Thursday, June 30, 2011

Possession by Elana Johnson

Source: Publisher
Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even thinkabout kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.
But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.
This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.
For some reason, this book made me think of the Uglies series from the very beginning, which is a good thing. I really adore that series and luckily that vibe was through out Possession and made me enjoy the story more. Vi's voice was very appealing. She was funny and smart. She also didn't give up easily. I love Jag . He is kickass and totally swoon worthy. He was so charming. Their chemistry was so awesome and I felt sorry for Zenn, because he was definitely not on Vi's mind now. The plot was confusing at times and I wish that more was explained about the dystopian world in the story. There were several questions that I had that were never answered and hopefully that will happen in a sequel. Luckily the mystery of the story kept me entertained every single moment and made me want more. Johnson's writing was amazing. She made interesting characters, a mysterious and thrilling plot, and a dystopian world that kept me excited. I can't wait to see what she will come up with next and I really hope that it is a sequel after the evil ending that made me want a lot more from Elana Johnson like now.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (106)

Title: Love and Leftovers
Author: Sarah Tregay
Publisher: HarperTeen
Date:
January 1st 2012
My wish
is to fall
cranium over Converse
in dizzy, daydream-worthy
love.
When her parents split, Marcie is dragged from Idaho to a family summerhouse in New Hampshire. She leaves behind her friends, a group of freaks and geeks called the Leftovers, including her emo-rocker boyfriend, and her father.
By the time Labor Day rolls around, Marcie suspects this "vacation" has become permanent. She starts at a new school where a cute boy brings her breakfast and a new romance heats up. But understanding love, especially when you've watched your parents' affections end, is elusive. What does it feel like, really? can you even know it until you've lost it?
Love and Leftovers is a beautifully written story of one girl’s journey navigating family, friends, and love, and a compelling and sexy read that teens will gobble up whole.
This book sounds so cute and I really love the cover.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Trailer Tuesday (36)


I love the Georgia Nicolson series. Can't wait to read more from Louise Rennison. Plus this trailer is so cute.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Blog Tour: Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma


Today, I have Nova Ren Suma here, with a secret about Imaginary Girls.
I’m here spilling secrets about my book Imaginary Girls. As the cover says, “Secrets never stay below the surface.” I guess not, because here’s another one bubbling up now…
Secret #6: It wasn’t Ruby who lost the ring a boy gave her in the reservoir. It was me.

There are these
lines in the opening chapter of Imaginary Girls, and I don’t think I’m giving anything away if I share them here:
“Ruby once lost a ring a boy gave her, a ring handcrafted by his father, given as a promise she never meant to keep. So for Ruby the reservoir took what she wanted, almost as if they shared an understanding. Everyone else had to be
more careful.”
I wrote in that detail about the ring because I thought it said something about Ruby, about how little she cared about most anyone who cared about her. But if I’m being honest with these secrets, losing the boy’s ring in the reservoir is not a random detail I stumbled on out of nowhere. It’s something that actually happened—to me.
When I was seventeen or so, a boy who liked me gave me a ring his father had made. It was silver, and something he said meant a lot to him. It was also a little too big for my finger. One day I was with my friends and we took a swim in the reservoir and I remember thinking that maybe I should take off the ring before I went in. But I forgot, and pretty soon there was the moment after I’d dunked my head in when I came up and realized my hand felt light. The ring was gone. I felt around for it in the water, on the rocks at my feet… but it was too late. I couldn’t find it and I had to tell the boy that I’d lost it, and I guess he had to tell his dad.
In Imaginary Girls, it’s Ruby who lost the ring to the reservoir, as if she let it slip off her finger on purpose. I’ll admit that I didn’t really want that boy’s ring on my finger, but that’s the difference between Ruby and me. I still feel terrible for losing it.


Nova answered a question that I had too:
Your first book, Dani Noir, was Middle Grade and Imaginary Girls is Young Adult Fiction. How did you switch the voice to a different audience? What was the most difficult part of writing Imaginary Girls?

