A Life Bound By Books

Waiting on Wednesday: Perfect Escape By: Jennifer Brown + One Moment By: Kristina McBride + For Darkness Shows the Stars By: Diana Peterfreund (110)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:57:00 +0000

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: Perfect Escape
Author: Jennifer Brown
Publisher: Little Brown, 352 Pages (July 10th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Kendra has always felt overshadowed by her older brother, Grayson, whose OCD forces him to live a life of carefully coordinated routines. The only way Kendra can stand out next to Grayson is to be perfect, and she has perfection down to an art -- until a cheating scandal threatens her flawless reputation.

Behind the wheel of her car, with Grayson asleep beside her, Kendra decides to drive away from it all -- with enough distance, maybe she'll be able to figure everything out. But eventually, Kendra must stop running and come to terms with herself, her brother, and her past.

With undeniable grace and humor, acclaimed author Jennifer Brown explores OCD, the pressure for perfection, and the emotional highs and lows of a complex sibling relationship.

Title: One Moment
Author: Kristina McBride
Publisher: Egmont, 272 Pages (June 26th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: This was supposed to be the best summer of Maggie’s life. Now it’s the one she’d do anything to forget.

Maggie Reynolds remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party the night before. She remembers climbing the trail hand in hand with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can’t she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below—dead?

As Maggie’s memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?

Title: For Darkness Shows the Stars
Author: Diana Peterfreund
Publisher: Balzer + Bray, 398 Pages (June 12th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Generations ago, a genetic experiment gone wrong—the Reduction—decimated humanity, giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family’s estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot’s estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth—an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret—one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she’s faced with a choice: cling to what she’s been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she’s ever loved, even if she’s lost him forever.

Well, three books this week make it into my WoW and I really can't wait to read each of them!! I'm not going to say much about them, other than they each look FABULOUS. I think they books speak for themselves. Are there any books I have listed this week that you guys can't wait for? What are your thoughts?

*covers are always subject to change.

GIVEAWAY! Enter to win Black Dawn (The Morganville Vampiers, #12) By: Rachel Caine

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:27:00 +0000

Title: Black Dawn (The Morganville Vampiers, #12)
Author: Rachel Caine
Publisher: NAL, 384 Pages (May 1st, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: The hotly-anticipated twelfth installment in the Morganville Vampires series.

In Last Breath, the rain brought a new and dire threat to Morganville and its vampires... their ancient enemies, the draug. Now, the vampires are fighting a losing war, and it will fall to the residents of the Glass House: Michael, Eve, Shane and Claire, to take the fight to an enemy who threatens to destroy the town, forever.

Lovers of Morganville, rejoice: Black Dawn takes the intrigue, romance and nail-biting suspense of the series to its highest level yet!

GIVEAWAY!!!

Enter to win a hardback copy of BLACK DAWN!!!

ONE winner will receive a finished copy of the book.

Rules and now to enter:

You MUST be at least 13 years old to enter.
To enter, please fill out the form below. No entries in comments will be counted.
This giveaway is open INTERNATIONAL!
Giveaway ends: June 8th, 2012

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Good luck to everyone who enters! A winner will be chosen via Random.org. If you have any questions, please feel free to email.

Feature - "Just Picked" - Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes By: Eric Litwin

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Sun, 20 May 2012 16:53:00 +0000

"Just Picked" is a feature here at A Life Bound By Books. This is a place where I'll be spotlighting new (and old) children's book or picture books for parents and new readers. It's a place to talk about books for a younger group and to try to help create a new generation of readers.

Title: Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes
Author: Eric Litwin
Illustrator: James Dean
Publisher: HarperCollins, 40 Pages (July 26th, 2011)
Age Range: 3 and up
From: the Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Pete discovers the library, the lunchroom, the playground, and lots of other cool places at school. And no matter where he goes, Pete never stops moving and grooving and singing his song--because it's all good. Full color.

Review: 4 Stars - Pete the cat is back with another laid back look at all the different things you can find at school. All while singing his song about his School shoes.

I seriously love this funky, easy going cat. It’s perfect for kids who might be going to a new school, as Pete lets readers peak in on his day at school. Walking around through the library and lunchroom, the cat sings his song and keeps moving along.

Another fun book from author Eric Litwin & illustrator James Dean has a knack for making this cat look perfect for the story. How easy going he looks is further expressed throughout the illustrations. It’s defiantly the perfect book to recommend to younger kids who are starting at a new school.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Blogger Talk Review: Purity By: Jackson Pearce (May)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Sat, 19 May 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Title: Purity
Author: Jackson Pearce
Publisher: Little Brown, 218 Pages (April 24th, 2012)
From: the Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: A novel about love, loss, and sex -- but not necessarily in that order.

Before her mother died, Shelby promised three things: to listen to her father, to love as much as possible, and to live without restraint. Those Promises become harder to keep when Shelby's father joins the planning committee for the Princess Ball, an annual dance that ends with a ceremonial vow to live pure lives -- in other words, no "bad behavior," no breaking the rules, and definitely no sex.

Torn between Promises One and Three, Shelby makes a decision -- to exploit a loophole and lose her virginity before taking the vow. But somewhere between failed hookup attempts and helping her dad plan the ball, Shelby starts to understand what her mother really meant, what her father really needs, and who really has the right to her purity.

Review: 4 Stars - Purity, the first contemporary novel from Jackson Pearce is a story about life and some of the lessons we all learn along the way.

Shelby lives her life to keep the three promises she made to her mother when she was little. What she didn’t understand was that these were her mother’s last wishes for her before she died. Now, Shelby’s a teen in high school looking for loop holes in everything she wants to do to keep to her moms’ promises. The only problem, sometimes the promises can be conflicting to each other and sometimes she herself doesn’t know enough about what she wants in life. Shelby has two great friends who help her keep her promises and also help her to cross things off of her life list.

Shelby has a somewhat strained relationship with her father, yet there’s no doubt of the love they have for each other. He doesn’t know about the promises and it’s really them that help to hinder their relationship. Along with a HUGE lack of communication. I imagine it’s hard for any single parent to raise a child of the opposite sex, especially when the child reaches puberty and beyond.

The great thing about this book was the openness Shelby has with her friends and getting a chance to watch her change and grow from beginning to end. The virginity side of things was sad to me. I didn’t like how flippant she was to having sex. I understand that many teens these days are growing up faster and faster and that a lot of them have this same attitude, it’s just so sad and at times was a bit hard to read. Yet it was great to see just how realistic Jackson was able to get the story.

As someone who’s not very religious, that side of the story wasn’t as imposing as I thought it would be. Since the Princess Ball is usually done through churches I had feared it would venture off into areas that would stray from the story.

All in all, Purity is an extremely well written story about a teen and her family. Shelby was a character that I enjoyed getting to know and liked seeing her grow and change even more so. I believe that anyone who likes a good contemporary story will thoroughly enjoy this story.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Guest Post: From a fellow blogger & friend - Amanda from Hippies, Beauty and Books, Oh My!

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:04:00 +0000

Today, my new blogging friend who was one of my fellow Amity Team mates is taking over my blog! Yep, while I'm away on vacation, I've asked a few of my friends to drop in with some guest post and Amanda from Hippies, Beauty and Books, Oh My! was amazing to take some time out to write this fabulous post. I hope you'll all enjoy her post as much as I did.

Reading Slumps, Sarah Dessen and Censorship

I’ve always been a reader my whole life. When I was little, I would read just about everything I could get my hands on, and this habit continued to grow as I got older. However, there was a period in my teenager years where I stopped reading all together.

