Musings of a Reader Happy

Second Theatrical Trailer for The Hunger Games

2012-02-03T10:00:00.000+08:00

Second theatrical trailer for the upcoming movie adaptation of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins!

THE HUNGER GAMES is directed by Gary Ross, with a screenplay by Gary Ross and Suzanne Collins and Billy Ray, and produced by Nina Jacobson's Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Suzanne Collins' best-selling novel, the first in a trilogy published by Scholastic that has over 23.5 million copies in print in the United States alone, has developed a massive global following. It has spent more than 160 consecutive weeks/more than three consecutive years to date on The New York Times bestseller list since its publication in September 2008, and has also appeared consistently on USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists.

Goosebumps... everytime!

The Book Depository's 24 hours of offers starts soon

2012-02-02T08:23:00.000+08:00

Just a heads up for booklovers!

The Book Depository's Special 24 offers in 24 hours featuring 24 books

Help Restock Yara's Bookshelves!

2012-01-27T10:41:00.001+08:00

While lurking online (and still on my hiatus, hi guys!) I found out this unfortunate event that has befallen our fellow book blogger, Yara Santos. I've been following her blog since I started blogging. This is really a sad news but thankfully none of her loved ones were hurt. I think we can show and send Yara our love thru some help that other fellow book bloggers have organized:

Reposted from Restock Yara's Bookshelves:

I think by now most of you have probably heard that tragedy has touched one of our own. While away at the American Library Association Mid-Winter Meeting, Yara of Once Upon a Twilight lost her home in a fire.

The blaze began in the afternoon hours of Friday, January 20 and reignited in the wee morning hours Saturday. (You can read a full report in the Montgomery County Police Reporter and view more images here.) Sadly, it gutted the Santos family's house and only the shell of it remains. This is what Yara returned to...

Thank goodness no one was injured, including the pets. That is the bright spot in all of this. As devastating and horrible as the events of the past weekend were, every member of the Santos family is physically okay. Things can be replaced and houses rebuilt, but all of that is secondary to the safety of the people. After all, possessions don't make a home. People do. (Read Yara's cousin Jenny's post.)

To no one's surprise, the book blogging community is rushing to the aid of Yara's family. Twilight Moms is holding a donation drive to raise money and help the family in the interim and eventually get them back on their feet. Authors are pitching in to raise funds for the family. Lani Woodland and several other authors are hosting a contest for those who donate to the cause in an an effort to boost donations.

The three of us here had the same thought, knowing that while memories and so many of Yara and her family's things cannot be replaced there are things that can be. Namely books. We've spent hours sifting through her blog, her Goodreads and her wishlists to compile a massive list of books she enjoyed or hoped to read. We've also posted one for her children in an effort not only to restock Yara's bookshelves, but those of her kids.

Please take a look at the Yara's Booklist and the Children's List. We're trying hard to avoid duplicates, and will be updating the list daily to cross out items that have already been donated.

Visit the Donation Page to donate a book for either Yara or her boys. New books and gently used copies are greatly appreciated. And if you don't want to donate a book but want to contribute you can always donate a gift card.

Thanks in advance to everyone! We'll keep you posted as all our efforts progress and update you on Yara's situation whenever we can. Please keep the Santos family in your thoughts and prayers.

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Leshgo, guys! Help spread the word, donate, give Yara some love. <3

I Stand Against SOPA

2012-01-18T22:28:00.000+08:00

We shouldn't let the anyone trample on our rights on the domain of the internet. It has become not just a basic right but a human right because of its importance to most of us.

I stand against SOPA, as well as PIPA. I'm all for against piracy (i.e. of books), but these are not the most viable solution. It's scary what else can follow if these two bills are passed. I fear for the future (on the internet) if it happens.

Learn what is SOPA and PIPA. Learn the facts.

You can sign a petition and tell the US Congress that these bills are not the solution:

End Piracy, Not Liberty

Join 24 Hour Protest alongside Wikipedia, YouTube, Twitter, etc.

Cover Reveal: City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5) by Cassandra Clare

2012-01-05T06:40:00.004+08:00

This is NOT the book cover. Click READ MORE to see it!!! :)

WOW. Who could resist not sharing the book cover of City of Lost Souls, the fifth book in The Mortal Instruments series, by Cassandra Clare. Definitely not me! Crawled out of my semi-hiatus mode for this. WOOHOO! Check it out:

It's GORGEOUS!!! At last, a cover with Clary and Jace together. I'm swooning. Somebody quickly turn this into a desktop wallpaper and share it! :D

Wait, there's more! Check out this sneak peek of the prologue from City of Lost Souls at USA Today's Book Buzz:

Simon stood and stared numbly at the front door of his house.

