Monster Of Books

In My Mailbox #27

2012-05-27T02:06:00.000-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme started by The Story Siren

Hemlock By Kathleen Peacock (Amazon/Chapters)

Mac's best friend Amy has been murdered by a werewolf attack. Now she sets off to investigates her friend's murder.

The Book of Blood and Shadow by Robin Wasserman (Amazon/Chapters)

Nora dashes off to Prague to figure out the reason her best friend was murder. All of it having to do with a girl from the 1500-1600's letters to her brother.

City of Lost Souls (Mortal Instruments #5) By Cassandra Clare Review #81

2012-05-26T21:15:00.001-06:00

Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Pages: 534
Source: Chapters
Links: Amazon/Chapters
Rating: 4/5

The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.

No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own?

Only a small band of Clary and Jace’s friends and family believe that Jace can still be saved — and that the fate of the Shadowhunters’ future may hinge on that salvation. They must defy the Clave and strike out on their own. Alec, Magnus, Simon and Isabelle must work together to save Jace: bargaining with the sinister Faerie Queen, contemplating deals with demons, and turning at last to the Iron Sisters, the reclusive and merciless weapons makers for the Shadowhunters, who tell them that no weapon on this earth can sever the bond between Sebastian and Jace. Their only chance of cutting Jace free is to challenge Heaven and Hell — a risk that could claim any, or all, of their lives.

And they must do it without Clary. For Clary has gone into the heart of darkness, to play a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing the game is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she even still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love?

Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

I do not think there has been a single Cassandra Clare book I have not liked. Each and every one she writes get better and more exciting. I sometimes wonder how she continue on with the Mortal Instrument series so long and still have plot twists and plot ideas that boggle my mind and catch me off guard.

FIRST OFF.... if you have not read the others books in the series then I suggest not reading this review for it will probably contain spoilers of the last 4 books.

In the fifth book of the Mortal Instrument series, City of Lost Souls , Clary has learns that both Jace & Sebastian are missing. The Clave does not really seem to care about Jace.Worse of all is that the two boys are bound. Meaning the newly Jace thinks like Sebastian. Wants what Sebastian want. Does what Sebastian wants. So now with Sebastian cooking up an evil plan and Jace following along it up to Clary, Isabelle, Simon, Alec, Magnus, Jordan, Maia and a few others. However it must be noted that if you kill Jace then Sebastian will be killed. Kill Sebastian and Jace will die. They are bound. You cannot harm one of them without harming the other. Making it a intriguing plot mix in with all of Cassandra Clare's Specialities: Battling, Plot Twists, Emotional roller coaster, amazing description, setting and lets not forget memorable characters.

I enjoy City of Lost Souls just as I have with about any other Cassandra Clare novel. In this novel I cried (at the end), I gasped at shock and hit myself for not realizing something sooner. I also through my book across the room quite a few times out of frustration. In all Clare has a way with emotions, descriptions, character development and creating. She knows how to create a believable character in a fictional world (like the Shadow Hunters) and make it work. Throw in some surprises, make her characters go through hell and you've got a work of art. Admit it there has not been a single Cassandra Clare book that has not shattered part of are heart then have us long for the next book to fix it back in place.

Cassandra Clare also has a way with imagery. Her writing is flawless and is easy to imagine. It easy to dive into her books and not have a single moment of boredom.

What I liked most of this novel was that it did not just stay in one place. We got to see Paris, Prague and Ireland. As I read the novel I always felt like I was beside the characters, being where they were (even though I have never been there).

The humour also gets me every time. There is not a single novel without the unique humour that each and every characters shares with one another.

THERE IS ALSO SO MANY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS 0_________0 I have so many questions digging in my brain. I have so many conspiracies. DAMN IT!! Cassandra Clare what are you doing to your readers. Now I must wait a year until the six and final book of the Mortal Instruments come out, and the third and final book in the Infernal Devices trilogy.

ALSO I HATE SEBASTIAN. I thought I could love him...however nope. Though there is parts of him that I sympathize with. However I still hate him.

Also I think a lot of readers will be sad by the end of the book .Something happens that a lot of fans will not want to happen.

Ahh I really hope the sixth book isn't the final one T_T

Follow Friday #1

2012-05-25T02:34:00.001-06:00

Follow Friday is a book meme done by AlisonCanRead & Parajunkee. It's a weekly blog hop.

Question: Who would be your dream cast of the current book your reading?

This is hard because I am currently reading two novels. I am reading City of Lost Souls (Cassandra Clare) and Book of Blood and Shadows (Robin Wasserman). I can not really imagine any casting choices for The Mortal Instruments (other then Jordan, Maia and Jace). I do not even know any actors/actress who look even similar to how I imagine them in the books.

So I thought I do the imaginary cast of: Book of Blood and Shadows.

Nora

I am not sure :0

Max : Andrew Garfield

Chris: Michael Welch

Adriane: Shelley Hennig

Eli : Thomas McDonell

I was not basing my casting off of description, however how I imagine them. I can not think of any actress who could portray the protagonist. None come to mind.

WOW : Velveteen By Daniel Marks

2012-05-23T01:45:00.003-06:00

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme done/hosted by Jill @ Breaking The Spine

Author: Daniel Marks

Publisher: Random House

Release: October 9th 2012

Velveteen Monroe is dead. At 16, she was kidnapped and murdered by a madman named Bonesaw. But that's not the problem.

The problem is she landed in purgatory. And while it's not a fiery inferno, it's certainly no heaven. It's gray, ashen, and crumbling more and more by the day, and everyone has a job to do. Which doesn't leave Velveteen much time to do anything about what's really on her mind.

Bonesaw.

Velveteen aches to deliver the bloody punishment her killer deserves. And she's figured out just how to do it. She'll haunt him for the rest of his days.
It'll be brutal . . . and awesome.