My parents were getting a divorce, my best friend had passed away from Cancer, and my family didn’t have much money. I grew on a reservation (I’m Native American) and we didn’t have a library. Times were tough, but there was Sarah Dessen. I discovered her book, Someone Like You, when I was 15 years old at a friend’s house in the summer before I turned 16. I stayed up the whole night reading it and fell in love. It made me laugh, it made me cry, but most of all, it made me feel better.

I had lost my way with reading, but Sarah’s books brought me back and literally changed my life. I saved up enough money to buy all of her books by doing odd jobs for our neighbors and our community. Those books were well worn and I still have all of them. Occasionally, I will pick them up and re-read. They are the only books in my now vast collection that I can still remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I first read them.

There is a reason why Sarah Dessen’s books are hugely popular with teens as well as adults. Her books are magical and they speak to you when you read them. Her characters and the scenarios they go through anyone can relate to and are largely realistic. But, the best characteristic of all is that there is always hope in every single novel. When I was going through those dark times, I found the hope in the pages of that first book and held on to it. I’ll never forget the feeling it gave me. Her books have changed the way I will read forever. I may be 27 now, but I’ll read her books for as long as she continues to write them.

I think this is why it upsets me so much when I hear about amazing books being banned because a handful of people find them distasteful or otherwise. Banning a book is no different than strapping a muzzle to a human being. Banning a book is plain and simple censorship. And censorship means the restriction of information. The restriction of information means no advancement to society or humankind, any cures for diseases. Restriction of information means no learning life’s lessons from our history to prevent another holocaust. Restriction of information means not lending experiences to other children to prevent drug abuse and deaths. Restriction of information means many, many things.

Instead of spending so much enjoy trying to ban a book, teach tolerance. Teach freedom of religion. Stop being lazy and teach a child right from wrong. Let that child make their own decision, have their own experiences, and help society in their own way. Better yet, talk to your child about what you find inappropriate and what you deem acceptable. Look at what they bring home and talk with your children about it. Do not control try to control other people's children. If you choose not to agree with a written word, then simply ignore it, but don’t attempt to ban it. There are too many people in the world, like me, that experienced the healing power of a good book and how books can help you overcome bad situations.

I can't say THANK YOU enough for stopping by today, it's been great having you here Amanda and I'm looking forward to many blogging adventures with you in the future!

Find Amanda Online:

Blog | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

Waiting on Wednesday: Something Like Normal By: Trish Dollar + Dark Kiss By: Michelle Rowen (109)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:47:00 +0000

Title: Something Like Normal
Author: Trish Dollar
Publisher: Bloomsbury, 224 Pages (June 19th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: When Travis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero.

Title: Dark Kiss (Nightwatchers, #1)
Author: Michelle Rowen
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 348 Pages (May 22nd, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: I don't do dangerous. Smart, über-careful, ordinary Samantha-that's me. But I just couldn't pass up a surprise kiss from my number-one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me...something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It's like part of me is missing-and I don't know if I can get it back. Then there's Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he's keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he's what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me.... NIGHTWATCHERS When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising...

For this weeks WoW, I have two books with covers that make me swoon! With covers like these... and yes, both synopsis for each make these MUST reads! I don't think I need to say much more, I think they pretty much speak for themselves. Keep an eye out for reviews for both soon. What do you guys think of my choices this week?

*covers are always subject to change.

Review: First Comes Love By: Katie Kacvinsky

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:42:00 +0000

Title: First Comes Love
Author: Katie Kacvinsky
Publisher: Houghton Millon Harcourt, 198 Pages (May 8th, 2012)
From: the Publisher via Amazon Vine
Format: ARC
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Like his name, Gray is dark and stormy. Dylan, a girl always searching for what's next, seemingly unable to settle down, is the exact opposite: full of light and life. On the outside, they seem like an unlikely couple. But looks can be deceiving and besides, opposites attract.

What starts as friendship, turns into admiration, respect and caring, until finally these two lone souls find they are truly in love with each other.

But staying in love is not as easy as falling in love. If Dylan and Gray want their love to last, they're going to have to work at it. And learn that sometimes love means having to say you're sorry.

Review: 5 Stars - First Comes Love By: Karen Kacvinsky was a welcomed surprise. With a rich story and brilliant characters, there’s so much to love about this small book with the beautiful, yet swoon-worthy cover.

Gray and Dylan couldn’t be more different from one another. Yet the unlikely relationship they form, feels natural. While Gray is closed off and would rather be alone, Dylan is bright, outgoing and doesn’t live her life caring what anyone else might think. She’s extremely comfortable in her own skin. I was thrilled to read a story about a female character with such a strength in whom she is and where she wants to be.

Through their friendship, both characters learn and grow and Gray slowly begins to find some peace to heal from a tragedy in his past. It’s because of Dylan that we find out who Gray is behind his solitary behavior. With each learning some valuable life lessons from the other, it’s through the eyes of each of these teens that we see their budding relationship evolve and soon find themselves falling in love. The progression was a nice easy pace and was a pleasure to read and follow along as they first found a friendship that neither saw coming.

Their story might have changed each of them in many ways, but the love the two found changed them both the most. Gray and Dylan were heartwarming characters and their story was such a surprise that I didn’t want to put the book down because I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next.

Kacvinsky’s writing and alternating points of view scored huge points for me. The writing was extremely well done, giving the reader a view of her characters that makes you feel like you are watching a movie vs. reading a book. And I’m always one who has huge love for an alternating point of view. That alone in a book gives readers a broader vision in understanding the characters and their depth. It gives the reader more emotion, more facts and a chance for a different perspective. And Kacvinsky does a thorough job in her sophomore title. I would highly suggest this title to anyone who loves a fantastically well written contemporary stand alone title with characters that are hard to forget.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Feature - "Just Picked" - Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes By: Eric Litwin

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Sun, 13 May 2012 16:49:00 +0000

Title: Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes
Author: Eric Litwin
Illustrator: James Dean
Publisher: HarperCollins, 40 Pages (March 2nd, 2010)
Age Range: 4 and up
From: the Publisher
Format:
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Pete the Cat goes walking down the street wearing his brand-new white shoes. Along the way, his shoes change from white to red to blue to brown to WET as he steps in piles of strawberries, blueberries, and other big messes. Full color.

Review: 4 Stars - Pete the Cat is a laid back story sharing with kids that no matter what might happen along the way that things are still okay.

With a song to follow along with while reading, Pete shows kids that it’s okay when things change, or accidents happen or even if you step into a huge, giant pile of strawberries in your brand new white shoes. I loved the message that this fun story tells and how laid back and mellow the cat is.

Being a book that we’ve given away as a gift more than I can remember, I can honestly say that here in this house, we love this book. It’s another welcomed addition to the kids’ bookshelves and one that I know will be read over and over again. Perfect for younger kids who love to sing.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Review: Pure (Pure, #1) By: Julianna Baggott

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Sat, 12 May 2012 22:12:00 +0000

Title: Pure (Pure, #1)
Author: Julianna Baggott
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing, 448 Pages (February 8th, 2012)
From: the Publisher
Format: Hardback
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: We know you are here, our brothers and sisters . . .

Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. In her sleeping cabinet behind the rubble of an old barbershop where she lives with her grandfather, she thinks about what is lost-how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers . . . to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies. And now, at an age when everyone is required to turn themselves over to the militia to either be trained as a soldier or, if they are too damaged and weak, to be used as live targets, Pressia can no longer pretend to be small. Pressia is on the run.

