Musings of a Reader Happy

When Google Reader is Dying.

2013-03-19T09:30:00.000+08:00

Google Reader is Dying!

I bet the news of the impending demise of Google Reader has reached you by now. I was hoping Google has something better to replace it, but they have nothing. So that leaves us with finding one on our own.

Some of our fellow bloggers have offered to enlighten us with other alternatives to Google Reader.

I recommend reading the following articles related to Google Reader, alternatives, etc.

- Mission to Read - Blogger Helper: How to manage the end of Google Reader
- YA Romantics: Blogging Without Google Reader
- Book Chick City

I personally use NetNewsWire app to read feeds on my computer. But since it's synced with Google Reader, it's highly likely that it will be affected. I might have to check that one.

You may follow me on Bloglovin', which a lot of fellow bloggers have already used.

I started transferring my subscriptions to Bloglovin'; exported my subscriptions from Google Reader. Follow me on Bloglovin' and I'll follow back since I am being notified who's following me.

Link me up on Networked Blogs too.

Subscribe to my email feeds as well:

Then there's my Twitter and Facebook as well. :)

I also have an account in pinterest, which time to time, I update.

I post my reviews there too and other nifty stuffs. :)

For now, I am still on hiatus. Hopefully I'll be able to do a proper update on the blog soon. I have some book reviews I'm excited to share with you. It's a shame that I haven't given some books I've read enough credit. And also some upcoming books that I've heard so fat worth noticing.
Good thing other bloggers are there doing the buzz!

Cover Reveal: Runes by Ednah Walters

2013-03-13T12:30:00.000+08:00

Runes
by Ednah Walters
Publication date: May 20th 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s disappearance, her mother’s erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.

Raine is drawn to Torin’s dark sexiness against her better judgment, until he saves her life with weird marks and she realizes he is different. But by healing her, Torin changes something inside Raine. Now she can’t stop thinking about him. Half the time, she’s not sure whether to fall into his arms or run.

Scared, she sets out to find out what Torin is. But the closer she gets to the truth the more she uncovers something sinister about Torin. What Torin is goes back to an ancient mythology and Raine is somehow part of it. Not only is she and her friends in danger, she must choose a side, but the wrong choice will cost Raine her life.

EDNAH WALTERS grew up reading Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and dreaming of one day writing her own stories. She is a stay-at-home mother of five humans and two American short-hair cats (one of which has ADHD) and a husband. When she is not writing, she’s at the gym doing Zumba or doing things with her family, reading, traveling or online chatting with fans.

Ednah is the author of The Guardian Legacy series, a YA fantasy series about children of the fallen angels, who fight demons and protect mankind. AWAKENED, the prequel was released by Pill Hill Press in September 2010 with rave reviews. BETRAYED, book one in the series was released by her new publisher Spencer Hill Press in June 2012 and HUNTED, the third installment, will be released April 2013. She’s working on the next book in the series, FORGOTTEN.

Ednah also writes New Adult paranormal romance. RUNES is the first book in her new series. She is presently working on book 2, IMMORTALS.

Under the pseudonym E. B. Walters, Ednah writes contemporary romance. SLOW BURN, the first contemporary romance with suspense, was released in April 2011. It is the first book in the Fitzgerald family series. Since then she has published four more books in this series. She's presently working on book six. You can visit her online at www.ednahwalters.com or www.ebwalters.com.

I will be off for a while!

2013-01-18T15:51:00.000+08:00

I will be on a hiatus temporarily. As Bilbo puts it, "I'm going on an adventure!"

I need to catch up on my reading; cut my TBR pile in half. Hopefully I can do that with me being on the road for most of the time. I'm really off for some adventures of my own!

I'll still be able to read emails, and fast read some blogs as I go. So I won't be all too lost when I get back. :)

Cheers!

Evie's Knight Book Tour: Raven Haired Ghost Excerpt! Plus a Giveaway!

2013-01-17T08:00:00.000+08:00

On tour with Prism Book Tours

Up For Grabs? $50 Amazon Gift card, book swag, and much more!

Evie’s Knight
by Kimberly Krey
Paperback, 391 pages
Published September 11th 2012 by Kimberly Krey

When Evie falls in love with Calvin Knight, their young, virtuous romance conjures a truly wicked spell.

Evie always thought her eighteenth year would be magical, but so far it's not what she hoped for. Her best friend has gone wild, her love life is void, and she misses her mom more than ever. But life for Evie is about to change. Calvin Knight, the object of her fascination, is about to fall madly in love with her. Just one problem: Their love conjures a murderous woman from beyond the grave who wants Evie dead. The same demon who has haunted the Knight men for over four generations. Soon Calvin is forced to make a choice: Set Evie free and hope to evade the wrath of The Raven- haired Ghost, or use his newly gifted strengths to fight against her. If he chooses to fight and wins, Calvin will free the Knight men of this demonic witch. If he loses, Evie will become her next victim.

