Happy New Years!

Last year, I posted some goals for 2009. I am going to set some more.
1. Write more. Finish Sisters. Plot out the idea and do character development.
2. Review books twice a week
3. Interview more authors.
4. Try to be more posistive.
5. Apply to at least 3 colleges out of stare.
6. Read 150 books this year.

So what is everyone else's goals?

A survey!

Hey everyone,
Here is a survey about my blog. If you do this and comment, you will be entered to win a swag pack with a few bookmarks. Here is the survey, it will only take a moment. =)

Waiting on Wednesday (40)

Title: Guardian of the Dead
Author: Karen Healey
Publisher: Little Brown
Release Date: April 1, 2010
New Zealander Ellie Spencer just wants to spend her last year of high school in peace, even if she does have to spend it at boarding school and not in her hometown. But the moment her secret crush enchants her – literally – Ellie is drawn into a supernatural crisis that threatens everything she loves.The creatures of Māori mythology aren’t so mythological – and some of them are murderous. Once her eyes are open, there’s no peace for Ellie; only a magical war the right side must win. Ellie must do what she can with her rusty tae kwon do skills and her newfound magical abilities to save her friends, her country, and millions of lives.
This book looks amazing and I want it so much.

Trailer Tuesday

I am feeling really sick and have to go to the hospital. So, above is a The Lovely Bones Movie Trailer. I think it looks awesome, even though I wasn't a fan of the book. I love any movie with Saoirse Ronan. I am going to start doing some sort of Trailer every Tuesday. Someone might be doing this already, but I really like trailer and I am busy most Tuesdays, so this works for me.

+100 reading challenge

I did this, this year. I can easily read 100 books in a year. So, I am going to try to read 250 books. I think that it will be rather easy and I am excited for what books, I will pick.

In My Mailbox (Week of December 27th)

I forgot to Mention that I got a $125 giftcard to Barnes and Noble, which I spent on lots of The Tenner books.

Winners and randomness!

The Winner of The Line is Irish/Gail.
The Winner of Undead Much is Dahlia (TheBookShopaholic).
If you are them, send me your address and I'll get it out in the next week.

Also, if you have seen the Doctor Who Christmas Special, omg! I need the New Years Special now. Beth and I are intensely discussing this. Seriously it was crazy awesome, but I have to remember that The End of Time is The 10th Doctors last show. *cries* In My Mailbox will be tomorrow and it will have all of my Christmas books...

Alright...

Have fun and take care. Merry Christmas!

Darklight by Lesley Livingston

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 18/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 20/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 95/100 or A
Since last Autumn, when Kelley Winslot learned that she was a Faerie Princess, she fell in love with Sonny Flannery, who is a changeling guard. They saved the mortal realm from the Wild Hunt. Now Kelley is stuck in New York City, rehearsing Romeo and Juliet and missing Sonny more with every stage kiss, while Sonny has been forced back to the Otherworld and has to hunt down what is left of the Wild Hunt. An horrible encounter sends Kelley into the Otherworld and has a reunion with Sonny. Ancient magick is stirring and a new enemy is emerging and is willing to go anything to claim that power. Caught in a web of Faerie deception and shifting allegiances, Kelley and Sonny must tread carefully, for each next step could topple a kingdom . . . or tear them apart.
I loved Wondrous Strange, it was such an amazing book that I couldn't wait for next book. Darklight starts a bit after Wondrous Strange ends. Kelley still has her amazing personality, but she didn't have the spark from the last book. I think that it could be that she missed Sonny. Sonny was the strong person that he was in the last book. I loved how the romance became more intense and you could tell that they missed one and another. I also loved how the smaller characters were expanded on and you got to learn more weakness about the characters. The plot was really good. It wasn't predictable and also it was entertaining. Darklight is really Original, and it didn't remind me of any other faerie book. Livingston is a great writer and I can't wait for the new book. I recommend this to anyone that read Wondrous Strange and enjoyed it. Also anyone that loves faeries would love this series, so start Wondrous Strange and enjoy this beautifully written series.

Waiting on Wednesday (39)

Title: You Wish
Author: Mandy Hubbard
Publisher: Razorbil
Release Date: August 5, 2010
Kayla McHenry’s sweet sixteenth sucks! Her dad left, her grades dropped, and her BFF is dating the boy Kayla’s secretly loved for years. Blowing out her candles, Kayla thinks: I wish my birthday wishes actually came true. Because they never freakin’ do. Kayla wakes the next day to a life-sized, bright pink My Little Pony outside her window. Then a year’s supply of gumballs arrives. And a boy named Ken with a disturbing resemblance to the doll of same name stalks her. As the ghosts of Kayla’s wishes-past appear, they take her on a wild ride… but they MUST STOP. Because when she was 15? She wished Ben Mackenzie would kiss her. And Ben is her best friend's boyfriend.
I love Mandy's first book, Prada and Predjudice. It was cute and funny, overall a sweet read. I can't wait till You Wish. It has a cute title, plus Mandy is a local author (Hopefully I will be able to go to a signing for one of her next books, and meet her. She is a writing machine, she has two coming out next year...) Also I love books with wishes and how they go wrong. Also I love the cover... Cupcakes are epic.
PS. This is my 365 post this year, which was a New Years Goal. So, yay! Most of my blogs die out after a matter of months, but this one is still going on. I think it is because I am very passionate about books and I don't have to write much about my life...

Pictures from Signings...

