Not a book thing, but big news...

If you follow me on Twitter or are friends with me on Facebook, you have probably heard this, but I am going to be an Aunt to a niece or nephew. I am really excited and can't wait to meet him or her. My sister's due date is in late February and I am so happy for her. I will keep you updated on this. I can't shut up about this, because I am really excited.
My big sister did so much for me, when I was little and she will be such an amazing mom.

My Ultimate Sister Disaster by Jane Mendle

Rating:
Characters: 17/20
Plot: 18/20
Originality: 17/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 18/20
Overall: 88/100 or B
Source: Publisher

Franny would have not picked her family. Her father is a hipster boutique owner, her mother is off jump starting her career in Kenya, and her sister Zooey is a prima ballerina. Zooey attends a top ballet conservatory and is so absorbed in her ballet career that she doesn't even notice Franny most of the time. Franny is forced to navigate the brutal hallways of her Manhattan Prep School. Franny is trying to get noticed as the only first year on the newspaper and she also has a crush on the Editor-In-Chief River. Everything changes when Zooey breaks her leg and her ballet is put on hold. Now, Zooey wants to invade Franny's life and her friends. Franny feels terrible for Zooey, but when it extends to her long time crush, Franny wonders if maybe her sister might be her worst competition.

Franny was a very sweet character. I mean she is at a hard place in her life and felt like she was nothing. I think that Franny and Zooey's relationship was really well developed, because not to seem cliche, you always think that the other side of the fence is better. I also enjoyed Zooey. She was very outgoing and positive unlike Franny. Carter was such a sweet character. I loved that he stood up for what he believed in. River seemed nice at first, but turned out to be an ass hat. I think that Franny and Zooey's parents were true to how parents are, because a lot of kids are fending for themselves. I found the plot to be very engaging. I loved the plot, because it showed life very honestly. The book was also a very fast read. I loved the romance that was developed between Franny and Carter. I also found the book to be very original and sweet. I loved the dynamic of the sisters. Mendle weaves a great plot with characters that are both realistic and intriguing. I am excited for what she will write in the future. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a great book about sisters.

Clockwork Angel Giveaway

I got a spare copy of this book in the mail and decided that I should give it away and I also just got 600 followers... so I am doing part one of a giveaway for that celebration. I have already read this book and it is fantastic. Anyways here is what the book is about:
Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.
Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.
Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.
To enter, you need to fill out the form by August 10th, and it will be international.

Waiting on Wednesday (66)

Title: Stork
Author: Wendy Delsol
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Date:October 12th, 2010

Sixteen-year-old Katla has just moved from Los Angeles to the sticks of Minnesota. As if it weren’t enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, she learns to her horror that she’s a member of an ancient order of women who decide to whom certain babies will be born. Add to that Wade, the arrogant football star whom Katla regrettably fooled around with, and Jack, a gorgeous farm boy who initially seems to hate her. Soon Katla is having freaky dreams about a crying infant and learns that, as children, she and Jack shared a near-fatal, possibly mystical experience. Can Katla survive this major life makeover and find a dress for the homecoming dance? Drawing from Norse mythology and inspired by The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen, debut author Wendy Delsol conceives an irreverent, highly entertaining novel about embracing change and the (baby) bumps along the way.

This books has an interesting concept and I love the cover.

Teaser Tuesday (2)

Here is a Teaser Tuesday from my new project. Enjoy...
Sebastian has gorgeous pale skin and these emerald eyes that seem to haunt you like they hold some sort of mystery. He also has fantastic ginger hair that is a whole spectrum of red and is curling at the end. I want to run my hands through his hair. “Hey everyone!” No one answers back and I would feel out of place, if I was the only one that answered. I decide on a small wave at him.
Sebastian sits across from me. I want to stare at him, but being caught staring at someone is the most uncomfortable thing possible. Madison, Jason, and Ms. Gallagher appear to be ignoring us. Sebastian grabs his plate and motions to the beautiful lake, that the house sits above. I clutch mine as I follow him out to the dock.
Our legs are pressed together, even though the summer heat creeps into every atom of our being. I take off my flip flops and dangle my leg into the water, including part of my jeans. Sebastian follows suit and our legs seem to fall into an odd pattern.
“So, where are you from?” I ask.
He stops gorging himself on the sandwich enough to say, “Texas.”
“Nice.” I nod, as another awkward silence rises till I feel a push from behind. In less then the blink of the eye, I am in Lake Bridgette.
I should probably take a moment to explain that I can not swim. Water and me only deal with each other for the twenty minute showers that I endure for the sake of good hygiene and when ever I am about to die from thirst. On a hot day, I may dangle my legs into the lake, but I don’t want to be pushed in. I am now scrambling for my feet to touch the bottom, when I feel arms around me, lifting me out of the water and lowering me on to the dock. Then I feel lips on top of mine. I innocently slide my tongue into his mouth. I open my eyes for a second and notice that his eyes are close. I kiss him a little more deeply.

