Scarrlet Reader

New YA Books to look out for!

2011-07-06T12:03:00.000-04:00

Summary: The night sexy and mysterious Abigail Silva comes to Jacob Lau's bedroom window, he doesn't believe she's real let alone a supernatural force who lives just across the street. Abigail says she's his Helper sent to train him as a Soulkeeper, a gifted warrior responsible for protecting human souls. But Abigail has secrets, and as Jacob is pulled into her strange world, he learns those secrets could cost him his family, his girlfriend, and even his soul.

Sounds like a good one! I love the necklace he’s wearing on the cover ^^

Summary: Sixteen-year-old Laurel's world changes instantly when her parents and brother are killed in a terrible car accident. Behind the wheel is the father of her bad-boy neighbor, David Kaufman, whose mother is also killed. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laurel navigates a new reality in which she and her best friend grow apart, boys may or may not be approaching her out of pity, overpowering memories lurk everywhere, and Mr. Kaufman is comatose but still very much alive. Through it all, there is David, who swoops in and out of Laurel's life and to whom she finds herself attracted against her better judgment. She will forever be connected to him by their mutual loss, a connection that will change them both in unexpected ways.

It says it will appeal to fans of Gayle Forman’s If I Stay, so count me in! Plus the beautiful cover draws you in :)

Summary: With over a million copies already in print, The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod is still sinking its fangs into new readers every day. Now, bestselling author Heather Brewer brings us the other side of the story, from the perspective of Vlad’s former friend turned mortal enemy: vampire slayer Joss Macmillan. In five books that can be read alongside Vlad Tod or entirely on their own, Joss discovers his powers as the youngest, strongest slayer in history. And just in time, too: with all the vampires running rampant, he’s going to need all the help he can get. This action-packed series will quench the thirst of even the hungriest veteran minions.

Yes! Heather Brewer is back and ready with a whole new series! Can’t wait to get this one and I’m still loving the vampire smilely.

Summary:

Midnight: a mist-haunted wood with a bad reputation. A sweet sixteen party, and 13 year old Nell is trying to keep her sister, spoilt birthday-girl Gwen, out of trouble. No chance. Trouble finds Gwen and drags her through the mist. Only Nell guesses who’s behind the kidnap - the boy she hoped was her friend, the cute but mysterious Evan River.
All those fairy stories Nell’s grandmother told her about girls being stolen by fairy folk are true. The Elven are beautiful as starlight, fierce as wolves, and cold as ice. And they want their world back. The fight has been raging for centuries. Nell’s grandmother should know, she’s a Watcher, the ones responsible for imprisoning the Elven in isolated iron-bound camps in Siberia. Only Evan, his fanatical older brother Fen, and a handful of Elven children are still free.
Fen, hellbent on revenge, keeps Gwen in their wolf-guarded stronghold deep in the mist. The price for her safe return? The release of all the Elven – but the Watchers will never agree. Only Nell can save Gwen.

Time is twisted through the mist: if Nell stops longer than a night and day, a hundred years will hit her as soon as she returns and she’ll be old and withered before she’s even lived. The clock is ticking

Ooooh, this sounds so good! I love the mystery sound to it.

Summary: A devastated Earth’s last hope is found in Pearls: small, mysterious orbs that fall from space, and are capable of supplying enough energy to power entire cities. Battling to control the Pearls are the Skyship dwellers—political dissidents who live in massive ships in the Earth’s stratosphere—and the corrupt Surface government.

Jesse Fisher, a Skyship brat, and Cassius Stevenson, a young Surface operative, cross paths when they both venture into forbidden territory in pursuit of Pearls. Their chance encounter triggers an unexpected reaction, endowing each boy with remarkable—and dangerous—abilities that their respective governments would stop at nothing to possess. Enemies thrust together with a common goal, Jesse and Cassius make their way to the ruins of Seattle to uncover the truth about their new powers, the past they didn’t know they shared, and a shocking secret about the Pearls

OMG, I REALLY hope this is as good as it sounds! The cover is awesome and gets me hyped for this one! Come on Sept 8!

Review: Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler

2011-07-05T12:21:00.001-04:00

Title: Playing Hurt
Author: Holly Schindler
Publisher: Flux
Publication Date: March 8, 2011
Pages: 303

Summary: Star basketball player Chelsea "Nitro" Keyes had the promise of a full ride to college-and everyone's admiration in her hometown. But everything changed senior year, when she took a horrible fall during a game. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family.

As a graduation present, Chelsea's dad springs for a three-week summer "boot camp" program at a northern Minnesota lake resort. There, she's immediately drawn to her trainer, Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player who's haunted by his own traumatic past. As they grow close, Chelsea is torn between her feelings for Clint and her loyalty to her devoted boyfriend back home. Will an unexpected romance just end up causing Chelsea and Clint more pain-or finally heal their heartbreak?

Review: Chelsea is the all-star player of her high school basketball game and now in her senior year with the plan of going to college on a full scholarship. But after a terrible accident that leaves her not only unable but terrified to play basketball, she’s stuck in a life where she has no idea where she belongs. Clint is a nature loving, formal hockey star that does anything he can to stay way from the sports he once loved.

There should really be more sports related books in the YA area! I mean teens love sports (myself included) and it can really open up your audience! I feel like anyone one’s whose ever been severely injured while playing sports will feel a real connection to this book. It’s tough being taken away from the thing you love to do most and that happens to both Chelsea and Clint.

The stories of why they don’t continue on with the lives they had while playing sports are completely different but both heartbreaking and legit reasons that happen to people all around the world. The relationship that develops between Chelsea and Clint is believe and a very supporting one. Both need each other at this time and they are just so funny together!

Overall, Playing Hurt is an excellent book that I hope will show the true value of adding things such as sports into the plot and how wonderful it can be to find someone that truly understands you.

You can preorder Playing Hurt HERE.

Fan Art for Possession by Elana Johnson

2011-06-02T17:15:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone! I just decided I’d show a little of my artwork for a new book I just read, Possession by Elana Johnson. I don’t normally share my artwork, but I really liked how it came out so I thought, what the heck.

This is my image for the two main characters in the book, Jag and Vi. Granted, it’s semi-realistic, semi-manga-ish style of drawing but I wasn’t sure where I was heading with it at first. Maybe I’ll finish one day.

Possession is an incredible book and you can read my praising review for it below! Enjoy and make sure to pick up a copy of the book when it is released June 7th!

Jag and Vi © Elana Johnson

Artwork © Caitlin George

Early Review: Possession by Elana Johnson

2011-06-02T14:15:00.000-04:00

Title: Possession
Author: Elana Johnson
Publisher:
Publication Date:
Pages: June 7th, 2011
Source: Simon&Schuster
Challenge: Debut author challenge

Summary:

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about 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

Review:

Intense. Captivating. Imaginative.

Possession has really given me a lot to think about. Compared to all the other blossoming dystopian novels coming out, it has something so special and different from them. The entire story was an adventure from page one until the every end. Ms. Johnson created a world that was not only creative, but so realistically built that I felt that it could possibly be what the future has in store.

I loved the main characters, Vi and Jag. Their personalities were definitely one of the shining qualities that made reading their dialogue so enjoyable. Jag was so different from other male characters in YA I’ve seen that I was at first shocked by it. Secretive and funny yet sensitive and fearful. And also had very awesome hair, haha. I think I have a major crush development!

Vi was a great character to see through. She definitely had a month on her and I loved that! She was a strong and independent heroine that played by her own rules. Through the whole book there are twist and turns. It seemed as of secrets and lies were the structure to everyone’s life. Possession is a book about a so called good girl gone bad in all the right ways. It’s a world that will leaving you wanting more. I know I do!

Talking Sports in YA with Holly Schindler (Playing Hurt)

2011-06-01T22:19:00.001-04:00

It was a few month ago that Holly was looking for people to review her book, Playing Hurt. I signed up to be a participant and mentioned that I happen to be a sports player myself and it was a few weeks later that Holly asked me to have a “conversation style interview” with her on my sports history. I was thrilled! If there’s something I loved to talk about more than books it’s softball :D

Thanks so much to Holly for allowing me to be apart of her tour (expect a review soon!) and her inviting me to talk! So enjoyed, and tell me how you feel about sports in YA!

(Description:

Star basketball player Chelsea “Nitro” Keyes had the promise of a full ride to college—and everyone’s admiration in her hometown. But everything changed senior year, when she took a horrible fall during a game. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family.

As a graduation present, Chelsea’s dad springs for a three-week summer “boot camp” program at a northern Minnesota lake resort. There, she’s immediately drawn to her trainer, Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player who’s haunted by his own traumatic past. As they grow close, Chelsea is torn between her feelings for Clint and her loyalty to her devoted boyfriend back home. Will an unexpected romance just end up causing Chelsea and Clint more pain—or finally heal their heartbreak?)

HS: Hi, Caitlin! Can you tell us a bit about yourself—and your sports history?

C: Hey Holly! Thanks so much for having me here. Now, a bit about myself? Well, I’m a 15 (almost 16!) year old sophomore in high school. I’m a very active and competitive person and I have a great love for reading. My sports history goes all the way back to when I was about 6 years old when I started playing soccer, but now a day, I’m a strictly softball only player. It really is a passion of mine. I’ve played from my town recreation team for seven years to a tournament 16U travel team. While reading Playing Hurt, I was wondering if it was a love of playing a sport that helped inspired the book.

HS: Oh, if you only knew…I’m really, really not an athlete. I’m a bit of a klutz, actually. (I swear I can fall around corners!) I’m really flattered, though, that the depiction of sports felt authentic enough to you that you wondered if I played / loved sports.
I definitely have a much stronger appreciation of athletics now that I’m older—I realize now just how mental sports are. I can’t imagine what it must be like trying to come back to the game after an injury—or even after surgery, as is often the case with athletes who have overused their bodies.

I believe you’ve had some experience with a sports-related injury yourself. Can you tell us about that?

