 17-year-old Devon becomes a "peer counselor" at the prestigious Keaton School in California to bolster her chances at Stanford's psych program. Nothing more. But when Keaton's golden boy (and Devon's one-that-got-away) commits suicide, suddenly her waiting room is very full. The secrets revealed to her—which must remain confidential—point to murder, and Devon risks everything to uncover the truth.

Who Done It? by Jon Scieszka (Feb 12, 2013)

Summary: When the world's most horrible editor turns up dead, investigator Jon Scieszka has his work cut out for him. The suspect list is long. Very long. Think 83-famous-YA-authors long, including Libba Bray, David Levithan, John Green, Lemony Snicket, Lauren Myracle...you get the picture. They've all got alibis, collected in this very anthology. But the question is...Who done it?

The Sweet Dead Life by Joy Preble (May 14, 2013)

Summary: 14-year-old Jenna Samuels is being poisoned. So she does the unthinkable: gets in a car with her stoner brother Casey. They crash rushing to the hospital, and Jenna awakes in the ER to find that Casey has died—and come back as her guardian angel. He's now nauseatingly attractive to everyone and even more annoying to her, but they must work together to uncover the shocking truth about her poisoning and what it has to do with their father's disappearance.

Deviant by Helen Fitzgerald (Jun 11, 2013)

Summary: When she receives a letter (and £25,000) from her long-lost mother, Scottish foster teen Abigail finds herself on her way to LA and an American family she never knew. After losing her beloved new sister to an overdose, she accidentally uncovers a secret program to control adolescent behavior with its headquarters uncomfortably close to home.

Strangelets by Michelle Gagnon (Apr 9, 2013)

Summary: Six teens from around the globe, all deceased at the same moment, are sucked into a strange vortex and arrive in a strange hospital. They band together to escape in spite of deadly individual secrets, but not everyone wants to go home, and only one knows where, why, and when they are.

Intrigued? Follow their links:

-Website (Excerpts of books)

-Twitter

-Facebook

Tantalizing Future YA Releases!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:54:00 +0000

Tantalizing Future YA Releases is a weekly feature where I showcase upcoming YA covers. All titles are linked to GoodReads for summary details.

Also, please note that covers may not be final. If changes occur I will replace the covers with the new versions.

_______________________________

It's been so long since I did one of these posts! I'm sure most of these have been around the blogosphere already, so I apologize if the content isn't fresh to you. I'm trying to get back in the loop. :)

Altered by Jennifer Rush (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (1/2/13)
Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt (St. Martin's Griffin, 1/15/13)

Pivot Point (Pivot Point, #1) by Kasie West (HarperTeen, 2/12/13)
Dualed by Elsie Chapman (Random House Books for Young Readers, 2/26/13)

Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley (Katherine Tegen Books, 3/19/12)
17 + Gone by Nova Ren Suma (Dutton Juvenile, 3/21/13)

The Art of Wishing by Lindsay Ribar (Dial, 3/21/13)
Linked by Imogen Howson (Simon + Schuster Books For Young Readers, 3/28/13)

Stung by Bethany Wiggins (Walker Childrens, 4/2/13)
This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith (Poppy, 4/2/13)

Nameless (Tales of Beauty and Madness, #1) by Lili St. Crow (Razorbill, 4/4/13)
The Loop by Shandy Lawson (Hyperion Book CH, 4/30/13)

Defriended by Ruth Baron (Scholastic Inc., 5/1/13)
Spirit and Dust by Rosemary Clement-Moore (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 5/14/13)

Thousand Words by Jennifer Brown (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 5/21/13)
The Secret Ingredient by Stewart Lewis (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 6/11/13)

A Matter of Days by Amber Kizer (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 6/11/13)
Code Orange by Caroline B. Cooney (Ember, 6/11/13)

The Next Installment Cover Reveals:

Sever (The Chemical Garden, #3) by Lauren DeStefano (Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, 2/12/13)
Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles, #2) by Marissa Meyer (Feiwel and Friends, 2/5/13)

Requiem (Delirium, #3) by Lauren Oliver (HarperCollins, 3/5/13)
Confederates Don't Wear Couture (Pilgrims, #2) by Stephanie Kate Strohm (Graphia, 6/4/13)

The Elementals (The Vespertine, #3) by Saundra Mitchell (Harcourt Children's Books, 6/11/13)
The Twice Lost (The Lost Voices, #3) by Sarah Porter (Harcourt Children's Books, 7/2/13)

My blogging love revitalized + my Indonesian trip with pics!!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 14:49:00 +0000

Remember me? The flaky blogger that used to post every single day? Well, I'm slowly coming back -- I had to take a break from this amazing book blogosphere. I'm sure some of you experience the feeling of exhaustion once or twice after a while of blogging. To say the least, reading became a job to me, instead of remaining my escape from reality. So, I stopped blogging and reading cold turkey for a little bit, okay maybe for a long time.