Evie's Knight Raven Haired Ghost Excerpt
This is where Evie sees Calvin's drawing of the Raven Haired Ghost

Just as Evie checked the clock, glad time was almost up, Calvin leaned forward onto his desk again. She brought the straight strands of her blond hair forward over one shoulder and leaned back into the seat, turning an exposed ear his way.

“You have a thing for rubber duckies?” His voice was nothing more than a gentle hush, yet the heat from his breath graced the curve of her neck, causing goose bumps to break out over her arms.
She smiled, eyeing the piece at the front. Bright rubber ducks of blinding yellow filled the canvas board. She nodded, whispering over her shoulder. “How’d you guess?”

Calvin didn’t respond, but he stayed in place, so close she could smell his delicious spicy scent once more. Evie wondered if they’d critiqued his piece yet. She figured somehow she’d know which one was his, but so far, she’d only been confident about which ones were not his.

The next canvas took its place on the easel, seizing Evie’s attention at first glance. The compelling sketch of a woman’s face seemed to rise from the thin, matted board beneath. The beauty of the subject was undeniable. The talent of the artist was beyond.

She sat up straighter. A fresh burst of interest stirred within her like a frigid breeze, awakening all of her senses. Immediately she thought of the Goth in the corner; it had to be his.

“Materials?” the professor asked, standing beside the easel.

Evie’s voice came out louder than she meant it to. “Chalk pastel. Black.”

“And what do we see? On the surface.” “A psycho-looking lady,” the jock called from up front. “Let’s go with that,” the professor said. “What makes the woman in this picture appear, as you put it, psycho? She’s beautiful, is she not?”

What the professor said was true. High cheekbones, flawless skin, and lashes that put Evie’s out of the running. She couldn’t actually figure an age for the woman; no wrinkles lined her heart- shaped face, yet the depth of many years loomed beneath her eyes. Still, as attractive as each rather bold feature may have been, the whole of it created a truly fearsome being.

“Her hair is creepy,” one said. “It’s so black and wild. Like it’s alive.” Evie nodded in agreement. In fact, the twisting ropes of her hair reached all four corners of the page.

“Her lips,” another said. “They look more like thin, poisonous snakes. She’s deadly, yet she’s smiling.”

In Evie’s mind, they’d neglected the most capturing detail. “Her eyes,” she blurted. “They look back at you in the most loaded way. Like she knows you. Loathes you.”

The loud guy sitting next to her tapped her arm. “I wouldn’t want to get on that chick’s bad side.” Though the students chuckled in mumbled agreement, the distinct truth of his words bubbled within her like a venomous brew; surely crossing paths with that woman could be deadly. She kept her gaze on the image, firm and unyielding, and let the dark beauty lure her into some evil place of foreboding. A numb, almost tingling silence descended upon the room as the black, shining spheres of the woman’s eyes consumed her. Bold, ebony lengths of her hair slithered menacingly along the canvas.
A lucid thought told Evie she’d become deeply mesmerized, as if captured by some dark spell. She swallowed the dryness from her throat, working to break her gaze from the picture, when one last detail drew her in even further. The snake-like lips moved as a sharp hiss snapped two pointed words in Evie’s ear.

He’s mine!

She flinched, a slick sort of hum scurrying up her back like an electric eel, cool and jolting. Shifting in her seat once more, she let out a jagged breath, feeling as if she’d just come up for air. It took her a moment to remember that Calvin was sitting directly behind her. He’d definitely seen her jump in her seat. The whole room had probably seen it. Great. I must look crazy to everyone.

The water bottle in her bag seemed like a solid distraction. She twisted off the cap and took a swig of the cool drink, trying desperately to shake off the effects of the drawing. Evie had never seen a sketch like the one at the front of the room. Never been so affected by a simple piece of art. Mona Lisa held a secret. That woman did too. A dangerous one.

Calvin had spoken up on a few pieces, yet with this one he remained quiet and still. Or maybe he had commented on it. Perhaps she’d been so wrapped up in the haunting image she’d missed it entirely. Already, Professor Milton had removed the piece and was putting a new one in its place, which wasn’t hers, thank goodness.

She tilted her head to speak over her shoulder. “Let me guess, ex-girlfriend?”

“Yep. Not mine. My great grandfather’s.” “What?” “Actually, my great, great grandfather’s.” Genuine shock gripped her as she spun around to look at him.

“That was your piece?” He nodded, a wry smile owning his face as he huddled closer, lowering his voice even more. “Just an old family legend my grandpa used to tell. He thought the Knight men were cursed by this Raven-haired Ghost. Used to scare the crap out of us as kids.”

She eyed the teacher before responding. “I can see why..."

Get Your Copy:

Barnes & Noble
The Book Depository
Amazon: ebook just $2.99 for a limited time.

Author, Kimberly Krey:

Writing Romance That’s Clean Without Losing the Steam!

I’m a reader of good, clean romance, a lover of family time and Diet Coke, and the ultimate hater of laundry.

I’m not patient enough to enjoy a yoga class, or tall enough to be great at basketball, but I do love to run – anywhere but on a treadmill. I love the sound of a rainstorm when I have no place to go, the feel of Soft Lips chap Stick on my lips, and the first peek of blue water as we round the mountains toward our favorite getaway in Bear Lake.