He'd never known another home. This was the place his parents had brought him home to when he was born. He had grown up within the walls of the Brooklyn row house. He'd played on the street under the leafy shade of the trees in the summer, and had made improvised sleds out of garbage can lids in the winter. In this house his whole family had sat shivah after his father had died. Here he had kissed Clary for the first time.

Continue reading the prologue >>>

May seems so far away. Then again, I know this will be worth the wait!

Kudos to Cliff Nielsen and everybody else behind the book cover design!

Some kind of Semi-Hiatus

2012-01-04T22:10:00.002+08:00

Hi, guys!!! Happy New Year!!! I hope 2012's been good to all of you so far. It's always nice to keep up a nice vibe to attract positivity this year, right? :)

Cheshire cat will be watching over the blog for a while. :p

Sorry for the lack of updates so far. My semi-hiatus will be extended indefinitely for a while. And to think I yesterday was my 2nd blogoversary!! Seesh. I missed reading some books I've been waiting for too because of busy-ness. I will make up for this!!

Blame it on my current drive to at least do some of the stuffs in my bucketlist for the year. Some people kept saying 2012 is the end of the world, blah blah blah. Well, why not make it into a reason to live life more? What if 2012 is our last? Then might as well live the most of it, right? Carpe Diem, as it should be. Fear less and live more.

Some of them are really stuffs that I would WISH I could do within the year given the opportunity. Right now, I'm kind of doing some of them to make stuffs happen while I have the momentum I have right now. So wish me luck, guys!! Hope to be around active online again soon!

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If you want to message me for anything, feel free to send me an email. Or you want to do it anonymously? You can send one thru my Formspring Page. My reply can be posted there as well if deemed appropriate.

Happy New Year!!!

2011-12-31T21:04:00.001+08:00

Just checking in to greet everyone a Happy New Year! 2011 was another awesome year spent with good books, fine people, new friends I've met online, continuing old ones, and opportunities to share insights with others.

Looking forward to 2012 with bright hopes, cheerful attitude, and more fervent love for books and reading. Another year of opportunities to learn, to love, and to live life to the fullest.

Happy New Year to all!

Cheers!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T22:30:00.000+08:00

Happy Holidays to everyone! I hope you get to enjoy the holiday with your family and/or loved ones.

Though I wasn't able to read (and blog) as much as I want to because of work brought by the holiday season, the books were pretty much became the centerpiece of my holiday decoration:

Thanks for the other booklovers that inspired me to do my own book Christmas tree! And I was able to give out books as gifts too! Yay!

Cheers, everyone! Enjoy!

Cover Reveal: The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa

2011-12-09T20:12:00.000+08:00

One of my favorite authors, Julie Kagawa (author of the Iron Fey series), just released the cover for her new series, Blood of Eden. The first book, The Immortal Rules!

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1)

by Julie Kagawa

April 24, 2012: Harlequin Teen

"You will kill. The only question is when."

_________________________

Wow, I love the red color of her eyes. Definitely emphasized the blood in this series. This series has different feel on their covers, contrasting itself from the other series by Julie. This is a promising start of good covers for the series.

P.S.
Sorry, guys! I'm on a semi-hiatus. The holiday season is the peak period for business and I'm also catching up on some readings. Just finished Clockwork Prince and it's just wow!

Music Monday: Playlist for Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

2011-12-05T14:45:00.000+08:00

I'm psyching up for tomorrow's release of Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare by rereading the first book, Clockwork Angel, and listening to Cassie's playlist for the book!

Playlist for Clockwork Prince

Cemeteries of London - Coldplay
Good Life - One Republic
England - the National
Winter Winds - Mumford and Sons
Welcome to England - Tori Amos
London Belongs to Me - Saint Etienne
Waterloo Sunset - Blur
London Bridges - Josh Rouse
London Skies - Jamie Cullum
London - Vanessa Carlton
London Rain (Nothing Heals Me Like You Do) - Heather Nova
Under the Gun - the Killers
Werewolves of London - Warren Zevon

I got the playlist off MundieMoms' 31 Days of Clockwork Prince Celebration. Head on to their posts ( Part 1 | Part 2 ) to know more about the reasons behind the selection of the songs. (Thanks, Moms!)