Sometimes I’m asked about why I switched from middle-grade to YA, since my first published book was the middle-grade novel Dani Noir, and I see why people would think I started in middle-grade and branched off to YA later. The thing is, though Dani Noir was published first and it’s the first image readers may have of me, in fact I started writing Imaginary Girls before it. When I got the opportunity to write Dani Noir, the editor I was working with was at a middle-grade/tween imprint, so I had to keep Dani Noir in that age range. I actually put an old version of the Imaginary Girls manuscript aside to write Dani Noir, and then as soon as I could I picked up Imaginary Girls again.
I admit I was worried that I wouldn’t have the chance to publish YA, that I wouldn’t be allowed to write both, but I’m thrilled to see how things turned out. Switching voices between the audiences is really only a matter of finding the voice of my character and staying true to her. Dani in Dani Noir is a snarky thirteen-year-old with a wild imagination. And Chloe in Imaginary Girls is an imaginative sixteen-year-old with a blind devotion to her older sister. I guess what they both share is the vivid imagination, even though they focus on different things.
I’d say the most difficult part of writing Imaginary Girls was getting it right. A lot of revision went into this manuscript—a lot of retooling and reimagining and a great many pages were thrown out to find the story that needed to be told. At the time I didn’t know if I could do it—I really honestly didn’t—but I look back on all the months of work from where I sit now and am so grateful I put my all into this. It was the hardest I’ve ever worked on anything, and I love what it became.


If you want to learn more about Imaginary Girls, visit Nova on twitter or on her website, you can also read a sample here. Penguin was nice enough to offer a signed hardcover to one winner in the US. If you want to enter, just fill out the form below. Contest ends July 1st.

Guest Post with Jennifer Brown

Today, I have the amazing Jennifer Brown here with her favorite books. I hope you enjoy it.
I’m such a book fan, my library is everywhere! Housed in dozens of boxes in the basement, stacks upon stacks under the bed, stacks next to the bed, stacks on my dresser, stacks on one of the kitchen chair. It’s really ridiculous!
So to ask me for my favorites is an impossible task. I have so many! I can tell you some of the YA books I’ve enjoyed over the past year:
Crash Into Me by Albert Borris
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
Sorta Like a Rockstar by Matthew Quick
Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

It should be no shock that I like a good “issues” story, and I’m a huge fan of literary fiction. Give me an Anna Quindlen novel and I’m a happy gal (Oh, how Every Last One tore my heart out!). I also love a good classic, and can really get into a Hemingway novel or a Steinbeck novel like nobody’s business.
It was Stephen King who made me a reader. I began reading his novels when I was a young teen, and had to carry around a pocket dictionary so I could understand some of the words. And it was Marian Keyes who made me start to really think about being a writer. I actually began by writing women’s fiction novels, and was particularly inspired by her novel, The Other Side of the Story.
In my library, you will find a great many Oprah’s Book Club choices. You will also find a 19-volume set of leather-bound Hemingway novels. Lots of biographies about John Lennon and Walt Disney. And tons of travel books.
Basically, if you write it, I will read it! I’m easy that way!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Blog tour with Teresa Frohock, author of Miserere

Today I have Teresa Frohock for One Question blog tour. She is the author of Miserere, which comes out on July 5th. I hope you enjoy the post. She will be answering, "What fantasy novels inspired you to initially write in that genre?"
This is going to be utter blasphemy, but it wasn’t The Lord of the Rings. Frankly, I have YET to get through all three novels. I enjoyed The Hobbit, and I love Viggo Morg--, er, the Lord of the Rings movies, but The Lord of the Rings wasn’t the fantasy that opened my soul.
It was Grendel. You see, I have loved Beowulf from the first time I laid eyes on the opening lines. It was that combination of poetry and epic adventure that really sang to me. Then I read John Gardner’s Grendel and spent my entire adolescence trying to find another novel like it.
I didn’t understand everything Gardner was writing about when I was fifteen, but there was something in that story that called to me. Maybe it was because I was always the misfit and felt like the monster on the outside looking in, waving my hands and saying, “No, no! It’s not like that at all! Pay attention to the truth!”
I think I’ve read Grendel twenty times since then. It’s a comfort novel for me, and I love what Gardner shows us about perspective and the power of storytelling. I knew that if I wrote stories, this was what I wanted to write.
Two other novels that greatly impacted my early love of fantasy were The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip and Peter S. Beagle’s The Last Unicorn. I loved the way the stories were so simple on the surface, but if you dropped a pebble of thought into the pool and looked a little deeper, then you could see the layers the authors’ had placed within their words. That was what I wanted to write with Miserere. I wanted to write a story that would appeal to people looking for a casual read with a resounding good tale, but I wanted to have layers in the story too.
Whether I was successful or not will be known soon enough. I just want people to enjoy Lucian’s story. However, don’t be afraid to look a little deeper, you might find that I’ve buried a gem or two within the prose.
What about you? If you’re a writer, tell us what books inspire you to write in your chosen genre. If you’re a reader, what novels draw you to your favorite genre?
The next interview in the blog tour will be at Arya’s Sea of Pages where I’ll be talking about the characters that surprised me in MISERERE. I hope you’ll join me there.

