Since I just recently finished my ARC of Taken by Erin Bowman and loved it so much, I was to pass it on to a fellow reader! Also, please check out the review of Taken here.

If you are interested in entering, please use the form I’ve created…

Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive an ARC of Taken by Erin Bowman.

• You must be at least 13 years old to enter
• Open to US residents only – sorry!
• Giveaway ends April 29, 2013, 11:59 pm PST

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There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends…and he’s gone.

They call it the Heist.

Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive.

Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?

This book…I loved it. Period, the end. Well, I wish that was all, but I’ll explain a little further. What a fascinating and unique premise. The story unfolded at a perfect pace. There was action, romance, and friendship. A book that keeps me on my toes and learning more and more is all I can ask for. There was never a dull moment, even when the story slows a bit as he learns more about his situation.

I so loved the male perspective. I haven’t read too many books with a male perspective so it was really fun and different. Gray was a very thoughtful and smart character. He was sensitive, yet strong and always cautious. I also really loved Bree, which is someone you will meet as you read the story. She kicks ass. I loved her character and whit. Its always a good thing to have a BA girl thrown into the mix!

Gray was torn between his head and heart often, and of course it was never easy. Based on description (and how I defined him in my head) he was so magnetic, personality and looks wise. It was really neat to have a love triangle with two girls, rather than the norm of two boys. I’m not fond of love triangles, but it definitely works in Taken.

Another reason why I loved Taken was that it was a very believable world. It wasn’t like a robotic dystopian, but a realistic future America that has civil unrest. Its something that really makes you think. You take this journey with Gray as he determines what’s important to him and how he fights for what he believes.

Basically, I would read this book again in a second. There was a full storyline, enough closure, and just enough to leave you wanting more. I enjoyed it so much and can’t wait for future books in the series!

Rating: 
For those who like: Dystopian, male perspective, futuristic civil unrest
Source: Publisher – thank you!

Enter to win an ARC of Taken »

I’m so glad to be back. I’m a little bit more organized now and even though I will only have time for a few reviews a month and monthly meme, but its better than being MIA.

I’m on a mission to get back into reading and visiting other reviewers’ blogs, so keep your eyes out for me. I hope to reconnect with old friends and make some new!

Lately strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, and glowing people appear out of nowhere. Worried that Daire is having a nervous breakdown, her mother packs her off to stay in the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico with a grandmother she’s never met.

There she crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes who she’s encountered before…but only in her dreams. And she’ll get to know her grandmother—a woman who recognizes Daire’s bizarre episodes for what they are. A call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, one who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead. Her grandmother immediately begins teaching her to harness her powers—but it’s an art that must be mastered quickly. Because Dace’s brother is an evil shape-shifter who’s out to steal her powers. Now Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and find out if Dace is one guy she’s meant to be with…or if he’s allied with the enemy she’s destined to destroy.

Note: Its been a few months since I read this book, so this review might skim the surface.

I really loved the storyline of Fated! I easily related to the book, because I’ve always been interested in Native American folklore and animal spirits. It’s fascinating and I think Noël successfully weaved a teen’s already crazy life with that of the myths of the Native American cultures. I really think Noël took a step up with this series!

I enjoyed the toss between good and evil and how both had a magical and alluring quality about them. Especially regarding the Native American cultures…definitely magical! The scenes and places Noël sent her characters were described with so much detail that it was easy to imagine they were real. I love that quality in a book. Its important for me to get thrown into the story and this just backed that up.

Daire wasn’t a really special kind of girl, but she stands out by having this strong connection to her Native American culture even though she had been previously separated from it. I loved this aspect of the book as well, because we grow with Daire as she learns more about herself and that creates a seamless experience for the reader.

The only minor downfall with Fated was that the first quarter of the book was very slow. It took a little while for me to get the hang of the dream sequences until we started learning where Daire came from. I encourage you guys to stick through that first part, because it’ll pay off!

Overall, what a great start to a new series. I can’t wait to pick up my copy of book 2. Oh and I can’t forget to mention the romance…very apparent and appropriate, but I am definitely hoping for more. Which I think might happen!

Rating: 
For those who like: Animal spirits, good vs. evil, Native American legends
Source: Publisher – thank you!

My name is Katness Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead. Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss’s family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains – except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss’s willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels’ Mockingjay – no matter what the personal cost.

I had no idea what to except when picking up Mockingjay. I didn’t know where the story would go or who we would meet this time. I loved that mystery and the fact that it wasn’t predictable! It made for a better adventure and more of a roller coaster ride, but still keeping those little things we absolutely love.

Katniss’s new life consists of getting used to the ways of District 13 and being the main face of the now outspoken rebellion. A rebellion that has previously killed many people, and Katniss feels responsible. She wants to give people the freedom they wish for and to get Peeta back, but in doing so making the Capitol angrier is inevitable.

Katniss is such an awesome and dynamic heroine. She’s one of those heroines that girls look up to and that makes The Hunger Games series even more important to a lot of readers! She’s smart and strong and ready to take on challenges handed to her no matter the cost she might pay. There weren’t many new characters added, which was okay, because there was so much more to learn about the ones introduced in the previous book. I really enjoyed that.