Review: Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2) by Andrea Cremer

2011-12-02T17:00:00.000+08:00

Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2)

by Andrea Cremer

July 26, 2011: Penguin Young Readers Group

"When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer—one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack—and the man—she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive."

Review

(Possible spoilers for those who haven’t read the first book: Nightshade)

In this second installment to the Nightshade series, Calla Tor must now face the consequences of her and Shay’s actions, and fight to stay together and save Calla’s pack.

More of the Keepers’ treacheries are uncovered as Calla and Shay makes an uneasy alliance with the Searchers to save Calla’s pack, as well as Ren’s, that were left behind Vail. They also get to know more about Shay’s role in the brewing war between the Searchers and the Keepers how the Guardian can tip the scale.

More secrets from the past make its way to the present. Loyalties shift and betrayals are bound to happen. Calla and Shay hold on to their feelings for each other as they face the impending danger of the war they are caught in between.

Love, love, love for the Nightshade series. It never fails to make me devour it in one sitting. Wolfsbane continues the were-magic and love story of Calla and Shay, the history of the Guardians, and the secrets and painful truth that were hidden from them.

Calla is still the headstrong pack leader that she is, with or without a pack. She still feels guilty of leaving behind her pack, and fears for the rest of the Guardians safety as the Keepers’ retribution will be swift and terrible. And what of Ren? Though she knows she loves Shay, she can’t shake the feeling she seems to still have for him. And it’s like a wall for her and Shay’s relationship, even if they technically are free now.

More heartbreaks and new characters enter the story that surely adds to the magic of the series. Evil deeds for evil folks, and even those with good heart have a breaking point. By the end of the book, I was all psyched-up and ready for Bloodrose.

Waiting on Wednesday: Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare

2011-11-30T18:01:00.000+08:00

Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2)

by Cassandra Clare

December 6, 2011: Margaret K. McElderry

"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."

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My feelings:

Winner of Thank You Giveaway

2011-11-30T14:11:00.001+08:00

The winner of my Thank You Giveaway is...

Email has been sent and I will be waiting for the response from the winner. If the winner fails to respond within the allotted time, another winner will be drawn. *winner confirmed*

Thanks for everyone who continues to support this blog and believes that what I have to share has worth. :) Thankful!! :D

Music Monday: Soft Shock (Acoustic) by Yeah Yeah Yeah

2011-11-28T13:00:00.000+08:00

Acoustic version of Soft Shock by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Going to keep it simple: Love this song. <3 Happy Monday, everyone! See you if you can still make it to my Thank You Giveaway (few hours left!) or enter the giveaway of Dancergirl by Carol M. Tanzman, where you can win a copy of the book or an ipod nano! if you post your own music monday, do share the link via comments below! would love to check them out and share it to others.

Double Dose of Fallen: Rapture + Fallen in Love (w/ Sneak Peek)

2011-11-26T13:17:00.000+08:00

Lauren Kate recently released the cover for the fourth book in her Fallen series, Rapture, and have revealed the cover as well of the special set in the series, Fallen in Love. She also included a special treat for her readers (see bottom of post).

Rapture (Fallen #4)

by Lauren Kate

June 12, 2012: Delacorte Books

The sky is dark with wings. . . .

In RAPTURE, the highly anticipated fourth and final novel in the FALLEN series, Luce and Daniel are together . . . but for how long? Can history be rewritten? Or are some punishments eternal?

Fallen in Love (Fallen #3.5)

by Lauren Kate

January 24, 2012: Delacorte Books

Unexpected. Unrequited. Forbidden. Eternal. Everyone has their own love story.

And in a twist of fate, four extraordinary love stories combine over the course of a romantic Valentine's Day in Medieval England. Miles and Shelby find love where they least expect it. Roland learns a painful lesson about finding-and losing love. Arianne pays the price for a love so fierce it burns. And for the first -and last- time, Daniel and Luce will spend a night together like none other.

Lauren Kate's FALLEN IN LOVE is filled with love stories . . . the ones everyone has been waiting for.

True love never says goodbye . . .

Get a special sneak peek of Fallen in Love here!

Thankful Thursday on Thanksgiving Day!

2011-11-24T18:00:00.000+08:00

It's a Thankful Thursday on a Thanksgiving Day!

I give thanks for:

My family! Unconditional love, and everything else in between, what would I not be thankful for?
Another year! It's been a rollercoaster ride but it's worth every ups and down.
Friends! Online and offline friends that have graced my year.
Moving into a new place. Yup! Finally moving to a new place, improve work, and make it a home.
Books! They truly make every year more wonderful by just existing.