I have been lazy and not doing this. I also don't wear the same shirt everyday, just to signings. I do clean my clothes. So here are some pictures:

Suzanne Selfors and I. Michelle Zink signing my copy of Prophecy of the Sisters. Scott Westerfeld, Beth, and I.

Sarah Rees Brennan and I. Kristina Horner and I. Justine Larbalestier and I.

Awesome Book Trailers

This is the trailer for Captivate by Carrie Jones:

I want to read Captivate, so much. I loved Need.

In My Mailbox (Week of December 20th)

Books that I got:
Some Girls Are by Courtney Summer
The Returners by Gemma Malley
Split by Stefan Petrucha
Just Don't Fight by Josh Sundquist
A Whole Nother Story by Dr. Cuthbert

I also got a card from Ashley and Sharon.

Project For Awesome!

Technically, it was two days ago, but here are my favorite videos from Project for Awesome. After Christmas, I will be donating 38.60 total to a few of these charities in the name of my blog followers, because I don't excaltly have tons of money. So, I am doing 10% of my followers at a limit of $50. I am also going to give atleast ten books to Seattle Children's, since they are my hospital and they are amazing and they deserve the best for what they have done for me.








I hope you enjoyed the videos.

Interview with Melissa De La Cruz

Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University. She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews. Melissa de la Cruz is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for teens including The Au Pairs series, the Blue Bloods series, the Ashleys series, and the Angels on Sunset Boulevard series .She now divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter. If you want to learn more about Melissa and her books, check out her website: http://www.melissa-delacruz.com/

1. Blue Bloods has a lot of interesting aspects. How did you come up with the many aspects?
I wanted to write an epic fantasy that capsulated a lot of my interests: art history, literature, world history, Paradise Lost, vampires, New York, fashion. I thought it would be fun to write about everything that interested me and as well as subjects in which I had a wealth of great material/research on hand (I used to cover the glittery scene in New York, one magazine assignment asked me to interview people about their private jets). In a way, Blue Bloods is the book I've always been itching to write all my life because so much of me, my life, my experiences, my interests are in the series. Although I don't know any vampires—my editor put that note in my bio as a tongue-in-cheek joke. You can't imagine how many emails I get from kids who want to know if I really know vampires. When I say no I feel like I'm the person telling them there is no Santa Claus.
　
2. The characters in The Blue Bloods series are so realistic. What is your process for developing characters?
Most of my characters come from an aspect of my personality, even the boys are part of me – they have to be to be real. I really try to root my story in reality as much as possible, especially the relationships, because I find it's the most important aspect of the story. They need to feel real, and they start out based on my life, friendships and romantic history, but then the characters have a life of their own, and their own voice and story that takes over.
　
3. You have been written both Contemporary and Fantasy. Which one do you like to write more? Also, does your writing process change over between genres?　
I really enjoyed writing the chick-lit books but I felt a bit burnt out after awhile. I enjoy writing fantasy more because there are more opportunities to make up stuff and take your story someplace it's never been. It's just a lot more fun and more the real "me." I always tell my agent I'm a role-playing LOTR geek dressed up in fashionista clothing. I was a huge reader of fantasy and sci-fi in my youth.
　
4. What do you like most about writing for teens?
I love their enthusiasm and how deeply they get into the story. I was just like that when I was their age. I re-read books constantly, I cried every time Aragorn thinks Frodo is dead in Fellowship of the Ring. I don't think I've ever grown up either, so I really relate to my readers—I feel like I'm just one of them, and I'm writing books that I would have loved at their age. Adults should never condescend to teens, the teens are so much smarter than we are. 　
　
5. What are some of your favorite young adult books?
I absolutely loved The Outsiders and all of SE Hinton's books as a teen, they are huge influences. I also loved Madeleine L'Engle's Wrinkle in Time (who doesn't love Calvin and Meg). I wanted to be Jo March from Little Women (and I loved the sequel too – Little Men and Jo's Boys – I was and still am a big sequel reader). Sweet Valley High—I could recite the opening line right down to the lavaliers the twins wore! Right now there's so many – but I especially love Elizabeth Scott's Perfect You and Frank Portmann's King Dork.
　
6. How do you think writing for magazines, helped you became an author?
As a writer, you need to learn how to deal with deadlines and rejection, and working professionally with editors. I loved the magazine world and I'm so sad that the industry is failing. Magazines are ruthless – you sink or swim and it teaches you to be sharp and not to take things personally – like your piece not making it in. I would say 50 percent of everything I wrote for a magazine got "killed", which is normal. You develop a thick skin and good instincts for a story.
　 　
7. Is there anything that you would like to add?
Sure – Keys to the Repository comes out in May 2010! Lots of fun stuff about the Blue Bloods' world is revealed!

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Rating:
Characters: 20/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 20/20
Recommendation: 20/20
Overall: 98/100 or A
Violet can find dead people, well murdered people. She can sense their bodies by an echo left on their body. An imprint is also left on the killer, too. When she was little, she had to bury a graves for animals to find solace in it. As if her powers weren't enough to deal with, Violet has a sudden, inexplicable, and consuming crush on her best friend since childhood, Jay Heaton. Now a serial killer has begun terrorizing Violet's small town and she realizes that she is the only one that can stop him.
The characters are fantastic. Violet is compulsive, but lovable and relatable. Jay is mysterious, but caring and cute. The killer is well done, he seemed crazy and like someone I wouldn't want to mess with. I liked that there were chapters of inside the killers mind. The plot is amazing. This book is impossible to put down. It was filled with suspense, romance, and action.The setting is awesome. I have been in the area before and it is well described. The Body Finder is really original. I love how the book is presented. Derting makes and amazing debut. I love this book and totally recommend it.