Burn a Pure and Breathe the Ash . . .

There are those who escaped the apocalypse unmarked. Pures. They are tucked safely inside the Dome that protects their healthy, superior bodies. Yet Partridge, whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome, feels isolated and lonely. Different. He thinks about loss-maybe just because his family is broken; his father is emotionally distant; his brother killed himself; and his mother never made it inside their shelter. Or maybe it's his claustrophobia: his feeling that this Dome has become a swaddling of intensely rigid order. So when a slipped phrase suggests his mother might still be alive, Partridge risks his life to leave the Dome to find her.

When Pressia meets Partridge, their worlds shatter all over again.

Review: 4.5 Stars - Pure by Julianna Baggott was thoroughly interesting and utterly unique making this a beginning to a series you shouldn’t let pass you by.

The world and characters that Baggott has created are harsh, dark and often horrific, yet there’s a beauty found in the little things. The hard parts to read in this book were the people affected by the Detonations. They are scarred and fused with things you’d never imagine. The strength found in the people outside the dome and how they managed to survive… such as Pressia, our female lead does was one of those bright spots found in a place so filled with ash that nothing will really ever be clean again.

She’s stronger than she knows. She wants to stay with the only family she has left and has ever known – her Grandfather – but when the unexpected happens she’s forced to change even the way she thinks about the world.

The people inside the Dome are called Pures. They live a life without the ash, they live of a live of privilege and means, unlike those stuck outside to fend for themselves. And then Partridge escapes for reasons you’ll have to read the book to understand why, he’s in for a harsh reality.

When the two meet, it’s interesting to see just how different their lives are and to see just how different things are from what they’ve been told about outside the dome vs. inside the dome.

If I was to say that some of the story took a strange turn, which would be an understatement. I’m sure you’d probably be thinking after reading this review that how can a book with people who are fused to things such as a doll head for a fist, a fan in a throat or birds to a boys back… but it’s true. There was some even stranger things that happened, but it all fit in with the story that Baggott was telling.

All in all, I am so happy that I had a chance to read this title. It’s such a different story from anything out there. And, as mentioned above, it’s dark and interesting and so unique that in the darkness it’s the little things that made me thoroughly enjoy the story and characters.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Giveaway: Enter to win ONE of TWO copies of WRECKED By: Anna Davies

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Sat, 12 May 2012 16:34:00 +0000

Title: Wrecked
Author: Anna Davies
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 321 Pages (May 1st, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Secrets of the sea have never been sexier than this.

Ever since the death of her parents, Miranda has lived on Whym Island, taking comfort in the local folklore, which claims a mysterious sea witch controls the fate of all on the island and in its surrounding waters. Sometimes it’s just easier to believe things are out of your control.

But then a terrible boating accident takes the lives of several of her friends, and Miranda is rescued by a mysterious boy who haunts her dreams. Consumed by guilt from the accident, she finds refuge in late-night swims—and meets Christian, a boy who seems eerily familiar, but who is full of mystery: He won’t tell her where he is from, or why they can only meet at the beach. But Miranda falls for him anyway…and discovers that Christian’s secrets, though meant to protect her, may bring her nothing but harm.

Seductive and compelling, Wrecked brings a contemporary, paranormal twist to a classic enchanting tale.

Check out an: Excerpt of Wrecked

Find Anna Online:

Blog | Twitter

GIVEAWAY

TWO winners will EACH receive a copy of WRECKED!!

Rules and how to enter:

You MUST be at least 13 years old to enter
Please fill out the simple form below for your entry to count.
This giveaway is open to US mailing address only. Sorry!
Giveaway ends: May 29th, 2012

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing the two copies in this giveaway.

Good luck to everyone who enters. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will be emailing. Once the email it sent, the winners will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen to take their place. If you have any questions please check my policy page (which will be updated soon) or feel free to email.

Guest Post: Brooke & Mirko from Descended by Blood By: Angeline Kace

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:32:00 +0000

Title: Descended by Blood (Vampire Born, #1)
Author: Angeline Kace
Publisher: Accendo Press, 263 Pages (August 26th, 2011)
Add to: Goodreads
Check out: My Review

Synopsis: Brooke Keller is a high school junior who has never spent much time living in one place. She is finally in a town long enough to almost snag the boy of her dreams, until her life is threatened after killing a fanged man in his attempt to kidnap her. Brooke begins a dangerous journey in an effort to find out who is after her and how to stop them. In a world with powerful and prejudiced vampires, Brooke must tap into the side of her that she never knew existed at the risk of losing her life in order to save it.

As some of you may know, Brooke has a decision to make between Mirko and Jaren. Her situation isn’t really favorable for the normal dating setup, but Mirko isn’t one to let that get in his way. Hope you enjoy. :)

Mirko met me outside my room when I was ready. “So, what do you have planned?” I asked. When I questioned him with how I should dress he suggested I wear something casual, comfortable, and black.

His mischievous smile hinted at trouble, but I already knew that was part of his agenda. It’s not often your date tells you to wear black—well outside of the little-black-dress variety anyway. “You’ll see.” He loved to drive me crazy, and keeping me in the “unknown” was definitely a way to do it.

I struck my foot out in front of him, but he stepped over it and swiveled around, picking me up and spinning with me in his arms. My laughter echoed down the massive hall.

“A real date, Slatki,” he said, putting me back on my feet. “Evidence that you don’t ever have to put your life on hold.” He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Not even when someone’s trying to kill you.” He pulled me close and hugged me tight.

I knew he worried about me, but he still wanted me to have fun. And that was why he wanted to take me out on a date. Well, one of them anyway. I’d been sad about not being able to go out and do the things a normal girl my age could do, and Mirko promised me a night of all things a normal girl my age would do.

I just hoped his idea and my idea were on the same page. He is a guy after all.

“Wait,” Mirko said, stopping me before I could get into the car. “You have to put this on first.”

“You have got to be kidding me,” I said, watching the blindfold dangle from his raised finger.

“Not one bit.” He stepped closer to me and slid the material over my eyes, sending a shiver down my spine and heat swelling along my skin wherever he touched me. On second thought, the blindfold was a good idea.

When he finished, he helped me get in the car and then we set out to...somewhere I didn’t know.

Mirko could be stealthy, but when I wanted to know something, I could be too. “So how do you know what a normal girl likes to do?”

“I asked Garwin.”

I laughed. “Garwin’s pretty smart, but I’m not sure I’d ever go to him for dating advice.”

“His idea seems ridiculous, but I Googled it and he seems to know what he’s talking about.”

Restlessness stirred within me and I pulled on the outer sleeve of my sweater. I couldn’t wait to find out what Garwin suggested Mirko do with me on a date.

“Is it far?” I asked.

“The location doesn’t really matter.”

What the heck does that mean? “Does it cost anything?”

“Of course it costs something. Even the gas to drive there is a cost.”

Crap. He was smooth. “Are there other people involved?”

“No, just the two of us.”

That narrowed it down. It couldn’t be a restaurant or teen hang out then. “Well, do you have to pay for us to get in?”

Mirko chuckled. “No, but that doesn’t mean I’m a cheap date either. See, we already have the normal-teenage-girl thing down. Your game of 20 questions is perfect.”

I smiled. “Did you Google that, too?”

He grabbed my hand. “Yes. That was number twenty three.”

I giggled. It probably was.

The car slowed to a stop. Mirko pulled my hand up and his velvety lips brushed against my knuckles. “Are you ready?”