Find & Follow Kimberly Krey:

Twitter

https://twitter.com/KimberlyKrey

Website

http://kimberlykrey.wix.com/kimberlykrey

Goodreads

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6527799.Kimberly_Krey

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Kimberly-Krey/e/B009A0350I/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kimberly-Krey-Author-Page/106826456029568?ref=hl

Super Swag-a-licious Giveaway.

Grand Prize: $50 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback of Evie's Knight, SoftLips chapstick, recipe cards, E.K. calendar card, postcard of The Storm, and bookmark.

2^nd Prize: $25 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback of Evie's Knight, SoftLips chapstick, recipe cards, E.K. calendar card, postcard of The Storm, and bookmark.

3^rd Prize: $10 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback of Evie's Knight, SoftLips chapstick, recipe cards, E.K. calendar card, postcard of The Storm, and bookmark.

Five more winners will receive an ebook version of Evie’s Knight!

Paperback winners may choose between old cover (shown below) or the new cover, featuring Calvin Knight (shown above).

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced on Colorimetry & Rafflecopter as well as emailed to winners who will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Laura, Burgandy Ice, @ www.burgandyice.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Catch the Tour:

1 - Min Reads and Reviews – Blast!

1 - Passion and Life – Blast!! – English/Spanish

1 – Kelly Fox – Goodreads Review

1 – I Am A Reader, Not A Writer – Clean Romance I

2 – Monique Morgan – All You Need is Love I

2 - Letters to the Cosmos – Review

3 – Getting Your Read On – Review - Clean Romance II

3 – Reading with Anacrasia - Interview

4 - Christy’s Cozy Corners – Review

6 – Passion and Life – Peaches Recipe & Excerpt – English/Spanish

6 - Paulette’s Papers – All You Need is Love II

7 - Bookworm Lisa – Review - Clean Romance III

7 – Pages of Forbidden Love – Review

8 - Proud Book Nerd – Review

8 - Vanessa Morgan – All You Need is Love III

9 - Kari’s Crowded Bookshelf – Review -

10 - Geo Librarian – Review
10 - The Literary Forest - Review, Exerpt

11 - InfectedLoser – Review

13 - Welcome to Couch Potato Reader – Review

14 – One A Day YA – Drafts Guest Post

14 - Little Miss Bookworm – Review

15 – Musings of a Reader Happy – ART excerpt Raven-haired Ghost

15 - Magical Manuscripts – Review

16 – Proud Book Nerd – Ultimate Grilled Cheese

17 - Books, Books, the Magical Fruit – Interview

17 - Book Sake – Review

18 - Kari’s Crowded Bookshelf – Aromatic Noodles Recipe

20 - A Life Bound by Books – Excerpt I

21 - Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Reviews – Excerpt II

21 - Oh, The Books You’ll Read – Review

22 - A Backwards Story – Review, Excerpt III

22 - Passion and Life – Review – English/Spanish

23 - Framed In Words – ART Guest Post

23 - Colorimetry – ART Guest Post

24 – Unputdownable Books – ART Guest Post

24 - Living a Goddess Life – Crepe Cake

25 – icultgen – Review, ART Guest Post

25 – Pieces of Whimsy - Review

27 – The Reading Diaries – Review

27 - Icefairy’s Treasure Chest – Excerpt

28 – Stressed Rach – Review

28 - Literally Jen – Review

29 – Min Reads and Reviews – Review

29 – Colorimetry – Grand Finale, WINNERS drawn

Evie's Knight Book Tour!

2013-01-05T15:48:00.000+08:00

On tour with Prism Book Tours

Up For Grabs? $50 Amazon Gift card, book swag, and much more!

Evie’s Knight
by Kimberly Krey
Paperback, 391 pages
Published September 11th 2012 by Kimberly Krey

Premise:

When Evie falls in love with Calvin Knight, their young, virtuous romance conjures a truly wicked spell.

Evie always thought her eighteenth year would be magical, but so far it's not what she hoped for. Her best friend has gone wild, her love life is void, and she misses her mom more than ever. But life for Evie is about to change. Calvin Knight, the object of her fascination, is about to fall madly in love with her. Just one problem: Their love conjures a murderous woman from beyond the grave who wants Evie dead. The same demon who has haunted the Knight men for over four generations. Soon Calvin is forced to make a choice: Set Evie free and hope to evade the wrath of The Raven- haired Ghost, or use his newly gifted strengths to fight against her. If he chooses to fight and wins, Calvin will free the Knight men of this demonic witch. If he loses, Evie will become her next victim.

Get Your Copy:

Barnes & Noble
The Book Depository
Amazon: ebook just $2.99 for a limited time.

Author, Kimberly Krey:

Writing Romance That’s Clean Without Losing the Steam!

I’m a reader of good, clean romance, a lover of family time and Diet Coke, and the ultimate hater of laundry.