Here is about the author:
Raised in a small town, Teresa Frohock learned to escape to other worlds through the fiction collection of her local library. She eventually moved away from Reidsville and lived in Virginia and South Carolina before returning to North Carolina, where she currently resides with her husband and daughter.
Teresa has long been accused of telling stories, which is a southern colloquialism for lying. Miserere: An Autumn Tale is her debut novel.
Teresa can be found most often at her blog and web site. Every now and then, she heads over to Tumblr and sends out Dark Thoughts, links to movies and reviews that catch her eye. You can also follow Teresa on Twitter and join her author page on Facebook.
If you want to learn more about the book, watch the trailer below or read the first four chapters here.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

In My Mailbox (Week of June 26th)



Bought:
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling
Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma

Gifted:
Nook Touch and case.

Ebooks(From Galley Grab or Netgalley):
Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez
Past Perfect by Leila Sales
Gone, Gone, Gone by Hannah Moskowitiz
Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst
Spellbound by Cara Lynn Schultz
Legacy by Cayla Kluver

For review:
And Then Things Fall Apart by Arlina Tibensky
Away by Teri Hall
Stay With Me by Paul Griffin
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Friday, June 24, 2011

Book Trailer


Going to another Wizard Rock Concert tonight. Saw this Cute trailer, who has read Uncommon Criminals? Was it good?

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Pottermore


I was really hoping for a MMORPG or an encyclopedia. It isn't a traditional game, but it sounds amazing. I am going to a second Wizard Rock concert this week and am planning to start re-reading the books soon. I also have my midnight tickets already. So, can it be July and then October like now?

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (105)

Title: The Girl of Fire and Thorns
Author: Rae Carson

Publisher: Harperteen
Release Date: September 20, 2011
Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.
Elisa is the chosen one.
But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will.
Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.
And he’s not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.
Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.
Most of the chosen do.
This book sounds amazing and the cover is gorgeous.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Trailer Tuesday (35)


I have this book, has anyone read it? What did you think about it?

Monday, June 20, 2011

Winners

Forgotten by Cat Patrick winners:
1. Jessy
2. Devan @ Book Strings
1000 Post Winner:
Lillie (AliseOnLife)
The A Circuit by Catherine Hapka and Georgina Bloomberg Winner:
Sarah Darlington

Lillie and Sarah, send your address to my email as soon as possible.

Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Source: Publisher
Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose.
Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?

I loved Haunting Violet. It was an amazing paranormal mystery that I just loved. Something that the summary doesn't mention is that it takes place in the 1870's, which makes it historical fiction, but it really worked well and I loved it. Violet is a really unique girl. She was strong and smart. She was always reading too, which made me like her more. Her mom was a crock and she kept on coming up with new schemes and ideas for what to do. Colin was such an awesome guy. He was such a sweet guy and wanted the best for Violet. He was definitely swoon worthy. Elizabeth was a smart girl too and a good friend to Violet. The plot of Haunting Violet was quick paced and full of mystery. There were several creepy scenes in the book from the ghosts as Violet tracked the murder. Harvey's writing was gorgeous. I enjoyed every moment of this book. Harvey really knows how to write and I am excited to read more from her in the future. I highly suggest that you read this book as soon as possible.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

In My Mailbox (Week of June 19th)


For Review:
Wolf Storm by Dee Garretson

Bought:
Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers
Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

Saturday, June 18, 2011

A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

Source: Publisher
We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten...
Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.
But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.
Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences.