I wouldn’t mind him doing that some more, but I couldn’t wait to see what he was going to have us do. “Yep.”

He helped me out of the car and then walked me a few steps. He stopped me and then pulled the blind fold off with a swift and efficient tug.

I starred ahead with what was probably a blank expression on my face. “Who lives here?” We stood in front of an average house on an average street. The lights were out inside, but even with the lights on, I still didn’t think I would recognize it.

“I’m told that part doesn’t matter.” Mirko walked back to the car and when he turned around and showed me what was in his arms, I laughed so hard I bent over with my hands on my knees.

“Toilet papering!?”

He nodded. “We are going to mummify this house. And we’re going to do it the way a normal girl would. No Pijawikan speed, stealth, or strength.” He tossed the bag of toilet paper rolls and I caught it.

“Ah, now would a normal girl have caught that?” His face squinted with mirth.

I dropped the bag. “Probably not.”

He grabbed another bag from the back seat and walked toward the house while tearing it open.

I saw the house with new eyes. The trees, the porch, and the rosebushes were all a blank canvas waiting for me to toilet paper. I couldn’t even contain the excitement. Kaitlynn and I had always wanted to go toilet papering, but never actually did it.

“If we get caught, I’m so telling them this was your idea.”

Mirko chuckled. “I said you couldn’t use any Pijawikian abilities. As soon as I hear someone coming, I’m out of here.”

I gasped. “You wouldn’t!”

“I don’t know, Slatki. We are playing teenagers here, and I’m inclined to think that’s something a teenage boy would do. However,” he said and stalked toward me so close his breath tickled my face, “I’m not a teenage boy and there are a thousand other things I’d rather do with you than abandon you.”

My mouth gaped open slightly. That was hot.

His eyes left mine and met with my lips. The next thing I knew my bottom lip was caught between his teeth in a small bite. He pulled slightly and then glided my lip along his teeth as he released me.

I leaned forward to capture his lips, but he withdrew. “Time to toilet paper.”

Be sure to come back in June to see Part TWO of the date between Brooke and Mirko!!

Angeline you are so amazing for doing this for me! You are simply fabulous for taking the time out to write this when I know things have been crazy for you. I can't thank you enough and you always know who to come to anytime you need anything. <3

Find Angeline Online:

Blog/Website | Twitter | Facebook

Order a copy of Descended By Blood:

Amazon eBook | Amazon Paperback | B&N Paperback | Book Depository Paperback

Review: Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky, #1) By: Veronica Rossi

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Thu, 10 May 2012 16:17:00 +0000

Title: Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky, #1)
Author: Veronica Rossi
Publisher: Harper, 374 Pages (January 3rd, 2012)
From: the Publisher
Format: ARC
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

Review: 5 Stars - Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi is a thrilling, brilliantly written story with characters I became engrossed and invested in.

This is hands down one of the best books I’ve read this year! Once I started reading, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to keep up with the pace of Rossi’s writing. I loved the landscape, I loved the characters and I loved how easily it was to get lost in the story. When it happens while reading, it’s one of the best feelings ever.

Inside the dome the city of Reverie life is simple in the fact that no one does anything exciting or worthwhile. They do everything that would be considered to be fun or living… virtually. Want to go hunting in a forest, simply create the world virtually and using an implanted eye piece you’re there. Think it, imagine it and you can do it.

I loved the twists, big and small, the harsh world that forced our main female character Aria to grow and change to survive in the wild. I loved her strength she found as she helped Perry search for what was taken.

Aria had what she thought was the perfect life. Inside, away from the deadly Aether storms and away from the cruel and deadly savages that live in the dangerous world outside. In a society that lives most of their lives in a virtual world, being exiled is one of the worst things that could happen to a girl. Sadly, Aria finds herself in some trouble and finds herself alone and scared in the last place she’d ever want to end up. Outside, in the place they call “The Death Shop”.

Perry has a mind of his own and his brother, the ruler of their clan has other ideas in mind for Perry and his people. Perry knows it’s just a matter of time before things have to change, and when news of his betrayal reach his brother and their clan he’s forced to leave and do anything it takes to get back the one thing that was taken.

Aria and Perry are two totally different people from one another. When the two meet, they must learn to help each other survive if they are going to help Aria find her mother and Perry find what was taken from him.

The two are fantastically written characters and the budding romance isn’t instant. Their rocky relationship is built over time, learning and trust that must t be fought for and earned rather than given. They both come from two totally different worlds, with only the bias from each clan to teach them of the other. This leads to a great prejudice between them that is great to see eventually broken down.

I seriously loved both of these characters! The writing is so amazing that you can’t help but be absorbed into the pages and immersed into the world. The story and the characters stick with you and once you start reading, you won’t be able to put the book down. I found hours lost when reading, and those hours felt like the blink of an eye, it’s just THAT good.

All in all, I can’t say enough praise for the author and all she’s created in this first installment in this new series. I’ll be waiting what’ll feel like forever until the next book comes out. I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time to come and I think you will to. If you haven’t read this one, the only thing you’ll be sorry for is asking yourself why you waited so long to pick this one up.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Waiting on Wednesday: So Close to You By: Rachel Carter + Crazy By: Amy Reed (108)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:33:00 +0000

Title: So Close to You
Author: Rachel Carter
Publisher: HarperTeen, 320 Pages (July 10th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Lydia Bentley has heard stories about the Montauk Project all her life: stories about the experiments that took place at the abandoned military base near her home and the people who’ve disappeared over the years. When she stumbles into a vessel that transports her to a dangerous and strange new reality, Lydia realizes that all the stories she’s ever heard about the Montauk Project are true—and that she’s in the middle of one of the most dangerous experiments in history. Alongside Wes, a darkly mysterious boy whom she is wary to trust, Lydia begins to unravel the secrets surrounding the project. But the truths behind these secrets force her to question all her choices. And if Lydia chooses wrong, she might not save her family but destroy them...and herself.

Title: Crazy
Author: Amy Reed
Publisher: Simon Pulse, 384 Pages (June 12th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: He’s falling in love—and she’s falling over the edge of sanity. From the author of Beautiful and Clean, a heartwrenching exploration of a romance marred by mental illness.

Connor knows that Izzy will never fall in love with him the way he’s fallen for her. But somehow he’s been let into her crazy, exhilarating world and become her closest confidante. But the closer they get, the more Connor realizes that Izzy’s highs are too high and her lows are too low. And the frenetic energy that makes her shine is starting to push her into a much darker place.

As Izzy’s behavior gets increasingly erratic and self-destructive, Connor gets increasingly desperate to stop her from plummeting. He knows he can’t save her from her pain...but what if no one else can.

Happy Wednesday all! It's time for another WoW and this week I have two books picked out that I can't wait for. Both couldn't be more different from one another, but both are MUST reads on my book. I love the synopsis for both books and these are both pretty high up on my list of read asap. What do you guys think of both titles I've picked for this week?

*covers are always subject to change.

Review: Starters (Starters, #1) By: Lissa Price

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:47:00 +0000

Title: Starters (Starters, #1)
Author: Lissa Price
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 368 Pages (March 13th, 2012)
From: the Publisher, via Amazon Vine
Format: ARC
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: HER WORLD IS CHANGED FOREVER

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

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

Review: 4 Stars - Starters By: Lissa Price was a book that you can’t seem to turn the pages fast enough. With a evil mastermind behind an evil company and one teen girl trapped in more ways than one, Price takes her readers on one harrowing journey.