Waiting on Wednesday (38)

Title: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Hyperion Book
Release Date: March 2nd, 2010
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 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.
This book looks so amazing and I want it so much. I also love the cover.

Books Read In November

Posting this kind of late, but I am ashamed by the lack of books... I totally understand why people don't read as much when they write.
202. Crash Into Me by Albert Borris
203. Jumped by Rita Williams Garcia
204. Lost by Jacqueline Davies
205. Because I am Furiture by Thalia Chaltas
206. Rage: A Love Story by Julie Anne Peters
207. Fat Cat by Robin Brande
208. Krama for Beginners by Jessica Blank
209. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
210. The Way He Lived by Emily Wing Smith

Reviews posted from these books: 2 of these books so far, a few are planned to be posted later.
Books from Library: 1 books
Books for Review: 7 books
Books borrowed: 0 books
My Favorite: Will Grayson, Will Grayson
My Least Favorite: I am not sure.
Update:
100+ Reading Challenge: 210 read.
V.C. Andrews: Read Good Trash movement: 3 read. 8 to go
Debut Authors '09: 49 read

Random Vlog!

This is a random vlog with writing questions, if you could answer them, you are amazing.

Girl on The Other Side by Deborah Kerbal

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 17/20
Originality: 18/20
Writing: 17/20
Recommendation: 17/20
Overall: 87/100 or B
Tabby Freeman comes from the richest family in town. She is the most popular girl in school, but honestly, no one really cares for her. Lora Froggett is intelligent, shy, and constantly bullier. Every day, she takes care of her little siblings, because her mother has Multiple Sclerosis and most days she can verily walk. Both Tabby and Lora are in their own world of misery. Slowly, secrets are revealed and these two girls will have to decide, if the secrets have changed them.
I feel as though I have met both of the girls before. I found it interesting, how Kerbel show how complex people can be. I also enjoyed the plot. I feel that it ended too quickly and that it could have been paced a bit better. One of my friend's mom has Multiple Sclerosis and I have seen how much of can effect a whole family. It was a bit original, I liked how Kerbel added family issues to both characters, instead of the basic popular girl vs the unpopular girl story. The writing was pretty good, but I felt that it was better in Mackenzie, Lost and Found. I recommend Girl on the Other Side, to those that like a short book with some complex issues.
Here is a book trailer that Deborah made for it:

In My Mailbox (Week of December 13th)

Books and such that I got:
Some Girls are by Courtney Summers
How It Ends by Laura Wiess
Christmas Card from Zombie Girl.

Blue Plate Special by Michelle D. Kwasney

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 18/20
Originality: 20/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 20/20
Overall: 96/100 or A
Madeline has been teased for her whole life. She is overweight. She also has to take care of her alcoholic mom and then she meets Tad, who is a McDonald's counter guy. He sees something in her that no one else has. Desiree avoids her neglectful mom, who is too high on pain pills to see that her boyfriend is hitting on her daughter. Desiree just wants to hang out with her boyfriend, Jeremy. Ariel has too many AP classes, a workaholic mom, and her dad is in prison. Her boyfriend, Shane helps makes the worst days better. An unexpected phone call has, Ariel visiting a sick grandma and revealing family secrets. Ariel finds the courage to make the right choices for her future.
As three girls from three different decades lives converge, they discover they are connected ways they could never imagine. Each of them finds strength that brings her closer to healing a painful past, and faith that there is a happier future.
Madeline, Desiree, and Ariel are such amazing characters that are one of a kind and so amazing. I loved how I could relate to each character and they were so different. Blue Plate Special has such an amazing plot that I enjoyed every part of it. I also liked how the stories connected. It is such an original book that had a lot of unique voices. Kwasney is an amazing writer and I can't wait for her to read more of her young adult novel. I honestly recommend this book to anyone. It is a true page turner and you want to re-read this book, when you are done.

How It Ends by Laura Wiess

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 20/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 95/100 or A
When Hanna was five years old, her parents were having a hard time. During those times, Hanna would spend her time with her neighbour. Over time, Hanna adopted Helen and Lon as a Grandma and Grandpa. Hanna always wanted to know what was going on, when Helen was her age and Helen would tell her happy stories, because she didn't want to trouble Hanna with what really happened. They would also spend their time, reading books, talking, walking the deer path and taking care of strays. But as Hanna grows older, the inevitable happens, and she begins to spend less and less time with Helen.
Hanna starts her sophomore year at a private school and has fallen head over hell for Seth. She start obsessing over him and even Jesse, who has "FUCK" tattooed on his arm, can make her forget him. Finally, Hanna gets over Seth, but now he wants her. Seth is who she though he was.
Helen is growing older and needs to tell Hanna, what really happened. Hanna also has to do community service and ends up doing it for Helen. Hanna listens to audio book, while taking care of Helen. The audio book has Hanna thinking about passion, sacrifice, and devotion. That is until the book becomes to real to handle.
The characters in How It Ends are so well developed. Hanna is like any other teenager, a bit obsessive and selfish at time, but really has a heart underneath it all. Helen was remarkable and interesting. The plot was really well developed and I enjoyed the many twist and turns that are in this book. You were never sure what was going to happen at times and I had tears coming down my cheeks for the last one hundred pages. How It Ends was such an original book and unlike anything that I have read. Wiess is such a wonderful book. I have enjoyed all of the books that she has wrote to date and can't wait for her next book. I recommend How It Ends to everyone, it an amazing and one of kind book that will touch your heart.