I love this book. It was so amazing and emotionally taxing that I had a hard time not crying the whole second half of the book. I also find the whole purpose of the Forgotten to be amazing and beautiful. At the same time, I find it realistic, because their are definitely people that have touched my life with so much light and yet I can hardly remember their names, let alone their faces or voices. I loved that Young balanced that by showing a dark and negative alternative for what Charlotte could do and I found that to be horrifying.
Charlotte is an amazing character. She has so much courage and spirit even as she is about to face such a horrid and unimaginable fate. Harlin is such an amazing guy. He trust Charlotte so much and I loved that she tried so hard to keep him. Her best friend Sarah was awesome and I really liked her. I found Mercy to be amazing, because she adopted Charlotte and will never know all the amazing things that Charlotte was doing. There are not enough words for how sorry I felt for Monroe. He has the hardest time is the book, because he will always remember Charlotte and no one else will. I can't even imagine having to deal with that and not being able to talk about it. The setting of Portland is so rich that it seems to be it's own character and it made me miss that city so much.
A Need So Beautiful is one of those books that you want for it to go on forever, because it is so magical and captivating that every single word matters. Young's writing is gorgeous and emotional. It captures A Need so Beautiful so well that I wanted more and I can't wait for A Want so Wicked to come out, especially after the ending. I recommend that you read this book now. It is clever, original, and so amazing and I have no clue how you could possibly hate this book.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Yay!

Happy Birthday, Zoe! =)

Thursday, June 16, 2011

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Source: Bought
It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.
Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.
Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

Before buying this, I heard just amazing things about The Goddess Test. I had very mixed feelings on it. I really liked the world that Carter created and I found it fascinating. I also liked the twist that this was on the story of Hades and Persephone. The beginning of the story wasn't too engaging, but as soon as she met Henry the story took off and I couldn't wait to finish this book. Kate is a likable character. She is very compassionate and nice. I just didn't get what she saw in Henry and I wish that she had more depth. He was moody most of the time and he cut himself off from her and it didn't seem that he was over Persephone till almost the end. At the end, he seemed charming and sweet, but I didn't really care for him. I liked James a lot more, even though he was the obvious Best-Friend-in-Love character. I could connect to him a lot more. The other gods and goddesses in the book don't seem to have strong personalities, which they should have, because they are suppose to be all powerful. I am hoping that will be fixed in the next book. If the concept sounds good to you, I would read it. The plot was rather exciting and made up for the rather one dimensional characters.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (104)

Title: A Touch Morbid
Author: Leah Clifford
Publisher: Greenwillow
Release Date: 2012
Since there isn't a description yet, I'll give you five reasons why I want this book:
1. A Touch Mortal ended on a cliffhanger. I need to know what happens next like now.
2. Eden. She is kick ass and I love her.
3. Az. He is so dreamy and lovely, even when he tries to fall.
4. It is by Leah Clifford. She is an awesome person and I can't wait to see what evil twist are in A Touch Morbid.
5. Have you seen the cover? I kind of want green in my hair now...

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Trailer Tuesday (33)


I have only heard amazing things about Shatter Me and I can't wait to read it. It sounds amazing.

Monday, June 13, 2011

How I Stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend by Gary Ghislain

Source: Publisher
David Gershwin's summer is about to take a turn for the weird. When his dad's new patient Zelda tells him she s from outer space and on a quest to take Johnny Depp back to her planet, he knows he should run away screaming. But with one look from her mean, green eyes, David's hooked, and soon he's leaping across rooftops, running from police, and stealing cars just to stay by her side. He might not be a typical hero, but David's going to get the girl even if it takes him to the ends of the earth or beyond.
This book is just what you would expect from the title. It is funny, quirky, and full of action. There were a lot of unique and one of a kind characters. David is a sweet boy that gets stuck in the middle of the story. Zelda is rather violent at times, but you can't help loving her. She is really interesting and one of a kind. David's mother scared me. She was so mean to everyone and had to have it her way. The plot of this book was really unique. It was very wild and so much was happening at once. Luckily I never felt overwhelmed and was able to enjoy this quick and fun read. I recommend it.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

In My Mailbox (Week of June 12th)

Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey
Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose.
Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?

I love her other books and I am excited for this book.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Source: Publisher
One hour to rewrite the past . . .
For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.
So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?
Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.