Callie, her younger brother Tyler and their friend Michael have all lost their parents after a war/illness took everyone away from them. Life is different now and the younger generation is living a strained life on the streets. Squatting in abandoned buildings, scavenging for food and fighting to survive is what these three; among a huge part of the population know as day to day life. He brother Tyler is sick and she knows he needs more than she can provide for him in if they are all going to make it.

The younger generations in Prince’s story are called Starters and the older generations, who now are able to live well past the age of 100, are called Enders. With laws and rules vastly altered after the Spore War happened, Enders have every right to keep their jobs while the Starters are forced to live a pretty horrible life. For Callie, Tyler and Michael it’s all about staying out of the Institutions where the non claimed minors are housed under lock and key if they are caught.

With the stress of her brothers well being on her mind and an understanding of them needing more, Callie takes a visit to Prime Destinations. See, this is where the story gets pretty creepy and gets even creepier the more you read. Prime takes teens, cleans them up… as in makes them flawless and lets Enders rent out their bodies. Ew, right? Basically, they are implanted with a chip in their brain, hooked up to a machine that puts the Enders personality, mind, thoughts, actions and memories into the Starter they’ve rented and the Starters just go to sleep. In case you’re thinking what I was, there are rules that each party must abide by, but how is it possible to prove none of those rules have been violated?

I was more than creeped out by this book. Just the thoughts alone that ran through my mind over all the possibilities that could go wrong… and then even more when things did go wrong… wow, Prince has an imagination that took me places I never thought I’d imagine!

With a creepy idea, creepy company there was bound to be a creepy master mind behind this craziness and there was. He goes by the name of the Old Man and let me tell you, just when you think that Prince couldn’t find another way to make your skin crawl… she nailed it with this character. I had a nightmare about this guy and let me tell you, he wasn’t any nicer in my dream than he was in the pages of this book.

I loved the characters. I did wonder why Callie did some of the things she did, but when it comes to family and those you love it changes a person and everyone will always go above and beyond when it comes right down to it. She did what she had to do and then even more in order to survive.

I thoroughly enjoyed the mysterious side of things as well. You never knew who was in who’s body and who might be dangerous and what Callie might be forced to do next. She’s one tough teen girl with some smarts that’s for sure.

By the end of the book I was still cringing because of how high Prince took us on the creep factor scale. I couldn’t believe all that had happened and how things were left for poor Callie. I have a feeling that Prince has more of the creepiness up her sleeve in the next installment that I am looking forward to… nightmares and all.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Guest Post: from my BFF & fellow blogger - Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Mon, 07 May 2012 16:03:00 +0000

Hey everyone. I’m really happy to be visiting Lisa’s blog today. When I was trying to think of a post idea I just kept thinking of how some of us book lover’s have crazy book habits. I’m sure you all have some too. Here are a few of mine.

Crazy Book Habits

1. One book at a time.

I hate reading more than one book at a time. It bugs me and I’m not sure why. Right now I have 4 books that I’m “currently reading” on Goodreads and it drives me nuts! Odd, right? But I think it’s because I just like to focus on that one story, get it finished, and move on. I know a lot of people who read way more than one book and they don’t get twitchy every time they see their Goodreads page. -- Not me! It may have to do with my insane ideas of organization and if there isn’t just one book being read, my life is chaos. Do you see the connection? ;)

2. Do NOT bend the pages *gasp*

I see old books that have dog eared pages and I know it shows their character, but...I can’t do it. I always try to be so very careful with my books and flipping down the corner of a page would make me break out in hives. Again, maybe it’s linked to some of my organizational/perfectionist tendencies. It’s not like I’m a neat freak (trust me! You should see my house), but I am when it comes to my books. This also goes along with the idea of not bending the spine of the book. I have in the past. Those darn tiny romance novels are hard to read without it bending some, but for my YA books, they are kept in mint condition! My house can look like a tornado touched down in the living room, but darn it, those books will be spotless!

3. Bookshelf Organization (and the lack of...)

Yes, it’s true. I like my bookshelf to be organized. Too bad that I have way too many books for the bookshelf. Right now books are piled on the main top of my shelf; siting in front, on top, and sideways. My goal is to one day have a huge built-in bookshelf but for now, I’m dealing with 2 tiny bookshelves for my “to read” pile, and another for my “read” pile. But, when I do have the ability to keep things more organized, hardback books are kept together, paperback together, signed copies together. Books in a series are together and everything is organized by height. I used to have a few shelves strictly dedicated to ARCs and the books that I had to read soon. Now, not so much. My happiest day will be when my build-in shelf is ready to go and I am standing there waiting to add my books to the shelf. I’m sure I will spend hours sorting and organizing and I feel feel like a kid who just got a lifetime pass to Disney World.

4. Must..STOP...reading....series. BUT I CAN’T!

I know a lot of people have to break up with a series. You just can’t get along, you have loved and hated each other for a while and it’s just time to go your separate ways. I just .... CAN’T! Okay, in some cases I have stopped reading a series a few books into it but I would never count it out. I just don’t go out of my way to get the new books. In my mind the series is still a little blip on my radar and someday I may get back to it. I just feel loyalty to the series and it’s hard to break. For example, the House of Night series. That series was one of the first ones I picked up over 2 years ago. I adored the first few books. I hadn’t read a lot of paranormal YA but it really grabbed me. Then...it kinda lost me somewhere around the middle. But, I just couldn’t let it go! So I read 2 more books in the series last year and liked them. Now I have the most recent book and hope to read it soon. I know that I’m too far gone to stop now. It would drive me nuts to not know what happens to these characters. I’ll just keep chugging along. Even when I’d like to scream and throw my book across the room, don’t worry..I hate bending pages, remember? So the book is safe. :)

Do you all think I’m crazy yet? Maybe just a little? I know it’s okay because true book lovers do have some slightly crazy habits. I feel like I am good company with my obsessive tendencies towards my book collection.

Go ahead, spill the beans! What are your crazy book habits?

Find Jessica Online:

Blog | Twitter | Goodreads

Together, we co-host - Haunted Halloween, Top 10 Week and Blogger Talk, Novel Exposed.

Jessica, thanks so much for taking over my blog today! I'm excited to have you here. My BFF, partner in crime. Feel free to take over my blog ANYTIME! <3

Feature - "Just Picked" - Z is for Moose By: Kelly Bingham

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Sun, 06 May 2012 16:45:00 +0000

Title: Z is for Moose
Author: Kelly Bingham
Illustrator: Paul O. Zelinsky
Publisher: HarperCollins, 32 Pages (February 28th, 2012)
Age Range: Age 4 and up
From: the Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Caldecott Medalist Zelinsky illustrates an outrageously funny and boundary-breaking story for fans of Jon Scieszka and David Weisner. Zebra wants to put on a show as simple as A-B-C, but Zebra's friend Moose has other (unexpected and hilarious) ideas. Full color.

Review: 4 Stars - Z is for Moose By Kelly Bingham is a cute and fun alphabet book that even adults will enjoy while reading it to younger kids.

Like a kid in a candy store, or waiting for Christmas, Moose can’t wait to be in Zebra’s play about the alphabet. It’s cute, funny and could be a bit interactive for kids as they read along and take notice to all that’s going on throughout the page. It’s a very entertaining picture book with such a fun way to help kids learn their alphabet. It also tells the story of friendship between Zebra and Moose.