Find & Follow Kimberly Krey:

Twitter

https://twitter.com/KimberlyKrey

Website

http://kimberlykrey.wix.com/kimberlykrey

Goodreads

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6527799.Kimberly_Krey

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Kimberly-Krey/e/B009A0350I/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kimberly-Krey-Author-Page/106826456029568?ref=hl

Super Swag-a-licious Giveaway.

Grand Prize: $50 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback of Evie's Knight, SoftLips chapstick, recipe cards, E.K. calendar card, postcard of The Storm, and bookmark.

2^nd Prize: $25 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback of Evie's Knight, SoftLips chapstick, recipe cards, E.K. calendar card, postcard of The Storm, and bookmark.

3^rd Prize: $10 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback of Evie's Knight, SoftLips chapstick, recipe cards, E.K. calendar card, postcard of The Storm, and bookmark.

Five more winners will receive an ebook version of Evie’s Knight!

Paperback winners may choose between old cover (shown below) or the new cover, featuring Calvin Knight (shown above).

Catch the Tour:

1 - Min Reads and Reviews – Blast!

1 - Passion and Life – Blast!! – English/Spanish

1 – Kelly Fox – Goodreads Review

1 – I Am A Reader, Not A Writer – Clean Romance I

2 – Monique Morgan – All You Need is Love I

2 - Letters to the Cosmos – Review

3 – Getting Your Read On – Review - Clean Romance II

3 – Reading with Anacrasia - Interview

4 - Christy’s Cozy Corners – Review

6 – Passion and Life – Peaches Recipe & Excerpt – English/Spanish

6 - Paulette’s Papers – All You Need is Love II

7 - Bookworm Lisa – Review - Clean Romance III

7 – Pages of Forbidden Love – Review

8 - Proud Book Nerd – Review

8 - Vanessa Morgan – All You Need is Love III

9 - Kari’s Crowded Bookshelf – Review -

10 - Geo Librarian – Review
10 - The Literary Forest - Review, Exerpt

11 - InfectedLoser – Review

13 - Welcome to Couch Potato Reader – Review

14 – One A Day YA – Drafts Guest Post

14 - Little Miss Bookworm – Review

15 – Musings of a Reader Happy – ART excerpt Raven-haired Ghost

15 - Magical Manuscripts – Review

16 – Proud Book Nerd – Ultimate Grilled Cheese

17 - Books, Books, the Magical Fruit – Interview

17 - Book Sake – Review

18 - Kari’s Crowded Bookshelf – Aromatic Noodles Recipe

20 - A Life Bound by Books – Excerpt I

21 - Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Reviews – Excerpt II

21 - Oh, The Books You’ll Read – Review

22 - A Backwards Story – Review, Excerpt III

22 - Passion and Life – Review – English/Spanish

23 - Framed In Words – ART Guest Post

23 - Colorimetry – ART Guest Post

24 – Unputdownable Books – ART Guest Post

24 - Living a Goddess Life – Crepe Cake

25 – icultgen – Review, ART Guest Post

25 – Pieces of Whimsy - Review

27 – The Reading Diaries – Review

27 - Icefairy’s Treasure Chest – Excerpt

28 – Stressed Rach – Review

28 - Literally Jen – Review

29 – Min Reads and Reviews – Review

29 – Colorimetry – Grand Finale, WINNERS drawn

Greeting you all...a Merry Christmas!

2012-12-25T00:00:00.000+08:00

Cheers to the holiday season!

Hope you're having a wonderful time with your loved ones!

Merry Christmas!

Starflower Blog Tour: Starflower Excerpt - Meet the Dragonwitch!

2012-12-17T12:00:00.000+08:00

An Ancient Evil

Long ago, Etanun buried his sword in the depths of the Netherworld then vanished from all known history. One day, it is said, his heir will find the sword, and the Dragonwitch, firstborn of the Dragon King, will be finally slain.

A Desperate Hope

These stories are no more than nursery rhymes. In a world of cold reality, what room is left for fairy tales? Lady Leta of Aiven is pledged to marry a man she does not love . . . sleepless Lord Alistair struggles to unite the stubborn earls of the North Country . . . Mouse is lost, far from home, slaving as a kitchen drudge . . .

. . . and the reclusive Chronicler, keeping the records of Gaheris Castle, bears a secret so dangerous it could cost him his life and plunge the North Country into civil war.

An Impossible Journey

But when nursery rhymes begin to come horribly true, will these unlikely heroes find the strength they need to fulfill a prophecy of fire? For the Dragonwitch lives. And she has vowed vengeance on all who have wronged her.

Gleamdren and the Dragonwitch

For a long time, the Flame at Night stood silent, warring against her own inner furnace. When at last she spoke, her voice was so hot that the air about her mouth shimmered.

“In my day,” she said, “I have swallowed more than a hundred heroes in a single breath. Armies of every nation, every world, have set upon me with arrows, with engines, with weapons beyond your imagination. These I have devoured.”