Like I’ve stated in previous reviews, I love that this series is written in more of a live-diary style. There is dialogue, but less than most novels. For me, I can connect with Katniss on more of an emotional level, which is really important and just another reason why this series is a big favorite of mine! The writing is exceptional and the storyline is unique and action-packed. Something you should definitely not overlook!

For anyone who hasn’t read the series, start now! I can say the same for readers who haven’t picked up Mockingjay yet. Its an epic story and something you shouldn’t pass up. You will laugh, fight, and cry with Katniss throughout all of her challenges, relationships, and personal conflict. I can’t recommend it enough!

Rating:
For those who like: Dystopian, action, adventure/survival, strong heroines
Source: Won from Bewitched Bookworms

Reviews of other books in this series:

• The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)
• Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2)

There will be 2 winners. Each will choose which book they want. First winner gets first choice. Here’s what you can win…

Giveaway Terms:

• Open to U.S. residents only – sorry!
• You must be at least 13 years old to enter.
• Giveaway ends May 12, 2012, 12:01 am EST

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Starling by Lesley Livingston
Release Date: August 15, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pre-Order: Book Depository

“Love is just the beginning… of the end.”

Mason Starling is a champion fencer for Gosforth Academy, but she’s never had to fight for her life. Until now. When a ferocious storm rips through Manhattan and unleashes terrifying creatures onto Gosforth’s campus, Mason barely escapes alive. Without help from the mysterious stranger who appeared in the midst of the storm, she might not have made it at all. But now, in the aftermath, Mason’s life begins to spin dramatically, mystically out of control, and the only one who seems able to help her is the stranger who can remember nothing but his name: Fennrys Wolf.

As Mason and Fenn uncover more about Fenn’s past and the strange events that surround them, they realize that Mason’s family — and its dark allegiance to the ancient Norse gods — is at the center of everything. A predetermined fate seems to be closing in on Mason, but is it possible to change one’s destiny?

I absolutely love mythology and this seems to focus on something other than the norm. I’m really excited for this. The synopsis definitely leaves me begging for the book! I like the idea of Mason and Fenn working together to discover his past.

New releases for April 23-29, 2012

The Temptation by Alisa Valdes (HarperTeen – 4/24)
Thumped by Megan McCafferty (Balzer + Bray – 4/24)
Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin (Greenwillow – 4/24)
Social Suicide by Gemma Halliday (HarperTeen – 4/24)

Eve of Destruction by Patrick Carman (Katherine Tegen Books – 4/24)
Unraveling by Author (Balzer + Bray – 4/24)
Whisper by Author (Square Fish – 4/24)
The Story of Us by Author (Simon Pulse – 4/24)

Spirit’s Princess by Esther M. Friesner (Random House Children’s Books – 4/24)
The Girl in the Park by Mariah Fredericks (Random House Children’s Books – 4/24)
Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf (Walker Childrens – 4/24)
Zero by Tom Leveen (Random House BFYR – 4/24)

The Selection by Kiera Cass (HarperTeen – 4/24)
Storm by Brigid Kemmerer (Kensington Teen – 4/24)
The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa (Harlequin Teen – 4/24)
Purity by Jackson Pearce (Little, Brown BFYR – 4/24)

The Right & the Real by Author (Putnam Juvenile – 4/26)
7 Clues to Winning You by Kristin Walker (Razorbill – 4/26)

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It’s gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie’s estranged father–an elusive European warlock–only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it’s her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Who wouldn’t be excited to jump into Hex Hall which, to me, is highly reminiscent of Sabrina the Teenage Witch!? I’ve heard a ton of great things about this book, but unfortunately it missed the marked. There is no doubt that it is humorous and fun, but I was expecting so much more.

Sophie Mercer is a teen witch who doesn’t really know how to NOT use her powers. Every time she tries a spell it seems to go horribly wrong and her mom and her up and move to the next state in order to keep her powers on the low-down. Unfortunately, her father decides that she’s to attend a paranormal reform school, Hex Hall. But, when people start getting attacked, Sophie will have to jump in to clear her friend’s name and find out who’s really doing it.

Sophie is really funny and a rather normal girl, minus her powers and all that. I found it really easy to like her, because of the humor. She’s also easily influenced by cute boys in school uniforms. I mean, who wouldn’t be? I really loved Jenna, the vampire. She was really sweet and a good friend, even though everyone treated her like an outcast. I kind of had a love/hate relationship with Archer, the super cute warlock. Sometimes I just wanted to punch him in the face. Eh…it happens, right?

Rachel Hawkins must be hilarious in person, because the humor translated really well into Hex Hall. I promise you will not be let down if you are looking for a fun read! Other than that, I couldn’t get past how predictable it was. I felt like I was constantly waiting for the story to start up and get really interesting.

Overall, Hex Hall was a quick and fun read. I’d recommend checking it out if you are looking for something cute that will make you giggle like a school girl. If you are looking for something more serious or adventurous, I would skip it.

Rating: 
For those who like: Witches, light magic, funny and cute reads
Source: Bought