Other by Karen Kincy

Rating:
Characters: 20/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 19/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 96/100 or A
Source: Bought
Seventeen-year-old Gwen hides a dangerous secret: she’s Other. Half-pooka, to be exact, thanks to the father she never met. Most Americans don’t exactly roll out the welcome mat for Others, especially not the small-town folks of Klikamuks, Washington. As if this isn’t bad enough, Gwen’s on the brink of revealing her true identity to her long-time boyfriend, Zack, but she’s scared he’ll lump her with the likes of bloodthirsty vampires and feral werewolves.
When a pack of werewolves chooses the national forest behind Gwen’s home as their new territory, the tensions in Klikamuks escalate-into murder. It soon becomes clear a serial killer is methodically slaying Others. The police turn a blind eye, leaving Gwen to find the killer before the killer finds her. As she hunts for clues, she uncovers more Others living nearby than she ever expected. Like Tavian, a sexy Japanese fox-spirit who rivals Zack and challenges her to embrace her Otherness. Gwen must struggle with her own conflicted identity, learn who she can trust, and-most importantly-stay alive.
Gwen was a great character. I loved that there were different sides to her personality and some of it was negative. She was also a strong character with fierce beliefs and her realistic emotions. Zack, Tavian, and Chloe were all realistic and well developed. Zack was cute at times and I liked that he was trying to become more open mind. Tavian was really interesting. He was also really sweet and cared about Gwen a lot. I felt that their romance was developed really well. Chloe was really sweet and was a different dryad then what I am used to. I loved how Kincy created such great characters.
The plot of Other was interesting. I kept on wanting to know what was next in the mystery that Kincy crafted with such skill. I wasn't sure who did it, until the great reveal happened. I found Kincy's world to be extremely unique and interesting. I could not put down this book. Kincy creates a great book that is exciting and with a touch of romance. I would recommend this book to paranormal fans.

I went to a signing for Other and have a signed copy to give away. It ends on August 5th and is opened international. Fill out the form below.

The Space Between Trees by Katie Williams and Contest

Rating:

Characters: 18/20

Plot: 19/20

Originality: 18/20

Writing: 19/20

Recommendation: 18/20

Overall: 92/100 or A

Source: Publisher

In this haunting tale, quirky loner Evie is in the wrong place at the wrong time when her sometime friend and local crush, Jonah, discovers a body in the woods - a body that turns out to be that of her childhood playmate. At the funeral, a fateful lie leads Evie into a complicated relationship with the dead girl's father and best friend. Before she realizes what is happening, Evie is on the hunt for a killer, spinning more lies along the way and putting herself in serious danger.

Evie was a fairly great character. Her awkwardness was questionable at times. I liked that she developed as a character. Jonah was an interesting character, I liked the mystery that surrounded him at times and that Williams also lets you know that he is far from perfect. I loved Hadley. She was very real to what youth is like in today's society. I loved when they showed that she was vulnerable.

The plot was really interesting, because it surround a death and how it can effect a whole small town. I found this part of the book to be interesting, because of all of the hysteria about the killer, when it turned out to be rather random. I didn't like all of the suspense that was built up and then not used as I wanted it to be. I also didn't like that their were no real consequences for Hadley, after what she did. I found this book to be fairly unique. Willams makes a stunning debut. The Space Between Trees was an engaging book, that surprised me.

Check out the first chapter of The Space Between Trees and get sucked into this awesome book.

Chronicle was awesome enough to offer a signed copy of The Space Between Trees to one lucky winner in Canada or the US. The Contest will be running till August 12th. Just fill out the form below.

In My Mailbox (Week of July 25th)

For Review:
Karma Bites by Stacy Kramer and Valerie Thomas
Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin (I got two and you can will my extra copy at this link.
The Marbury Lens by Andrew Smith
Shutout by Brendan Halpin
My Fake Boyfriend is Better Than Yours by Kristina Springer
Cate of the Lost Colony by Lisa Klein
The Twin's Daughter by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Where the Truth Lies by Jessica Warman
The Kid Table by Andrea Seigel
The Sweetness of Salt by Cecilia Galante
The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, plus a poster, letter, and a notebook in a pouch.
Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation by Matt Myklusch
Won/Sent:
Torment by Lauren Kate, Won from Kyrs at Bibliopunk
Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier, Gift from Erica at The Book Cellar. She sent me other cool things that I forgot at my mom's.
Bought:
Other by Karen Kincy and got some swag from Karen's Launch Party.
Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala and got some swag from Holly's Launch Party.

Contest Time!!!

I got an extra copy of Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin in the mail this week. So contest time for it. Here is what the book is about:
Phoebe finds herself drawn to Mallory, the strange and secretive new kid in school, and the two girls become as close as sisters . . . until Mallory's magnetic older brother, Ryland, shows up during their junior year. Ryland has an immediate, exciting hold on Phoebe. but a dangerous hold, for she begins to question her feelings about her best friend and, worse, about herself.
Soon she'll discover the shocking truth about Ryland and Mallory: that these two are visitors from the faerie realm who have come to collect on an age-old debt. Generations ago, the faerie queen promised Pheobe's ancestor five extraordinary sons in exchange for the sacrifice of one ordinary female heir. But in hundreds of years there hasn't been a single ordinary girl in the family, and now the faeries are dying. Could Phoebe be the first ordinary one? Could she save the faeries, or is she special enough to save herself?
This contest will be open till August 5th and is open internationally. Just fill out the form below.

Winners!

Here are the winners for One Night That Changes Everything by Lauren Barnholdt:
Jackie Noel
Pam Keener
Erika Lynn
Onge
and Katelyn (The Bookshelf Sophisticate)
Also the winner of Tell Me a Secert is Erica.
Don't worry if you didn't win. I have a few awesome contest coming up.