She stood, her arms wrapped about her belly where the depths of her furnace flared into greater, more awful life. Her voice rose, even as she forgot to whom she spoke. “The warriors of Etalpalli, winged and helmed, spears in hand, have flocked to me in angry legions, ready to tear me apart, to mount my head upon my own city gates! I, who ruled them. I, who ate them. Ate them and burned their city, for they were mine to devour, and it was mine to burn!”

Her eyes squeezed tight, and when they again flared open, sparks flew. Flames ringed her eyelids. Lady Gleamdren screamed at the sight and covered her face, though the iron cage kept off the shower of fire that fell about her.

“You see, little creature with your laughing face,” Hri Sora said, “I do not care for whatever sport you may bring upon my realm. Even without my wings, I am most glorious of my Father’s children! But what—”

She broke off, bending double with the pain in her gut. For a moment she was lost, perhaps never to return from this agony. She struggled against it, desperate, hopeless. In a barely audible whisper she gasped, “What shall I do? I must have my wings!”

Then she was gone. The flames swallowed her once more. With a roar that tore the sky and brought rocks tumbling from the higher towers of her realm, she spewed fire from her belly. All memory was gone, all plots or plans. Lady Gleamdren, who lay prostrate on the floor of her cage, watched between her fingers as the dragon spat and writhed in the agonies of her burning.

“Lord Lumé love us!” Gleamdren whispered, though she could not hear her own voice above the dragon’s din. “She’s quite mad, she is.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Sweetly by Jackson Pearce

2012-12-07T15:00:00.000+08:00

Sweetly (Fairytale Retellings #2)

by Jackson Pearce

August 23, 2011: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

"As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear, too.

Years later, when their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out, they find themselves in sleepy Live Oak, South Carolina. They're invited to stay with Sophia Kelly, a beautiful candy maker who molds sugary magic: coveted treats that create confidence, bravery, and passion.

Life seems idyllic and Gretchen and Ansel gradually forget their haunted past -- until Gretchen meets handsome local outcast Samuel. He tells her the witch isn't gone -- it's lurking in the forest, preying on girls every year after Live Oak's infamous chocolate festival, and looking to make Gretchen its next victim. Gretchen is determined to stop running and start fighting back. Yet the further she investigates the mystery of what the witch is and how it chooses its victims, the more she wonders who the real monster is.

Gretchen is certain of only one thing: a monster is coming, and it will never go away hungry."

Review

Gretchen and Ansel wish they could start anew after their stepmother sort of kicked them out. They think it's for the best, and they too would want to leave the place that constantly reminds them of the sister they lost. For Gretchen, her twin sister was not just lost - she was taken - by a witch. But no one believes her, and Ansel seems to be doing better than he is in coping. Though he also fears the forest just like she does.

Live Oak seems like a good place to start over. They were taken in by Sophia Kelly, who is both loved and loathed by the other residents of the town. She seems perfect - but Gretchen can't shake the feeling that the ghosts from their past will catch up with them.

Told from Gretchen's POV, the story is a good retelling of Hansel and Gretel. And the witch in the story may or may not be who you think they are. I like how the author tied this up with her first book, Sisters Red, which I fell in-love with. It tells the story of loss, misplaced intentions, and the hope and will to move on.

The story revolves more on uncovering the secrets behind the Sophia Kelly and her chocolate festival, and her connection to the "witches", whose true identities were finally revealed to Gretchen through Samuel. Gretchen gets to shine in the story, after years of living in the shadow of the sister they lost, and his brother who compensated for it. It's a dark story of how can love empower us or cloud our reason.

For something titled, Sweetly, the end left me in a bittersweet emotion. It's not a bad thing, I love it actually. I think it cannot end up in any other way to send her message across.

Waiting on Wednesday: Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff

2012-12-05T15:00:00.000+08:00

Paper Valentine

by Brenna Yovanoff

January 8, 2013: Razorbill

"PAPER VALENTINE, in which a girl haunted by the troubled ghost of her best friend finds herself sucked into a darkly mesmerizing string of murders, in which a serial killer who leaves a paper-heart 'valentine' on his victims' bodies draws ever closer."

Aside from the gorgeous cover of this book, I love how Brenna Yovannof weaves some dark stories and make them something else. So looking forward to this!

Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

2012-11-30T15:00:00.000+08:00

Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2)

By Cassandra Clare

December 6, 2011: Margaret K. McElderry Books

“In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.”

Review

First and foremost. I really thought I have written my review for this book when I read this back in December. When I was going to link it in a post, I can’t find it. That’s when I discovered I haven’t written one! Oh my.

Clockwork Prince brings us back to Victorian London, where Tessa Gray continues her search for the truth of her identity, what the Magister intends to do with her and how is it related to his vengeance with the Shadowhunters. And that leaves more questions about him: Who is he and what brought about his hatred towards the Nephilim race?

The story unfolds more betrayal, mystery, and heartbreaking truths that will surely have you waiting for Clockwork Princess. That is if your heart can bear the waiting. *Wink* We get to know more about the Will’s curse, be more in-love with Jem (if that is even possible), and learn about new and previous characters. Tessa will have to deal with the truth about herself and even her heart.