But crossing the divide between the living and the dead has devastating consequences. Velveteen's obsessive haunting cracks the foundations of purgatory and jeopardizes her very soul. A risk she's willing to take—except fate has just given her reason to stick around: an unreasonably hot and completely off-limits coworker.

Velveteen can't help herself when it comes to breaking rules . . . or getting revenge. And she just might be angry enough to take everyone down with her.

OMG!! I so want to read this novel. Like I would literally trade my soul.(maybe not that far,hehe). However I am passionate for this book. It comes out in October and is written by Daniel Marks.

I just think the idea of a ghost haunting her killer is a incredible idea and would make for an awesome storyline. It is also a revenge story so that should be interesting.

The cover is absolutely gorgeous. The boy is so handsome and the dress the girl has on is so beautiful.

This novel is written, as I previously stated, by Daniel Marks.

Daniel Marks writes young adult horror and fantasy, spends way too much time glued to the internets and collects books obsessively (occasionally reading them). He’s been a psychotherapist for children and adolescents, a Halloween store manager, a cafeteria janitor (gag) and has survived earthquakes, volcanoes and typhoons to get where he is today, which is to say, in his messy office surrounded by half empty coffee cups. He lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife, Caroline, and three furry monsters with no regard for quality carpeting.

You can check this author out at his BLOG or his YOUTUBE videos. Today the author bio, author picture, novel bio and novel pictures is sourced from Goodreads. The WOW image is from Jill's site @ Breaking the Spine !

Teaser Tuesday (May 22)

2012-05-22T21:17:00.002-06:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: • Grab your current read • Open to a random page• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! Cited from: Should Be Reading

"But then he must have seen my expression, or felt my hand tense in his, because he cleared his throat and added, 'But maybe this will help.'" -Page 230, Robin Wasserman

"'Adoped?'
'I think you'll find the definition of the modern family is really changing at an impressive pace these days,' said Jace." -Page 285,Cassandra Clare

All These Things I've Done By Gabrielle Zevin Review #80

2012-05-21T21:35:00.000-06:00

Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Pages: 354
Source: ARC
Links: Amazon/ Chapters
Rating: 4/5

In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidently poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family.
Engrossing and suspenseful, All These Things I've Done is an utterly unique, unputdownable read that blends both the familiar and the fantastic.

Last year I had come home and found a packaged box for me in the mail. In the red box was confetti, coffee bean cover chocolates, a letter and an arc of All these things I've Done .

Immediately I dug into the book and devour it. It was as addictive as chocolates themselves. Sadly I went away for eight months to Taiwan and never got around to reviewing it before it was published.

Now all that set aside , I just got to say that I love some of the promotional things they do with novels. The people or person that does them is both brilliant and hard working. I imagine for an author and others involve in the team it takes a lot of work to promote a novel. In this case: Coffee Covered chocolates with the main character's (whose the daughter of a dead mob boss) last name on it's package. Not only was it fun to dig into the book itself, but devouring the chocolates were also a yummy treat. So I just want to say thanks to Ksenia Winnicki @ Macmillan for sending this to me =D

I found this novel to be witty, charming and overall a great read.

It was easy to dive into the story.

There was many circumstances where I could not put the book down.

Zevin's did a amazing job with

characters. She made each and every one of her character stand out

and apart from each other.

Every person in the novel had their own little trait about them

(Natty; genius, Win;hats, Scarlett; theatre, Gable; Jerk ect;)

that set them apart.

The story flows flawlessly in first person. It was set in the big apple

one of my favourite places.

The originality of it was what peak my interest when it first

arrived and through out the entire novel.

Set in the future where chocolate is illegal.

Who would not want to read a story like that?

All These Things I've done is definitely a book I will be finding myself

read over and over again.

Especially since it set in NYC. After I received this novel in the mail I

actually went on a vacation in NYC.

So I got to see some of the many places that are actually talk about.

It was cool reading the novel while actually visiting the places

that the characters go to.

Annie devotion and love towards her family, even when sometimes

she went astray from that path, was mesmerizing and

beautiful. I thought the strong sense of family ties

and love (and how far you would go for them) was what made the

novel more strong.

The things Annie did and gave up for her family is what made her a

strong protagonist.

I felt heart broken every time she had to give up something up

(that she truly loved)

because of the situation she was in.

This novel, though intriguing at every point, was not a hard read. My

only complaint was that the ending did not seem satisfying enough.

It did not feel like a ending but more of a cut off point.

This September 2012 the sequel comes out, Because It is My Blood. I

am definitely looking forward to the second novel.

This is definitely a novel that readers should read or put on their tbr

pile.

Check out Gabrielle Zevin's website =D

In My Mail Box #26

2012-05-20T22:21:00.000-06:00

City of Lost Souls (Mortal Instrument #5) By Cassandra Clare (Amazon/Chapters)

The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.

No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own?

Only a small band of Clary and Jace’s friends and family believe that Jace can still be saved — and that the fate of the Shadowhunters’ future may hinge on that salvation. They must defy the Clave and strike out on their own. Alec, Magnus, Simon and Isabelle must work together to save Jace: bargaining with the sinister Faerie Queen, contemplating deals with demons, and turning at last to the Iron Sisters, the reclusive and merciless weapons makers for the Shadowhunters, who tell them that no weapon on this earth can sever the bond between Sebastian and Jace. Their only chance of cutting Jace free is to challenge Heaven and Hell — a risk that could claim any, or all, of their lives.

And they must do it without Clary. For Clary has gone into the heart of darkness, to play a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing the game is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she even still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love?

Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

Until I Die (Revenants #2) By Amy Plum (Amazon/Chapters)

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love. As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy. In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series.