What's Your St@tus? by Katie Finn

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 17/20
Originality: 18/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 18/20
Overall: 90/100 or A
Source: Review
Sixteen-year-old Madison still loves logging on to Friendverse to see what her BFFs and her cute new boyfriend Nate are up to. But the latest social networking craze is Status Q, which is all about rapid-fire status updates. When one of Mad’s friends has to pull off a high-pressure heist, the gang relies on Status Q to send code messages to each other…all in the middle of a school dance! Will up-to-the-minute social networking save the day…or lead to good old-fashioned disaster?
I really like Madison. She is a really awesome and sweet. I really love her friends, because they were well developed and had their own distinct personality that shined in some way. I really liked that Madison is repairing her friendship with Ruth and that their was some sort of understand. Lisa and Shy are probably my favorite characters, because they seem to have a part of my own friends in them. I also loved Nate, who was realistic.
Like the previous book, I loved how social network was used in the book. The plot was really cute, but had a hint of mystery that was cute and left me wondering what would be happening next. The mystery was a bit like a teen version of James Bond or Oceans Eleven. The writing was pretty good and had cute slang and acronyms. I would reccomend people that are looking for a cute read with a bit of mystery, start with Top 8 and then read What's Your St@tus?.
Fill out a form, if you want to win a copy of Top 8 and What's Your St@tus?. Enter by August 5th and USA only.

Waiting on Wednesday (65)

Title: Cate of the Lost Colony

Author: Lisa M. Klein

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Date:October 12th, 2010

The greatest unsolved mystery of American history--what happened to all the colonists who landed on Roanoke Island in 1587? This novel traces the fortunes and misfortunes of one Cate Archer, banished to Virginia by a jealous Queen Elizabeth because of her dalliance with Sir Walter Ralegh. What will be her fate in this dangerous New World?

I am a history nerd and the Colony of Roanoke is one of my favorite mysteries, so I am very interested to see where this story will go and what will happen in it. I have loved her other books, so I am excited for what Klein will write about in this story. I also love the cover... The color scheme is just fantastic and I love the dress on the front.

Top 8 by Katie Finn

Rating:
Characters: 17/20
Plot: 18/20
Originality: 19/20
Writing: 17/20
Recommendation: 18/20
Overall: 89/100 or B
Source: Bought

Madison Macdonold has a pretty amazing life, some would say that it is close to perfect. She has three awesome best friends, a very cute boyfriend, and the lead in the school play. Madison goes away on her spring break vacation for two weeks and comes back to find that her Friendverse profile has been hacked and the hacker has left things that only she knew about. There were also a lot of horrible comments and blog post made and the worst picture of her that has ever been taken. The hacker also broke up with her boyfriend Justin. Madison at least has her best friends on her side, as they search for who could of hacked her profile and try to clean up some of the damage.
Madison is a fairly likable character. She was very caring and sweet at times and wanted to do the best for her friends. I could relate to her, because we all make mistakes. Liza and Shy were awesome friends. I loved Liza's obsession with France and her random French. Shy was really cute and I loved that she got a romance with Conner. Nate was very awesome and sweet. He had awesome taste in movies and music.

The layout of the book was really epic, because it had her profile and showed how her Top Eight was constantly changing. I really liked the message that it shared about gossiping and that harmless comments tend to about other people tend to hurt you more. The plot of Top 8 was really fun and cute. I laughed at a few parts. I found how this book deals with new media to be original. I also loved the quotes that were posted and a lot of the songs that were posted in the beginning of each chapter in the book. Finn was a fun writer that created a great book that made me giggle and anticipate what would happen next. I found this book to be really cute and a quick read and would recommend this book as a fun read.

Why Unicorns are totally awesome...