Just a short and simple thankful list. What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Hope you'll enjoy the holiday with your loved ones. :)

Waiting on Wednesday: Eternal Starling by Angela Corbett

2011-11-23T16:30:00.000+08:00

Eternal Starling (Emblem of Eternity #1)

by Angela Corbett

December 6, 2011: Pendrell Publishing

A love so strong, even eternity can’t separate them.

Evie Starling has lived a relatively uneventful life hanging out with friends, gossiping about boys, and driving her 1966 Mustang. All of that changes when she moves to Gunnison, Colorado, to start college and meets two mysterious men.

For centuries, Alex Night and Emil Stone have yearned for Evie—but they each have their own reasons for wanting to be with her. When both men claim to be her soul mate and tell her about an unbelievable past, Evie learns that she’s not the person she thought she was. Soon, Evie finds herself in the middle of an age-old battle between the Amaranthine Society—the soul protectors, and the Daevos Resistance—the soul destroyers. With a past she doesn’t understand, and a future rife with danger, Evie has to decide who she can trust. But Alex and Emil aren’t the only ones who want Evie, and her soul is about to become the rope in an eternal tug-of-war.

First of all, the cover is beautiful. It has a classic wash-out appeal to it. And the title makes you curious too. Definitely looking forward to this read. I have read good raves about it as well!

Dancergirl Blog Tour: Music Monday w/ Ali's Playlist (+Giveaway)

2011-11-21T12:00:00.000+08:00

I'm happy to be part of the blog tour for Carol M. Tanzman's Dancergirl. Since Monday means Music Monday, Carol shares with us Ali's Playlist. But first, who is Ali?

Ali, the main character of the YA thriller Dancergirl. She is a 16 year-old modern dancer, and obviously, she loves music. Here are her top ten favorite songs:

Ali’s Playlist

My Mistakes- Eleanor Friedberger
Rolling in the Deep and Rumour Has It - Adele
Tightrope – Feat. Big Boi - Janelle Monae
Heavy in Your Arms- Florence and the Machine
Everlasting Light - The Black Keys
Rill Rill - Sleigh Bells
All Things Go - Chiddy Band
Block After Block - Matt & Kim
Dancing on My Own – Robyn
Trouble Won't Always Last- Glossary

You can listen to the playlist here in Spotify playlist!
But I also shared it here via 8tracks:

Carol and Harlequin are offering two give-aways for his tour!

The first give-away is copy of Dancergirl. Enter by leaving a comment on this Tour Stop (and then confirm that you left a comment via Rafflecopter)
The second give-away is an iPod nano, skinned in the Dancergirl artwork!

Simply:

enter via the Rafflecoper widget and get extra entries for tweeting
(once per TourStop), following Carol on twitter,"Like" her on facebook,
leaving your mailing address (for faster shipment of the prize) and for
leaving a comment at each Tour Stops (one extra entry for each TourStop)

*See full contest rules here.

About Dancergirl
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Nobles |
Indie Bound | Book Depository

Ali Ruffino loves to dance. When her friend posts videos of her online and they go viral, she thinks her unexpected fame might propel her straight to center stage. But along with some real admirers she gets some nasty detractors—and a stalker who isn't content to watch from afar.

About Carol M. Tanzman
website | twitter | facebook | goodreads | tumblr

Carol M. Tanzman's performing arts career is eclectic. She was a dancing poppy in a production of the Wizard of Oz that toured to the Soviet Union, an abstract chicken in a New England mime company, and the assistant director for a play in Germany where her major responsibility was making sure the sheep entered and exited on cue. She's directed regional and Off-Broadway productions of new plays, was the artistic director of a children’s theatre company in upstate NY and has been honored (twice!) by the Bravo Awards for her work with the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Her first YA novel, The Shadow Place, was on YALSA's Quick Pick List of Recommended Books, the National Council of Teachers of English ALAN List of Best Books, and the CA Collection for Middle & Senior High Schools.

Want more chances to win? Follow the DANCERGIRL blog tour:

Monday, November 14th - The Unread Reader
Wednesday, November 16st - YA Liberian Tales
Friday, November 18rd - ChicaReader
Monday, November 21st - Musings of a Reader Happy
Wednesday, November 23th - Alice Marvels
Friday, November 25th - A Cupcake and A Latte
Monday, November 28th - Fire and Ice Reviews
Wednesday, November 30th - Books with Bite Friday, December 2nd - Well Read Wife

Review: Enclave by Ann Aguirre

2011-11-18T16:30:00.000+08:00

Enclave (Razorland #1)

by Ann Aguirre

April 12, 2011: Feiwel & Friends

“WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE

In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first she thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.”