Interview with Lauren Bjorkman

Lauren Bjorkman grew up on a sailboat. She met her husband to be in a poetry class at the local junior college. She was a senior in high school then. She went to UC Berkeley and UC Davis, majoring in International Agricultural Development. Secretly, she hoped to be a writer one day. After her first son was born in Honolulu, she quit my job, and pursued my dream. She lives in Taos, New Mexico with her husband and children. Her first book, My Invented Life is in bookstores now.

1. My Invented Life really shows how sister relationships are today, keeping secrets and more distance. Were you inspired by your own sister?
Yes and no. My sister and I were very close growing up. We lived on a sailboat, and shared the tiny foc’sle. So we had to be! When we moved back into a house, things changed. Secrets came between us, and the distance grew. Luckily, we got through it, and became close again.
But Jolene and I are nothing like Eva and Roz. And the secrets and the issues between us were entirely different. When she read My Invented Life, Jolene was a little disappointed that she couldn’t recognize us in the story.

2. I love Eyeliner Andie. I have read that you would love to write a book about her. What would you like to write about her?
Andie is so mysterious. This makes her unpredictable, and a bit dangerous as a close friend. In My Invented Life, I never lay out the reason why she’s this way. She just is. The truth is, I don’t know the answer. I would love to write a story where she’s the main character, and gets peeled layer by layer to her core. Then I would understand her at last.

3. What was your favorite thing about writing about theater geeks?
I was too shy to audition for a play in high school, but I found the whole scene fascinating, and would often attend school plays two nights in a row. In my senior year, I got an “in” to the theater geek crowd and attended their parties. They are a wild lot—uninhibited, talented, and a bit crazy. While writing the novel, I especially enjoyed imagining doing the things I never dared to do.

What are some other plays that you can see Roz in?
Roz would be excellent as Medea in the play called Media by Euripides. Or as Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. And though she might not be content in a smaller role, Nathan Detroit’s girlfriend Adelaide would be perfect for her.

4. What is a normal writing day for you?
I write while my kids are at school. After I drop them off, I make myself a cappuccino, pile up snacks on a tray, and go back to bed! Really. I did all my school work in my bunk on the boat, and the habit stuck. I work on a laptop propped up with pillows. When I get excited about an idea, or don’t know what to write next, I get up and pace around.

5. What book(s) are you working on right now?
I’m almost finished with a major revision of my new YA, Miss Fortune Cookie. It will come out in the spring of 2011. It is the story of a friendship triangle gone wrong—with bad advice, teen pregnancy, a Mini Cooper, and fortune cookies. My agent is calling it a Chinese-American Juno.

6. Other then writing, what do you enjoy doing?
I love to travel to far flung places. Other than that, I gravitate towards quieter activities like sewing, reading, and eating good food. But my daredevil husband has gotten me mountain climbing, kayaking, and camping among Grizzly bears in Alaska. When I do these things, part of the joy is the sheer terror.

7. How did being a part of Class of 2k9 help you with the release of your book?
When I got the book contract, I hadn’t the slightest idea what to do next. Both the Class of 2k9 and the 2009 Debutantes have been enormously helpful and supportive groups. Now I can ask questions and get advice when things go wrong from other authors. The Class of 2k9 focused on marketing, which was great because I didn’t have the faintest idea how to go about it. When I started, I barely knew what a blog was! Now I’m a huge fan of the book blogging community.

8. Is there anything that you would like to add?
My sisters from My Invented Life have started their own advice column, like Dear Abby with a twist. It’s called Ask My Sister—(mostly) good advice for those who dare. And if you write a letter asking for advice, I’ll send you a signed My Invented Life bookmark.
Go here for details: http://laurenbjorkman.wordpress.com/

Waiting on Wednesday (37)

Title: A Blue So Dark

Author: Holly Schindler

Publisher: Flux

Release Date: May 1st, 2010

Terrified that her mother, a schizophrenic and an artist, is a mirror that reflects her own future, sixteen-year-old Aura struggles with her overwhelming desires to both chase artistic pursuits and keep madness at bay. As her mother sinks deeper into the darkness of mental illness, the hunger for a creative outlet keeps drawing Aura toward the depths of her own imagination—the shadows of make-believe that she finds frighteningly similar to her mother’s hallucinations. Convinced that creative equals crazy, Aura shuns her art, and her life unravels in the process.

This book looks really interesting and the cover is so pretty...

The Way He Lived by Emily Wing Smith

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 18/20
Overall: 92/100 or A
Joel died living the way that he lived. He gave away his water on a hike, in order to save the lives of his friends. Six teens are left to find out who Joel was and how much he mattered to each person. His two sisters, Tabbatha and Clair are able to show how they see their family without Joel. Their mom locks herself away from the world and their dad has thrown himself into his work. His debate partner Alden and his best friend Miles are not sure what to think of Joel's death and are slowly trying to get over the tradegy that happened. Norah is trying to get over her confusing crush on Joel. Lissa is trying to move on from not Joel, but her boyfriend Miles and deal with Joel's death. The impact that Joel had on each person is unique and displays how many different dimensions a person has.
The characters seemed as real as people that I know. Their personality shine through like a light. This book is unlike anything that I have read. Smith creates a one of a kind tale. Smith is an amazing writer and created such a great story of six teens that are trying to find themselves in such a great tradegy. Smith is an amazing writer. She created a fantastic setting and set of characters that I didn't want to leave. I recommend The Way He Lived by Emily Wing Smith to anyone that is searching for an emotional story that just make you cry.