Leave it to Cassandra Clare to give you a story that tugs your heartstrings in all the right places. She makes you want to be a masochist. Seriously. You can’t help but feel for the characters, and the story is just as good as dark chocolate.

Clockwork Princess seems like so far but I know the wait will be worth it! I’m just happy that the ending of the book kept me sane enough for the waiting.

WoW: Shadowhunters and Downworlders: A Mortal Instruments Reader by Cassandra Clare

2012-11-28T15:00:00.000+08:00

Shadowhunters and Downworlders: A Mortal Instruments Reader

by Cassandra Clare

January 29, 2013: SmartPop

"Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series, epic urban fantasy set in a richly imagined world of shadowhunters, vampires, werewolves, fairies, and more, has captured the imaginations and loyalty of hundreds of thousands of YA readers. Originally a trilogy (City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass), the series has extended to six titles, plus a prequel trilogy, the Infernal Devices, and a planned sequel series, the Dark Artifices. A feature film is planned for 2013.

Shadowhunters and Downworlders: A Mortal Instruments Reader (Anthology), edited by Clare (who provides an introduction to the book and to each piece), is a collection of YA authors writing about the series and its world."

If you are a fan of Cassandra Clare's books, surely you dare not miss this. :)

Review: Betrayed by Ednah Walters

2012-11-23T15:00:00.000+08:00

Betrayed (The Guardian Legacy #2)

by Ednah Walters

June 5, 2012

"Lil isn't just an average teenager. She's one of the Nephilim--the descendants of humans and angels--which gives her some serious psi skills and a mission for redemption. Just when Lil thinks she's found a balance between her normal life with human friends and her training to become a Guardian, she's warned that someone close to her will betray her. When the boy she loves starts acting strangely and one of her human friends acquires a supernatural ability, Lil begins to realize that someone is manipulating the people she loves... and won't stop until she's been lured to the dark side."

Review

I wonder why I waited this long to read this one, because I really enjoyed it!

In this book, Lil now is training to become a guardian and wielder of the Kris Dagger. After learning the truth about her parents and her own powers, she is determined more than ever to bring down Valafar and stop his madness. But as Valafar planted seeds of doubt in Lil, she can’t help but wonder if there is a traitor amongst her friend or even her kind.

What I loved about this book is that there is no dull moment for me. I love Lil’s personality, her banter with her friends, and her grandpa of course! There’s no doubt that she and Bran are meant for each other, so I really feel for her on moments that their relationship is tested.

New characters are introduced, some are interesting that I hope to see them in the third book. The rest of the teen guardians are back! Remy, Skye, Izzy, and Kim are kicking some demon action!

Easy read, action-packed, and a twist you’ll not see coming. Well I didn’t but I had fun though so not complaining! Looking forward to the next book! Hopefully we’ll get a news about that. :)

Waiting on Wednesday: The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

2012-11-21T15:00:00.000+08:00

The Darkest Minds

by Alexandra Bracken

December 18, 2012: Disney Hyperion

"When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something frightening enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that’s killed most of America’s children, but she and the others have been cursed with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.

Now sixteen, Ruby has spent nearly half her life desperately trying to hide the fact that she’s outwitted the camp’s sorting system—that she isn’t powerless, or safe. She’s one of the dangerous ones… and everyone knows what happens to them.

When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she’s on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of teens who escaped their own camp, pursued along the way by terrifying bounty hunters. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close to him. Not after what happened to her parents.

When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Before the end, Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living."

I love Alexandra Bracken's writing. Fell in-love with her Brightly Woven. Been eagerly anticipating her new work!

Review: The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

2012-11-16T15:00:00.000+08:00

The Girl of Fire and Thorns

By Rae Carson

September 20, 2011: Greenwillow

“Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.”

Review

At first this was a slow read for me. Perhaps because it’s how I deal with fantasy books. Details to take note of, world to familiarize with, names to remember, etc. Then add to that the theme of spirituality in the story. That area is a make or break part for me. Fortunately, it did make it for me: with flying colors even.

Elisa gets caught up in the political affairs of the kingdom of Joya d’Arena when she married their King, Alejandro. It seems to be an expected problem being a princess and all, but not if you are a bearer of a Godstone. But what is a Godstone? It’s kind of a special stone embedded in a person’s belly. They are called the chosen one. That’s how I will simply put it but it turns out it’s much more complicated than that.

I love Elisa’s character because although she knows she’s special, she does not herself as one. I feel that she even feels insecure about herself because she initially appears to be on the plus size, her elder sister more beautiful and more adept to political affairs than her, and the fact that she knows nothing of her destiny as bearer of the Godstone adds to her self-doubt. But in-spite of all these, she tries to be confident and use her wits in dealing with people. She is well-versed with the writings, which is equivalent to books, and is quick-witted.

The other characters in the story are very colorful in the sense that they are not one-sided, and as the story goes on readers get to know what drives them. The conflicts in the story helps in building characters and laying the foundation in revealing Elisa’s purpose.