Emerson is such an amazing character. For a long time, she felt that she was crazy, but it turns out that she can time travel. I loved the humor and sarcasm that she had was captured really well and made me adore her so much. She is also kickass and very strong, Emerson was a really awesome character. Micheal was amazing. The relationship between Emerson and him is intense and I loved every moment of it. I hated that Micheal didn't feel that he and Emerson should have a relationship and the fact that he kept on going between hot and cold was annoying. Kalab was another boy and I liked that he was very direct about his feelings. I really adored him. Thomas was a great brother and I really liked the fact that there were other strong adults in this book, which is rare for YA.
Time travel is well awesome and I felt that part of the book was developed really well and that McEntire made it amazing. The plot was very intense and it captured my attention from the beginning. So many events surprised me and I enjoyed all the twist and turn in Hourglass. This book is a mix between paranormal and sci-fi books, which I haven't ever seen in another book. I guess there is going to be a sequel to Hourglass that makes me really excited. Her writing was stunning and I can't wait for her next book. This book is a must read for anyone. It is unlike anything that I have read and I know that you will love it as much as I do.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Friday Five

1. I graduate today. I am really excited. I am also graduating with honors.
2. I don't think that I put this on my blog, but I am going to Seattle University.
3. I a currently planning on Majoring in Creative Writing with a in in Communications.
4. Seattle University is in Capital Hill, which is also where Holly Cupala's Don't Breathe a Word takes place. Let me be the first person to tell you that it is epic and that you need to preorder it now. Plus it will make you cry.
5. I saw the last Doctor Who and all I can think is how excited I am for Fall.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Source: Publisher
Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.
Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.
Blood Red Road has a searing pace, a poetically minimal writing style, violent action, and an epic love story. Moira Young is one of the most promising and startling new voices in teen fiction.
At the very beginning, I had a hard time getting into Blood Red Road because of the writing style and it took me about fifty pages to get immersed into this book. Luckily there was a great cast of diverse, but amazing characters and a stunning plot drew me right in. Saba is a fierce character and she definitely isn't afraid of a fight. She can be stubborn at times, but it definitely fits her personality well. I also liked the independence that she gained after losing Lugh and the devotion that she had to save him. I loved that her sister Emmi was similar to her and was adorable at times. Jack while mysterious, was a great guy and I instantly fell for him.Saba's crow Nero had so much spunk and attitude. Blood Red Road was intense and full of adventure with a hint of romance. The subplots were also well developed an kept this story exciting. Young's world building was fantastic. This dystopian novel was well developed and kept me engaged the whole time. Young's writing style is going to be a hit or miss. While most of the book is lyrical and sparse, it takes a while to get used to how the story is written. By about fifty pages in, I was too in love with the adventure and excitement of this book. I would say that this book is a mix of Graceling and The Hunger Games and would recommend this book to those fans. It is a mix of lovable characters, a thrilling plot, and a gorgeous new dystopian world. I am really excited to see what originality Moira Young will continue to bring to the Young Adult genre.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Bitter End by Jennifer Brown

Source: Review
When Alex falls for the charming new boy at school, Cole, a handsome, funny, sports star who adores her, she can't believe she's finally found her soul mate-someone who truly understands her and loves her for who she really is.
At first, Alex is blissfully happy. Sure, Cole seems a little jealous of her relationship with her best friends, Zack and Bethany, but what guy would want his girlfriend spending all of her time with another boy? But as the months pass, Alex can no longer ignore Cole's small put-downs, pinches, or increasingly violent threats. As Alex struggles to come to terms with the sweet boyfriend she fell in love with and the boyfriend whose "love" she no longer recognizes, she is forced to choose - between her "true love" and herself.

Hate List was one of my favorite books from 2009. Jennifer Brown is an amazing writer and with Bitter End, she establishes herself as a talented writer that creates the most unthinkable situations and sticks her characters right in the middle of the story. For Alex, it is being physically and mentally abused by her boyfriend. She isn't allowed to talk to certain people(like her best friends), wear certain clothes, or do what she wants after she meets Cole. She realizes that something is wrong, but she loves him. Alex's friends were so amazing and I loved Zack and Bethany for different reason. Alex's boss Georgia was motherly of Alex and I liked that she recognized that something was wrong and tried to help her. Bitter End is a strong and fierce ride. The plot captures your soul and takes you for a ride. This book was an emotionally journey and impossible to put down. As for originality, I liked that this book had more then the abuse going in it and that it had several layers going on. I recommend this book to fans of contemporary fiction and a must read, if you loved Dreamland by Sarah Dessen, Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott, and Rage by Julie Anne Peters.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Crush Control by Jennifer Jabaley