Review

Deuce always wanted to become a Huntress in their community. And when finally she achieved the status, she has been partnered with the mysterious Fade, whose reputation makes it hard for her to assimilate in the Hunters group. But they're partnership has led them to learn something more sinister than what they already know about the Freaks, monsters that lurk within the sewers beyond their enclave. Their bond was put to further test when they found themselves banished from the enclave, and forced to live on their own.

The cover says it's something for Hunger Games fans. If you're into dystopian readings then this one is a must on your list. This has a hard-hitting, gritty depiction of the future. Where people are forced to live underground, with monsters of used-to-be-humans, but still retaining both human strengths and weaknesses that can prove to be redeeming or fatal.

Deuce is a trained warrior with a will of steel. The enclave is all she has in her life: her friends, her dreams, and her community. Fade has an air of mystery and danger around him. He is cold and fights to survive. Together with Deuce, they will fight for their survival and more.

The story will tug your heartstrings into different places, and horrify you with the depiction of a possible future - where there are no rules, where the strongest survives, and surviving to see the next day is always a hanging question in your head. Deuce and Fade will journey from the underworld to the topside, and they only have each other to trust, hopefully until the end.

Cover Reveal: Sequels, In Series (10 Covers)

2011-11-17T12:00:00.000+08:00

Prepare for a bit of visual onslaught.

Ten of the recent cover reveals of book sequels in a series.

Until I Die (Revenants #2)

by Amy Plum

May 8, 2012: HarperCollins Publishers

This is another gorgeous cover for the Revenants series. From a striking red to a more subdued bluish-purple.

Die For Me (Revenants #1)

Timepiece (Hourglass #2)

by Myra McEntire
June 12, 2012: EgmontUSA

I love the Alice-in-Wonderland feel of this cover. The girl in the cover reminds me of the scene where Alice was trapped in a room. :) The cover of the first book was as gorgeous as well, with an optical-illusion vibe to it.

Hourglass (Hourglass #1)

Last Rite (Personal Demons #3)

by Lisa Desrochers
May 8, 2012: TorTeen

Finally. A cover with some sexy tension going on. And it's practically screaming demon here, angel there, and the girl between them. Need to start on the second book!

Personal Demons | Original Sin

Taken by Storm (Raised by Wolves #3)

by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
May 22, 2012: EgmontUSA

I just recently finished the first book, Raised by Wolves (review soon, promise!) and I quite enjoyed it. The second book, Trial by Fire was just released last May. You cannot deny that the cover screams storms with just the thunderous lightning purple going on there.

Raised by Wolves | Trial by Fire

Hallowed (Unearthly #2)

by Cynthia Hand
January 17, 2012: HarperCollins

I think this is the UK cover for Hallowed, and the US one will soon to follow. If you haven't read Unearthly, it's really good. :)

Unearthly (Unearthly #1)

Endlessly (Paranormalcy #3)

by Kiersten White
July 24, 2012: HarperTeen

I love the covers of Paranormalcy. It has a beautiful haunting feel to it. You can't help but stare at it. I think recent covers are digging the color purple?

Paranormalcy | Supernaturally

Dreamless (Starcrossed #2)

by Josephine Angelini
May 29, 2012: HarperTeen

Starcrossed is one of my surprise reads this year. I love it's retelling of a piece of mythology. I can't wait for Dreamless. And look, it's coming out on my birthday! And with a cover like this, you don't have to wrap it as a present. It's gorgeous as it is. <3

Starcrossed (Starcrossed #1)

A Want So Wicked (Need So Beautiful #2)

by Suzanne Young
June 26, 2012: Balzer + Bray

Another book cover with a purplish theme to it. But I'm not complaining. It's beautiful and I think I'm digging it more than the cover of the first book. Though the color might have something to do with the plot. I need to read it. (You can pre-order it here!)

A Need So Beautiful (Need So Beautiful #1)

Surrender (Possession #2)

by Elana Johnson
June 5, 2012: Simon Pulse

Another series that is simple with it's cover. The bird reminds me of Twitter. But then again, it might have something to do with the story. I have to find me a copy of Possession.

Possession (Possession #1)

Arise (Hereafter #2)

by Tara Hudson

July 5, 2012: Harper Collins

I love the contrast of color in this cover. And again, the hue of purple is present! So much love for violet/purple.