In My Mailbox(Week of December 6th)

Sorry that this is a day late.

Books that I got for Cybils:
Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott
Tricks by Ellen Hopkins
Shine Coconut Moon by Neesha Meminger
The Secret Life of Prince Charming by Deb Caletti
What Would Emma Do by Eileen Cook
Wild Orchid by Cameron Dokey
The Summer That I Turn Pretty by Jenny Han
You Are Here by Jennifer E. Smith
Bait by Alex Sanchez
One of the Survivors by Susan Shaw
Girl Stays in The Picture by Melissa De La Cruz
Prue by Terra Elan McVoy
The Rock and The River by Kekla Magoon

Book Trailer!

Here is a trailer for Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore. I have a copy of this book and I am really excited to read it. What do you think of this trailer? In My Mailbox will be tommorrow. My house is noisy today with the sounds of football watching.

Series that I love...

This is just going to be a few series that I love. I read all of these series, before I started blogging. So, these are mini reviews of thewhole series.

The Sweep series by Cate Tiernan.

I read this whole series in about two months. There are fifteen books and they are around 150-200 pages each. The books are fairly quick reads. The series is about Morgan Rowlands. She finds out that she is a blood witch from the new kid in town, Cal. She learns what happened to her family and how she is the last of her line. The characters are trully amazing, like Hunter. Also, she has to fight againist dark magic. I don't want to say anything else, because I might spoil it. These are really fun books that I loved. The first nine books are from strictly Morgan's point of view. The last six books are from mixed views. I read these books, way before blogging. If you are interested in this series, the first book is Book of Shadows.

The Midnighter Trilogy by Scott Westerfeld

These are the books that I found Scott Westerfeld from. I read them as they came out. Anyways, the plot is that Jessica Day moves to Bixby, OK. Her mother gets a job offer from a high tech areospace comapany. Jessica finds out that she is a Midnighter. That means that she gets an extra hour hidden within the instant of midnight. A midnighter is born at midnight and has some sort of special power. For some reason, there is only a Blue Hour in Bixby and it was created by the Darklings and Slithers. They are dangerous and powerful beings that are also in the Blue Hours. I wasn't happy with the ending, but overall I enjoyed this series a lot. If you are interested in reading it, the first book is The Secret Hour.

The Guardians of Time Trilogy by Marianne Curley

The Guardians of Time (also known as The Guard) are trying to protect the past, present, and Future by traveling into the past to thwart their enemies, The Order of Chaos(also known as The Order), who are trying to change the past events to give themselves more power in the the future. The setting is Austrailia, which is amazing. I also enjoyed the characters, then. I was mad that some of the characters that I wanted to end up together didn't. I also enjoyed the authors othe book Old Magic. If you want to read this series, it starts with The Marked.

Confessions of Georgia Nicolson Series by Louise Rennison

I luuuurve the is series. It is totally fab. I have not read the last one, but if Georgia does not end up with Dave the Laugh... I am going to cry in a basket. I always expect to laugh a lot during this book. Pretty much this book is the diary of a teenage girl named Georgia Nicolson. She lives in London with her mad father, her crazy mother, and her crazy little sister, Libby. She has a cat that is half Scottish Wild Cat. Her best friend is Jasmine and the rest of the Ace Gang. This book is basically about being a teen and has marvy vocab. If you want to read this series, it starts with Agnus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging. I love the characters and it is truly a one of a kind book with fun characters and an awesome plot.

Ekk... I wanted to add more, but I think that four is a good start. I might add to this at another time. I am also borrowing this idea from Khy.

Just a few things...

First off, the original winner of The Secret Year by Jennifer R. Hubbard has not responded. The new winner is Kate at The Never Ending Shelf.
Second, I am going to be doing Christmas Cards soon. If you want one, e-mail me your address at sarahbear119(at)hotmail(dot)com, with the subject "Christmas Cards".
Lastly, I have been getting a few episodes of chills, which is common with what I have. I am trying to rest a lot more, so I might not be on the Internet as much as usual.

Interview with Kristina Springer

Kristina Springer has a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Illinois State University and a Master of Arts in Writing from DePaul University. Her first novel, The Espressologist will be published by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux in the fall of 2009. She lives in a suburb of Chicago, IL with her husband Athens and their four small children Teegan, Maya, London, and Gavin. She is also a regular contributer for Author2Author.