Source: Publisher
Willow has spent most of her life as her mother's sidekick in a popular Las Vegas hypnotism show. So when she and her mom move back to their sleepy southern hometown to start over, she thinks she's in for a life of quiet normalcy. Except that her new life turns out to be anything but, when she kinda sorta hypnotizes Quinton, the hottest guy on the football team, to fall madly, deeply, head over heels in love with her. But what started out as an innocent way to make her best friend, Max, jealous soon gets way out of hand, and Willow begins to wonder if the mind - and more importantly, the heart - is something you can really control.
I could relate to Willow a lot. I have never been able to tell someone that I like them, which was a major problem that Willow had. Max was a great friend to Willow and I liked his personality. Her friend Georgia was so funny and I loved the pop culture that she provided through out the book. Quiton was also a nice guy, but his later obsession with Willow freaked me out. Willow's mom Vicki was also awesome an liked that she was involved in Willow's life. Vicki and Willow had a Glimore Girls vibe to them, which worked for me. This book was adorable. I wasn't sure if this book would be good, but I felt that it had nice pacing and a cute story line. I think that it was a fairly original book, I haven't seen hypnotism is YA fiction yet. Jabaley's writing was fun and I liked the voice that she created for Willow. I recommend this book to someone looking for a cute and fun read.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Forgotten by Cat Patrick Giveway

About the book:

What if every day when you woke up, you had no recollection of the days before?

Each night at precisely 4:33 am, while sixteen-year-old London Lane is asleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all she can “remember” are events from her future. London is used to relying on reminder notes and a trusted friend to get through the day, but things get complicated when a new boy at school enters the picture. Luke Henry is not someone you’d easily forget, but try as she might, London can’t find him in her memories of things to come.

When London starts experiencing disturbing flashbacks, or flash-forwards, as the case may be, she realizes it’s time to learn about the past she keeps forgetting – before it destroys her future.

For more information on the book, visit here. If you want to see London's video diaries, visit her here.

Giveaway rules:

-US Addresses only.

-One entry per person

-Open till Midnight on June 13th.

-Fill out the form below, if you would like to enter to win one of two copies of Forgotten.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Luminous by Dawn Metcalf

Source: Publisher
As reality slips and time stands still, Consuela finds herself thrust into the world of the Flow. Removed from all she loves into this shifting world overlapping our own, Consuela quickly discovers she has the power to step out of her earthly skin and cloak herself in new ones-skins made from the world around her, crafted from water, fire, air. She is joined by other teens with extraordinary abilities, bound together to safeguard a world they can affect, but where they no longer belong.
When murder threatens to undo the Flow, the Watcher charges Consuela and elusive, attractive V to stop the killer. But the psychopath who threatens her new world may also hold the only key to Consuela's way home.

Luminous is an original and unique story that engaged me the whole time. The plot was really interesting, but I got lost a few times, since the story isn't fully explained till the end of the book. While other times, the imagery and writing was so beautiful that I couldn't help loving it. The idea of Flow is unlike anything that I have read and I loved that Metcalf never fully explained it. Luminous left enough mystery in the Flow that it kept me guessing, but at the same time it didn't confuse me the whole time. The characters were unique and had different powers and reasons for being in Flow. I didn't alway feel connected to the character though. Like anytime, that Consuela took off her skin it freaked me out like crazy and I didn't feel like I could connect to Bones at all. I found Tender to be interesting, but I didn't feel like I understood him and his motives. The romance between V and Consuela was sweet, but it wasn't a believable as I would like it seemed like a romance that was kind of out of nowhere. Metcalf's writing was poetic and raw. I just wish that the characters were developed a bit more, but the plot makes up for that. I recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a unique read.
The letter that I have for you from the blog tour is: S.
Collect all the letters along the blog tour, unscramble the puzzle, and win a secret surprise as well as an extra entry in the LUMINOUS Grand Prize Giveaway, June 30th! Details at http://www.dawnmetcalf.com/.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