The art is lovely. I think the story and illustrations fit together amazingly well. I know that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one without the kids, now it’s time to share it with them. I recommend this book to readers of all ages, especially those who are just learning their alphabet.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Review: Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1) By: Marissa Meyer

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Sat, 05 May 2012 16:38:00 +0000

Title: Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles, #1)
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends, 387 Pages (January 3rd, 2012)
From: The Publisher
Format: ARC
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Review: 4 Stars - Cinder by Marissa Meyer is the first installment in the Lunar Chronicles. It begins the retelling story of Cinder, mechanic and cyborg with a wicked stepmother and all.

Set in New Beijing, in a city affected by a horrible plague Cinder lives with her stepmother and stepsisters. Being forced to work in a market stall to help support her family she’s become known for her knowledge of all things mechanical. It’s through this she runs into trouble from all sides.

I seriously loved Cinder – the story and the character. It’s a huge mystery surrounding not only Cinder but the lunar people and the fate of the world. Meyer executed the mysterious sides of the story extremely well, thanks to the wonderful writing.

The tensions between the Luna people and the rest of the world is at an all time high and it’s up to the prince – Kai – to try to find a way make a peaceful way of life for the whole planet and the people from the moon. The people from the moon are more than they seem, with abilities that make them even more menacing and trouble for all the people on earth. Mix in an evil Luna queen and it’s just bad, bad, bad. Kai and Cinder each have a lot to deal with and as the story grows their troubles mount.

I haven’t had a chance to read many retellings, but thought that this was does amazingly well. It followed along with the original story yet Meyer had taken it and added her own layers and textures. It’s one of those books that the more pages you read, the more you finding yourself involved in the characters lives and just how Meyer will mold the story next.

All in all, Cinder was thoroughly enjoyed by this reader and I can’t say enough how much I am looking forward to the next book in the series. There’s so much to find in the book with the red shoe on the cover that this review can’t contain, that I’ll just say that Meyer has a huge imagination and doesn’t hold anything back in Cinder. If you haven’t read Cinder yet and are looking for a book that’ll wow you, that’s vastly different from other YA titles out there, then this is defiantly the book for you.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

US to the UK & what to expect while I'm away...

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:19:00 +0000

Well, I had pictured my graphic looking a bit better... oh well, you get the idea lol So, while this is posting I'll be running around like crazy getting ready to head to the airport for vacation. I'll be gone for the month of May, but not to worry, I've been working like a mad woman to make sure there are posts scheduled for while I'm away. I have tons of things coming up, reviews, WoWs, guest posts, etc.

I'm really excited for this trip. To get a chance to see my In-Laws & bunch of other family there, not to mention getting some much needed down time. We usually go each year for the month of May and last year I didn't get a chance to go, so I've been more than missing it.

Please send good thoughts our way for a good and quick (10 hours, for the first one - I don't think so!) flight. I'll have limited computer access while I'm away, but will be on twitter here and there and checking emails when I can. I will be sharing some pictures on twitter while I'm away, so if you would like to follow me there (@BoundByBooks) you'll get to see some of the sites just as we do.

One thing that were really looking forward to is a group of about 10 of us are going to Scotland for the day! We'll be in Edinburgh on the 15th of May. We are looking forward to taking in a tour of the tunnels under the city and seeing the castle there. We've never been and were all very excited.

When I get back, I'll have my usual UK giveaway starting. I'll have to wait and see what fun goodies I find on our trip. You can be on the look out for that at the beginning of June!

Until then, have a FANTASTIC May and I'll see you when I get back!

Review: My Soul To Take (Soul Screamers, #1) By: Rachel Vincent

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:37:00 +0000

Title: My Soul To Take (Soul Screamers, #1)
Author: Rachel Vincent
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 279 Pages (August 1st, 2009)
From: A gift from a friend
Format: Paperback
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: She doesn't see dead people. She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next.

Review: 4 Stars - My Soul to Take, the first book in Soul Screamers series by author Rachel Vincent introduces us to her fantastically written characters and world of Banshees.

Kaylee is pretty much your average teen girl. Or so she wishes. Knowing when someone near you is about to die and feeling the need to scream is anything but “average”. She believes there’s something wrong with her and her aunt and uncle who she lives with aren’t any help explaining what might be wrong with her. I believe that Kaylee is a brilliant character with a huge heart. She wants to use her knowledge to her advantage and try to save people from dying.

Nash is a classmate of Kaylees and is drawn to her. It’s Nash to uncover what’s wrong with Kaylee and who she really is. He’s honest with her when no one else would be. He takes the time to explain things to her and goes out of his way to help her through a rough time in her life. It’s hard enough being a teen, but when you’re a teen and a Banshee, life couldn’t get weirder.

The two together are a great pair, but with the introduction of a certain Reaper named Tod, it makes you wonder what might happen next. I’m a Tod girl right from the start and the scenes with him pretty much made a great book so much better.

All in all, Vincent’s writing and characters are fun and entertaining. It was just the book I was looking for. I thoroughly enjoyed the series and can’t wait to see what happens next. And, bring on more Tod please. I highly recommend this series to any and all fans of paranormal young adult. I have no idea what took me so long to start this series, but as always, it’s better late than never. Don’t pass these books by. Enjoy.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book as it was given to me as a gift from a friend, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Waiting on Wednesday: Gilt By: Katherine Longshore + The Hunt By: Andrew Fukuda + The Lost Code By: Kevin Emerson (107)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:41:00 +0000

Title: Gilt (The Royal Circle, #1)
Author: Katherine Longshore
Publisher: Viking Juvenile, 398 Pages (May 15th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: In the court of King Henry VIII, nothing is free--
and love comes at the highest price of all.

When Kitty Tylney's best friend, Catherine Howard, worms her way into King Henry VIII's heart and brings Kitty to court, she's thrust into a world filled with fabulous gowns, sparkling jewels, and elegant parties. No longer stuck in Cat's shadow, Kitty's now caught between two men--the object of her affection and the object of her desire. But court is also full of secrets, lies, and sordid affairs, and as Kitty witnesses Cat's meteoric rise and fall as queen, she must figure out how to keep being a good friend when the price of telling the truth could literally be her head.

Title: The Hunt (The Hunt #1)
Author: Andrew Fukuda
Publisher: St. Martins Griffin, 293 Pages (May 8th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Don’t Sweat. Don’t Laugh. Don’t draw attention to yourself. And most of all, whatever you do, do not fall in love with one of them.

Gene is different from everyone else around him. He can’t run with lightning speed, sunlight doesn’t hurt him and he doesn’t have an unquenchable lust for blood. Gene is a human, and he knows the rules. Keep the truth a secret. It’s the only way to stay alive in a world of night—a world where humans are considered a delicacy and hunted for their blood.

When he’s chosen for a once in a lifetime opportunity to hunt the last remaining humans, Gene’s carefully constructed life begins to crumble around him. He’s thrust into the path of a girl who makes him feel things he never thought possible—and into a ruthless pack of hunters whose suspicions about his true nature are growing. Now that Gene has finally found something worth fighting for, his need to survive is stronger than ever—but is it worth the cost of his humanity?

Title: The Lost Code (The Atlanteans, #1)
Author: Kevin Emerson
Publisher: HarperCollins, 435 Pages (May 22nd, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: WHAT IS OLDEST WILL BE NEW, WHAT IS LOST SHALL BE FOUND.

The ozone is ravaged, ocean levels have risen, and the sun is a daily enemy. But global climate change is not something new in the Earth’s history.

No one will know this better than less-than-ordinary Owen Parker, who is about to discover that he is the descendant of a highly advanced ancient race—a race that took their technology too far and almost destroyed the Earth in the process.