I have always loved Unicorns, since I was really little. I used to read like a million books about unicorns a week. I also loved the fact that unicorns were with fairies and other mythical creatures and helped them. Also the fact that Unicorns seem like they are fragile creatures that could die easily and be destroyed like a spec of dust. When really Unicorns could kill you a second with a flick of their horn. They were considered so fierce that they weren't put on the Ark, but instead swam around for the forty days, until there was land. That is not only epic, but totally awesome.
Unicorns are also pretty. I mean, would you really want a pet Zombie over a unicorn? A unicorn wouldn't eat your brains or try to murder you. You can brush their hair and they sparkle, like tiaras and jewelry. I would be afraid if a zombie was sparkling. Plus unicorns know when someone is guilty and will avenge crimes commited againist innocent perople. That is totally epic. Zombies may be a current trend, but Unicorns have lasted for thousands of years and will continue for many more years. And now for an essay that I wrote about Unicorns:
Unicorns are real. That statement is probably against everything that a person has been taught, but for thousands of years, unicorns were a fact of daily life. People that had seen a unicorn went on to become legends in history books. They were considered to be scared, holy, and one of a kind. Another interesting fact is that Unicorns are one of the few mythical creatures that were no made out of fear. Still, the mythology of unicorns as we know them today and the past are very different. In order to get a conclusive view, the mythology of unicorns in the ancient times, eastern counties, such as India, Japan, and China, and the Middle Ages all need to be examined separately.
The word Unicorn also appeared in the Bible a total of nine times. Aside from the words in the Bible, there have been stories about unicorns and biblical heroes. Adam and Eve supposedly named the unicorns first and was the only animal to accompany them after their expulsion from Eden. During the Flood, the Unicorn wouldn’t go on the Ark, because it was untamable. Instead the Unicorn swam around for Forty Days and Forty Nights. Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great are probably of the two most well known leaders in ancient times. Both of these leaders supposedly saw unicorns, actually Alexander the Great maintained that he tamed one and later became his war horse, Bucephalus. Bucephalus was described to be a man eating beast with a massive horn and many called him a Karkadann. A Karkadann supposedly shook the Earth that it walked on and that even Elephants would run from it. One of the gates of Babylon had a unicorn guarding the city.
Eastern myths of unicorns were similar to the ancient mythology. The Chinese had zhi, which supposedly separated the guilty from the innocent. If someone was guilty, they would stab the guilty in their heart and spare the innocent. A zhi supposedly lived in the courts during the early Han dynasty. Court officials had zhi sewn into their robes and hats. Even today, the symbol of law incorporates the symbol for zhi. Genghis Khan was approached by a unicorn that had his father’s eyes. He didn’t attack India, because of this encounter. The unicorn was also one of the four most fortunate animals. It included the dragon, phoenix, and tortoise. The unicorn was suppose to protect the forest. The Japanese unicorn was a Kirin, which was more like a lion, then a horse. It’s skin was covered in scales and occasionally surrounded by flames or clouds. The Kirin also never ate a living thing, could walk on water, and it’s hooves never bent a single blade of grass. In the early civilization of India used seals of unicorns.
The myth of unicorns extended into the Medieval Ages. The unicorn became what we know it as today, a gorgeous horse with an elegant horn. Unicorns also began showing up on many heraldry. Scotland has two unicorns, while the United Kingdom has a Unicorn and Lion on it’s arms. German people have long believed in unicorns and pictures filled the churches and palaces with their images. Unicorns also became a symbol for Christ. The unicorns were also only attracted to virgin girls and were used in order to catch them. Unicorns were also used to determine if a young woman was a virgin, because it could only be tamed by unicorns. Queen Elizabeth kept a unicorn horn in her desk and paid what would be equal to 20 million dollars today. The royal throne of Denmark was supposedly made of unicorn horns. Ceremonial cups were also made of alicorn, because it was suppose to stop poison. Alicorn was also used for a lot of medical purposes, it was believed to stop the plague, seizures, rabies, infections, and other illnesses.
Unicorns are still surrounded in mystery, some believe that the legends were based on goats or rhinos, while others think that they went extinct at some point. All myths started for a reason, and they only continue if there is a possibility that they are real. The Lochness Monster and Bigfoot are still being debated if they are possible. Unicorns might be real or could be just a myth, only time will tell.

In My Mailbox (Week of July 18th)

No Vlog this week.

For Review:
What's Your Status? by Katie Finn
Songs for a Teenage Nomad by Kim Culbertson
From Randombuzzers:
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
From Alicia(Thank you):
Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

Never Let Me Go Trailer

I am really excited to see this movie. Never Let Me Go is one of my favorite books ever. I think that the book is one of those books that captures Dystopian so well and makes you think that there is a possibity of this happening. I also loved how beautifully the book is written. Carey Mulligan is playing Kathy, and she was Sally Sparrow in Doctor Who in the episode of Blink. Kierra Knightley is also in this movie. Also, Andrew Garfield is in it, and he has amazing hair. I am sure that the acting will be fantastic and the plot will be brillant... if it is anything like the book. Never Let Me Go is coming out on September 15th, so if you want to read the book beforehand you have time. Also, it is an amazing YA Crossover from Adult Fiction

Book Trailers...

This one is for Radiance by Alyson Noel... I think it is pretty cute.

Here is the trailer for I am Number Four and this book is going to become a movie with Alex Pettyfer... I think that is enough of why I want to do this.

Here is the trailer for Halo by Alexandra Adornetto, I think it is pretty awesome.

Interview with Miranda from Holly Cupala

I have the pleasure of hosting the amazing Holly Cupala and her amazing character Miranda on her awesome blog tour. She was luckily available to interview. I hope you enjoy a glimpse into her mind.
1. What would you like most for people to remember about Xanda?
I remember her scent, her smile, the way her eyes were like mine. How she was never afraid to be herself, even if it meant sacrifice. It’s hard to remember the bad things, even though I know they were there. She could be wild and destructive, even to herself—but she would have defended me to the death. My memory of her is like a bird flying into the sun, dazzling and dangerous and headed straight into the light.
2. What was the hardest part of dealing with rumors while you were pregnant? What advice do you have for other teens dealing with rumors and bullying?
Looking back over my friendship with Delaney, I realized I wanted to find something in her that wasn’t there. She had some of the superficial qualities of my sister—fierce confidence, charm, and delectable outrageousness. But where my sister’s covered loyalty and a dangerous selflessness, Delaney’s covered brutal insecurity and a need to conquer. She had to take someone else down to feel better about herself, and it came out through rumors and manipulation—of me and of others.
I wish I would have seen Delaney and the situation more clearly from the beginning. I hope other girls will recognize when a friendship is unhealthy and destructive, and find strength—first to take themselves out of the line of fire, and if necessary, to get help from someone they trust.
3. I grew up in the suburbs outside of Seattle. What are your favorite parts of the city?
I think my favorite parts are the places that make me remember the people I care about. Plum blossoms in April make me think of Kamran, and Capitol Hill makes me think of our first kiss. The rain makes me think of Xanda. Snow on the mountains makes me think of Lexi, and how her being here has changed everything.
4. What are your favorite things about Labyrinths? What other types of art would you also like to do?
If you asked me a year ago, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you—that my labyrinth drawings echoed the paths I followed to understand my past, and that I hoped to find my way into the future. I wouldn’t have been able to draw faces, or as my mother said, “I’d take something beautiful and turn it into something hideous.” That was before any of us understood. Before Lexi. I learned to draw faces…and trees, and water…and birds flying out of the labyrinth and into the sun. There is freedom outside of the labyrinth, seeing the path stretch out in every direction. The question now is where I might want to go next.
5. What do you hope people remember about your story?
The thing I remember most is what Nik said to me in my darkest moment: “Life is constantly weaving together, and we can look back and see all of the threads. We don’t always know why things happen until down the road.” I don’t know why Xanda had to die, or why I got to live, or why Lexi happened. But I do know it all has meaning. Maybe someday I will have the answers, but for right now, I have hope.
I am happy to say that I will be giving away a signed copy to one lucky winner. It will be international and ends on the July 23rd. Just leave a comment with a secret that you have kept and also your email address.

Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala

Rating:

Characters: 20/20

Plot: 20/20

Originality: 19/20

Writing: 19/20

Recommendation: 20/20

Overall: 98/100 or B

Source: Bought/Author

For the last five years, Miranda has been living in the shadow of her bad girl sister Xanda, while she wonders what secrets did she take to her grave and what really happened to her sister. Miranda is about to have all of her dreams come true. She has a best friend that can help her unlock her sister's world, a ticket to art school, and a boyfriend that can take her away from all that she has known.

But Miranda has her own secret. There are two lines on a pregnancy test that confirm her worst fears as she is stripped of her former good girl image. Now she must make a choice with tremendous consequences and finally face her sister's demons and her own.
Miranda was a fantastic character. I found her journey to be full of hope and I could relate to it. Miranda's grief for Xandu made me think of the death of one of my sisters. She wondered if she could have saved her sister and I wonder about that every single day. Miranda also had to deal with a preemie birth, which my other younger sister was born at 22 weeks in the 90's. Kamran was very sweet when he learned what was really happen. Delaney was diabolical with her planning and rumors. The flashbacks with Xandu reminded me of my older sister that had quite a crazy streak. Miranda and Xandu's parents were realistic, because while they weren't happy about the

The plot of Tell Me A Secret was amazing. I was engaged from the first line, because when grief comes, it consumes who you are. It changes you and Cupala made that perfect in Tell Me A Secret. I found it to be a real page turner that captured my attention as I devoured each page. I was a fascinating read that was both realistic and unique. Cupala is an amazing writer that leaves you wanting more. I would highly recommend this book to people that loved Stephenie Kuehnert and Ellen Hopkins. I think that anyone with a sister would love this book.

Waiting on Wednesday (64)

Title: The Marbury Lens
Author: Andrew Smith
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Date:November 9, 2010
Sixteen-year-old Jack gets drunk and is in the wrong place at the wrong time. He is kidnapped. He escapes, narrowly. The only person he tells is his best friend, Conner. When they arrive in London as planned for summer break, a stranger hands Jack a pair of glasses. Through the lenses, he sees another world called Marbury.
There is war in Marbury. It is a desolate and murderous place where Jack is responsible for the survival of two younger boys. Conner is there, too. But he’s trying to kill them.
Meanwhile, Jack is falling in love with an English girl, and afraid he’s losing his mind.
Conner tells Jack it’s going to be okay.
But it’s not.
Andrew Smith has written his most beautiful and personal novel yet, as he explores the nightmarish outer limits of what trauma can do to our bodies and our minds.
Doesn't this book look completely creepy? I think that this book would be amazing and totally epic. I can't wait to get this book.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Rating:
Characters: 17/20
Plot: 15/20
Originality: 18/20
Writing: 17/20
Recommendation: 17/20
Overall: 84/100 or B
Source: Library

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. His memory is black. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade, a large expanse enclosed by stone walls.
Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning, for as long as they could remember, the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night, they’ve closed tight. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the lift. And no one wants to be stuck in the maze after dark.
The Gladers were expecting Thomas’s arrival. But the next day, a girl springs up—the first girl ever to arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. The Gladers have always been convinced that if they can solve the maze that surrounds the Glade, they might be able to find their way home . . . wherever that may be. But it’s looking more and more as if the maze is unsolvable.
And something about the girl’s arrival is starting to make Thomas feel different. Something is telling him that he just might have some answers—if he can only find a way to retrieve the dark secrets locked within his own mind.

Thomas is an awesome character and I could feel how much he cared about Theresa. Theresa was also an amazing girl and I liked that she was really strong and intelligent at times. The other characters seemed to blend together at times. It took me a while to get into this book. The Maze Runner has an amazing premise, but I felt that a lot of this book was could have been condensed or cut out. I did like the mystery in WICKED and the secret codes. I also liked the though of an unsolvable maze. I found it to be a pretty original for a Dystopian novel, but I feel that is could have been stronger. Dashner is a great writer and I am excited to see what he writes next. I would recommend this book to fans of Uglies and The Hunger Games.

Happy Birthday, Erica!

A Happy Birthday vlog from me:

Then in Portland, Zoe and I kidnapped Suzanne Young for this Vlog:

As you can tell, a lot of people are wishing Erica a Happy Birthday! So have an amazing day Erica.