Seriously...I'm Kidding By Ellen Degeneres Review # 79

2012-05-01T02:20:00.002-06:00

Author:Ellen DeGeneres
Publisher:Grand Central Publishing (Hachette Book Group)
Pages:241
Source: Chapters
Rating: 5/5

Welcome to my third book. Inside this book you will find an assortment of wonderful things--words,pictures,advice,tidbits,morsels,shenanigans,and,in some copies,four hundred dollars cash. So you might want to buy a few. I'm so happy you're holding this book in your hands right now and reading its jacket or flap or whatever you want to call this little extra part of the book. Jackcap or Flacket or Flapjacket. Whatever,really. I don't have enough room on this flapjacket to tell you all the reasons why you should buy this book, but I can tell you this and it's a guarantee: If you buy it, you will feel better, look better, be happier, grow taller, lose weight, get a promotion at work, have shinier hair, and fall madly, deeply in love. And as an added bonus feature I'd like to point out that this flapjacket doubles as a bookmark. So you're paying for a book and you're getting a bookmark absolutely free. Where else are you going to find that kind of deal? Now, before you begin reading, you you'd like to learn more about me please turn to the back flap. (Back flap sounds weird, doesn't it? The more you say it the more it sounds like something you try to get rid of through exercise and eating right. Anyway, please read on.)

Ellen Degeneres is the only person in this entire world who can constantly self promote herself without looking or sounding self centre. Ms. Degeneres happy, carefree, determine and funny personality always shine through with whatever project she doing. Whether that is hosting her talk show, The Ellen Degeneres Show, or writing her own humorous novel. Ellen's goal has always been to make other smile and that is no different with her novels (she already has three under her belt).

In Seriously...I'm Kiding she takes something serious as her own life and turns into a humorous adventure.Unlike other books she doesn't have a dramatic beginning and climax. No! She just writes about random things (or thoughts) in her life. It's one giant laugh fest. Or a better way of putting it: It's her talk show in book format. As I read this book I could not help but feel Ellen Degeneres was sitting in my living room beside me. She was right there. Beside me. Talking as if I were her best friend.

She may be a celebrity but Ellen's genuine self always shine through. Ellen Degeneres is loveable and whether your reading her book or watching her show you cannot help but feel as if she is your next door neighbour. She motivates her readers and audience to another level. I, as a reader, could not help but feel refresh after reading this book.

This was an awesome read. I did not once get dulled by it and finished it within a few hours. Lately, since returning from Taiwan, I have been in a reading funk. However after reading this novel I am motivated to read again.

Yours Truly,

Returned After a Long Hiatus

2012-04-04T02:55:00.003-06:00

Hello Everyone :)

I have returned after a really long, almost a year, hiatus. I spent the last year in Taiwan, Asia as an exchange student. Sadly while over there I did not have much to read books, much less write reviews, or work on this site. I have been missing this site quite a lot. I miss writing reviews. I have a huge TBR pile that I can not wait to start digging into.

~Maura: Monster of Books~

Blood Red Road By Moira Young Review #78

2011-06-11T18:57:00.002-06:00

Author:Moira Young
Publisher: DoubleDay Canada
Pages: 544
Source: Publisher
Available: Now
First Lines: "Lugh got born first. On Midwinter Day when the sun hangs low in the sky. Then me. Two hours later."
Rating: 3.5/5

Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.

Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.

Blood Red Road has a searing pace, a poetically minimal writing style, violent action, and an epic love story. Moira Young is one of the most promising and startling new voices in teen fiction.

I dare everyone to read this. Then I dare everyone, who is reading it, to try putting it down. You can't can you? Because Blood Red Road is a addicting piece of literature. It sucks you in and won't let go. Of course it is a dystopian novel with romance and adventure. There is so many, these days, dystopian novels and in all of the ones I have read in the past year and half this is by far the best. It is a really unique story and the author isn't afraid or cautious to go deep, gritty and truthful about how evil and dangerous the world she created is with it's kidnappings and cage fights. I definitely would be to scared to live in this world.

Saba is the heroine of the story. She loves her brother to death and she finds her little sister a constant reminder of her mother's death. When her brother is kidnapped her world is turned upside down and now it up to her and the new acquaintances she meets along the way to save him. I must admit that Saba is the most determined character I have ever met and I love that about her. She has a goal and she won't stop until she accomplishes it. However because she is so determine she comes off as a bit rude, un-thankful and selfish. Also she doesn't really let people into her personal life or realize her faults. She is kind of like a porcupine who lets out it spikes when people are to near. As a reader you see all of this through the eyes of her friends (as if your alongside them on the adventure to) and I won't lie it can be quite annoying. There was times when I really hated Saba and then really loved her. However her character develops majorly along the way.

The writing style was different. Saba, who is telling the story, speaks in broken English. Which shows her personality and roots. I like that that because you get a better understanding of her characteristics and it easier to imagine how she speaks.

Their was some scenes that could of been cut out. I felt they were unnecessary and random. However the version I read was an ARC so it could be different in the final version.

There wasn't a single character I hated. I love them all with their different personalities. I especially loved Jack's cockiness and how a single crow could be used a character/important part of the story. I really didn't feel the connection because Saba and Jack but this is a trilogy so they have two more books to grow closer (or maybe father apart). I wish Saba's brother had more of a appearance in this.

The ending resolved all my questions. It was very fast past. The end of the book wasn't a cliffhanger. It left me wanting more, but not be anxious as to what would happen next (since there was no cliffhanger).

Overall it was a great novel. I look forward to seeing what Moira Young does next in the trilogy. Also Ridley Scott has optioned Blood Red Road for the screen. I can't wait to see the adaptation. Yours Truly,

In My Mailbox #25

2011-05-22T00:48:00.004-06:00

What's In My Mailbox

For Review:

All These Things I've Done By Gabrielle Zevin (Gooodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble)

I was very shocked to find a red box in my mailbox. It was from Macmillan. Curious I open it to find red confetti, bag of chocolate cover expresso, and a note from the publicist and underneath all of that was Gabrielle Zevin's new novel All these things I've done. Which btw, judging from the first 100 pages, will definitely be a hit. It comes out this September 2011 :) Thank you very much Ksenia Winnicki.