1. Where did you get the idea for The Espressologist?
At a coffee shop! My local Starbucks to be specific. I was sitting there having drinks with my husband and watching people come in and out and it sorta hit me that I could tell what they were going to order. Then the book idea started to come to me.
2. For those that don't know what The Espressologist is about, can you give them a brief summary? Also, What other books can we look forward to you in the future?
THE ESPRESSOLOGIST is about a 17-yr old coffee barista at a Chicago coffee shop who discovers she has this talent for matchmaking people based on their favorite coffee drinks.
And coming next fall is MY FAKE BOYFRIEND IS BETTER THAN YOURS. It's about these two 7th grade BFFs who both suspect the other's boyfriend is a fake and keep trying to one up each other with who has the better guy. It becomes competitive and hilarious.
3. You are a contributor to Author2Author. How do you think that it has helped you? What is your favorite part about being a part of the group?
We (me, Deena, Emily, Kate, and Lisa) started Author2Author almost two years ago now and I love it! We're all at different stages of the writing process and we talk a lot about what we're going through at the time and also offer lots of tips/advice/experience. It's helped me a lot personally because I'm with four super smart ladies and they're always coming up with great topics for things I haven't tried yet or haven't heard of. I'm always learning from them. My favorite part about the group? Their advice. I can e-mail them anytime with an OMG, what do I do?! situation and one or all of them will have an answer.
4. What are some of your favorite books from this last year?
Oh, there have been so many!! Let's see, Prada & Prejudice, Wings, Hate List, Being Nikki, Paper Towns, The Forest of Hands and Teeth, Secrets of Truth and Beauty, Stupid Cupid, and A Match Made in High School (though that comes out in Feb 2010-- I read the arc.)
5. What is a normal writing day for you?
Fit it in whenever I can! Generally this is a couple of nights a week, maybe a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, for a couple of hours at a time.
6.What are hobbies that you like to do other then writing and reading?
My kids! Seriously, my days are jam packed with kid stuff (their activities, appts, schools, playdates etc. There are four of them between the ages of one and seven). Other than that I try to exercise everyday. And drink coffee. Is that a hobby? And visit/chat with friends and family as often as possible. Oh, and I like movies! And hanging out with my husband!
7. Is there anything else would you like to add?
Thanks for having me! :)

Waiting on Wednesday(Week Thirty-Six)

Title: The Tension of Opposties
Author: Kristina McBride
Publisher: Egmont USA
Release Date: May 25th, 2010
Two years ago, when Tessa’s best friend, Noelle, was kidnapped, survivor’s guilt kept her from living her life. But that all changes the day she learns Noelle has been found . . . Alive. Tessa becomes determined to help her friend acclimate to the life she should have been living all along. But Max, the new kid in Tessa’s photography class, pulls her attention in a different direction. And Noelle, who insists on being called Elle, returns as a distant and self-destructive girl who Tessa has trouble connecting with. Will Tessa regain the friend she thought she’d lost forever? Or will Elle slip away and leave Tessa feeling more lost and confused than ever?
This book sounds amazing and I am excited to read it. The cover is going to change a bit, but it looks amazing.

Girl in The Arena by Lise Haines

Rating:

Characters: 15/20

Plot: 13/20

Originality: 16/20

Writing: 14/20

Recommendation: 13/20

Overall: 76/100 or C

Lyn is a neo-gladiator’s daughter. Her mother actually married seven of them, the first six having been killed in the ring. The rules require her mother to never marry again if her seventh husband dies in the ring. Her father has an upcoming fight and the whole house is on edge. Lyn gives stepfather Tommy her dowry bracelet for luck, and when his opponent Uber kills him, Uber takes the bracelet and wears it. According to the rules, Lyn must then marry him...

When I heard about a book called Girl in the Arena. I expected the Girl to actually be a gladiator. I was disappointed to find out this wasn't the case. Lyn was not relatable to me. She was constantly complaining and informing you that she is a pacifist. Uber on the other hand, was developed and actually a bit interesting. The plot was rather boring. There were only two fights in the very beginning and the very end. I felt that their should have been more. The plot also resolves too quickly and it felt like the ending was rushed. It had bits of originality, but I felt that this it wasn't developed well. The writing was okay, but it was rather confusing how the chapters were formed and dialogue was put together. I honestly don't recommend this book, if you want to read it, I would suggest going to the library before buying Girl in The Arena.

Woot! A Contest!

I asked on Saturday, which book would you would want to see in a contest... Well, I decided to do a contest with both books, since the vote were pretty much even and it is almost Christmas. The books are Undead Much? by Stacey Jay and The Line by Teri Hall.

The Line by Teri Hall is about:

Rachel lives with her mother on The Property. The good thing about living there is that it’s far from the city where the oppressive government is most active. The bad thing, at least to most people, is that it’s close to the Line—an uncrossable section of the National Border Defense System, an invisible barrier that encloses the entire country.
She can see the Line from the greenhouse windows, but she is forbidden to go near it. Across the Line is Away, and though Rachel has heard many whispers about the dangers there, she’s never really believed the stories. Until the day she hears a recording that could only have come from across the Line.
It’s a voice asking for help.
Who sent the message? What is her mother hiding? And to what lengths will Rachel go in order to do what she thinks is right?

Undead Much? by Stacey Jay is about:

Q: How many guys does it take to make your boyfriend wild with jealousy?A: Only one, if he's UNDEAD.

Megan Berry had a perfectly average new-sundress-and-boy-obsessed life--until her power to settle the Undead returned. Oh, and then her best friend tried to kill her--and ruin homecoming--with a bunch of black magically raised zombies. At least she got a spot on the pom squad and a smokin' boyfriend (Ethan). But now Megan is in deep fertilizer all over again.

Why? Well, let's see... · Feral new super-strong zombies? Check. Cheerleader vs. pom squad turf war threatening half time as they know it? Check.
An Undead psychic hottie (Cliff) who's predicting a zombie apocalypse--and doing his best to tempt Megan away from Ethan? Yum. I mean, Check.
Earth-shattering secrets that could land Megan in Settler prison for life? Um, IT WASN'T ME!!!
Everyone thinks Megan's at fault for the new uber-zombie uprising. Looks like she'll need the help of both Cliff and Ethan if she's going to prove her innocence before it's too late...

To enter(if you want both books, answer both questions):

For Undead Much?: What would you do, if zombies are coming after you?

For The Line: How far would you go to help someone?

Extra entries:

1. New or Current follower. +5

2. Re-post it in any social network or blog. +3 each

3. +1 for each referral and +1 on being referred.