In My Mailbox(Week of July 11th)

Bought:
Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly
The Beautiful Between by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
Positively by Courtney Sheinmel
Fat Kid Rules the World by KL Going
Prada and Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard
So Many Boys by Suzanne Young
Somebody Everybody Listens To by Suzanne Supple
Other by Karen Kincy
Parnormalcy by Kiersten White
Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
Dream Girl by Lauren Mechling
Top 8 by Kate Finn
Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala
For review:
Tell Me A Secret by Holly Cupala
You by Charles Benoit
The Saga of Larten Crepsley by Darren Shan
The Poison Diaries by Maryrose Wood
Firelight by Sophie Jordan
Borrowed/Given from Zoe:
Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
The Forbidden Game by LJ Smith

Grace by Elizabeth Scott

Rating:
Characters: 18/20
Plot: 19/20
Originality: 20/20
Writing: 20/20
Recommendation: 19/20
Overall: 96/100 or A
Source: Publisher
Grace was raised to be an Angel. Her message would come with the aftermath of the suicide bomb, but she refused to die for the cause. She is now on the run and dreaming of the chance of freedom. The border seems to be just out of her reach as she travel with soldiers on a rundown train in the middle of the desert. She is accompanied with the mysterious Kerr as she struggles to be invisible. Her fear of discovery is a constant though as she recalls the history and events that brought her to this point.
I don't know how to explain Grace in just a few words. It is one of those rare books that captures your attention from the first word. You are thrown into a world that seems really realistic and full of fear that seems foreign to you. I could see this dystopian story happening at some point in the near future, if we make the wrong choices in how we handled things. Another thing that I admire about this book is that it discussed religion and politics in a way that I have never seen in Young Adult fiction. Grace is set in an extremely oppressive government, where there are no real choices, except the way that you will die. The faith that Grace had in her will to live with her own freedom was admirable. This book made me admire people that are oppressed, more then I ever had, because it was pure honesty in Grace's eyes of the danger that is in your thoughts with each second that passes.
The way that Scott wrote in short sentences and chapters shows the limits in Grace's choices and the desperation that is in each although her mind. Grace is strong character that has faced things that are imaginable to me. Kerr was an interesting character that I admired, after his mystery unraveled. I like that they began to understand each other and found some sort of medium. I found Grace's flashbacks to be compelling and cleverly written. The plot was fast and kept me thinking and anticipating the next thing to happen. I did not want to put this book down, because each word made me want more, even long after the book was over. Grace is an original book that is unlike anything that I have ever read. Scott's writing is fresh and new, while having the intensity from Living Dead Girl. I would recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a spectacularly original book with a strong voice that is full of hope.

Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr

Rating:

Characters: 17/20

Plot: 18/20
Originality: 18/20

Writing: 17/20

Recommendation: 18/20

Overall: 88/100 or B
Source: Publisher
Hunger for nourishment. Hunger for touch.Hunger to belong. Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers.
Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries' coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani's death.
Ani isn't one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin's plans—and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other?

Alluring romance, heart-stopping danger, and sinister intrigue combine in the penultimate volume of Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series.

Radiant Shadows starts right after where Fragile Eternity ended. I found this book to be amazing. Ani was a really interesting character and I like learning more about her, then the vague mention in the previous books. Devlin was also deeper then he seemed and I loved him. The plot was fast moving and very interesting. I am intrigued in what the other books will be like in the series, because of something that happened at the very end of this book. Marr is a fantastic writer and I can't wait for more books from her. I would highly recommend reading this series, if you enjoy Holly Black's books.

Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Rating:
Characters: 19/20
Plot: 19/20

Originality: 19/20
Writing: 20/20
Recommendation: 20/20
Overall: 97/100 or A

Source: Publisher

Zoey would like to forget a lot about her life. Her father has knocked up his twenty four year old girlfriend. Her mom has had a nervous breakdown and she is afraid that the whole town will find out what happen. Especially since bad boy Doug is taunting her at school. Her whole life feels like one huge mess, so Zoey fights back the only way that she knows. She tries to become the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to her football star boyfriend Brandon.

That is until Zoey is in a car crash and she can't remember what happened the night before. All that Zoey can remember is Doug pulling her from the crash. He keeps on referring to what happened earlier that night, but it is a blank slate for her. Zoey is quickly losing grip on all of the important details in her life, because instead of her memories being filled of Brandon, there is only Doug.

Zoey was an awesome character. She could be stubborn at times, but what girl isn't like that? I really could relate to her. Her mom's mental illness was close to home, because one runs in my family and like Zoey, I am afraid that I will become like that at some point. She has also done impulsive things, like I have. Doug was an awesome character. I liked that he had more depth then most bad boys and he was really sweet. I loved that their was actually chemistry between them. Zoey's best friends Keke and Lila were sweet and added some comedy to this serious novel. I could not stand Zoey's dad. I wanted to go into the book and punch him in the face. He was such a jerk. I liked that the parents were present and they had flaws and issues.

The plot was really engaging. I have had memory lost, when I was really sick. Like Zoey did, I found it to be a violation to not know what I said or did. Echols captured that part really well. I have also been in a severe car accident. So, I understood that aspect of the plot well. The romance between Doug and Zoey was intense, believable, and sweet. Echols is a master at creating amazing romances. I found it to be a original and stunning book that I will continue to remember. Echols is a fantastic writer. I loved Going Too Far and Forget You has a similar voice and makes you think. I am excited for her future books. Forget You is a stunning book with a stunning voice that tells a tension filled book of romance and finding yourself. I highly recommend this book to fans of Elizabeth Scott and Jennifer Echols' previous book, Going Too Far.

Waiting on Wednesday (63)

Title: Unearthly

Author: Cynthia Hand

Publisher: Harperteen

Date: January 4, 2011

From Cynthia Hand comes a moving, lyrical tale of forbidden romance and the struggle between defying your destiny and sacrificing your heart. More than a story of a race of half angels figuring out their place in the world, this novel marks the debut of a gifted writer whose characters you'll fall in love with and remember long after you've turned the last page.