What did you guys get in your mailbox this week? BTW if you haven't already figure it out. In my Mailbox was started by The Story Siren.
Yours Truly,

Die For Me By Amy Plum Review #77

2011-05-18T18:15:00.003-06:00

Author: Amy Plum
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages:341
Source: Chapters
Available: Now
First Lines:"The first time I had seen the statue in the fountain, I had no idea what Vincent was."
Rating: 3/5

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.

Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.

Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love?

Ah I want someone to die for me. Or *cough* I would like to be able to love someone so much that I would be willingly to risk my life for them. Society needs more Vincents(male lead). Miss.Plum may I ask where I can find one like him? Because seriously either chivalry is dead or it's hiding. Vincent is like every girls dream boyfriend. He's handsome, cute, gentlemanly, a bit of a flirt, rides a vespa and will do anything for his girlfriend. Of course their is a catch, like with all paranormal male leads. He is of course a paranormal creature, and no he is not a vampire (though by the title I see where you might of got that conclusion from). I also couldn't help but imagine Thomas Mcdonell as Vincent. I wonder how that actor would sound with a french accent.

However everyone must give props to Ms. Plum for creating her own, original, paranormal creature. I won't tell you what he is, you'll have to go and read it to find out. Yes other authors have created their own version of a already existing creature, but Miss Amy actually created her own paranormal myth/beings. This, in my opinion, was the best part of the novel. It makes it more interesting to the reader to not read the same-old-beings-story but to read a new-paranormal-beings-story. Don't get me wrong their is still the same Romeo/Juliet theme and the usual dilemmas in the paranormal romance genre.

Now you may be wondering why I rated it 3/5 instead of 5/5. Well even though the originality, fast pace and ending-that-left-me-wanting-more score high in my book, their was still some things that made me dislike the book. First of the dialogue, even though it gave me a few good chuckles, was unbelievable. I cannot imagine anyone talking like that. Secondly the book didn't have that much action in it, not until the end, and for me that was kind of disappointing.

What I liked about the book: Kate ( A Female Lead who is strong, normal, loves book and I can relate to) , the paranormal gang (Vincent's friends were awesome especially Ambrose and Jules) and the setting (which I will go into further detail below).

The setting in Die for Me is Paris. A setting which you don't see often in YA books (or I haven't anyways). I have never been to Paris or any of the places that are mention in the book. Usually when a author describes a historical, beautiful place I will have to go online to get further imagery because a lot of the time the imagery isn't describe enough for me to imagine it. However Amy Plum does a fantastic, tremendous, out shining job of describing Paris and all the places in me. I applaud her because she has now made me, more then ever, eager to go Paris. I really felt I was there.

Overall readers will definitely eat up this new Paranormal series. I think by the end of this book readers can agree that Kate truly deserved Vincent. Someone once told me that: When someone leaves your life, then another will walk right in. And I saw Vincent as that. Not as a paranormal being but as a person who saved Kate from further depression :) He was the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Yours Truly,

In My Mailbox #24

2011-05-15T00:32:00.004-06:00

What's In My Mailbox

Bought:

Exile By Anne Osterlund (Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble)
Die For Me By Amy Plum (Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble)

For Review:

Blood Red Road By Moira Young (Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble)
Facing Fire By Kc Dyer (Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble)
Blood Magic By Tessa Gratton (Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble)
Angel Burn By L.A Weatherly (Goodreads/Amazon)

Book Trailers:

Yours Truly,

Darkness Becomes Her By Kelly Keaton Review #76

2011-05-11T20:51:00.000-06:00

Author: Kelly Keaton
Publisher:Simon Pulse
Pages: 273
Source: Chapters
Available: Now
First Lines: "Under the cafeteria table, my right knee bounced like a jackhammer possessed."
Rating: 5/5

Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.

Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued.

She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.

Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

Add Greek Mythology and combine that with Supernatural beings and you get one hell of a book. A novel that will spin you around and around and will still leave you shock at the twist and turns. I loved this book. I literally wanted to marry it. I could not put it down. I am not going to lie I have been in a reading funk lately and Kelly Keaton brought me out of it. I also have been busy with school, life, graduating, exchange ect; however that another story for another time.

The Plot: Was well thought out and fast. Their is definitely not a moment in this book where you stop and ponder: "When is this going to end". Honestly it the opposite you'll think, "I hope this never ends". Sadly the ending comes faster then you want it to. It is a short book, only 273 pages, however it fits everything (without boring and overwhelming the reader) in it nicely. Kelly Keaton kept the plot twists well under wraps and it will leave the readers shocked and looking back to see the hints that led to them. The ending is of course a bit of a cliff hanger, however it will leave readers screaming for more. I am most certainly excited for the next book in the series to come out.

Imagery: NEW ORLEANS. I don't see many novels set in this setting, and especially not a futuristic one I might add. The author did a mesmerizing job of capturing it and it's beauty. Ever since reading this I have been dying to go to New Orleans. I think my absolute favorite scene was the party scene where everyone dressed up (in masks might I add). That scene definitely brought my imagination to life in it's fullest. It is also easy to imagine the characters (personalities, looks and actions). Kelly Keaton did a fabulous job of bring her world to life for the readers.

Romance: YAY---no love triangle (or not yet). It not often that you only see one male swooning for the female leads attention. Ari and Sebastian were a couple with real chemistry. They worked well with each other and were believable. They weren't overtop or to under-the top (if you catch my drift). I really am excited to see how their relationship develops over the course of this series. I am praying that they do not break up with each other (like in many other series).

Characters: The characters all fit so well with each other. The kids at the Garden District were like a real family (who I came to love and desired to be apart of) with their separate personalities. I love them all but I definitely have a special spot for Violet who was so unique in her own little way. I absolutely adored Ari's hair and tattoo which really set her apart from everyone else. The Villain was defintely evil and deep down I wish she had more book time. I hope in the next novel she does.