C: Well, I’d first like to thank God that I have never had as severe injury like Chelsea (*knocks on wood*), but I have definitely had my fair share of sports injury in my years. One of my most serious injuries from over the years happened when I was pitching for softball. It was just a regular game while I was pitching. A girl comes up to hit, I pitched the ball, and it all happened really fast. The ball had hit off the bat and came straight back at me, towards my face. I had enough reflexes to try and bring my mitt up to block the ball, but I was only able to reflect it a bit and it hit me on the side of my face right next to my left eye. I remember hearing the gasp from the people in the stands and the pain on the side of my face. I was kind of in shock and just fell to a knee. My coach ran out and they took me off the field. I was examined and ice packed. I honestly just like to shake these kinds of things off but people love to make a bigger situation out of things then needed and they didn’t let me play for the rest of the game. I ended up coming out of it with minor scars, but I did have a giant, nasty purple bruise on my face for two week (not fun, lots of cover up).

It just shows how easily you can be hurt and how suddenly. I’ve had teammates with broken legs, strained wrist and angles, and even a few knocked out teeth and, it’s scary thinking about all the possibilities of injuries that could happen. I’ve been hit by pitches (once really bad in the head, but thank Lord for helmets), ground balls, aching shoulders from pitching too much. I’m use to those pains, but a permanent pain like with Chelsea’s hip is something that I’m not sure I could deal with. Which leads me into asking – Why was it a hip injury you chose to have happen to Chelsea? I know with basketball players sprained ankles or wrist would be pretty severe too, so a hip injury was something I wasn’t expecting.

HS: First of all, I’m so sorry to hear of your accident. Though I’m a bit of a klutz, I’ve never broken a bone…I can’t imagine how much your injury must have hurt…

When I came up with the sports subplot (which didn’t come about until the very last rewrite…about five years after I wrote the first draft!), I immediately imagined Chelsea as a workaholic. Somebody who lived basketball—who felt guilty when she wasn’t working out, or practicing, or engaged in visualization techniques…

I also knew I wanted to show the scene of Chelsea’s accident, and wanted a dramatic impact—I tried to picture scenarios of Chelsea falling, and what it might look like from the stands—or from the screen of Chelsea’s bedroom TV, as she watched the DVD of her last game over and over…

Of all the scenarios I imagined, none seemed quite as dramatic as Chelsea coming down from a jump, into the splits—and breaking her already-stress-fractured hip.

What kind of impact has being injured had on your ability to play? Do you find yourself hesitant now in a way you weren’t before? What’s the mental healing process been like?

C: Well, being physically hurt, believe it or not, causes me more mental pain then being in actual physical pain sometimes. There have been times where my shoulders are killing me or my elbow feels like it’s got to burst, but I never like to let it on so it’s always a mental battle with myself to push past the annoying pains. There have been times where injuries have affected my playing, like when I sometimes twist my ankle the wrong way and can’t run as fast as I want or my shoulder starts to hurt and I can’t pitch as consistently, but I would say I have never been hesitant towards going right back into it (unless for some reason I’m really nervous about playing a certain team!)

Though, it was actually just a few days away during my softball practice that I was hitting off the machine when one of the balls I hit spun weird and hit me in my leg. It stung real bad so I had to sit down, and as I was doing so I was thinking about how funny it was that I was talking to you about the injuries I’ve gotten from sports and how often they happen. Though, I have to say that I haven’t really experienced any emotional injuries relating to sports like Clint or Chelsea did.

So, I was wondering if you thought that emotional injuries (like with Clint’s past and Chelsea’s loss of basketball) have a stronger impact then physical injuries?

HS: I think the mind is the toughest “muscle” to heal. Once you know the pain of an injury—emotional or physical—it’s got to be really hard to put yourself in line to be hurt again. I really admire athletes who get back in the game after an injury.
I do understand why athletes would want to get back out there, though…In order to write Chelsea, I just imagined that she felt the same way about sports that I felt about my writing. If something happened to me that made it impossible for me to continue writing, I’d be devastated. My sense of self would be shattered. It’d change my life completely.
What are your thoughts on sports in literature? Do you find, as an athlete, that they’re presented accurately? Do you see holes that you’d like filled—even holes you hope to fill yourself (if you have any interests in pursuing writing)?

C: I must say that if an author uses sports in literature well, it can really capture reader’s attention, especially younger readers and boys. Sports are a huge part of the world today and if used correctly it can broaden your reader audience.
Though I must say that there are sometimes I’ll read a book and the author will use a sport in a negative way and it will really get on my nerves. Let’s just take the universally unrated sport, cheerleading. I’ve read dozens of books where the cheerleaders are the stupid, clueless girls who don’t know how to add or the super bitchy girls that are weak sluts. Whoa, hold on a minute, have you ever even tried to cheerlead? Do you know how much upper and lower body strength you need? How much hand-eye coordination you have to have? And let’s not get into how flexible you need to be. Just think about it. If an author writes for young adults you are writing for teenagers who do these sports you are insulting. You are possibly losing an entire category of readers by insulting one’s sport. I know I would not feel friendly towards a book that insulted softball.
Getting off my rant, there are really great books that accurately represent sports (Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes and Deadline by Chris Crutches, Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs, and, of course, Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler). All these books bring feeling into the sports they talk about and I feel like any sports lover would enjoy then. As for holes I see in the writing of sports, I’m really no expert on all sports I read about (except for maybe softball ^^). I’m not sure that if I did pursue writing that I would write about sports. Softball is something that I do out of enjoyment and for myself. If I ever were to pursue writing, it’d probably be fantasy and I’d invent my own sport, haha.
I loved talking about my love of sports with you Holly and just from reading Playing Hurt I could tell you took great care into reading about Chelsea and Clint’s sport history. You think you’ll write a book with sports in it again?

HS: I love what you just said about cheerleading. That’s so incredibly spot-on—both about the amount of strength and focus it takes in order to cheerlead, and about the way a negative depiction can limit an author’s readership…Very intuitive…
As for my own writing, I’d love, love love to write more physically-oriented books. Not necessarily just about sports, either…
What I mean is, what comes easiest for me as an author is the internal dialogue and metaphorical, poetic writing that filled much of my debut, A BLUE SO DARK…In fact, when PLAYING HURT was in development, my editor sent me a copy of the manuscript with all the metaphors highlighted, telling me I HAD to prune some of it back!
What’s tough is to write something physical as it’s happening—and make the scene feel real. I so admire authors of genre fiction—mystery, adventure, horror—who can write dramatic scenes that you can see, hear, smell, feel.
…That’s what I’d love to do more of, as an author: dramatic, physical writing.
How’s your softball season been this year?

C: Sadly my school season has ended. We had our last game this week. The seasons go by so fast that I barely felt like we played all the games! It was a pretty good season, but now I can concentrate on my travel team I'm on for the summer. I play for a 16U tournament team that goes through the end of July. It really a wonderful thing to be a part of if you're really into the sport. I know I have a great time with my teammates over the summer playing in different places. I've also had a great time talking with you, Holly, about your book and softball. Thank so much for having me on my blog and thank you all for reading!

Thanks so much, Caitlin, for taking the time to talk about sports, and for your insights and love of literature…Best of luck this summer—and be safe on the field

Take a look at our Katniss!

2011-05-19T00:24:00.001-04:00

Ever since Jennifer Lawrence was announced to be Katniss of The Hunger Games for the upcoming movie there were many skeptical of how the actress would portray the dark haired, olive skinned, rough-around-the-edges fighter. But the first picture of Jennifer as Katniss has been release and I must say she has me convinced! I love the hair and her skin is darker and her eyes are a more greyish color. Jennifer also gives off the look of hidden feelings I feel like Katniss looked like for most the book!We have our Katniss in the flesh!

So, what do you think of the look??

Review: The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

2011-05-17T14:00:00.000-04:00

Title: The Sky Is Everywhere
Author: Jandy Nelson
Publisher: Speak
Publication Date: March 22, 2011
Pages: 288
Source: Bought
Challenge: none

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life—and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey’s boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie’s own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they’re the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can’t collide without the whole wide world exploding.

This remarkable debut is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Francesca Lia Block. Just as much a celebration of love as it is a portrait of loss, Lennie’s struggle to sort her own melody out of the noise around her is always honest, often hilarious, and ultimately unforgettable.

Review: The Sky is Everywhere could not have been a better book, I believe. Of all the contemporary fiction I’ve read it has to be one of the most heartfelt, agonizing, relatable books I have ever picked up. It’s incredible how much emotion Ms. Nelson was able to put on merely 270 so pages.

Lennie’s sister has just pasted away and now she is living in a life where it doesn’t seem right to live. The ever haunting memory of her sister lingers everywhere she goes and grief very nearly consumes her completely, until she meets Joe. The new boy in town who, unlike everyone else, didn’t know the Lennie when her sister was alive. He brings with him a breathe of fresh air that temporarily allows Lennie to breath without a pain in her chest. But then there is Tony, her sister’s boyfriend, who Lennie relates to more then anyone else. They both feel the terrible loss and pain and being together seems to be the only thing that keeps Bailey alive to them…

The story was really a roller coaster with too many pit falls with one emotional scene after an other. Lennie was such and incredible character. I found myself easily in her foots many times. The theme of music and poems weaves through the book and the results is a raw story of a girl who lost her sister, falls in love, and tries to find a way in and out of a world where the sky seems to be everywhere.

Review: XVI by Julia Karr

2011-04-20T14:00:00.000-04:00

Title: XVI
Author: Julia Karr
Publisher: Puffin/Speak
Publication Date: January 6, 2011
Pages: 325
Source: Bought
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge

Summary: Nina Oberon's life is pretty normal: she hangs out with her best friend, Sandy, and their crew, goes to school, plays with her little sister, Dee. But Nina is 15. And like all girls she'll receive a Governing Council-ordered tattoo on her 16th birthday. XVI. Those three letters will be branded on her wrist, announcing to all the world—even the most predatory of men—that she is ready for sex. Considered easy prey by some, portrayed by the Media as sluts who ask for attacks, becoming a "sex-teen" is Nina's worst fear. That is, until right before her birthday, when Nina's mom is brutally attacked. With her dying breaths, she reveals to Nina a shocking truth about her past—one that destroys everything Nina thought she knew. Now, alone but for her sister, Nina must try to discover who she really is, all the while staying one step ahead of her mother's killer.

Review: What a stunning book. With all the dystopian novels coming out now in YA this one definitely stands out among them. Nina is around the age were all her friends are becoming sixteen, which, in her world, means teens are ready for sex. But with her mother’s rebellious words and her mysteriously killed father Nina soon finds out that there is more to the Governing Council then everyone knows.