Hereafter (Hereafter #1)

Waiting on Wednesday: Wander Dust by Michelle Warren

2011-11-16T16:30:00.000+08:00

Wander Dust (The Seraphina Parrish Trilogy #1)

by Michelle Warren

November 19, 2011

Ever since her sixteenth birthday, strange things keep happening to Seraphina Parrish.

The Lady in Black… burns Sera’s memories.

Unexplainable Premonitions… catapult her to other cities. The Grungy Gang… wants to kill her.

And a beautiful, mysterious boy… stalks her.

But when Sera moves to Chicago, and her aunt reveals their family connection to a centuries old, secret society, she is immediately thrust into an unbelievable fantasy world, leading her on a quest to unravel the mysteries that plague her. In the end, their meanings crash into an epic struggle of loyalty and betrayal, and she’ll be forced to choose between the boy who has stolen her heart and the thing she desires most.

Wander Dust is the breathtaking fantasy that will catapult you through a story of time, adventure, and love.

Oooh...the synopsis gives away nothing but leaves me curious about the story. And what's with Seraphina Parrish? Just a few more days for the release of Wander Dust! :)

Movie Trailer of Mirror, Mirror (Another take on Snow White)

2011-11-16T11:30:00.000+08:00

Snow White and the 7 Dwarves in Mirror, Mirror

We've just seen the first trailer for The Snow White and The Huntsman, which stars Kristen Stewart (Snow White), Chris Hemsworth (The Huntsman), and Charlize Theron (Evil Queen). Now, here is the first trailer for another take on the story of Snow White, Mirror, Mirror; which casts Lily Collins (Snow White), and Julia Roberts (Evil Queen).

Now this looks a little more playful and with a hint of Bollywood. This might appeal more to younger audience, not to mention some comedic appeal! Julia Roberts appears to be a sarcastic, narcissistic Queen. That would be nice to watch. And Lily is beautiful as Snow White. I wish her well in this pre-TMI movie. I hope she also gets to put more spunk in Snow White's character.

Directed by Tarsem Singh, this movie is slated for release for March next year. (imdb)

I think there's no need to compare the two Snow White movie, since it's apparent that they have different take on the story. It will be the audience's decision which one appeals to their taste.

What do you think of the movie trailer?

[Re]Covered: The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

2011-11-15T12:00:00.000+08:00

Books getting some new covers and makeovers.

In-line with the release of the first full-length trailer, here is the recently released new UK covers for The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins:

Previous covers:

The Hunger Games | Catching Fire | Mockingjay

Sleek and simple designs of the books. I'm loving the classic-feel of the covers. And they will definitely appeal to older readers (if they judge the book by its cover). The books with the new covers will be available by December 1.

(source)

Though I also and still love the US covers:

There is also the collector's edition of The Hunger Games:

The Hunger Games - Collector's Edition is available in Amazon.

And I just saw this over at Amazon:

An Official Illustrated Movie Companion for The Hunger Games

Can someone confirm if this is legit? Or if it's on Amazon it does follow it's true?

The Hunger Games: Full-length Movie Trailer

2011-11-14T22:30:00.000+08:00

From the bestselling trilogy by Suzanne Collins comes the movie adaptation of the first book, The Hunger Games.

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which "Tributes" must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she's ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

THE HUNGER GAMES is directed by Gary Ross, and produced by Nina Jacobson's Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Suzanne Collins' best-selling novel, the first in a trilogy published by Scholastic that has over 16 million copies in print in the United States alone, has developed a massive global following. - iTunes

The movie cast includes Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen), Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark), Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne), Woody Harrelson (Haymitch Abernathy), Elizabeth Banks (Effie Trinket), Willow Shields (Primrose Everdeen), Lenny Kravitz (Cinna), and more.

The games will begin on March 23, 2012.

May the odds be ever in your favor.

The trailer gives me goosebumps and some tears in my eyes. Wow. Can't wait to watch the movie! :)
What do you, guys think?

Music Monday: Not Enough Time - INXS

2011-11-14T17:00:00.000+08:00

Music Monday is a weekly feature here in Musings of a Reader Happy, which features all-sorts of music, soundtrack, and fan playlist for music and movies!

I'm trying to catch up with a lot of things since I've been sick for longer than usual and I could tolerate! Arrgh! This could be my theme song. Though I would tweak some of the lyrics...:p

Not Enough Time - INXS

Note: My giveaway for my followers is now up! :)
Cheers!