What was the best thing about this novel? Hands down the dialogue, emotions and tone. The author did a great job of making the readers feel what the characters were feeling through dialogue. The tone also came across well with the setting.

Overall I most certainly recommend reading this book :) Yours Truly,

Author Interview: Rebecca Maizel

2011-01-17T17:23:00.000-06:00

Today I'm so lucky to have a chance to interview Rebecca Maizel here at my blog. She is author of Infinite Days and Stolen Nights, which is part of Vampire Queen Series. Stolen Nights will be released on June 22nd, 2011. And Infinite Days is available now, here's the bio for it:

“Throughout all my histories, I found no one I loved more than you...no one.”

Those were some of Rhode’s last words to me. The last time he would pronounce his love. The last time I would see his face.

It was the first time in 592 years I could take a breath. Lay in the sun. Taste.

Rhode sacrificed himself so I, Lenah Beaudonte, could be human again. So I could stop the blood lust.
I never expected to fall in love with someone else that wasn’t Rhode.
But Justin was...daring. Exciting. More beautiful than I could dream.
I never expected to be sixteen again...then again, I never expected my past to come back and haunt me...

1. Lenah is a very tormented character. She's been through a lot from her being turned into a vampire to surviving every day life as a human. But through out it all she stays a strong female character with a complicated background story. How were you able to write such a character down from what you imagined? And were their any strong, independent females that inspired Lenah??
Rebecca:Well, I think when you write about a character, you have to know their desire. You have to know what it is they want or need more than anything else in the world. Lenah is inspired from her voice and need. I just wanted her, more than anything, to show the world that she could solve her problems on her own.

2. Lenah is very multicultural in terms of languages. She knows many and in the book it seems her favorite two are Japanese and Latin. What's the story behind her learning Japanese?? And do you speak any Japanese??
Rebecca:I don't speak Japanese! I wish I did. Lenah can speak so many languages because of her age. She learned Japanese in her many travels throughout the world. Remember, there is no time to vampires, or sleep, so she can learn whatever she wants when she wants.
3. Do you have a favorite Classic Novel? If so what's your all time favorite??
Rebecca:Hmm. That's a tough question. My favorite classic is probably Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I never seem to tire of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy.
4. I love to write and would one day love to be a inspiring author. Any tips??
Rebecca:Keep writing. Don't stop. Write the best possible book you can. And the most important piece of advice: take criticism on your works in progress and take it well. It will make you a better writer.
5. Can you tell us anything about Stolen Nights?? Or any other projects you've been working on??
Rebecca:I can reveal nothing about Stolen Nights! Only that it's the second book of the Vampire Queen trilogy and you'll see a lot more of Rhode! I am also working on a realistic novel which I am hoping to finish up in the next couple weeks.

I want to Thank Rebecca Maizel so much for letting me interview her :) Be on the look for Stolen Nights and for more information go here:

Infinite Days

(Amazon/Goodreads/Barnes & Noble)

Stolen Nights

(Amazon/Goodreads/Barnes & Noble)

Rebecca Maizel
(website/blog/twitter/facebook)

Yours Truly,

In My Mailbox #23

2011-01-16T02:20:00.006-06:00

What's In My Mailbox

-The Gathering By Kelly Armstrong

(Amazon/Goodreads/Barnes & Noble)

-Across The Universe By Beth Revis

(Amazon/Goodreads/Barnes & Noble)

-Timeless By Alexandra Monir

(Amazon/Goodreads/Barnes & Noble)

Book Trailers

Yours Truly,

WOW: Afterlife (Evernight #4) by Claudia Gray

2011-01-12T16:35:00.004-06:00

Author:Claudia Gray
Publisher: Harperteen
Pages: 368
Release: March 8th,2011
Bianca and Lucas have always believed they could endure anything to be together. When a twist of fate not only transforms Bianca into a ghostly wraith, but also turns Lucas into a vampire—the very creature he spent his life hunting—they are left reeling.

Haunted by his powerful need to kill, Lucas can turn to only one place for help... Evernight Academy. Bianca is determined to remain with him. But with the vampire leader of Evernight waging a war against wraiths, her former home has become the most dangerous place she could be, despite the new powers her transformation has given her.

A battle between wraiths and vampires looms, and Bianca and Lucas face a terrifying new reality. They’ve overcome every obstacle life has thrown at them, but is their love strong enough to survive the challenges after life?

Claudia Gray's Evernight series is super. If you haven't read the first three books yet then I highly recommend them. They were awesome. I'm looking forward to the conclusion of the series with the fourth book,Afterlife set to release March 8th,2011. The third book left us off with a cliffhanger and I'm ecstatic to see how this all comes down in the final book.

Stylish Blogger Award

2011-01-12T14:10:00.004-06:00

Wow it's been a long time since I've done a awards post. I'm so thankful to Sinn @ Sinnful Books for rewarding me with the Stylish Blogger Award. BTW, whoever created the icon *on the left*, it is very cool. Now onto the main event.

Here are the rules if you get awarded:

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award
2. Share 7 things about yourself
3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award!

Seven Things About Me:

1. I'm a very determined person. Anyone who knows me personally, remarks on this. I'm so determine that I promised myself I will finish a full length manuscript novel before I die. I know that sounds morbid, but it's not suppose to be. And if you haven't already guess, I'm currently writing a novel.
2. I hate confined spaces, or spaces that feel confined. I don't why, but this is absolute fear of mine.
3. I have a choking phobia. When I was 8 years old, I swallowed a quarter by accident.
4. I'm going on a exchange (Aug 2011- Aug 2012) for a year. I will be staying in a different country, learning a new language, going to school and so on.Where I'm going? I haven't the slightest idea.
5. Whenever I go to my favorite cafe I always order a Hazel nut truffle latte.
6. I can speak English and Japanese.
7. I started book blogging in August of 2009. Over the last 2 years my site has changed drastically. Not only in design but also how I review books. I also read a lot more since I started. My book blog has help me in many ways. One of them is inspiring me to write a novel. My first review was on April 30th, 2009 and it was The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner. If you want to see my first review then just click on the book's title.