What YA means to me and how it saved me


This post is in response to the Wall Street's article, Darkness To Visible.
I didn't include this in the video, because it is hard for me to type. Being told that I will never be normal again was the hardest day for me. I was 15, and had been in the hospital for over two weeks. My doctor came in and practically told me that I would never be able to be outside without a mask, walk without support, and many other things. Reading inspired me to do very painful treatments, get infusion, and do PT almost daily at first, even though there was little chance that I would be "normal" again. Young Adult fiction gave me courage at my darkest time in my life and I am completely grateful for what it has given me. It has also helped me get over the death of my sister, which has haunted me almost my whole life. There aren't enough words for how much YA has saved me.

In My Mailbox (Week of June 5th)


Bought:
Pretend You Love Me & She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not by Julie Anne Peters.
Neverwhere & Stardust by Neil Gaiman
You Wish by Mandy Hubbard

Given to by Secret Garden Books:
Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton

For Review:
Legend by Marie Lu
Crush Control by Jennifer Jabaley & Swag
All That You Desire by Kirsten Miller
Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach

Won from Hilary Wagner:
I Kissed a Zombie and I Liked It by Adam Selzer
Nightshade City by Hilary Wagner
The Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zinc
The Liar Society by Lisa & Laura Roecker
Breakaway by Andrea Montalbano
Time Riders by by Alex Scarrow
Monkey See, Monkey Do by Erin Soderberg
Strings Attached by Judy Blundell
The Kissing Game by Aidan Chambers
The Deadlies by Kathryn Lasky

Friday, June 3, 2011

Dreamland Social Club by Tara Altebrando

Source: Publisher
Jane has traveled the world with her father and twin brother, but it's not until her fractured family–still silently suffering from the loss of Jane's mother many years before–inherits a house and a history in Coney Island that she finally begins to find a home. With the help of a new community of friends, a mermaid's secrets, and a tattooed love interest with traffic-stopping good looks, the once plain Jane begins to blossom and gains the courage to explore the secrets of her mother's past.
Colorful characters, beautiful writing, and a vibrant, embattled beachfront backdrop make this the perfect summer read for anyone who has ever tried to find true love or a place to call home.

I really enjoyed Dreamland Social Club. It had a strong cast of characters, a plot that slowly unraveled a mystery, and amazing writing that engaged me the whole time. Jane wasn't sure of who she was. She quickly evolves into a complex, but lovable character. Leo was a complete mystery and I found his relationship with Jane to be amazing. Babette had a strong personality and I loved that she was so fierce. I really liked that the plot. First off there is the fact that Jane isn't sure of herself and thinks that she can somehow discover who she is from her mother's past. The other was a discovery of Coney Island in a deep and meaningful way. I loved how vivid the imagery of Coney Island and it made me want to visit it right away. Another plot was if Old Coney Island should be remodeled and if so how, I liked how Altebrando addressed this issue. Altebrando's writing is fantastic and I loved how she developed unique characters and a stunning plot. It was a really amazing plot that I enjoyed. I highly recommend that you read this book as soon as possible.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Books Read in May 2011

66. The Unwanted by Lisa McMann
67. Secrets by Lauren Kunze with Rina Onur
68. Abandon by Meg Cabot
69. Possession by Elana Johnson
70. The Sweetheart of Prosper County by Jill S. Alexander
71. The A Circuit by Catherine Hapka
72. All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin
73. Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt
74. But I Love Him by Amanda Grace
75. Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala
76. Possess by Gretchen McNeil
77. Dreamland Social Club by Tara Altebrando
78. Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs

Reviews posted from these books: 4these books so far, a few are planned to be posted later.
Books from Library: 0
Books for Review: 10
Books borrowed: 0
My Favorite: Don't Breathe a Word. I loved the characters, plot, and the story.
My Least Favorite: None this month.
Debut Authors '11: 20 read 30 books left

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (103)

Title: Shut Out
Author: Kody Keplinger
Publisher: Poppy
Release Date: September 5, 2011
A contemporary reimagining of the Greek play, "Lysistrata," in which high school senior Lissa decides it's time to end her school's ridiculous sports rivalry once and for all by starting a hook-up strike.
I am really excited to read this book. I loved The DUFF.

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