Now it is Owen’s turn to make right in his world what went wrong thousands of years ago. If Owen can unlock the lost code in his very genes, he may rediscover the forgotten knowledge of his ancestry…and that less-than-ordinary can evolve into extraordinary.

Yep! It's that time of the week, for another Wow. And I'm back with 3 titles this week that I think sound not only exciting but different. Exciting and different = a must read. I tend to have a hard time with historicals, yet with Gilt, I just can't wait for it. It sounds utterly captivating to me. And then The Hunt, which comes out next week.. I thought I had this one in a previous WoW and noticed it's been missing... eek! Sorry, but seriously, is it about vampires? Or something else? The synopsis doesn't call them that, so I'm very curious about what the things are the author has written about. Last, but not least - The Lost Code. It sounds mysterious and thrilling, who things that make a book a must read for me.

So, what do you guys think of the three books this week? Anything you see here that you can't wait to read too?

*covers are always subject to change.

Feature: Blogger Talk, Novel Exposed - May

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Tue, 01 May 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Hello and welcome again to a brand new month of the Feature, co-hosting with Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic! In this post we'll share with you a bit of information about the event and what book we'll be focusing on for May.

Blogger Talk: Novel Exposed is a monthly feature where Jessica and I will take one book and read it simultaneously. Throughout the month the book and author will be showcased in reviews, interviews, quotes and more on both blogs. There will also be a Linky set up where you can share your review of the book as well.

Then at the end of the month, we'll post a discussion that we've had about this month's title and hope that you will all join in on the discussion about this months book in the comments. Now, on to the good stuff...

May's Novel Exposed Book: Purity By: Jackson Pearce

Jessica and I are really excited for Purity! We had such a great April and were thrilled to feature A Temptation of Angels By: Michelle Zink. We hope you guys enjoyed it and that you've had a chance to read the book and love it as much as we did. We have the next few months books picked out, however if you have a book you think we should feature for a month, be sure to let us know!

Add Purity to: Goodreads

June's Novel Exposed Book: In Honor By: Jessi Kirby

Add In Honor: Goodreads

If you are an author or publisher and have a book you'd like featured in Novel Exposed, please feel free to contact either of us and include info on your book and what month you had in mind. Please remember that we only feature ONE book a month for this event and that Jessica and I will try to accommodate.

Should anyone have any questions, please feel free to contact me via email and I'd be happy to help.

Blogger Talk, Novel Exposed: Discussion Post & Giveaway for A Temptation of Angels By: Michelle Zink (April)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Today Jessica (Confessions of a Bookahlic) and I have shared with you our interview with A Temptation of Angels author Michelle Zink and some of our favorite quotes from the book. Now, we are doing an open discussion of the book where we share some of our thoughts and give readers a chance to join in and link up their review of A Temptation of Angels.

Discussion for A Temptation of Angels

A Temptation of Angels has some very strong personalities, what was your first impression of the main characters in the story?

I really like Helen immediately because she had amazing strength. I can't imagine going through what she had and it was amazing to see how she carried on. Then of course, there's Griffin who was a very nice surprise. His kindness was exactly what Helen needed and I think he was able to keep her focused on something positive. Raum was a shock for me (in a good way). I was surprised I like him so much. What about you?

I loved Helen right from the start also. I think she was incredible and I loved how the further you read the more she found her voice. She wanted to always stand on her own two feet when she could have let others take care of her. I loved that about her. And Griffin was such a support to her when she needed it most. She was able to open up to him when with everyone else she felt she needed to be stronger then she might have been. I liked that with Griffin we were able to see a softer side to her after all she's been through. And then Raum... wow, I can't wait to read more about him. Such a mystery. I wanted more of him in the story. Let's just say that when he appeared in the story I was a tad thrilled.

Yeah, I was so excited when Michelle said that we would be seeing more of him! I really want to read more of this story. I don't get to read a lot of books with that setting, or time period, so it was a nice change. But now I just need MORE!

Speaking of setting and time period, Michelle did a wonderful job of both, don't you think? What was your favorite part of both?

I remember reading Prophecy of the Sisters, Michelle's other series, and just being blown away by her writing. She really has a knack for writing some brilliant descriptions. It always flows so well and you can really visualize the setting. I loved how dark and spooky she made the streets. I also loved how you could really get the "historical" feeling when hearing about Helen's surroundings and even what she wore.

The descriptions were brilliant! I could visualize the streets and even the light and dark. It was easy to imagine what could or might be lurking in both places and for an author to make the light creepy... wow. HUGE props to her! I really had such an easy time with the time period due to the flow of writing and how I was so drawn into the story. Period pieces usually are hard for me to read, I can sometimes get bored easily, but not with Michelle's writing.

True. I think that's why I normally shy away from historical settings. Michelle mentioned that the next novel will be companion to this one. Are you sad that it isn't a sequel?

Really, I'm not sad, because she hinted that Raum's story isn't over and since I was most intrigued by him, I'm hoping that the next book he's a much larger part of the story? I'm excited to see what the companion book is all about. Are you?

Same. I honestly thought there would be a sequel so I was a little sad that the story would be changing next time, but I'm super excited to see what she does with this. And, to see more of Raum. I know his story is far from over but I do hope we get to see more of the characters from this book as well. I'd really miss Helen! She's a great character.

What did you guys think? Please leave us (spoiler-free) comments and we invite others to reply and join in. If you haven't read the book yet, just tell us what really makes you want to read it.

Prize:

1 winner will receive an ARC of A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink.

Rules:

You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is US Only and ends May 14th.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.

You will find this form on Confessions of a Bookaholic as well. PLEASE only fill it out ONCE!

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We wanted to do this feature as a way to promote a new release and get people involved in discussing the book. One of the best ways to find out about a book is to read the reviews.

We would love you to join the discussion about the book. Leave comments, tell us what you thought, tell us why you want to read it, or ask questions. PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE SPOILERS! We don't want to ruin it for others, but we'd love to see what everyone thought of the story.

GIVEAWAY: First Comes Love By: Katie Kacvinsky @HMHKids

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:16:00 +0000

Title: First Comes Love
Author: Katie Kacvinsky
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 244 Pages (May 8th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Like his name, Gray is dark and stormy. Dylan, a girl always searching for what’s next, seemingly unable to settle down, is the exact opposite: full of light and life. On the outside, they seem like an unlikely couple. But looks can be deceiving and besides, opposites attract.

What starts as friendship, turns into admiration, respect and caring, until finally these two lone souls find they are truly in love with each other.

But staying in love is not as easy as falling in love. If Dylan and Gray want their love to last, they’re going to have to work at it. And learn that sometimes love means having to say you’re sorry.

Find Katie Online:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Check out One of Three Playlists for the book:

Playlist 1 by Katie Kaz on Grooveshark

GIVEAWAY!!!

Enter to win a copy of FIRST COMES LOVE!!

ONE lucky winner will receive a Hardback Copy of this title!!!

Rules and how to enter:

You MUST be at least 13 years old to enter.
Please fill out the simple form below. No entries in comments will be counted.
This giveaway is open to US mailing address only. Sorry.
Giveaway ends: May 20th, 2012
*Note: I will be away on vacation until the first week in June. The winner will be selected then.

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Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Katie for including me in the giveaway and for providing the copy to the winner.