Clara Gardner knows that being part angel means that one day she will have to face her purpose, a rite of passage for her kind. Haunted by visions of a raging forest fire and the mysterious (not to mention gorgeous) boy she must rescue to fulfill her task, Clara is determined to succeed. However, her growing feelings for another boy could derail everything. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara follow the rules or follow her heart?

Readers will be entranced by Clara, the unique angel world she's discovering, and the two boys who’ve captured her attention, and will breathlessly await the next book in the series.

This book sounds amazing and I love the cover...

Giveaway for One Night That Changes Everything

I have another awesome giveaway. Simon & Schuster offered five copies of One Night That Changes Everything by Lauren Barnholdt to giveaway in a contest. Here is a bit about the book.
Eliza, 17, loses her possessions on a regular basis. None of them, however, matters as much as her purple notebook. Her notebook is where she lists the things she would love to do but is most afraid of doing, from asking a random guy to dance at a club to kissing a secret crush. Via text messages, she learns that her notebook is in the hands of her evil ex-boyfriend, Cooper. He and his friends, who are some of the most popular boys in school, threaten to make the contents of Eliza's notebook public unless she spends one night doing some of the things on her list. How Eliza goes about trying to overcome her fears is both hilarious and inspiring; readers will rejoice with her when she sees that she's survived and boosted her bravery. The frankly funny dialogue, related in Eliza's first-person voice, provides more laugh moments while ably delineating character. A satisfying look at what it means to face your fears.
The contest is open to USA addresses only, until July 23rd. Just fill out the form below to enter. There will be five winners.

Interview with Lauren Barnholdt

Lauren Barnholdt is the author of several Young Adult and Middle Grade books, such as Two Way Street, Watch Me, Aces Up, and The Secret Identity of Devon Delany. Her new book, One Night that Changes Everything is out today. I had the honor of interviewing her about her book.
1. Eliza has quite the night in One Night Changes Everything. What inspired you to write about one crazy night that is full of adventure, fun, and some blackmail? Did you ever have a night like that as a teen?
No, definitely nothing as crazy as what happened to Eliza has ever happened to me! But like her, I am kind of scared of things I probably shouldn’t be. That’s where the inspiration came from – tapping into that desire to face things that aren’t really that big of deal.
2. Eliza's book of fears is and what leads to her to this amazing adventure. Do you have any fears that you helped you relate to Eliza and her purple notebook?
Yes, some of the things in Eliza’s notebook are things I’m afraid of – but you’ll have to guess which ones, la la la…
3. You write Young Adult, Middle Grade, and Chapter Books. What helps you write such different genres?
I think for me, it starts with a situation or a character, and then the story and genre comes out of that. For example, I wrote my first middle grade, THE SECRET IDENTITY OF DEVON DELANEY, at a point when I’d only been writing YA. I knew I wanted to write about a girl who makes up a fake boyfriend, and I thought it would be a lot funnier and more realistic if she were thirteen instead of sixteen or seventeen.
4. What books can we expect from you in the future?
I have another YA, ACES UP, coming out on August 10th, and a new tween book, RULES FOR SECRET KEEPING, out in October.
5. What books or authors inspire you to write?
I have a lot of favorite authors – Meg Cabot, Sarah Dessen, Sarah Mlynowski, Marian Keyes. But I get most inspired by those authors who keep at it and never give up. I love when I read first-sale stories in people’s blogs, especially if they give tons of gory details about all the years of rejections.
6. On your blog, you talk about TV shows sometimes. What are your favorites?
Okay, but you can’t judge! I really have horrible taste in TV shows. But right now my faves are Big Brother, Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami, The City, and The Next Food Network Star. I also DVR all the reruns of Gilmore Girls to use as writing rewards.
7. Is there anything that you would like to add?
Just thanks for the interview, and I hope people enjoy ONE NIGHT THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING! If you want to find out more, you can visit www.laurenbarnholdtsummer.com

One Night That Changes Everything by Lauren Barnholdt

Rating:

Characters: 18/20

Plot: 19/20
Originality: 19/20

Writing: 19/20

Recommendation: 19/20

Overall: 94/100 or A
Source: Publisher

Eliza's notebook is missing and it is not just any notebook. Her ex-boyfriend Cooper is the worst person ever and he has it. He lied about their entire relationship, now Cooper and his friends are blacking mailing her. She has one night to complete the most crazy task on her list or Eliza's notebook will be posted online. The secrets aren't all about her and the secrets will hurt more then just her. Cooper may have what’s left of her dignity, but she’s not the only one with something to hide…

I could really relate to Eliza. She was afraid of stuff that has made me afraid before. She was also sweet, smart, and funny. I also loved Cooper. He was really sweet, even though he seemed like a jerk to begin with. Eliza's friends were annoying at times, but they seemed to have a strong heart and cared for her at times. Cooper's friends were complete jerks and I wanted to punch them in the face. The plot was exciting. I wanted to run into the book and live through it. The book was so realistic. One Night That Changes Everything was really original, because it was not over the top. There were a few twist and turns in the book. Barnholdt is an amazing writer and I can't wait to read more books from her. I recommend this book to fans of Sarah Dessen and Deb Caletti.