15 Great Bloggers

1.Kara @ Reading Cause I'm Addicted
2.Faye @Ramblings of A Teenage Bookworm
3.Valerie@I Should Be Writing
4.Tina@Fantastic Book Reviews
5.Ginger@Greads!
6.Alex@Electrifying Reviews
7.Linna@21 Pages
8.Jenny@Dreaming of Books
9.Lea@YA Book Queen
10.Alyssa,Jake,Gregory@Teens Read and Write
11.Natalie@Mindful Musings
12.Jenni@Falling Off The Shelf
13.Elie@Ellz Readz
14.Liz@Cleverly Inked
15.Jessica@Confessions of a Bookaholic

Yours Truly,

Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell Review #75

2011-01-11T22:57:00.004-06:00

Author: Heather Terrell
Publisher: Harperteen
Pages: 310
Source: Chapters
Available: Now
First Line: "I watched my curtains billow in the early autumn wind that wafted through my opened bedroom window."
Rating: 3/5

Heaven-sent?

Ellie was never particularly good at talking to boys—or anyone other than her best friend and fellow outcast, Ruth. Then she met Michael.

Michael is handsome, charming, sweet. And totally into Ellie. It’s no wonder she is instantly drawn to him. But Michael has a secret. And he knows Ellie is hiding something, too. They’ve both discovered they have powers beyond their imagining. Powers that are otherworldly.

Ellie and Michael are determined to uncover what they are, and how they got this way . . . together. But the truth has repercussions neither could have imagined. Soon they find themselves center stage in an ancient conflict that threatens to destroy everything they love. And it is no longer clear whether Ellie and Michael will choose the same side.

In this electrifying novel, Heather Terrell spins a gripping supernatural tale about true love, destiny, and the battle of good versus evil.

This was an enjoyable book. Not exactly perfect, but good. Being the author's debut novel I give her credit for coming up with an interesting back story for fallen angels. Though, personally, I wouldn't have called this Fallen Angel as it makes the whole "vampire" theory unbelievable. As the readers already know what supernatural beings the characters are. The ending was intense and definitely left me wanting more. I'm excited for the second book.

The first half of the book was slow, but kept my interest. Then the second part was a real page-turner. I literally could not put the book down. My math teacher yelled at me to put the book away while in class.

Even though I love the whole idea Heather Terrell has created, including her characterization of Ellie, I couldn't help but notice a few things. Somethings that I believe could of been work on. Remember this is just my opinion. One out of a million. I thought the romance was to fast which made it unbelievable, that the characters descriptions was lacking in ways making it harder to imagine the characters. How the teenagers interacted were to cliche and unrealistic, making the dialogue drag down with it. I also thought that Ellie thoughts went back and fourth to much making it confusing of what she actually felt. Honestly I thought Ellie was a strong character at the beginning and at the end, but not during the middle.

The only thing that I really give thumbs up for, other then the angel myth, is how the villain is written. Even though he's not in it enough, in my belief, I thought he was perfectly created. You really got a eerie feeling when he was talk about or was feature in a chapter.

That's all I really have to say. Overall it's a good book. I didn't per say love it, but it was alright. Some questions and plot twists were left unanswered, so I'll definitely be looking out for Eternity.
Yours Truly,

Unearthly By Cynthia Hand Review #74

2011-01-10T22:24:00.002-06:00

Author: Cynthia Hand
Publisher: Harperteen
Pages: 435
Source: Amazon Canada
Available: Now
Challenges: Debut
First Line: "In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees."
Rating: 3/5

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

BEST PLOT TWIST EVER!!! Did not see that coming, near the end. That aside I did not hate Unearthly, but I didn't love it either. I started out loving it to death, and that emotion returned at the end, but the middle drag it all down. The main problem with this novel is it's two slow and drags a bit. Nothing exciting really happens until the end. Sure the center of the book has all the elements and hints leading to the climax, but it's still to slow. That is the only problem I see with this book. Theirs nothing wrong with the dialogue, storyline, characters and so on.

With the bad aside lets move onto the good. What did I enjoy most about this book? That the girl saves the boy in this novel. Or let me scratch that, the idea of it being a girl rescuing a boy instead of the usual cliche. I think that's what sets this book apart from so many YA paranormal romances.

Our leading lady in this novel is Clara. I give props to Cynthia Hand for making the protagonist realistic and believable(even though Clara is a rather odd situation). How the teens interact in this novel is right on. Clara has her angel problems and then she has her adolescent problems. Such as hair and the worries of what people think about her. She isn't afraid to stand up for herself and won't be treated like garbage from a boy.

My favorite character was Angela and Jeffrey!!!

BOYS!!! Tucker or Christian? Which team are you on?? I'm kind of both, but I really love Tucker. Both leading man are sexy and have unique personalities. I think this novel kind of reflected Clara's relationship with Tucker, and I have a feeling that the next novel will be more Christian Orientated.

I also have a feeling that something bigger is coming in this series. I think the first novel was kind of a lead up for the second one. A lot of questions are not answered in this book which leaves me pondering what will happen next. The ending didn't really do me any justice but it's the buildup of questions that I have that make me excited for the sequel.

Overall it's a good book. I'll definitely be looking out for the sequel, and if your looking for a good angel book then I recommend Unearthly.
Yours Truly,

What In My Mailbox #22 +300 Follower Contest News

2011-01-09T00:36:00.001-06:00

What's In My Mailbox

VLOG EDITION!!!! Alright!! Finally I've joined in on the vlog expedition. Also if you have a youtube account and wouldn't mind being friends with me, I would love that. Or you could also subscribe *evil grin*. By the way, In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren.