Julia Karr’s book takes you into a rather fearful future, where the young is marked at sixteen that they can have sex. It’s an interesting concept, one that some authors would shy away from in the YA department but Karr embraces it and uses it to her advantage. Though it is in no way what the book in centered on. It is really just the base of the corruption that is being fed into the minds of the people. And as Nina uncovers secrets from her past and new friend that share her belief she soon discovers that she may not be allow in her fight against the government.

I also really enjoyed Sal. He was a great character and his personality just entertained me. He added a lot to the story along with Nina’s other friends and the sad conclusion to the book will leave you heart broken and eager to seeing the end to the world where no one – marked or not – is safe.

Review: Delcroix Academy: The Candidates by Inara Scott

2011-04-19T16:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Delcroix Academy: The Candidates
Author: Inara Sott
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Publication Date: August 24, 2010
Pages: 293
Source: Borrowed
Challenge: none

Summary: Dancia Lewis is far from popular. And that's not just because of her average grades or her less-than-glamorous wardrobe. In fact, Dancia's mediocrity is a welcome cover for her secret: whenever she sees a person threatening someone she cares about, things just...happen. Cars skid. Structures collapse. Usually someone gets hurt. So Dancia does everything possible to avoid getting close to anyone, belieiving this way she can supress her powers and keep them hidden.

But when recruiters from the prestigious Delcroix Academy show up in her living room to offer her a full scholarship, Dancia's days of living under the radar may be over. Only, Delcroix is a school for diplomats' kids and child geniuses--not B students with uncontrollable telekinetic tendencies. So why are they treating Dancia like she's special? Even the hottest guy on campus seems to be going out of his way to make Dancia feel welcome.

And then there's her mysterious new friend Jack, who can't stay out of trouble. He suspects something dangerous is going on at the Academy and wants Dancia to help him figure out what. But Dancia isn't convinced. She hopes that maybe the recruiters know more about her "gift" than they're letting on. Maybe they can help her understand how to use it...But not even Dancia could have imagined what awaits her behind the gates of Delcroix Academy.

Review: I’d been really looking forward to reading Delcroix Academy ever since a friend of mine recommended it to me. Now, with all the books I’ve read there are quite a few that take place in boarding schools and academies where the children are usually unsupervised and there because they all have special powers or something. Well, with Delcroix Academy the students there do have very skilled talents but ones that any one of you could have. It’s an interesting concept on people that excel in talents more than others. I really enjoyed seeing how it worked in with the book and Dancia.

The unknown is a strong element in the book. You can’t really trust anyone through out the entire book but it leaves you guessing the motives of each person. Dancia was a fun person to read through. Cam and Jack were so different from each other that it set up a hard chose for Dancia to pick from (but I’m a Jack fan^^).

Overall, Dexcroix Academy is a great read that introduces a new twist to a person’s skills and questioning who you can really trust or love.

Review: Firelight by Sophie Jordan

2011-03-15T16:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Firelight
Author: Sophie Jordan
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: Sept 10, 2010
Pages: 323
Source: borrowed
Challenge: none

Summary:
A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

Review: Firelight truly surprised me with it’s incredible story! I never really thought I’d be into the whole human’s-shifting-into-dragons thing but it was so cool to get out into a different world from werewolfs and fairies and any of the other million of things you want to name. Firelight definitely stands out among them and I’m craving more!

Firelight was a good take on the whole Romeo and Juliet concept. The hunter falls for the hunted. I say it was a “good take” on the whole impossible love concept because there are stories where they try to make it seem like it’d be impossible to be together but, really, there is a clear why around it. With Will and Jacinda I have no freaking clue how they are going to work things out and I wish them the best! The characters in the story were really awesome and well-described. I loved that Jacinda had the ability to breath fire (it made for some hilarious moments) and the whole mystery surrounding Will definitely pulled you through some loops and I loved how it all worked out (even though it ending in a pretty devastating way)!

Really if you’re looking for a new kind of paranormal story make sure to check out Firelight. If not for the fact that it’s an incredible story with great characters, do it for the fact that smoke comes out of Jacinda’s nose when Will’s around. xD

Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler is out today!

2011-03-08T12:00:00.000-05:00

YAY! Congrats to Holly for the release of her second novel! Playing Hurt looks like am amazing read and I can’t wait to get my hands on it! Later in April I’ll be part of Holly’s Playing Hurt Blog Tour so look out for an interview between her and me. Now I must say go out and get your own copy of this steamy romance novel between to ex-athletes!

Order a copy HERE!

Description:

“Star basketball player Chelsea "Nitro" Keyes had the promise of a full ride to college—and everyone's admiration back home. Then she took a horrible fall during senior year. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family.

That summer, Chelsea's dad hires Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player and "boot camp" trainer, to work with her at a northern Minnesota lake resort. As they grow close, Chelsea finds that Clint's haunted by his own tragedy. Will their romance end up hurting them all over again—or finally heal their heartbreak?”

Review: I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

2011-03-02T16:00:00.000-05:00

Title: I Am Number Four
Author: Pittacus Lore
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: August 3, 2010
Pages: 440
Source: Bought
Challenge: none

Summary: In the beginning they were a group of nine. Nine aliens who left their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorian. Nine aliens who scattered on Earth. Nine aliens who look like ordinary teenagers living ordinary lives, but who have extraordinary, paranormal skills. Nine aliens who might be sitting next to you now.

The Nine had to separate and go into hiding. The Mogadorian caught Number One in Malaysia, Number Two in England, and Number Three in Kenya. All of them were killed. John Smith, of Paradise, Ohio, is Number Four. He knows that he is next.

I AM NUMBER FOUR is the thrilling launch of a series about an exceptional group of teens as they struggle to outrun their past, discover their future—and live a normal life on Earth.
I AM NUMBER FOUR.
I AM NEXT

Review: I Am Number Four was so much fun to read! One of the first things I thought about it was that both a girl a boy would enjoy the book with it’s action and romance mix. There were so many elements to it that make me just fall in love with the characters and the unique story lines draws you right in.

“John” or so what his name is for the moment is an alien from the planet Lorien which was taken over by other aliens and he, along with eight other children, were able to get away in time to survive and make it to Earth. They are now scattered all through out Earth and the Mogadorians are hunting them down and killing them off one by one. Number three was just killed, and Number Four is next and now that they are all developing their powers the Mogadorians are even more impatient to see them done with.

Like I said, a truly amazing book! The characters were so enjoyable to read about, especially Sam! The romance between John and Sarah was nice and I loved the relationship between John and Henri, his guardian from Lorien. They had a special bond that showed clearly through the writing. The action scenes were fun to read and sometimes a bit gory but nothing too rough. Overall, I Am Number Four is an action packed adventure with secrets and love that will entertain anyone looking for a new world to explore!

Review: Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

2011-02-13T14:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Brightly Woven
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Publication Date: March 23, 2010
Pages: 354
Source: won
Challenge: none

Summary: Sydelle Mirabil is living proof that, with a single drop of rain, a life can be changed forever. Tucked away in the farthest reaches of the kingdom, her dusty village has suffered under the weight of a strangely persistent drought. That is, of course, until a wizard wanders into town and brings the rain with him.

In return for this gift, Wayland North is offered any reward he desires—and no one is more surprised than Sydelle when, without any explanation, he chooses her. Taken from her home, Sydelle hardly needs encouragement to find reasons to dislike North. He drinks too much and bathes too little, and if that isn’t enough to drive her to madness, North rarely even uses the magic he takes such pride in possessing. Yet, it’s not long before she realizes there’s something strange about the wizard, who is as fiercely protective of her as he is secretive about a curse that turns his limbs a sinister shade of black and leaves him breathless with agony. Unfortunately, there is never a chance for her to seek answers.

Along with the strangely powerful quakes and storms that trace their path across the kingdom, other wizards begin to take an inexplicable interest in her as well, resulting in a series of deadly duels. Against a backdrop of war and uncertainty, Sydelle is faced with the growing awareness that these events aren’t as random as she had believed—that no curse, not even that of Wayland North, is quite as terrible as the one she herself may carry.

Rating: 5 stars!

Review:

Sydelle lives in a land where it hasn’t rained in years but one mysterious day when rain starts to fall from the sky Sydelle meets a suspicious and handsome warlock in the mountains of her land. It is then that her village is attacked by solders from another country and everything start to unravel. Sydelle soon finds out that the warlock, Wayland, has requested that she go on a journey with him to the palace where the Queen resides to stop the growing war. Now, Sydelle, with her talented weaving skills and determination, sets out with Wayland, a mysterious and cocky warlock that gives her more questions then answers to his intentions.

Wow, this was really an incredible book! It had so many elements to it that made it such an enjoyable read that I stayed up way later then I should have to finish it. I must say that I wish there were more single novel fantasy books out there. I love my trilogies but the waiting it a kill. And what made this story so wonderful was that Ms. Bracken was able to create her world world and tell a complete start to finish story in just one book. That takes incredible skills I think.

The characters were very good. I enjoyed Sydelle and how she never put up with Wayland’s odd behavior. Wayland was a very interesting character and he knew how to make me laugh. The romance between them was subtle and worked very well. The ending took a very unexpected turn and I loved it! It was an overall well-written, fantasy filled novel and I can not wait for more of Alexandra’s work!

Covers Revealed: 11 New Covers!

2011-02-08T19:52:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone. This is when I talk about some of the latest covers that have been revealed to the world. I also hope you let you guys discover books you may not have seen before or a cover that you’ve been waiting to see. I hope you enjoy. *Cover art may not be final.*
______________________________________________________

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead - August 23, 2011 by Razorbill

Well, I’m quite happy with this cover! I love the gold tattoo on Sydney’s cheek and the font it very pretty. I only wish that there was a better background other then the plain red one, but I’m sure there is still room for improvement until the release! Can’t wait for it to come out!

Other Covers in the Series:

N/A

Swear by Nina Malkin – 2011 by Simon Pulse

Wow, what a stunning cover! I find it much more original than the first cover in the series and I hope they change it to match this one. I love the flower petal all over and the position of the model. Overall, a great addition to all the covers out there!

Other Covers in the Series:

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter – June 21, 2011 Hyperion

I really love the style of this series’ covers! The pictures inside the glasses are always a very cool touch. Even though I haven’t read the first book it’s on my list and I’m really looking forward for his to come out.