With war at their doorstep, people hang-on to their faith that their god will deliver them from their enemies. If Elisa were to save the kingdom and the Godstone from the enemy, she has to listen to heart and learn from the past.

First Movie Trailer for Mortal Instruments: City of Bones + Movie Poster

2012-11-15T17:00:00.000+08:00

Official Movie Poster

I'm sorry but I'm currently mopping my tears on the floor. Why is August so far away? Jamie might change my mind. And Robert Sheenan?! Bring it on! :) But we'll see. Hopes are up, but won't be expecting too much. I just wish they get this right because this series means so much to me than words can express.

The official trailer was exclusively premiered in MTV. It could be shown in one of the trailers in the showing of Breaking Dawn: Part 2. Seeing the trailer in big screen could get one hyped. I bet. :)

Get More: Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Jamie Campbell Bower, Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

Waiting on Wednesday: Prodigy by Marie Lu

2012-11-14T15:00:00.000+08:00

Prodigy (Legend #2)

by Marie Lu

January 29, 2013: Putnam Juvenile

"Jan. 4. 1932 Hours.

Ocean Standard Time

Thirty-Five Days After Metias’s Death

June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengence, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?"

I fell in-love with Legend. It's a bummer that we have to wait until January next year for Prodigy. But then again I feel that the wait will be worth it! Good thing there is an excerpt released from the second book. You can read it here.

Review: Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

2012-11-09T15:00:00.000+08:00

Insurgent (Divergent #2)

by Veronica Roth

May 1, 2012: HarperTeen

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

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

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

Review

This highly anticipated sequel to Veronica Roth’s debut, Divergent, did not fail my expectations. It blew me away! My only regret is that I had to wait months (even after it was released) before I got to read it. I have poor memory so at the start of Insurgent, I had to get a refresher for Divergent because whatever Tris was saying was leaving me to shake my brain for memory. Good thing Veronica posted one. I got to read it. Helped a lot.

So back to the review.

With how things were left-off in Divergent war is looming, headed by Jeanine of the Erudite with his army of Dauntless soldiers who fell to her simulation. Tris, Four, Caleb, Peter, and Marcus are now on the run from them and hoping to find allies to bring down Jeanine. But it will not be easy, in fact, it proves to be suicidal!

If I managed to read the first book non-stop, this time around, I had to put down the book once-in-a-while for the sake of my sanity or my already tensed heart. If I wasn’t scared for Four and Tris, I was scared for them separately. Veronica was right, “fear is more powerful than pain.”

We’ll know more about Four (or should I say, Tobias) in the story: his parents, his feelings for Tris, and just how far he will go for her and their cause.

There is an underlying reason for Jeanine’s treachery and madness. Somehow the divergent plays a crucial role in the reason because Jeanine’s seems to be targeting them. Whatever the reason is, Tris wants to find out the truth even if it means going against her allies, even Four. I know, seems a bit antagonistic? But seriously, Tris in this book seems to be clawing Four as much as she is tormented by her own demons.

In the end, betrayals and redemptions, and the shocking truth that will have your jaws dropped. And then snapping, “WHAT?!” I bet my memory gap wouldn’t dare forget what happened in this book as I freakingly wait for the third one.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Archived by Victoria Schwab

2012-11-07T15:00:00.000+08:00

The Archived

by Victoria Schwab

Janaury 22, 2013: Hyperion

"Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often-violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn't just dangerous—it's a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da's death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption."

Finally! A book about books and/or keeper of books. Yes? Definitely YES!

Pre-order it now for only $10!

Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

2012-11-02T15:00:00.000+08:00

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1)

By Robin LaFevers

April 3, 2012: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

“Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?”

Review

Well what can I say? Where have you been all my life, Grave Mercy? I love you!

Ismae is given a new life in the convent of St. Mortain, as a handmaiden of Death. Assassins carrying out the mark given by the god of Death himself. Leaving her old life behind her, she willfully carries out her duties when she is thrusts to the political circle of Brittany.

Together with a nobleman, Gavriel Duval, she sets out to the high court to help with the growing political issues and perhaps know who are the traitors that will probably earn them a mark of death. But when things don’t feel right anymore for Ismae, her faith will be put to the test as well as her heart.

I love Ismae’s character because she has personality. She’s not just a former victim turned soldier, she is someone with a purpose and is driven to rise above her fears though it continues to haunt her. The convent is her home, the sisters her family, her faith to St. Mortain and his cause her purpose. I love her chemistry with Gavriel Duval.

At first Duval is a mystery. Gradually his identity was revealed as well as his redeeming personality. His unraveling was made with his interaction with Ismae was beautiful. Though his loyalty and honesty are constantly put into question, we can agree that Gavriel Duval can now be spelled as sexy.

The political plot in the story is nothing short of astounding. I mean it’s not that convoluted or anything, it is simple yet it was always a mystery that keeps on eluding my theories. Looking forward on how it develops in the next book! And of course how the characters will do too. :)

Highly recommended for readers of fantasy stories as well as for those who want to try it.