Bought

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

Heaven-sent?

Ellie was never particularly good at talking to boys—or anyone other than her best friend and fellow outcast, Ruth. Then she met Michael.

Michael is handsome, charming, sweet. And totally into Ellie. It’s no wonder she is instantly drawn to him. But Michael has a secret. And he knows Ellie is hiding something, too. They’ve both discovered they have powers beyond their imagining. Powers that are otherworldly.

Ellie and Michael are determined to uncover what they are, and how they got this way . . . together. But the truth has repercussions neither could have imagined. Soon they find themselves center stage in an ancient conflict that threatens to destroy everything they love. And it is no longer clear whether Ellie and Michael will choose the same side.

In this electrifying novel, Heather Terrell spins a gripping supernatural tale about true love, destiny, and the battle of good versus evil.

Amazon Kindle

On top of spending most of her time in a bunkerlike safe house and having her dates hijacked by a formidable Fae bodyguard, Faeriewalker Dana Hathaway is in for some more bad news: the Erlking and his pack of murderous minions known as the Wild Hunt have descended upon Avalon. With his homicidal appetite and immortal powers, the Erlking has long been the nightmare of the Fae realm. A fragile treaty with the Faerie Queen, sealed with a mysterious spell, is the one thing that keeps him from hunting unchecked in Avalon, the only place on Earth where humans and Fae live together. Which means Dana’s in trouble, since it’s common knowledge that the Faerie Queen wants her – and her rare Faeriewalker powers – dead. The smoldering, sexy Erlking’s got his sights set on Dana, but does he only seek to kill her, or does he have something much darker in mind?

Thoughts: Already read this one and loved it. Click Here!! To see the review :)

I had a life anyone would kill for.

Then someone did.

The worst part of being dead is that there’s nothing left to live for. No more kisses. No more secrets. No more gossip. It’s enough to kill a girl all over again. But I’m about to get something no one else does—an encore performance, thanks to Emma, the long-lost twin sister I never even got to meet.

Now Emma’s desperate to know what happened to me. And the only way to figure it out is to be me—to slip into my old life and piece it all together. But can she laugh at inside jokes with my best friends? Convince my boyfriend she’s the girl he fell in love with? Pretend to be a happy, carefree daughter when she hugs my parents good night? And can she keep up the charade, even after she realizes my murderer is watching her every move?

From Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Pretty Little Liars books, comes a riveting new series about secrets, lies, and killer consequences.

Let the lying game begin.

Library

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

Contest News

So I decided to kick off 2011 with a followers contest. But not just yet. You see I only have 227 followers. To start this contest I need 300. So once I reach that the contest will begin, and it will be a big one :)

Yours Truly,

Shadowspells by Jenna Black Review #73

2011-01-06T23:06:00.000-06:00

Author: Jenna Black
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 304
Source: Amazon Kindle Store
Available: Now
First Line: "Going on a date with a bodyguard hanging over your shoulder sucks."
Rating:5/5

On top of spending most of her time in a bunkerlike safe house and having her dates hijacked by a formidable Fae bodyguard, Faeriewalker Dana Hathaway is in for some more bad news: the Erlking and his pack of murderous minions known as the Wild Hunt have descended upon Avalon. With his homicidal appetite and immortal powers, the Erlking has long been the nightmare of the Fae realm. A fragile treaty with the Faerie Queen, sealed with a mysterious spell, is the one thing that keeps him from hunting unchecked in Avalon, the only place on Earth where humans and Fae live together. Which means Dana’s in trouble, since it’s common knowledge that the Faerie Queen wants her – and her rare Faeriewalker powers – dead. The smoldering, sexy Erlking’s got his sights set on Dana, but does he only seek to kill her, or does he have something much darker in mind?

If I haven't made myself clear with "The Top 3 Books of 2010" and "Glimmerglass Review 5/5", then I don't know how to express my love for Jenna Black's Faeriewalker series. This is already the second book in the series and I'm still feeling the love and joy I had for the first one. The only sad thing to tell everyone is I was not able to get a actual paperback copy of the book from the store or amazon. The store hasn't had it in for a week and I'm to impatient to wait and I didn't want to spend extra money, for shipping, from amazon Canada. So in the end, in dire desperation, I used the kindle. I only use the kindle in extreme needs as I enjoy reading paperback/hardbacks more. In the end I was able to complete Shadowspells in less then a day and I'm already sadden by the fact that the next book doesn't come out till July 2011.

Shadowspell picks up right where Glimmerglass ended. We're given good background info on what happened in the previous novel and reunited with our favorite characters: Dana, Ethan (the playboy), Kimber, Finnm Keane, Mom and Dad. New characters such as Connor, The Hunt and The Erlking appear.

I must admit admit Dana got a tad bit rebellious in this novel. A part of me wants to yell at her and complain, saying that if she just listened then none of the bad stuff would of happened. And since she didn't listen that this should be a life's lesson for her. But in the end she is a teenager and I would have done the same thing.

Ethan's playboy attitude becomes problematic in Shaowspell and with all that occur in the book it will certainly test his ability to be non-player in the third book.

Ok this is not really a spoiler but I'm seriously wondering: Will Dana and Keane ever hook up? Or will they just fighting with each other? It was nice to see a bit of Keane's soft side and more to his character in this novel but I'm seriously wondering if will ever see more Dana/Keane.

My favorite character, who made me swoon, was the Erlking. I definitely can't wait to see how his character further develops in the third story.

In the previous novel I had troubles picturing Avalon, luckily in Shadowspell that wasn't the case. I really, honestly, can't find anything wrong with this book. I know a book is never perfect, but I can't find one single thing that bother me. I thought the plot was well crafted and gave the perfect twist. I only figured there was something more to the Erlking's deal when he mention what he wanted. I was surprised that Dana didn't question further before making the sacrifice.
But now that, that's happened it will give more drama to the third book.