Good luck to everyone who enters. A winner will be chosen via Random.org. Please remember that I will be out of town until the first week in June. Then I will be choosing a winner and contacting them. They will have 48 hours to respond or I'll have to choose another winner.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

Blogger Talk, Novel Exposed: Interview & A Temptation of Angels Quotes with Michelle Zink (April)

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:00:00 +0000

April's author and book have been a fantastic pick! Jessica (Confessions of a Bookaholic) and I have been excited to share this interview and quotes with you. So, lets get right to it!

Title: A Temptation of Angels
Author: Michelle Zink
Publisher: Dial Books, 435 Pages, (March 20th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository

Synopsis: Even angels make mistakes in this page-turning epic romance

When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen-year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world's past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong, because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.

Michelle Zink masterfully weaves historical fantasy with paranormal romance to create a gripping tale of love and betrayal.

Interview:

1. Was A Temptation of Angels more, or less, difficult than writing Prophecy of the Sisters?

Honestly, it was just... different. With Prophecy, I had a three-book story arc. Pacing that correctly was always at the forefront of my mind, because I wanted the series to get better and better rather than peter out toward the end. But writing Temptation as a stand-alone was also a challenge, because I had to tell the whole story in one book when my inclination is always to dig deeper. Both stories have heavy psychological undertones, though, and getting that right is always a challenge.

2. Could you share with us one thing about the main characters from A Temptation of Angels that we don’t know but should?

While Helen comes to love one man by the end of the book, she values her independence and has no intention of marrying and living a traditional life at the close of TEMPTATION.

Griffin is every bit as strong as Darius but defers to his older brother because he knows Darius needs the illusion of control to feel safe.

Darius keep everyone at a distance - everyone except Anna - because he's afraid to be as vulnerable and wounded as he was after the execution of his parents

Raum's story is far from over.... Dun-dun-DUHN!

3. Since A Temptation of Angels is set in historic London, I’d suspect that research was one of the more interesting – if not highly entertaining – aspects behind writing this book. What was the most fascinating thing you found during your research that you just KNEW you had to include in the book?

There really wasn't anything. The historical research in my stories so far has always taken a back seat to the story itself. In fact, I remain surprised when anyone refers to my work as historical fiction, because I see my books as fantasies that happen to be set in the past rather then historical fiction. I don't know how to clarify the differences, except to say that for me, the story and unique world of that story always comes first. I never want that to be bogged down by too much historical detail.

4. I love everything about England. Do you have a favorite place you’ve had a chance to visit while there? And is there one placing in the UK you have yet to see and are most excited to visit one day?

Believe it or not, I've never actually been. As a single mother to four teenagers, the luxury of in-person research is often lost to me. I have to read a lot, talk to lots of people, and use GoogleEarth quite often! My first stop in England would be the henges, though, starting with Avebury since it plays such a prominent part in the Prophecy series.

5. There are a few handsome males in this book. Can you give us 3 words that you would use to describe each one?

Darius - sarcastic, protective, harsh.

Griffin - kind, strong, loyal.

Raum - conflicted, independent, lonely.

6. What was both the easiest and hardest part in writing A Temptation of Angels?

The easiest was setting and era. Writing Gothic fiction is second-nature for me.There is nothing I love writing more than flickering candles, lamplight, creaking floors, and shadowed streets. The hardest part was developing the unique weaponry and mode of travel. I wanted the Keepers to have their own set of tools and wanted to give the world an edgy, Gothic James Bond atmosphere. But that required the invention of several new things. It was a fun challenge, though! I enjoyed pushing myself to create this Gothic/Thriller/Steampunk hybrid.

Quotes from A Temptation of Angels:

Some of Michelle's Favorite Quotes -

"I'm not very good with anything physical..." she began as they turned down a hallway she had never seen.
He flashed her a grin while they walked. "I find that hard to believe."

His muscled back rippled as he reached blindly for a towel on the washstand. She felt something inside her shake loose and expand, spreading like a hot wind through her veins as he stood, his broad shoulders and back fully revealed in the glow of the fire.

At first, his lips lingered gently on hers. She wasn't sure what to do. What came next. But it didn't matter. Even this was enough, and she stood as still as she could, not wanting the moment to end. Wanting his mouth on hers forever. The the passion between them erupted, and all at once, his mouth opened on hers and she fell into the warmth of this kiss.

She entered the ruined parlor, and for a moment, it was just as it was. There was Father with his paper, grumbling about the state of affairs. Mother was at the piano, playing so beautifully it made Helen's heart ache. She turned in a circle, taking it all in. Remembering.

Was it really as simple as that? Could she give herself the benediction of forgiveness that she had given Raum? She didn't know the answer. But as she leaned on tiptoe to kiss Raum's cheek, she knew she would try. She would try to remember the girl from the garden and her friend Raum. Their innocence and kindness to one another in the giving of small trinkets and simple friendship.

She would remember it all and grant that love and acceptance to those around her.

And maybe, just maybe, to herself.

A couple of my favorite quotes -

"It's all right." Griffin's voice came from her right, and she flinched at the feel of his hand on hers. "Trust me."
His voice was gentle, and when she looked into his eyes, instinctively, she did trust him. -- pg. 58

"Don't mind him." Griffin followed his brother with Helen in tow. "You'll get used to it."
"I highly doubt that," she said. "And for the record, I have crossed a street before. All by myself, too." -- pg. 71

"Your eyes... I've only seen color like that once before, but... it cannot be." Something feel from his hand with a clatter as he backed away, into the shadows, shaking his head.
"It's you."
He turned and ran. -- Pg. 125

A couple of Jessica's favorite quotes -

"Even in the dark, Helen saw tenderness in her mother's eyes as she reached out, pulling Helen roughly in her body. In her mother's hair, Helen smelled roses from the garden, and on the fine surface of her mother's skin, the books to which her head was always bent. They were a memory all their own" -- p. 4

"His pain collided with her own until all she heard was the unspoken message in his statement. She swallowed her despair. She was not ready to consider her parents lost. Hope they were still alive was all she had left" -- p. 33

"She had to suppress the urge to protest. She did not want to work with something so sharp and dangerous. Now, as they made their way through the kitchen, she wanted to apologize in advance for the fiasco what would surely be her training with the sickle. "I'm not very good with anything physical..." she began as they turned down a hallway she had never seen. He flashed her a grin as they walked. "I find that hard to believe." " p. 144

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Feature - "Just Picked" - An Awesome Book By: Dallas Clayton

noreply@blogger.com (A Life Bound By Books) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:39:00 +0000

Title: An Awesome Book
Author: Dallas Clayton
Illustrator: Dallas Clayton
Publisher: HarperCollins, 64 Pages (March 27th, 2012)
From: the Publisher
Age Range: 5 and up
Format: Hardcover
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Based on the simple concept of dreaming big, "An Awesome Book" is the inspiring debut work of Los Angeles writer/artist Clayton. Full color.

Review: 4 Stars - An Awesome Book by author, illustrator Dallas Clayton shares such an important message for readers of all ages.

The message is pretty simple, yet executed brilliantly and it’s important – Never stop dreaming, dream big and that no matter your age, dreams can still come true. See, fantastic, right? This book might be little, yet it’s mighty in telling the story to a child that you should never give up on your dreams. I know as we get older our dreams get lost along the way or pushed aside, yet this book reminds us all that we need to take time to dream and to never give up on them.

The illustrations were perfect and following along with the simplicity of the theme. I liked how they were big and small and was such a verity of fantastic and mesmerizing ideas.

All in all, this would be the perfect coffee table book, or book great for right before bed. The message is set to bridge the gap between ages young and old. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am happy to add it to my collection to my nieces and nephews. Recommended to readers or book lovers of all ages.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.