Other Covers in the Series:

Perfect by Ellen Hopkins - September 13th 2011 by Margaret K. McElderry

They really hit the nail on the head this this one. I have always loved the covers for Ellen’s books but Perfect has taken the spot as my favorite (was formally Glass)! It has something so awesome about it that I just like to stare at it. Maybe it’s the irony of the title and the imperfect ink that bleeds out. Very symbolic I say. Can’t wait to read!

Other Covers in the Series:

Everybody Sees The Ants by A. S. King – 2011 by Little, Brown

Yes, another amazing book by the lovely Ms. King! This is about a boy that is being bully and then mysteriously starts to come in contact with his grandfather who had gone missing in the Vietnam. Said really good. And the cover is quite interesting along with the title. I wonder who it will relate to the story. Should be another great one!

Other Book in the Series:

N/A

Damned by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie - August 30, 2011 by Simon and Schuster

Well, damn. I have to say I have a crush on this cover! I think it’s a big improvement from the way the first in the series was designed! I love the blizzard scene with the boy (though he must be cold). I’m looking forward to reading it!

Other Cover in the Series:

The Jewel and The Key by Louise Spiegler – July 11, 2011 by Clarion Books

This is a book I recently came across and it looked interesting. It’s a historical fiction novel of a her who is sent back in time to 1917 right before World War 1 by a magical jewel. I’ve been telling myself to read more historical fiction and this is definitely going on my list. I love the simplicity of the cover too.

Other Covers in the Series:

N/A

Elemental Reality by Cesya Cuono – August 11, 2011 by Revolution Publishing

Wow. This cover is amazingly stunning! The dulled tones of the field and the model’s dress looks beautiful with the rainbow colors behind her and the bright lights! This is one of those book where I would likely not even read what it was about and still bought it. I’m sure it will look even more nice in person.

Other Cover in the Series:

N/A

Frozen, Shattered, and Torn by Robin Wasserman – September 6, 2011 by Simon Pulse

Holy Snickers! It was announced that Robin Wasserman would be continuing onto her Skinned Trilogy! These are the next three book called The Cold Awakening Trilogy that will continue from where her other trilogy left off and as a plus, they are all being released on September 6th! That is awesome. And speaking of awesome the covers are wicked cool! Put them all together and you get a stunning image of a girl formed out of water! The design team definitely out did themselves!

Just wanted to say… Go Steelers!

2011-02-06T18:11:00.001-05:00

Haha, I couldn’t restist! I’m looking forward to the game tonight. It’s going to be a good one, I can tell! So here’s the support for my team! Whooooooo!

In My Mailbox 19 & 20

2011-01-30T19:54:00.001-05:00

For Review:
Love, Love, Love: Language of Love and Cupidity by Deborah Reber and Caroline Goode

Won:
Nightspell by Leah Cypess
Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill (won this a while ago)

Bought:
Lies by Michael Grant
The Iron Witch by Karem Mahoney
XVI by Julia Karr

Borrowed:
The Candidates by Inara Scott (from friend)
Firelight by Sophie Jordan (same friend)
The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams (same friend)
Gentlemen by Michael Northrop (school library)

That’s all from the past two weeks! Some really great books I can’t wait to read. Hope everyone else had a great book week too!

Across The Universe Giveaway: Last day to enter!

2011-01-25T21:06:00.001-05:00

I have a contest going on to win a copy of Across The Universe! January 26th is the last day to enter so click the link below to do it now! Contest is International :D

GO HERE!

Review: A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

2011-01-24T17:02:00.002-05:00

Title: A Touch Mortal
Author: Leah Clifford
Publisher: GreenWillow Books
Publication Date: February 22, 2011
Pages: 336
Source: Different Area Codes Tour
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge

Summary:Eden didn’t expect Az.

Not his saunter down the beach toward her. Not his unbelievable pick up line. Not the instant, undeniable connection. And not his wings. Yeah. So long happily-ever-after.

Now trapped between life and death, cursed to spread chaos with her every touch, Eden could be the key in the eternal struggle between heaven and hell. All because she gave her heart to one of the Fallen, an angel cast out of heaven.
She may lose everything she ever had. She may be betrayed by those she loves most. But Eden will not be a pawn in anyone else’s game. Her heart is her own.
And that’s only the beginning of the end.

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:

This book totally twisted with my mind! It was nothing like I expected it to be but it a good way. Eden was an extremely interesting character and the whole concept of the book was one I’ve never seen explored. Trust me, the summary does not do it justice.

We first meet Eden on the beach and it’s there that we also meet Az and Gabriel. The beginning of the story is the love development between Az and Eden but then turns horribly wrong when Az’s true identity is revealed and has a terrible accident that forces Eden to take drastic measures and kill herself. It is then that she becomes a Sider, which is a nickname for a person who has committed suicide, and discovers that while trying to escape from life she discovers a whole new one of her own. And one that seems much more dangerous then when she was alive.

Really, this is a very interesting story. There are many different characters and places that you get to experience. There is also an undertone of horror that takes place in the story. I didn’t see that coming and touches of slight horror in YA is something I’d love to see more of. We can take it!

The romance is really complicated by the end of the book. There have been liars and tricksters and you see that who you once trusted were the people against you. New York was definitely the perfect setting for this book.

Overall, with this story you get to explore a whole new New York where maybe the rude attitudes of those New Yorkers come from something not human.

Across the Universe Giveaway!

2011-01-12T18:27:00.001-05:00

Well, if you’ve read my REVIEW of Across The Universe you can clearly see that I had a strong love for it! So to share the love of this book I’m giving away a copy of the book!

Rules:

International! (As long as your country is on the BookDepository’s list)
Ends 1/26
Must be a follower
Must be 13 or older
Fill out the form below!

Review: Across The Universe by Beth Revis

2011-01-10T17:14:00.001-05:00

Title: Across the Universe
Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Razorbill
Published Date: January 11, 2011
Pages: 398
Source: ARC For review from LibraryThing
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge

Summary:

A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Rating: 5 stars!

Review:

Incredible. Truly and whole-heartedly a work of YA genius! Across The Universe was above and beyond what I expected from it! Time and time again I continue to ask myself what will happen once the YA genre becomes too repetitive with the same story lines and situations, but this is a book that honestly gives me hope that no matter how many books are published that the wonderful and creative minds of the authors out there will not fail in bringing us truly amazing tales.

Across The Universe takes place many decades in the future on the spacecraft, Godspeed. After being frozen for the 300 year trip to a new planet with her parents, Amy is suddenly awoken 50 years early then scheduled and brought into a world that leaves her trapped in metal and stars. Elder is the Godspeed’s future leader. He is being trained by Eldest to be able to take over the ship and run it’s people but everything changes when he comes across a beautiful girl with flaming red hair frozen in a tube of ice.

And so that is how our story is started but we are far from the awesomeness being over. There is something not right going on on Godspeed and we are put through an epic adventure of uncovering it’s secrets layer by layer. There were so many shocking twisted and turned in the book I had whiplash! I loved Elder’s character. He was just like any rebellious teen who had too much responsibilities resting on his shoulders. With the points of views switching between Amy and Elder we were able to get insight on both of them and so I would like to applaud Ms. Revis for her writing of Elder’s mind. There are books that I read from a teen boy’s perspective where not even the slightest inappropriate thought would go in there mind about a girl or whatnot. I’m a high schooler and know that the boy’s minds are far from clean. I’m not saying that Elder thoughts were dirty but they were definitely suggestive ;) I also LOVED Harley! Nothing else needs to be said, read the book to found out his amazing, heart-breaking story.

Overall, I just loved this book! With the original plot and mystery and love all mixed together you could not have made me happier while reading it. Make sure to pick up this book, it’s a story dying to be told.
______________________________________________________

Order a copy Here!

In My Mailbox (15,16,17,&18)

2011-01-09T11:25:00.001-05:00

Wow it’s been a while since I’ve done an IMM! So this here is going to be a whole month’s worth of books and stuff :)

For Review
From LibraryThing:
Across The Universe by Beth Revis (which was EPIC and will be reviewed SOON)

From Other Area Codes book tour:
Falling Under by Gwen Hayes (review here)
A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford (review soon)

From Netgalley:
Lost Voices by Sarah Porter
The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell
The Betrayal of Maggie Blair by Elizabeth Laird
Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison
Savannah Grey by Cliff McNish

Won:
Matched by Ally Condie (Review coming soon!)
Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken (Signed!!) (Review soon)
Graceling by Kristen Cashore (!SIGNED! Holy shit I freaked! I love this book!)
The Sapphire Talisman by Brenda Pandos (signed!)
Freefall by Mindi Scott (Signed!)
Last To Die by Kate Brady

Bought:
Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead (LOVED IT) (Review here)
The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher
A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb
The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson (reading now)
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
The Fetch by Laura Whitcomb
Graceling by Kristen Cashore (haha bought this for $4 at Costco, now I have three copies XD
Circle of Magic by Tamora Pierce (can;t belive this is the first book I’m going to read by her!)

E-books:
Sloppy Firsts by Megan McCaffery (Have always wanted to read this series!)
Hush Money by Susan Bischoff

Phew… yeah lots of books! And as you can see that I have quite a few e-books. That may be because I got a little something for Christmas…

A NOOKCOLOR!!!! It’s… so beautiful. I luv it so much! *strokes screen* Hey, don’t look at me weird, you’d do it too.

So, yeah, it’s been a great months of book for me so look out for bunch of reviews :D

WOW/ Cover Alert: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

2011-01-05T17:22:00.001-05:00

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Summary (from goodreads): Mara Dyer believes life can’t get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember
that killed her friends and left her strangely unharmed. There is.

She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been
through, she can fall in love. She’s wrong.

I saw that the cover to this book that come out today and it looks, for a lack of better words, incredible! Plus, it’s HOT too. Look at the guy wrapped around the girl, as if he is holding her together. It sounds amazing and I can’t wait to get my hands on it!

2011 Debut Author Challenge

2010-12-31T17:17:00.001-05:00

So now that 2011 is mere hours away I wanted to sign up for the challenge I plan to participate in for 2011. As most of you most likely know, Kristi from The Story Siren is hosting her annual Debut author challenge were you try to read at least 12 debut YA books. I love reading from new authors so this is the perfect challenge! Here are a few of the books I plan on reading for the challenge:

… And many more hopefully!