I think the Erlking like's Dana. I really think he does. He may be tricky and like everyone else in Avalon uses Dana for her powers. But he always got more planned then he lets on. He plays his cards right. And everything he does in return protects Dana. Though I could be totally wrong about this.

Overall Shadowspell was FANTASTIC, MESMERIZING, A PAGE TURNER & will have the readers on the edge of their seats wondering what will happen next.
Yours Truly,

WOW: Wither By Lauren DeStefano

2011-01-05T23:18:00.000-06:00

Author: Lauren Destefano
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Pages: 356
Release: March 22nd, 2011

What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left.

Why did I choose this?? What's not to love?? The Bio is simply intriguing as well as the cover. I hope March comes soon because I can't wait to did my hands into this one. What do you guys thing???

The Lost Saint by Bree Despain Review #72

2011-01-04T19:48:00.000-06:00

Author: Bree Despain
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Pages: 404
Source: Chapters
Available: Now
First Line: "Do what he wants, and you might survive,' a harsh voice said into the boy's ear before he felt a sharp blow to the kidneys."
Rating:5/5

The non-stop sequel to The Dark Divine delivers an even hotter romance and more thrilling action than Bree Despain's first novel. Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She gave her soul to the wolf to save him and lost her beloved mother. When Grace receives a haunting phone call from Jude, she knows what she must do. She must become a Hound of Heaven. Desparate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot - a newcomer to town who promises her that he can help her be a hero. But as the two grow closer, the wolf grows in Grace, and her relationship with Daniel begins to crumble. Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace becomes prideful in her new abilities - not realizing that an old enemy has returned and deadly trap is about to be sprung. Readers, raveous for more Grace and Daniel, will be itching to sink their teeth into The Lost Saint.

This is a sequel that surpassed it's predecessor. I don't know if I've ever credited Ms. Despain for this but she dead on with dialogue and interpreting teenagers.

I loved the sequel more then the first one. The Lost Saint has everything The Dark Divine has but more. New Characters, more action and a riskier Grace Divine.

Grace will do anything to find her brother, even if it means unleashing the demon inside. You really felt Grace's pain, confusion and her misunderstanding of being unwanted. Even though everyone around her was trying to protect her, she translate it differently. She feels unwanted, unspecial. And like a lot of people would do she find someone who cares for her and will make her feel special and that person is Talbot. Talbot makes Grace feel good about herself but at the same time is unleashing what everyone around her has been trying to protect.

The Lost Saint, though a adventure packed book, is a bit predictable in areas and plot twisty in others. As a reader I always felt one step ahead of Grace, and sometimes I wondered how she didn't realize that when I did so simply. Other bits of this novel were confusing. I really wished the author would have put more back info in the novel. It's been a year since I read the first book and the whole Gabriel thing escaped me.

All the new and old characters are fun to read about. The book ends in a cliffhanger and if your like me then you'll be dying for more. I enjoyed reading The Lost Saint and am glad I picked it up.
Yours Truly,

Death Cloud (Young Sherlock Holmes) By Andrew Lane Review #71

2011-01-03T22:45:00.000-06:00

Author: Andrew Lane
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Pages:306
Source: Publisher
Available: February 1st, 2011
First Line: "The first time Matthew Arnatt saw the cloud of death, it was floating out of the first-floor window of a house near where he was living."
Rating: 4/5

It is the summer of 1868, and Sherlock Holmes is fourteen. On break from boarding school, he is staying with eccentric strangers—his uncle and aunt—in their vast house in Hampshire. When two local people die from symptoms that resemble the plague, Holmes begins to investigate what really killed them, helped by his new tutor, an American named Amyus Crowe. So begins Sherlock’s true education in detection, as he discovers the dastardly crimes of a brilliantly sinister villain of exquisitely malign intent.

When I was first ask to review this I was really hesistant. I love Sherlock Holmes (though I haven't read the original books)--especially the latest film, but mystery and murder isn't my usual cup of tea. So when I said yes I was taking a big risk, but I wanted to see how Sherlock Holmes would act as a young teenager. And in the end it was worth the risk, I loved it.

At the age of fourteen, Sherlock must spend the summer with his estrange aunt and uncle. What he thinks will be a boring holiday turns into a adventure of a life time. Along side him is Matty (a friend he met coincidentally), Amyus Crowe (tutor) and Virgina (tutor's daughter, Sherlock's crush).

Andrew Lane has made the book so their is never a dull moment at hand. As a reader you'll be able to quickly jump into it and even spend most of the book trying to solve the mystery.

The characters in the book are all lovable, though I enjoyed Virgina the most. She represented a strong female lead, and was not at all a damsel-in-distress. I was saddened that she didn't have a lot of spotlight in the book, and hope that in the next she will.

My thoughts on Sherlock's young self compared to his older self are purely based on how Robert Downey Jr portrayed him. I haven't read the original Sherlock Holmes novels so I can't really get a complete grasp on his older self. In this book Sherlock is at the beginning of his journeys. He's smart but not mega smart. I kind of like that because it shows that Sherlock gained his knowledge through education and experience, not having it naturally. I think Sherlock Holmes (whether young or old) is a great role model because he shows that with hard work and dedication you can achieve a level of knowledge that can help make the world a better place. Most young adults think school is a waste, maybe even me a bit, and Sherlock shows that he needed education and experience to become the great hero he became when he was older.

The only down side to this book was some of the description was foggy and hard to understand. As well as by the end of the book it kind of dragged. The antagonist of the book was simple to figure out, it was the mystery and actions of the villain that were hard to solve.

Overall I enjoyed Death Cloud and will definitely be keeping an eye out for it's sequel.

Yours Truly,