Siren by Tricia Rayburn

Rating:
Characters: 17/20
Plot: 16/20
Originality: 18/20
Writing: 18/20
Recommendation: 17/20
Overall: 86/100 or B
Source: Publisher

Vanessa Sands is a girl that is afraid of everything, but her sister Justine has been able to help her conquer all of these irrational fears. That is until the day that Justine's body washes up, after she has a fight with her parents. Vanessa's parents hope that they can find closure back in Boston, but Vanessa feels that her sister's death was not an accident, especially when she finds out that Justine's boyfriend is missing, as well as other secrets. Now all of Winter Harbor is abuzz as body after body is washing ashore. Luckily Caleb's brother Simon is ready to help Vanessa. As the pair try to understand the sudden rash of creepy drownings, Vanessa uncovers a secret that threatens her new romance—and will change her life forever. A seductive paranormal romance full of unexpected twists, Siren is certain to make a big summer splash.

Vanessa is a likable character. Her personality was very genuine and realistic. Justine reminded me a lot of my older sister, who I adore. Simon was an awesome guy and very sweet. Caleb was also very cool. I didn't like Vanessa and Justine's parents, I didn't believe that their mom was actually grieving. The plot of Siren was interesting and I was intrigued by what was coming next, but some of it felt like it dragged on at a few points. The main plot of the Siren's was original, but the quickly developed love interest annoyed me. Rayburn is an awesome writer and I am excited for her future Young Adult books. I would recommend this to anyone looking for an interesting take on Mythology.

In My Mailbox(Week of July 4th)

Books from Zoe:
Dash & Lily's Book of Dare by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Wildwing by Emily Whitman (I get to keep this one)
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Books for Review:
You by Charles Benoit
The Ivy by Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur
Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen
The Magnificent 12: The Call by Michael Grant
Three Delays: A Novel by Charlie Smith
Vanishing and Other Stories by Deborah Willis
A Vindication of Love by Cristina Nehring
Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
Scarlett Fever by Maureen Johnson
Hearts at Stake: The Drake Chronicles by Alyxandra Harvey (56 copies)
Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter
Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens

Interview with Kristin Walker

Kristin Walker is the author of A Match Made In High School, which is an adorable book that made me laugh. It is her first novel. She is part of the Tenners and you can find more about her on here.

1. Why did you decide to write a book about marriage in the eyes of a teenager?
I wanted to write a YA, but I needed a subject I knew something about. Having been married for well over a decade, I figured I knew enough about marriage to sound authentic. The idea of a marriage education course in high school sounded pretty funny, so I ran with it.
2. What book(s) can we look forward to you in the future?
Not sure yet. :) I have a couple of things in the works, but nothing set in stone. Stay tuned!
3. What is the easiest and hardest part of writing for you?
Characters come pretty easily for me. Plot doesn't. I either meander off in unnecessary directions, or I go straight through to the end too quickly. Getting through the first draft is fun, but grueling. That first revision is really hard for me, too, because it looks like there's so much work ahead, and the manuscript is in such rough shape. Writing "The End" is definitely sweet!
4. What is your favorite part of being a Tenner?
I love the friends I've made. It's also been such fun to watch all these amazing authors finally come to the attention of the rest of the world. Seeing everyone's success has been fantastic.
5. If you weren't writing, what type of job would you want?
Hmm... I have a crazy obsession with real estate, so I'd probably work in that field. Although, there's already a real estate agent named Kristin Walker in Charleston, SC whom I see on Google alerts all the time. :)
6. What are your favorite books?
So hard to choose. My latest mind-blowing favorite is THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak. I love all the ANNE OF GREEN GABLES books as well as the HARRY POTTERs. Then again, there are so many books by the Tenners and Debs that I love. I've had the privilege of reading Kristina Springer's MY FAKE BOYFRIEND IS BETTER THAN YOURS and Mandy Hubbard's YOU WISH pre-publication, and they're both adorable.
7. Is there anything that you would like to add?
Just thanks for having me here!

Books Read in June 2010

58. One Night That Changes Everything by Lauren Barnholdt
59. Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund
60. Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
61. The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
62. The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney
63. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
64. Deception by Lee Nichols
65. Glimpse by Carol Lynch Williams
66. Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
67. Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis
68. Siren by Tricia Rayburn
69. Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Reviews posted from these books: 1 of these books so far, a few are planned to be posted later.
Books from Library: 0 books
Books for Review: 9 books
Books borrowed: 1 books
My Favorite: The Mockingbirds or Nightshade... So freaking amazing...
My Least Favorite: I loved all of these books...
Debut Authors '10: 24 read 26 books left
Dystopian Challenge: 10 read

Glimpse by Carol Lynch Williams

Rating:

Characters: 19/20

Plot: 20/20

Originality: 19/20

Writing: 19/20

Recommendation: 20/20

Overall: 97/100 or A

Source: Publisher

Hope finds her sister Lizzie in their bathroom with a gun on her head. She doesn't understand why Lizzie would want her sister wanted to die and why she won't talk to her. Lizzie and Hope have relied on each other, since they were little. Their mom is not a reliable parent and turns tricks to support their family. She slowly unravels the truth about the mysterious circumstances that surround her sister.

I do not know how to explain this book, but amazing. I wanted to jump into the book and shield that family from the horrors that they are put into. I could relate to the realtionship between the sisters, because I am like that with my sisters. Hope starts as a niave girl with no care in the world, but sadly grows to see what the world is like. Lizzie's protective nature reminded me of how my older sister treats me and how I treat my younger sister. The mom in this book made me furious. I can not imagine anyone doing what she did to her children. The plot of Glimpse is gripping and powerful. William's verse doesn't spare a word, but allows for each emotion to be felt as if it were your own. I felt emotionally drained after this book, but I still found all of the power in the characters, because Hope and Lizzie's story will definitely stay with me. I reccomend this book to anyone that is looking for a powerful book.