This Contest is open till December 26th at midnight. It is only open to USA and Canada addresses only.

In My Mailbox (Week of November 30th)

Here are the books I got this week.

2010 Debut Author Challenge

Next year, The Story Siren is hosting the 2010 Debut Author Challenge.
Here is a bit about the challenge: The objective is to read a set number of YA (Young Adult) or MG (Middle Grade) novels from debut authors published this year.* I'm going to challenge everyone to read at least 12 debut novels! I’m hoping to read at least 30! You don’t have to list your choices right away, but if you do feel free to change them throughout the year. I will also be focusing on mostly Young Adult novels.
Anyone can join, you don’t need a blog to participate. If you don’t have a blog you can always share your views by posting a review on Amazon.com/BarnesandNoble.com/GoodReads/Shelfari, or any other bookish site.
The challenge will run from January 1, 2010- December 31, 2010.
You can join at anytime!
So far, I have read The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard, The Naughty List by Suzanne Young, Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver, The Mark by Jen Nadol, Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount-White, The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting, The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy, The Dark Divine by Bree Despain, and I think that is all.

Some of the books that I want to read are (bolding the ones, I have):
1. The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea Campbell
2. Dirty Little Secrets by CJ Omololu
3. Everlasting by Angie Frazier
4. The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk
5. Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken
6. The Red Umbrella by Christina Diaz Gonzalez
7. Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus
8. Sea by Heidi R. Kling
9. The Duff by Kody Keplinger
10. A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
11. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
12. Leaving Gee's Bend by Irene Latham
13. Other by Karen Kincy
14. Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt
15. Anna and the Boy Masterpiece by Stephanie Perkins
16. The Daykeeper's Grimoire by Christy Raedeke
17. Tortilla Sun by Jennifer Cervantes
18. Losing Faith by Denise Jaden
19. Three Rivers Rising by Jame Richards
20. The Snowball Effect by Holly Hoxter
21. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
22. The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney
23. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
24. Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
25. Palace Beautiful by Sarah DeFord Williams
26. Plain Kate by Erin Bow
27. A Most Improper Magick by Stephanie Burgis
28. Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis
29. Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey
30. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
31. The Absolute Vaule of -1 by Steve Brezenoff
32. Vanished by Sheela Chari
33. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
34. Mistwood by Leah Cypess
35. Inconvenient by Margie Gelbwasser
36. The Line by Teri Hall
37. All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab
38. The Witch's Alphabet by Caitlin Kittredge
39. Escaping the Tiger by Laura Manivong
40. Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien

Winner!

The winner of The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard is Arielle at B.A.M. Book Reviews. You have been sent an e-mail and need to respond to it in the next two days.
For everyone else, I have a spare copy of The Line by Teri Hall and Undead Much? by Stacey Jay. I going to have a contest for one of them soon. Which book would you want in a contest more?

So,

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you eat too much food and take a nice nap. =)

Waiting on Wednesday (Week Thirty-five)

Title: Stalker Girl
Author: Rosemary Graham
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Release Date: August 5th 2010
How do you know when you’ve crossed the line between curiosity and obsession?
Carly never meant to become a stalker. She just wanted to find out who Brian started dating after he dumped her. But a little harmless online research turns into a quick glance, and that turns into an afternoon of watching. Soon Carly is putting all of her energy into following Brian’s new girlfriend—all of the sadness she feels about her mom’s recent breakup, all of the anger she feels over being pushed aside by her dad while he prepares for his new wife’s new baby. When Carly’s stalking is discovered in the worst possible way by the worst possible person, she is forced to acknowledge her problem and the underlying issues that led to it.
Omg, a book a bout a girl stalking other people. Where have you been all of my life? I want this book so much.

Woot!

This is my 400th post.
I feel kind of awesome now. =)

Handcuffs by Bethany Griffin

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 18/20
Originality: 17/20
Writing: 17/20
Recommendation: 17/20
Overall: 87/100 or B
Parker Prescott is a quiet, book-ish, and an aloof girl. She is so quiet and aloof that she is now called The Ice Princess by all of her classmates, but the reason might be Marion Hennessey’s blog. Marion hates Parker, because of a story that involves siblings, stalking and a restraining order.
Parker's family is also in trouble. Her dad lost his job and is still unemployed. Her mom works long hours to pay for everything. Her older sister Paige is having trouble with her marriage with the former high-school quarterback who visits their house to steal ketchup, because he doesn't like grocery stores. Also Little brother Preston is an ADHD genius. The house is also up for sale. It isn't like Parker's life could be any crazier?
Wait, her ex-boyfriend has some kind of hold on her and it gets them in a situation that involves handcuffs, an office chairs, and a rather compromising position. Everything went downhill from there. Sort of. Parker Prescott’s world is changing and she no longer knows who she is. Does anyone?
The characters in this book were really well developed. I could relate to Parker feeling unsure who she is and what she wants. Paige and Preston were also well developed. Her ex-boyfriend was interesting. I also loved that the plot had more then one story going on. There were parts of the plot that revealed something about everyone in the book. This book was original and one of a kind. Griffin is an amazing writer and I can't wait for more from her. I recommend that you check this book, if you are looking for something that is a bit edgy.

In My Mailbox(week of November 22nd)

I feel as good as I look, which is not great. I hate wisdom teeth. I also got Betrayal by Lili St. Crow. Also, going to New Moon Tommorrow.