The Books That Made My 2010 Awesome

2010-12-31T01:41:00.001-05:00

1&2. The Forest of Hands and Teeth & The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

3. Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers

4. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

5. Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

6. Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

7. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

8. North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Hadley

9. Fire by Kristen Cashore

10&11. Spirit Bound and Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

I hope you all read some truly amazing books in 2010 and I highly recommend even book I have listed here! I loved them all for the pure adventure I got to experience with each and they will likely always be remembered.

Review: Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

2010-12-27T15:13:00.001-05:00

Title: Last Sacrifice
Author: Richelle Mead
Publication Date: December 7, 2010
Publisher: Razor Bill
Pages: 594
Source: Bought from store

Summary: Rose Hathaway has always played by her own rules.

She broke the law when she ran away from St. Vladimir’s Academy with her best friend and last surviving Dragomir Princess, Lissa. She broke the law when she fell in love with her gorgeous, off-limits instructor, Dimitri. And she dared to defy Queen Tatiana, leader of the Moroi world, risking her life and reputation to protect generations of dhampir guardian to come.

Now the law has finally caught up with Rose- for a crime she didn’t even commit. She’s in prison for the highest offense imaginable: the assassination of a monarch. She’ll need help from both Dimitri and Adrian to find the one living person who can stall her execution and force the Moroi elite to acknowledge a shocking new candidate for the royal throne: Vasilisa Dragomir.

But the clock on Rose’s life is running out. Rose knows in her heart the world of the dead wants her back… and this time she is truly out of second chances. The big question is, when your life is about saving others, who will save you

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I can remember the first time I picked up Vampire Academy and thought it’s be just another vampire series. I soon found out how wrong I was and got sucked into Rose’s world. I was hooked and never looked back. And now, having just read the last book in the series, I’m so sad to see it over, though this could not have been a greater ending to a wonderful series.

Rose and the crew are back. With Rose having been jailed to allegedly murdering the queen, beginning quickly takes off with a crafty escape plan by her friends. Now, Rose and Dimitri take off to a safe place to stay hidden until Lissa & Co. come find the real murder. Though, who has known Rose to be one to sit back and let others do the dirty work?

I don’t think I could have loved this book any more. There was actions (as always), romance (hell yes there was), and a mystery that had to trusting no one. While Rose, Dimitri, and Sydney searched for Lissa’s lost half-sibling, we are trying to put the clues together as to who really murdered the queen. In the end I was put into shock more the a number of times and mead did a wonderful job at cluing in while not giving away.

The only thing that made me upset about the book was with Adrian. I won’t say too much, but I’ll say that I love him and I hope his heart can heal.

Overall, I honestly wish there was more to come in the series, it was the epitome of epicness. I enjoyed the wild, emotional roller coaster that I shared with Rose. It will stay with me forever.

Wishing a Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T19:07:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone! I just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. This has been a great half year of blogging and I’m looking forward to the new year filled with new books, new people to meet, and all the other things to come. For now I hope you all are enjoying your breaks and make great memories.

Review: Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

2010-12-23T15:06:00.001-05:00

Title: Falling Under
Author: Gwen Hayes
Publication Date: March 1, 2011
Publisher: New American Library/ Penguin
Pages: 336
Source: Different Area Codes Book Tours

Summary: Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she's seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.

And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia's not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I can tell this book is going to be a hit. I knew I was going to enjoy this book within the first few pages of reading it. Very dramatic and mysterious beginning and I immediately wanted to know more about Theia and the hauntingly, handsome man that haunted her dreams.

The characters in this book really made it for me. I loved them all! Donny and Amelia were great friends for Theia. I loved Donny’s snarky personality and Amelia’s very down-to-earth vibes. What stood out to me was that all there conversations sounded like ones I would have with my friends! Varnie was also a very much loved character because how many books have a cross-dressing, physic, surfer hottie in it? I felt like I would easily want them to be my friends.

Haden was the perfect mix of sexy and danger and sweetness. Though I wish that Theia and his relationship had developed a bit more before their romanced continued it was under very unique circumstances that they ended up together and I loved all the twisted and turns that happened along the way. The pacing of the book was quite fast and a lot of things happened, but I thing it’s better then having had it be filled with pointless scenes and the story was getting no where (not that I don’t love some fluff filled moments).

In the end, Theia must choose between braking free from her structured life and follow her heart or play it safe and continue to wonder, what if? I don’t want to say too much about the main plot because there are quite a few things that could easily be given away but lets just say that hell has never been hotter with Theia and Haden there.

Falling Under is a new, sexy take on demons and the battling of lust verse love.

Review: The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

2010-12-05T17:46:00.001-05:00

Title: The Dead-Tossed Waves

Author: Carrie Ryan

Published: March 9th, 2010

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Pages: 407

Summary: Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves.

Review:

Carrie Ryan’s book really puts a definition on what I expect from a wonderful story. There was suspenseful action, believable romance, and heart-gripping horror. We are taken through Gabry’s journey of finding out who she is in such a messed up world that is becoming more dangerous by the day. It makes you wonder how you would survive living in the world where your every move is surrounded by the undead.

The Dead-Tossed Waves, I would say, is better than the first book. Not that I didn’t love The Forest of Hands and Teeth, I just felt like there was a better connection I made with Gabry than Mary. There was more action in this book and it’s all epic and all begins on the very first pages. Also, Carrie did something that I was deeply impressed by because I have come across very few authors who could do so, but she made me fall in love with one guy and hope for Gabry’s romantic relationship to be with him, but she then brought in anther guy that I fall for. Love triangles are tricky, but she pulled it off flawlessly and there was a real struggle for who Gabry should go for. The way Carrie can tell a story is so graphic and real it really brought the story to life. There was never a dull moment while reading and I greatly am looking forward to the next in the series to see where Gabry’s journey continues! I loved this book’s every word and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves an epic adventure and seeing how love can be found in even the darkest of times.

Overall: 5 Stars

______________________________________________________

*Find Carrie Ryan*
Website
Twitter

In My Mailbox (11)

2010-11-21T16:31:00.001-05:00

In My Mailbox is hosted by the epic Kristi from The Story Siren.

Party by Tom Leveen (signed)
The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore (signed)
Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers (signed)

BUNCH of swag
Personal Demons Tank Top

(Big thanks to Randombuzzers, Rosemary, Lisa, Jessica, and YA Reviews!)

Check out the awesome site Random Buzzers!

Bunch of Winners!

2010-11-21T00:17:00.001-05:00

I know the winners are really late to be announced but here they are! The winners will be sent an email by me and will have 48 hours to get back to me before I pick new winners.

Winner of She Smells The Dead Giveaway:

Kelsey M.!! (claimed)

Winner of Living Dead Girl Giveaway:

Missie (The Unread Reader)!!

Winner of a Signed copy of The Body Finder:

Lisa Gibson (YA Literature Lover)!!

Winner of The Body Finder Swag pack:

Lily K.!!

Winner of signed copy of Picture The Dead and T-shirt:

Kelly Masa! (claimed)

Thank you to all that entered my contest!! I’m planning to have few more coming up soon for watch out for them!

Covers Revealed: 34 New YA Covers!

2010-11-16T19:00:00.000-05:00

Die For Me by Amy Plum ~ Released May 10, 2011

Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker ~ Released July 19, 2011

Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren ~ Released February 1, 2011

The Lucky Kind by Alyssa B. Sheinmel ~ Released May 10, 2011

Watch Me Die by Erica Spindler ~ Released March 29, 2011

The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder ~ Released June 28, 2011

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson ~ Released May 1, 2011

Nightspell by Leah Cypess ~ Released May 31, 2011

Something Deadly This Way Comes by Kim Harrison ~ Released April 8, 2011

Flying Blind by Deborah Cooke ~ Released June 7, 2011

Dead Rules by Randy Russell ~ Released June 21, 2011

Luminous by Dawn Metcalf ~ Released July 7, 2011

Illusions by Aprilynne Pike ~ Released May 8, 2011

The Serpent’s Coil by Christy Raedeke ~ Released July 8, 2011

Wolfbane by Andrea Cremer ~ Released July 12, 2011

Mermaid by Carolyn Turgeon ~ Released March 3, 2011

A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young ~ Released June 21, 2011

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelni ~ Released May 31, 2011

Bumped by Megan McCafferty ~ Released April 26, 2011

Arranged by Catherine McKenzie ~ Released January 8, 2011

Lost Voices by Sarah Porter ~ Released July 4, 2011

The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell ~ Released March 7, 2011

The Demon’s Surrender by Sarah Rees Brennan ~ Released May 2011

Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs ~ Released May 2011

From Bad to Cursed by Katie Alender ~ Released June 2011

Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma ~ Released June 14, 2011

Secrets (The Ivy #2) by Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur ~ Released June 1, 2011

Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade ~ Released June 7, 2011

Never Have I Ever (The Lying Game #2) by Sara Shepard ~ Released April 8, 2011

Hereafter by Tara Hudson ~ Released June 7, 2011

After Midnight by Lynn Viehl ~ Released May 8, 2011

The Siren’s Cry by Jennifer Anne Kogler ~ Released July 1, 2011

The Watchers (Delcroix Academy #2) by Inara Scott ~ Released August 2, 2011

Between the Sea and Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore ~ Released June 7, 2011

WOW. I’m legit drooling over all these freaking AMAZING covers! 2011 is going to be an awesome book year! My wallet is shaking in fear. Also, why is everything so far away?! Everything is set to be out in like June or July! *pouts* And if I didn’t know better I’d say that Mermaids have invaded the YA section!

Upcoming CSN Review

2010-11-15T15:45:00.004-05:00

Well, I was very happy when I saw that I had received an email from this ever growing CSN store who asked me if I would like to review an item from their stores. They have over 200 and all can be accessed online! The perfect place to to some wonderful Christmas shopping for toys, clothing, cooking equipment, and furniture, which include some very nice, contemporary coffee tables.

This is my first review for them and I hope to test out one of their lovely bookcases (lord knows I need another!). I’m really looking forward to it and make sure to check back to see how it all turns out. They have a large selection and I’m still planning to see which one I will get.

Also, be ready for a giveaway I’ll be holding thanks to the lovely people at CSN! Make sure to watch out for that too!

Last Day to win Signed copies of The Body Finder and Picture of the Dead!!

2010-11-07T17:37:00.001-05:00

Today is the last day for you to enter my last two giveaways up at the moment. Hurry up and enter!