Dystopian Giveaway Hop

2012-11-01T06:00:00.001+08:00

Open to international entrants (given that Book Depository ships to your country or can receive an ebook from Amazon).

Winner will get to choose a book (printed or kindle ebook) of any of the following titles:

Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi *ebook only*
Prodigy by Marie Lu ** for pre-order**

Enter the giveaway by filling-out the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the other blogs participating in the giveaway hop:

Waiting on Wednesday: Altered by Jennifer Rush

2012-10-31T15:00:00.000+08:00

Altered

by Jennifer Rush

Janaury 2, 2013: Little Brown Books for Young Readers

"When you can’t trust yourself, who can you believe?

Everything about Anna’s life is a secret. Her father works for the Branch at the helm of its latest project: monitoring and administering treatments to the four genetically altered boys in the lab below their farmhouse. There’s Nick, Cas, Trev . . . and Sam, who’s stolen Anna’s heart. When the Branch decides it’s time to take the boys, Sam stages an escape, killing the agents sent to retrieve them.

Anna is torn between following Sam or staying behind in the safety of her everyday life. But her father pushes her to flee, making Sam promise to keep her away from the Branch, at all costs. There’s just one problem. Sam and the boys don’t remember anything before living in the lab—not even their true identities.

Now on the run, Anna soon discovers that she and Sam are connected in more ways than either of them expected. And if they’re both going to survive, they must piece together the clues of their past before the Branch catches up to them and steals it all away."

Review: Possess by Gretchen McNeil

2012-10-26T15:00:00.000+08:00

Possess

by Gretchen McNeil

August 23, 2011: Balzer & Bray

"Rule #1: Do not show fear.
Rule #2: Do not show pity.
Rule #3: Do not engage.
Rule #4: Do not let your guard down.
Rule #5: They lie.

Fifteen-year-old Bridget Liu just wants to be left alone: by her mom, by the cute son of a local police sergeant, and by the eerie voices she can suddenly and inexplicably hear. Unfortunately for Bridget, it turns out the voices are demons – and Bridget has the rare ability to banish them back to whatever hell they came from.

Terrified to tell people about her new power, Bridget confides in a local priest who enlists her help in increasingly dangerous cases of demonic possession. But just as she is starting to come to terms with her new power, Bridget receives a startling message from one of the demons. Now Bridget must unlock the secret to the demons' plan before someone close to her winds up dead – or worse, the human vessel of a demon king."

Review

I have to be honest, I was spooked early on while reading this book. I had to stop reading and shift to another one to shake off the jitters. So that's a good thing, right? The book has gotten to me. Nice.

There is a mystery behind Bridget Liu. She happens to hear demons and she can banish them with a help of a local priest. Her dad just recently died, and maybe there might be more to it than being just plain murder.

As the cases of possession in her town increases, Bridget starts to get curious in her dad's murder especially when one of the demonic possession claims to have a message from his father. She becomes suspicious of the new priest that comes with her and her mentor, Monseignor Renault. Her best friend, Hector, begins to change. Is it because of his jealousy towards Matt or something else?

Gretchen McNeil writes a clever mystery thriller that doesn't hold back in endangering characters to get her point across. The air of the story is dark from beginning to end. Most of the weight in the mystery of Bridget's ability, and its connection to her father's murder. The truth has always been present if you know where to look, and the unraveling at the end seems like an affirmation of the theory if you get to sense it while reading. I was like, "yeah! I knew it!" I don't mind being surprised, I just like it when my assumptions are confirmed.

I think, given the things were revealed towards the end, a follow-up to the story won't hurt. And I would love to read it if there will be one.

Waiting on Wednesday: Prophecy by Ellen Oh

2012-10-24T15:00:00.000+08:00

Prophecy

by Ellen Oh

January 2, 2013: HarperTeen

"The greatest warrior in all of the Seven Kingdoms... is a girl with yellow eyes.

Kira’s the only female in the king’s army, and the prince’s bodyguard. She’s a demon slayer and an outcast, hated by nearly everyone in her home city of Hansong. And, she’s their only hope...

Murdered kings and discovered traitors point to a demon invasion, sending Kira on the run with the young prince. He may be the savior predicted in the Dragon King Prophecy, but the missing treasure of myth may be the true key. With only the guidance of the cryptic prophecy, Kira must battle demon soldiers, evil shaman, and the Demon Lord himself to find what was once lost and raise a prince into a king.

Intrigue and mystery, ancient lore and action-packed fantasy come together in this heart-stopping first book in a trilogy."

Another fantasy book I'm eagerly waiting for! :)

Finale Release Day! Plus the book trailer!

2012-10-23T20:00:00.000+08:00

BRB. Will be with Patch. huShhhhhh.. :)

The book trailer for Becca Fitzpatrick's Finale was debuted in USA Today.

Head on there to read Becca's note to Patch and Nora.

And read Becca's thoughts and feelings with the release of Finale over on her blog.

I'm yours. #CountdownToFinale

2012-10-22T16:00:00.000+08:00

*swoon*