But, I found myself reaching out for books during my time in Indonesia. I visited my husband's country in the end of August and I stayed there for three weeks. We primarily went there for my sister in law's wedding, which was beautiful and quite interesting compared to American weddings. I stayed in my husband's town of Bukittinggi, which had the best mountain weather ever.

After two weeks there, I went to Bali, which was AMAZING! Seriously, if you haven't been to Bali yet, you really need to go. Yes, the traveling is a major pain, but it's so worth it once you get there. Back to my point, I actually read two books on my Kindle Fire and it felt great. The homey feeling I get while I am reading was definitely missed. I also had the urge to tell someone about these books, but unfortunately no one really reads out of my friends and family. My husband actually started reading but he likes those gang, drug kind of books such as True to the Game. Men huh? ;)

Once I realized I couldn't really share my love over a book, I remembered, wait lady! You have so many followers on your blog that actually might want to hear from you! Durf. So, this is what made me want to start blogging again. So thank you Indonesia. Haha.

I hope you ladies and gents welcome me back with open arms and comments. I really miss the interaction with you followers, authors and publishers. Anywho, my come back post will go up this week. I won't promise that I will post everyday just because work and life could get in the way. But, I will definitely try to post more often.

For now, please enjoy the pictures I uploaded below from my trip to Indonesia! A few pictures were professionally taken, I had a photographer down there and they came out awesome. The background is real, the scenery was breathtaking!

Now for Bali pics...

My sister in law and I, beautiful beach and look at that sky. *sighs*

I was so sad to go!

Korean Love: New K Pop Music

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Some of you who know me outside of reading books, know that I am obsessed with Korean music, well anything really with the Korean culture. I decided to post some great videos that premiered lately. The catchy beats and eye catching visuals make these songs into my picks for this month.

________________________________

Jang Woo Young (장우영) - SEXY LADY

2NE1 - I LOVE YOU

XIA (김준수) (Junsu) (JYJ) - Tarantallegra

Gangkiz - Mama

CROSS GENE - La-Di Da-Di

AFTERSCHOOL - Flashback

U-KISS - Believe

F(x) - Electric Shock

Waiting On Wednesday: Unravel Me, Panic and The Summer Prince!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 11:00:00 +0000

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

___________________________

Unravel Me (Shatter Me, #2) by Tahereh Mafi (HarperCollins, 2/5/13)

Sequel to Shatter Me, need I say more? I love Mafi's writing, she's a literal genius.

Panic by Sharon M. Draper (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 4/2/13)

I have no idea what this is about, but I effin' love this cover. A beautiful butterfly that's being pinned by needles, the symbolism doesn't get any better. I'm looking forward to knowing more about this one!

The Summer Prince by Alaya Dawn Johnson (Scholastic, 3/2013)

Summary: Four hundred years ago, the world ended. And now, on the coast of what was once called Brazil, women rule in the legendary pyramid city of Palmares Três. The city's Queen only cedes her power to a man once every five years -- to a Summer King, whose story will grip the city like a fever. For June Costa, art is everything. Her brilliant creations -- from murals and holograms to a delicate pattern of lights in her skin -- have impressed (and irritated) her classmates and teachers alike. Her dream is to win the prestigious Queen's Award, and the instant fame and success that come with it. It's a dream she never questions -- until she meets Enki. Enki, the newly-elected Summer King, is the hottest thing in Palmares Três. But when June sees Enki, she sees more than piercing amber eyes and a lethal samba: She sees a fellow artist. Together, June and Enki will create art that Palmares Três will never forget. They will add fuel to a growing rebellion against the government's strict limits on new tech. And June will fall deeply, tragically in love with Enki. Because like all Summer Kings before him, Enki is destined to die.

Women in charge? Hell yes to that! The concept sounds great, I'm intrigued!

What are your thoughts on these books?

I'm a crappy blogger giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Hello my favorite people! Where the hell have I been? Well, I've been here and there. Remember the good ol' days where I posted everyday? Ah, I do miss those days.

You get married and all these responsibilities hit you in the face, which unfortunately have taken up all my free time. I'm trying my best to get back into blogging, I miss reading and just having the everyday participation with my amazing followers. Thank you all for sticking with me even through my slacking period.

So, what better way to show my thanks than an awesome giveaway!

_________________________________

:: GIVEAWAY ::

-One winner will get to choose any book they want, it could be out already or a pre-order, it's all up to you.

-Plus, you also win this cool, "I Rather Be Reading" tote bag. It's a great size to fit some books and who wouldn't want to advertise reading.

-You must be 13 years old to enter.

-Giveaway is open to US mailing addresses only.

-Deadline ends on July 29, 2012.

CONTEST ENDED -- WINNER WAS E-MAILED.

Eye Catching 2013 Covers!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 01:08:00 +0000

I am in love with all these covers! Their artistic quality is so eye catching that I couldn't help posting about them. What do you lovely folks think?