Win a signed copy of The Body Finder by Kimberly Derling! (US only)

Win a signed copy of Picture the Dead by Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown + Picture the Dead T-shirt!! (International)

In My Mailbox: Klutz Addition (11,12,13)

2010-11-07T12:00:00.001-05:00

So you are probably wondering why this is called “Klutz Addition”. Well if you watch the video you will see I had a… little book avalanche.

For Review:

From The Dead by John Herrick
Heart With Joy by Steve Cushman
(Thank you to John and Steve!)

Won:

Dark Song by Gail Giles
The Saga of Larten Chepsley: Birth of a Killer by Darren Shan
The Witches’ Kitchen by Allen Williams
Bloodthirsty by Flynn Meaney
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos
Another Pan by Daniel and Dina Nayeri
Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
Split by Swati Avasthi
(Thank you to Shannon, The Debs, Sandy, Tynga, and Brenda!)

Bought:

The Devouring by Simon Holt
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

“Promise in the Wild”!

2010-11-03T21:34:00.001-04:00

This is my “Promise in the Wild” picture post for Kristie Cook’s “Mr. Beautiful’s Birthday Bash”! I LOVED Promise so much! My review for it will be up next week I believe. I can’t wait for the next in the series, Purpose, to come out! Oh, I need more Tristan!

You can go enter Kristie’s contest too! Hurry because it ends Nov. 5th! Win an ARC of Purpose, other signed books, and a KINDLE! :O I know, awesome right?!

The Uglies series: Zane vs David. Who would you choose?

2010-11-01T17:54:00.001-04:00

Today I am guest posting in the YA Love Triangle Week over at Down The Rabbit Hole! My love triangle is Zane vs David from The Uglies series and I’m defending Zane. David was never really my guy through out the books. I hope you guys will go take a look at my argument and my opponent’s. Also, to vote for who you think had the best argument! Voter sare entered to win a prize too!

Here’s a little bit of my post:

When I first started The Uglies series I had an immediate connection with Tally and her adventure. I loved reading about this strange world of Uglies and Pretties and Specials. Though, one of the things I didn’t really connect with was David. From the very beginning when Shay first mentioned him, I thought of him as suspicious. Even if he turned out to be someone that helped people escape into the Rusties, he was never one of my favorite characters. It wasn’t until I read the second book in the series, Pretties, that I knew I found a character I would like to be with Tally or just in general!

I have found that a lot of people find this a hard question to answer: David or Zane? I really see only one option though. Zane was the rock that held Tally to the ground. Without his support she would have never made it to where she did. One of the first things that immediately attracted me to Zane was the fact that he knew there was something wrong with pretties’ brains and he fought against it! I really never considered that until he showed up with his coffee and determination. He put in motion Tally’s rebellion. It was Zane who convinced Tally to take the pill that was suppose to cure her, and he understood that the real Tally was still inside her just trapped behind a stupid pretties’ mind…

READ THE WHOLE THING HERE!

Happy Halloween Vlog!

2010-10-31T15:26:00.001-04:00

Dead Books Epic Halloween Giveaway!

2010-10-31T14:56:00.001-04:00

Alright guys I’ve had several book giveaway for my Dead Books Celebration with all books that have “Dead” in their title and today I have the best giveaway of them all!

What’s up for grabs:

A copy of Picture The Dead signed by Adele Griffin
A Picture The Dead T-shirt (Women’s Medium)

This book has to be one of the most beautfully made ones I’ve ever seen! The story along with the artwork makes this such a wonderful book, it’d be a great addition to your book collection!

Here is a sample of the beautiful artwork done in the book:

Truly awesome! So here’s how you can enter to win it!

RULES
International!
There will be one (1) winner
Ends Nov. 14th
Must be 13 or older
Must fill out the form below

Author Interview

LAST DAY TO ENTER!

2010-10-31T12:57:00.001-04:00

Hey Everyone! Today is your last day to enter some of my Halloween Giveaways!

Win a signed copy of She Smells The Dead *International* Ends today!

Win a copy of Living Dead Girl *International* Ends Today!

I’ve also got two other giveaways running right now:

Win a copy of Dead Is Just A Rumor *US/Canada only* Ends 11/3

Win a signed copy of The Body Finder or a Body Finder Swag pack! *US Only* Ends 11/7

Also I’ve be posting my final epic Halloween giveaway soon! So look out for it :D

Authors Interview: Adele Griffin & Lisa Brown

2010-10-30T16:41:00.001-04:00

<Adele Griffin

Lisa Brown>

Today I have the wonderful authors of Picture The Dead, Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown! Their book, Picture the Dead, is a truly amazing book filled with a haunting story of love and loss and beautiful pictures drawn my Lisa herself, which adds so much to the story. Please welcome them and enjoy the interview!
______________________________________________________

Tell us a little about yourselves.

(Adele) I’m a small, sensitive, easily excitable person who has never really stopped believing that there are monsters under my bed.

(Lisa) I am very short. I am quiet until you get me talking. I am solemn until you get me laughing. I like to look at disembodied body parts in jars and taxidermied animals (I come from a family of doctors; we are not a squeamish people.) I drink unbelievable amounts of coffee. My favorite illustrator is Edward Gorey. I live in San Francisco, and I come from New England, so I am happy and surrounded by beauty all the time, but I feel guilty about it. I live in an old Victorian house with my husband and son and a parade of dead or dying goldfish.

How do you think you’d handle being haunted?

After I got over the initial horror, I would probably be deeply grateful to be haunted because it would bring me so many fantastic ideas for stories.

Believe it or not, fairly well. I am rarely surprised when unusual things happen to me, except when I am surprised that they do not happen often enough. A haunting would seem to fit that bill. On the other hand, I like to spend time alone, and having a ghost around one’s home would make that less possible.

What was the main inspiration for your book?

We were more inspired by each other’s wacky work, and wanted to do something collaborative.

There was this amazing exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2005: “The Perfect Medium: Photography and the Occult.” It was an exhibit of spirit photographs from the 19^th and early 20^th centuries; that is, photographs of ghosts. Adele and I were fairly obsessed with these pictures, and they were absolutely the primary inspiration for Picture the Dead.

(for lisa) How did you get into illustration?

There was no getting into it. I was just always drawing, from the time that I could first pick up a crayon. I had this professor in college who evaluated me based on the doodles that I had done in my notebook during class. I thought that he was angry with me, but it turned out that he just really, really liked my artwork.

I spent a handful of years pretending that I would be something else for a living: academic, magazine editor, graphic designer, but I finally gave up and became what I always wanted to be most of all.

If you could choose, what supernatural creature would you be?

I wouldn’t mind being a ghoul. I understand that ghouls are the scariest of the ghost kingdom, because of the whole living-in-burial-grounds, eating-flesh aspect. And if you have to be supernatural, be terrifyingly supernatural.

Oh, vampire, for sure. I am already quite pale, dislike the sun, and wouldn’t mind living forever. Besides, as I mentioned earlier, I have never been particularly squeamish. But I would miss melted cheese.

What do you think makes a perfect horror/fantasy novel?

I think it comes down to a mastery of pacing. The Shining is thirty years old, but show me a horror that can come close to the way Stephen King paces his horror. His is the master.

I always think that it comes down to the unknown. Things are far scarier when .

What’s one of your greatest Halloween memories?

Being nineteen years old, dressed up as a nun, speeding in a golf cart down the center of campus thinking: I will never be younger and sillier than I am now.

On a rainy Halloween night when I was a small child, walking up and down the hallways and floors of our apartment building in Queens, New York, knocking on every door. We didn’t even have to step outside, and it was a great haul.

What are some books you have recently read and/or recommend?

In YA I just read The Body Finder, Some Girls Are and Sea. In middle grade; The Girl Who Could Fly. In adult: Freedom, and next up The Peculiar Sadness of Lemon Cake. But it’s time to get my nonfiction motor revving…

This summer I loved “Welcome to the Goon Squad” by Jennifer Egan, “Citrus County” by John Brandon and “What Is Left the Daughter” by Howard Norman. And I just snuck off and read “Linger” by Maggie Stiefvater in close to one sitting. Now I’m starting a book called “Memoirs of a Sword Swallower.” Non-fiction.

Quick Fire!

Angel or Demon?
Angel with a Vendetta
Demon. Duh.
(me: Love that they choose opposites XD)

Fangs or No Fangs?
Maybe one, well-placed fang
Fangs. Better for biting.

Ghosts: Believer or not?
All the way, every day, I Believe
Open to possibilities.

Alive or Undead?
Decidedly pro-choice.
OK, wait a minute. Undead as in sexy vampire, yes, but not as a decomposing zombie.

Thank you two so much for doing this interview! Is there anything else either of you would like to say?

Thank you for these fun and funky questions, sheer Saturday morning entertainment.

You are very welcome.
______________________________________________________

Author Interview: Dianne K. Salerni

2010-10-28T15:17:00.001-04:00

Today I have author of We Hear The Dead, Dianne Salerni, on the blog!! I’ve gotten the chance to meet her in person and she is so wonderful and her book is amazing (look for my review soon)! So give a big welcome to her!

How did you get into writing?

I’ve been writing all my life. When I was in elementary school, I wrote stories in notebooks and passed them around for my friends to read. In fact, I was recently reminded of this because one of my fifth grade students this year is the son of an old classmate. When I was talking to my students about my lifetime writing habit, this boy raised his hand and called out, “I know! I know! My mom says she used to read your stories!” It was nice to know she remembered!

Where did you get inspiration for your book?

I was researching spiritualism because I wanted to write a story with a séance in it, when I stumbled across the Fox sisters. I’d heard of them before, but I always imagined they were old spinsters. I was shocked to discover they were only 14 and 11 when they became spirit mediums, and that these two adolescent girls fooled people all over the country. They were America’s first teenage celebrities! When I discovered that one of the sisters had a celebrity romance with a famous Arctic explorer -- AND that her romance caused a scandal because of her social class – I knew I had to write the story! (I wonder if the 1850’s press referred to Maggie and Elisha as Maglisha?)

Which of your character do you most relate to?

I relate most to Maggie Fox, who never intended for her little prank to turn into a national hoax. She was mischievous and clever, but she would not have chosen a life of deceit if her older sister Leah had not pushed her into it. Of course, she certainly loved all the attention once she became famous! There were a few scary situations that made her regret her lies, but it wasn’t until she fell in love with Elisha Kane that she considered turning her back on her sisters and leaving the spirit medium business forever.