Fat Cat by Robin Brande

Rating:
Characters: 17/20
Plot: 18/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 18/20
Overall: 90/100 or A
Cat is sassy, smart, funny, and well fat... Then she gets an assignment for a science project. She gets a picture of hominids and decides to eat and live just like them. No junk food, cars, and electronics can be a bummer, but Cat starts to really live. Cat is starting to get healthy and boys are starting to notice. She has no experience with boys, and she is busy hating Matt McKinney to really notice anything. Can she get over being Fat Cat and become just Cat?
I love Cat. I could relate to her so much. I have had weight problems for my whole life. She also got over how she looked and realized that other things were important. Jordan and Amanda were cute together. They were sweet and wonderful friends. The plot was so strong. It was interesting and I read it in about a day. This books was really original and the book was not just about weight lost, but loving yourself. Brande is an amazing writer and I can not wait for more books from her. Fat Cat is the kind of book that is a must read. It has such a strong message that anyone can all relate to.

Struts and Frets by Jon Skovron

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 18/20
Overall: 92/100 or A
Struts and Frets tells the coming of age story of Sammy Bojar. He is a high school rock and roll garage band. Music is in his blood, and his grandfather was a jazz musician. So, maybe his band could be huge one of these days, if the fighting stops and does not self-destruct first. The upcoming Battle of the Bands would justify all the band;s compromises and it would also reassure Sammy that
his dream could become a reality. Practices are hard to schedule when Sammy’s grandfather is sick and getting worse, his mother is too busy to help either of them, and his best friend may want to be his girlfriend. When everything in Sammy’s life seems to be headed for major catastrophe, will his music be enough to keep him together?
Sammy was an interesting character and I really like him. Jen5 was also amazing, too. She was such a kick ass girl. Sammy and Jen5 were so cute with another, but I felt that their relationship was a bit rushed. The plot was interesting and entertaining. It was a really original book. I loved the fact that there were many layers to this book. Skovron was an amazing writer and I could tell that he loved music. I recommend that you check out this book, if you love music.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Magaret Stohl

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 18/20
Originality: 20/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 20/20
Overall: 96/100 or A
Ethan Wate, who has been counting down the day until he can escape the small town of Gatlin, is haunted by a dream of a beautiful girl he has never met. Then Lena Duchannes moves into the oldest and most infamous plantation with her reclusive Uncle Macon. Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and is determined to uncover the connection between them.
Lena is unlike anyone in Gatlin. She is struggling to conceal her powers, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. Even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and the graveyard of the south and the past. A secret can not be hidden for much longer.
Ethan and Lena were both amazing characters. Ethan was sweet, swoon worthy, and protective of Lena. Lena was strong willed and caring. Ethan and Lena were both interesting and amazing together. Uncle Macon and Amma were both an interesting characters. I really enjoyed Ethan's great aunts Mercy, Prudence, and Grace, also know as "The Sisters". They were hilarious together. The plot was fast paced and gripping. I could not put this Beautiful Creature down. There were a few plot holes, but I think that they will be solved more in the next book. Also the pacing was off a few times, but it was still a great plot. Garcia and Stohl were an amazing writing duo. Beautiful Creatures is filled with a gorgeous details and a charming setting. I highly recommend Beautiful Creatures, it will bring you into a world that you will never want to leave.

Waiting on Wednesday (Week Thirty-four)

Title: For Keeps
Author: Natasha Friend
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Release Date: April 6, 2010
Josie’s never met her dad, and that’s fine with her. To Josie, Paul Tucci is just a guy who got her mom pregnant and then moved away. It all happened sixteen years ago, when Josie’s mom was still a teenager herself. But now Paul Tucci is back in town, and Josie has to deal with not one but two men in her life—her father and her first boyfriend, who Josie fears will hurt her just like Paul hurt her mother.
This book sounds so good! I know that there is a different cover, that I like a little more. I am excited to read this book.

I Am A Genius Of Unspeakable Evil And I Want To Be Your Class President by Josh Lieb

Rating:
Characters: 15/20
Plot: 16/20
Originality: 18/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 17/20
Overall: 84/100 or B
Oliver Watson pretends to be stupid. He lives with his parents. His mother is there for his every need and his father is emotionally detached. Oliver is the third richest man in the world and he is also an evil genius. He wants to only do one thing. He wants to impress his dad. When his father makes a wise crack about the school election. Oliver takes it as his personal challenge to win the school election. Turns out, though, that overthrowing foreign dictators is actually way easier than getting kids to like you. Can this evil genius win the class presidency and keep his true identity a secret, all in time to impress his dad?
I found Oliver to be a funny character. The problem is that I did not see as much depth as I wanted from him. He reminded me a lot of an older version of Dexter from Dexter's Laboratory. The plot was interesting and entertaining. It was slow and the plot dragged on for a bit. It was a fairly original book that had the fun and snark that I wanted from this sort of book. Lieb was a great writer and I am excited to see more from him in the future. This book is a good middle grade and it is worth checking it out.

Inspiration...

Unless you just glance at my blog once in a blue moon, You know that I am doing NaNoWriMo. I am one of those people that have to have noise are something going on while writing or it just stays the same. The rain bouncing on the skylights, even helps. I recent saw Steph Bowe's post about images and using inspiration from them to write. My book is called Sisters. It is told in the perspective of two very different sisters and all the secrets that they keep from one another and the ones that they tell. I am going to do some Lara images first, since I have more fun writing her and picture that describe her tone are easier to fin. Here they are:

Here are the picture, for when I think of Lily:

Now I am back to NaNoWriMo. I hope everyone is having a swell day.