Revolution 19 by Gregg Rosenblum (HarperTeen, 1/8/13)

Summary: Twenty years ago, the robots designed to fight our wars abandoned the battlefields. Then they turned their weapons on us. Nick, Kevin, and Cass have spent their whole lives in a community in the wilderness, hiding out from the robots that have enslaved mankind. But when the bots discover their location, they barely make it out alive — only to discover that their home has been destroyed and everyone killed or captured. Now, the siblings must risk everything to save the only people they have left in the world.

Mind Games (Mind Games, #1) by Kiersten White (HarperTeen, 2/19/13)

Summary: Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future. Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways…or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey. In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost.

MILA 2.0 by Debra Driza (Katherine Tegen Books, 3/12/13)

Summary: Pitched as a "Bourne Identity"-type sci-fi thriller about a teenage girl who discovers that she is a Mobile Intel Life-like Android, an experiment in artificial intelligence created by the U.S. government, and her scientist mother, who kidnapped her when she was found to have human emotions.

The Murmurings by Carly Anne West (Simon Pulse, 3/5/13)

Summary: After her older sister dies from an apparent suicide and her body is found hanging upside down by one toe from a tree, sixteen-year-old Sophie starts to hear the same voices that drove her sister to a psychotic break.

Taken (Taken, #1) by Erin Bowman (HarperTeen, 4/16/13)

Summary: There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends...and he’s gone. They call it the Heist. Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive. Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?

THE FORSAKEN Book Trailer!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 23:42:00 +0000

One of the most anticipating books for me this year is The Forsaken by Lisa M. Stasse, which is coming out July 10th! I'm loving the book trailer below, check it out and tell me what you think...

Win a prize pack of the Snow White and the Huntsman movie goodies!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 17:21:00 +0000

You know those type of movies that catch your attention the moment you watch the trailer? Well, Snow White and the Huntsman did that for me! The dark concept behind the classic tale of Snow White looks phenomenally done. I'm not a huge fan of Kristen Stewart, but I actually think this role might fit her.

It came out in theaters yesterday, and I can't wait to watch it! Is anyone else as excited as I am? Please make sure to check out the great contest below provided by Universal Studios and hosted by Big Honcho Media.

__________________________________

:: ABOUT THE FILM ::

In the epic action-adventure Snow White and the Huntsman, Kristen Stewart (Twilight) plays the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen (Oscar® winner Charlize Theron) who is out to destroy her. But what the wicked ruler never imagined is that the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsman (Chris Hemsworth, Thor) who was dispatched to kill her. Sam Claflin (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) joins the cast as the prince long enchanted by Snow White’s beauty and power.

The breathtaking new vision of the legendary tale is from Joe Roth, the producer of Alice in Wonderland, producer Sam Mercer (The Sixth Sense) and acclaimed commercial director and state-of-the-art visualist Rupert Sanders.

Cast: Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, Sam Claflin, Ian McShane, Bob Hoskins, Ray Winstone, Nick Frost, Toby Jones.

:: MOVIE TRAILER ::

__________________________________

:: GIVEAWAY ::

One winner will receive a SWATH Prize Pack (see image above):

· Book

· T-shirt

· Necklace & Ring set

· Cell Phone Mirror

-Giveaway open to US mailing addresses only.

-Prizing courtesy of Universal Pictures.

-Deadline ends on June 12, 2012.

CONTEST IS CLOSED. WINNER CHOSEN AND E-MAILED.

__________________________________

:: VISIT THESE LINKS ::

-Visit the official website

-Follow @SnowWhite on Twitter #SWATH

-Visit Snow White and the Huntsman on Pinterest

-Join the Universal Pictures E-Newsletter

Tantalizing Future YA Releases!

noreply@blogger.com (Eleni) — Sun, 20 May 2012 15:22:00 +0000

Tantalizing Future YA Releases is a weekly feature where I showcase upcoming YA covers. All titles are linked to GoodReads for summary details.

Also, please note that covers may not be final. If changes occur I will replace the covers with the new versions.

_______________________________

Erasing Time by C.J. Hill (Katherine Tegen Books, 8/28/12)

Fathomless (Fairytale Retellings, #3) by Jackson Pearce (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 9/4/12)

Origin by Jessica Khoury (Razorbill, 9/4/12)

Nerve by Jeanne Ryan (Dial, 9/13/12)

The Raven Boys (Raven Cycle, #1) by Maggie Stiefvater (Scholastic Press, 9/18/12)

Alice in Zombieland (White Rabbit Chronicles, #1) by Gena Showalter (Harlequin Teen, 9/25/12)

Breathe (Breathe, #1) by Sarah Crossan (Greenwillow Books, 10/2/12)

The Torn Wing (The Faerie Ring, #2) by Kiki Hamilton (Tor Teen, 10/2/12)

Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson (HarperTeen, 10/9/12)