If you could write a novel with any other author in the world who would it be?

I wracked my brains over this one. I’d love to write with a master of gothic fiction and ghostly mysteries, but I was trying to think of somebody still alive -- Mary Roberts Rinehart (1876-1958) kept coming to mind, but she was dead before I was born! Then I heard a student talking about Mary Downing Hahn, and I thought “Bingo!” Hahn has written timeless ghost stories, as well as historical fiction, although mostly for the MG level. It would be really fun to write a Teen ghost/horror/mystery with someone as accomplished as Hahn!

So I hear you have plans for complete world domination. Do tell.

Well, there IS a movie in pre-production, but I’m not sure if I can achieve world domination unless we get the cast of Twilight involved. Just kidding! Seriously though, I‘ve been working on a screenplay version of the Fox sisters’ story for over a year now, in collaboration with Amy Green, producer and owner of One Eye Open Studio. We are close to having the screenplay finished, and Ms. Green plans to seek financial backing for the movie this fall. And with all due respect to Kristen, Robert, and Taylor – I’d rather see someone more livelily than Kristen play Maggie, and my pick for Elisha Kane would be that Prince of Persia guy, Jake Gyllenhaal!

(Me: Wow that is wonderful! So when your book becomes an epically famous movie with a bunch of awesome stars you’ll send me tickets to the premiere, right? XD)

What are some books you have recently read and/or recommend?

I can highly recommend Picture the Dead, by Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown, another Sourcebooks Fire book that is historical and ghostly, as well as beautifully illustrated. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting is another book I recently enjoyed. Something a little less recent, and probably not as well known, is a steampunk trilogy written by Kenneth Oppel: Airborn, Skybreaker, and Starclimber. Thanks to these books, I am developing an interest in steampunk fiction, which combines a little science fiction with Victorian age society – win/win for me!

Describe your book in one sentence.
When a young girl pretends she can speak to the dead, she finds herself trapped in a life of lies --until a love affair with a dashing hero offers her a possible escape.

Quick Fire!

Hot or Cold? Cold! I would rather be skiing than sweating!
Tea or Coffee? Coffee. But I’m not a fan of Starbucks.
Angel or Demon? Definitely demon. Demons are more ornery and offer the potential for so much more mischief!
Fangs or No Fangs? I think no fangs. Too many other vampires out there right now. I plan on staying away from them for awhile. Same with werewolves!
Ghosts: Believer or not? I really WANT to believe in ghosts. The world would be so much more interesting if they were real! But I can’t shake my skeptic side.

Thank you so much for doing this interview Dianne! Is there anything else you’d like to say?

I’m just happy I got the chance to meet you at PAYA 2010 last month! I thought that was an amazing event – incredibly successful in its first year, all for a good cause, and organized by a Teen reader! Wow! I can’t wait to see what happens next year, and I hope to see you there again!
______________________________________________________

Cover Contest: Vote Vote Vote!

2010-10-27T16:19:00.001-04:00

Hey everyone! Taking a small break from my Halloween posted to say that today is the last day to vote for the Matched Re-create cover contest over at Squeaky Books!! There are a bunch of wonderful covers entered and some really tough competition. Though, I’d appreciate it if you when over to voted! One lucky voter actually gets to win a prize pack! How cool, right?!

Here’s my cover:

If you like mine the best I would love your vote, but make sure to look at all the other beautiful covers too :D

GO VOTE!

Guest Review: The Dead and The Gone

2010-10-25T16:33:00.001-04:00

Title: The Dead and The Gone

Author: Susan Beth Pfeffer

Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books

Pages: 321

Summary: Susan Beth Pfeffer’s Life as We Knew It enthralled and devastated readers with its brutal but hopeful look at an apocalyptic event--an asteroid hitting the moon, setting off a tailspin of horrific climate changes. Now this harrowing companion novel examines the same events as they unfold in New York City, revealed through the eyes of seventeen-year-old Puerto Rican Alex Morales. When Alex's parents disappear in the aftermath of tidal waves, he must care for his two younger sisters, even as Manhattan becomes a deadly wasteland, and food and aid dwindle.

With haunting themes of family, faith, personal change, and courage, this powerful new novel explores how a young man takes on unimaginable responsibilities.

Review: Seventeen year old Alex Morales is a poor Puerto Rican boy who works hard and responsibly for his age. He plans on completing his senior year of college in his small New York school and going to college. When an asteroid crashes into the moon, however, his careful plans are crashed with it.

At first, nothing seems amiss, after all the moon is thousands of miles away from Earth. But he can't contact his mother, who's a nurse, or his father who's in Puerto Rico for a funeral. Soon panic, tsunamis, floods, and natural disasters cover the Earth, while people struggle to get and save whatever food they can find. Through pain and hardship, Alex tries his best to make sure his 12 year old sister and 15 year old asthmatic sister are well-fed and stay alive.

The Dead and the Gone is written in the third-person point of view, unlike the first book in this series - Life as We Knew It (you don't have to read the series in order), which was written in diary-format. Still, readers feel the personal connection with Alex, as he struggles to live and care for his two younger sisters. For edge-of-your-seat science fiction, I recommend picking up The Dead and the Gone right away.
______________________________________________________

This review was done by Hafsah from Icey Books. Thanks so much for the guest review Hafsah! Make sure to take a look at her blog to see more of her reviews!

Dead Books GIVEAWAY: Win signed copy of The Body Finder!

2010-10-24T17:24:00.001-04:00

Up for grabs here is a SIGNED copy of The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting and a swag pack! Thank you Kim for so kindly donating both the book and swag!

*RULES*
*US Addresses only
*Ends Nov. 7th
*There will be two (2) winners!
*First place winner will receive a signed (and if wanted, personalized) copy of The Body Finder.
*Second place winner will winner a The Body Finder swag pack.
*Fill out the form below!

Interview with Kim
The Body Finder Review
Kim’s Blog

Author Interview: Kimberly Derling

2010-10-24T13:39:00.001-04:00

Today have the amazingly, talented author of The Body Finder, Kimberly Derling! I must apologize because this was suppose to be posted yesterday but it failed to publish the time I set it to (which made me very sad) but now it’s up and you can read the epic interview I had with Kimberly! Thanks so much for taking the time Kim!
______________________________________________________

So, how do you think you’d handle being able to sense dead bodies?

I’d be a mess. Seriously! I’m not brave, like Violet, I’m more of a run-away-from-danger kind of gal. So, dead bodies and murderers? Not so much!

What is your main source of inspiration for your books?

The original idea for The Body Finder came from my husband, who’s always throwing out these random ideas for books. But one day while we were driving, he said: “What if there was this kid who could find dead bodies?” (Of course, in his head it was a Middle Grade boy, because that’s how all of his stories start out.) But I liked the idea, and maybe just to spite him I changed the main character to a teenage girl, gave her a love interest (because I’m a girl!), and by the time we got home, I’d figured out most of the rules for the “echoes.”

If you could choose, what supernatural creature would you be?

I probably change my answer every time I’m asked this question, but I think I’d have to say…Mermaid. I know, how girlie and lame, right? But when I was little, I used to twist my legs together and pretend I had a tail when I was swimming. Plus, how awesome would it be to have a permanent seashell bra???

What do you think makes a perfect horror/fantasy novel?

Believability. I love to be scared. Love, love it! But it has to be believable. And not in the sense that it could really happen, I’m all for over-the-top storylines, as long as it captures me. Michael Crichton did an amazing job of this when he wrote Jurassic Park, which literally had me hanging on the edge of my seat for two days, terrified of dinosaurs.

If you could write a novel with any other author in the world who would it be?

Stephen King. Hands down the greatest storyteller of our time!

What’s one of your greatest Halloween memories?

When my son first started trick-or-treating (on his own, with me waiting on the street), he would just walk into people’s houses without knocking or ringing the doorbell. At one house, he actually opened the door, grabbed a handful of candy, and walked out before anyone could stop him. Fortunately, I knew all my neighbors, so they were forgiving to his little breaking-and-entering habit. ;)

What are some books you have recently read and/or recommend?

BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, THE DEMON’S LEXICON by Sarah Rees Brennan, THE PASSAGE by Justin Cronin, MATCHED by Allie Condie, UNEARTHLY by Cynthia Hand, and A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL by Suzanne Young (which I got to read pre-ARC!).

Quick Fire!

Angel or Demon? Angel. (You meant me, right???)
Fangs or No Fangs? Fangs on me. No fangs on everyone else.
Ghosts: Believer or not? Closet believer.
Alive or Undead? Alive!

Thank you so much for doing this interview! Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Just that I had so much fun. And thanks for having me!!!
______________________________________________________

Book Review: The Body Finder

2010-10-22T17:54:00.002-04:00

Title: The Body Finder

Author: Kimberly Derting

Publisher: HarperCollins

Pages: 327

Summary: Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat left for her. But now that a serial killer is terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, Violet realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved by her hope that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself.

Overall: 5 Stars!

Review:

He’s watching you. Out there, somewhere. Waiting for you to be alone, show a moment of vulnerability. Hiding in the shadows, blending into the darkness. Hunting you… Will he carry your echo?

Echoes, the aura of the dead that are left behind from a person who had been killed and it is Violet Ambrose who has the morbid ability to sense them. Ever since she was a little girl she had sense the echoes of died animals scattered through out the forests near her house but it’s one day she stumbles upon a girl buried in the woods that the realization of her powers are truly seen. Violet is now seventeen and has gotten use to her special power. That is until a series of murders start happening in her town and Violet along with her best friend, the totally smoking hot, Jay, are there to try and stop him… before he can get to her.

The Body Finder was an absolutely wonderful read! With a storyline like this I was ready for something different and boy did I get it. The characters in the story all had very descriptive and relatable personalities. One of the things that I was pleasantly pleased with is that the fact that Violet’s family knew about her ability to sense the dead. There are so many books out there where the main character has a big secret ability and hides it from his/her family. It left out the need to sneak around them and lie. Also, a very unique piece to this book is that there where chapters that switched POVs and went to the murderer’s mind! I was a little surprised by it but in a good way! Kimberly played it out perfectly and to be able to see the mind of a killer was spine-chilling. How she did it, I have no clue!

Though the murders and mystery plays a huge part in the book so does the romance! Jay was perfectly flawed and added some pretty steamy times for Violet. He was the hero for the hero, there when needed, though was pigheaded when needed most of all. The Body Finder will most definitely leave it’s imprint on you.
______________________________________________________

- The Body Finder -
Order a copy

- Other books by Kimberly -
Desire Of The Dead (Out March 15th, 2011)

- Find Kim -
Website
Blog

Guest Post: The Trouble with True Blood

2010-10-21T17:00:00.000-04:00

Today, I have Steph from Fangs, Wands, and Fairy Dust here to talk about the topic of the The Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris vs. the TV adaptation, True Bloods. I haven’t read the series and with all the books having ‘Dead’ in their titles I had to include them in my celebrations! Thanks so much, Steph!

______________________________________________

The Trouble with True Blood

True Blood versus the Novels it is based on, The Southern Vampire Novels

by Charlaine Harris

All of these books have Dead in the Title, The first was Dead until Dark and the second of what is now ten is Living Dead in Dallas.

By Stephanie Takes-Desbiens

Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust

http://fangswandsandfairydust.com

When I offered to do this guest post, I thought I really had the Sookie Stackhouse or Southern Vampire Mysteries books versus True Blood (based on) TV series sussed. That was until I began reading the books from the beginning of the series again to refresh my memory.

One of the chief complaints of folks who read my blog, Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust, is that the show doesn’t follow the books to our satisfaction.

However, in reading I am finding the first two seasons quite closely adhered to the storylines Ms. Harris devised. Some additions were there, yes, but the main storylines are intact. The biggest deviations (not in any order) apparent to me are :

1. The role of Tara as a close friend of the family is hugely enlarged on the TV show.

Many people don’t like that Tara has this much importance. In the books, Sookie, the main character is a telepath and explains that she didn’t really have close friends because of her strange abilities. Tara has a lot to do with the second big difference:

2. Lafayette is killed at the beginning of Living Dead in Dallas, and while the character has remained gay, and slightly drag, he was not a big part of the books even before his death. His biggest part in the storyline was his death.

In the TV show, the sham-shaman, Miss Jeanette is killed in Lafayette’s stead. Because of his presence in True Blood story lines that interfere with the story lines in the book have to be invented to accommodate his presence. This includes a big part in the storyline being given to the sale of “V” or Vampire Blood. It affects the characterization of the denizens of “Hot Shot” a trashy area inhabited by were panthers. In the later books when they come up, they are not portrayed as particularly “bad,” or unclean, inbred, impoverished people. On the show they are portrayed with the classic taint of the phrase “White Trash.”

In this last season Lafayette’s role was expanded to include a Vampire for whom he sells drugs giving him a very expensive car, the addition of a boyfriend who is his mothers CNA at the loony bin to which Lafayette has had her committed. Lafayette (or LaLa) was saved by his charm, I am sure. We all love him! Ring, ring hook-ah, ring, ring.

3. The story of a mythological creature, a Maenad was a small part of Living Dead in Dallas. But the season before last revolved around the maenad, Maryanne. She also wanted to kill Sam in order to give life to Dionysus, but in the book, she and Sam ran through forest together and enjoyed each other’s company. On TV it is the maenad’s buddy, Eggs who is the killer. In the book, the maenad kills a bunch of individuals who are at a swapping party.

The other chief complaints are about Sookie or Sookie and Eric, Bill or Alcide:

Sookie: In the books, Sookie is portrayed as a young woman hampered by her telepathy in many ways throughout her life. She was unable to go to college because of the mental noise. But, she is very intelligent, a bit naïve but intelligent. While Bill is her first, it isn’t because she doesn’t have a healthy interest in that department, it’s just that she was considered a freak and she could hear what the guy was thinking.

I don’t think we can say the same for TV’s Sookie. She doesn’t have the quotes from books that Book-Sookie comes up with. She doesn’t seem very bright, she pleads a bit too much for salvation. She doesn’t know when to stop bothering the poor bellboy. Book Sookie says that it isn’t her secret to tell, where TV Sookie wants to chat with him about it while she retrieves breakfast.

Book Sookie does NOT swear as much as TV Sookie. Some people disagree on this, but in Dead Until Dark she swears and then says she used one of her brother’s words. On TV she drops the F-Bomb rather frequently. Gran would be spinning in her grave.

Focus and Purpose: The show has too many story lines involving too many characters who aren’t Sookie. Book-Sookie is the southern, vamp-loving, Agatha Christie who solves crimes with Bill, Sam, Eric, etc. She finds clues that Rene is a serial killer, she locates a locked up Farrell and Godfrey/Godric, and figures out who killed Lafayette. The books each have plots that give Sookie Purpose.

On the show, Sookie is a sort of sexy waitress at a bar who has dated a vampire. Much of the show has little to do with her. The books revolve around Sookie like she is the sun. Without the focus the series is spinning out too many sub-plots and they rob the character’s purpose.

Book Sookie becomes inured to the modern world outside of Bon Temp more slowly than the TV character does. Book Sookie is a bit more unsophisticated than her TV counterpart, but she is much smarter.

After much buildup we didn’t see Alcide enough and when he did show up we didn’t see enough of him. In this same way we’d like to see more of Eric more often.

Smaller things:

1. Added and enlarged characters were not in the books or had a smaller part for a reason.

2. Arlene’s baby couldn’t POSSIBLY be Rene’s; he dies at the end of the first book and season. There were quite a few months, at least, between him being arrested/being decapitated with a shovel.

3. Book Eric kills Long Shadow, not Bill. Thus so much trouble ensues from a changing one character’s role. It is responsible for Jessica, and her relationship with Hoyt. It has an impact on Summer’s life too.

4. The Queen of LA storyline and the casting of Evan Rachel Wood. Queen Sophie is a genteel old Vampire. TV Queen Sophie is a vapid harridan but even she would have been more genteel that Evan Rachel Wood’s portrayal.

Finally, we (mostly women who read the books) are waiting for the hot stuff between Eric and Sookie. I am now in book three and it hasn’t happened yet. While we may want it for other reasons (her relationship with TV Bill is not all a modern woman would like), they are not being terribly unfaithful to the story line.

So, I am humbled to read that the main storyline, of the books isn’t too different from that of the series. There could be fewer Non-Sookie storylines, which would tighten-up the show. The differences are subjective and I think changing the personality and focus of entire characters is still an issue. A series based on a book does have to make changes. Otherwise, it would bore us to tears.

The bottom line is that any True Blood is better than none.
_________________________________________________

Once again thanks so much Steph! You should go stop by Steph’s awesome blog! She’s trying to reach 500 followers for her 50th on Nov. 3rd so go help her out!

Dead Books GIVEAWAY: Win signed Dead Is Just A Rumor!

2010-10-20T21:00:00.000-04:00

Win a signed copy of Dead Is Just A Rumor by Marlene Perez!
Thanks so much to Marlene for donating a copy!

*RULES*
US and Canada addresses only!
Ends Nov. 3rd
Fill out the form below

Dead Is The New Black Review
Marlene Perez Interview

Dead Book Review: Dead Is The New Black

2010-10-20T19:32:00.001-04:00

Title: Dead Is The New Black

Author: Marlene Perez

Publisher: Harcourt Paperback

Pages: 190

Summary: Welcome to Nightshade, California; a small town full of secrets. It's home to the pyschic Giordano sisters, who have a way of getting mixed up in mysteries. During their investigations, they run across everything from pom-pom-shaking vampires to shape-shifting boyfriends to a clue-spewing jukebox. With their psychic powers and some sisterly support, they can crack any case.

Teenage girls are being mysteriously attacked all over town, including at Nightshade High School, where Daisy Giordano is a junior. When Daisy discovers that a vampire may be the culprit, she can't help but suspect head cheerleader Samantha Devereaux, who returned from summer break with a new look; Samantha appears a little . . . well, dead, and all the most popular kids at school are copying her style.

Is looking dead just another fashion trend for Samantha, or is there something more sinister going on? To find out, Daisy joins the cheerleading squad

Overall: 4 stars!

Review: One of the hardest things that I can think about in the writing world is mixing a mystery in with romance. Now, think about it, you have to have clues and hints scattered throughout the story, some mysterious happens, the problem solver, the problem starter, mind tricks and riddles, suspicious suspects… writing a mystery story is like trying to put together a thousand piece puzzle. Now add some romance action in there and we all know how complicated romances are… So what I’m saying is that I impressed with Marlene’s work! Dead Is The New Black has all the above mentioned and only in a little 190 page package!

The town of Nightshade is not normal. Really not normal. But Daisy’s family fits right in with her mom being a psychic and her too sister also possessing powers, Daisy is the only one without a psychic ability. A norm. And she couldn’t hate it more. There is a mysterious murder case that can’t be solved and Daisy is on the search for the person responsible. When the head cheerleader and Daisy’s ex-best friend shows up to school with deadly pale sink and wearing all black. Daisy knows something is up. With the help of her friend (and maybe something more) Ryan, she searches for clues to help led to the strange happens in her town.

This was a really enjoyable, quick read. It took me about a day to finish and I loved a good mystery book. Loved the relationship between Ryan and Daisy and all the cleverly places clues that helped unravel the secrets yet leaving room for more which I’m looking forward to in the next novels of the Dead Is series!
______________________________________________________

- Dead Is The New Black -
Order a copy here

- Other books In Marlene’s ‘Dead Is’ series -
Dead Is State Of Mind (In Stores)
Dead Is So Last Year (In Stores)
Dead Is Just A Rumor (In Stories)
Dead Is Not An Option (Out Spring, 2011)

Dead Books Author Interview: Marlene Perez

2010-10-19T17:00:00.000-04:00

Everyone please welcome Marlene Perez, author of the “Dead Is” series! She was kind enough to give me some of her time to answer my questions. Thanks so much Marlene!
_____________________________

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m the author of several books for teens, including the paranormal mysteries series, DEAD IS. I live in Southern California with my family and a variety of pets. I’m the youngest of twelve children and grew up in Iowa.

How did you get into writing?

I’ve written since my second grade teacher introduced the class to the journaling. I always knew I wanted to write but didn’t pursue it seriously until I was married with small children and working full-time at a university.

What is your main source of inspiration for your books?

I don’t know if inspiration is the right word. Maybe compelled? I feel compelled to write. And it’s never just ONE idea, but layers and layers of ideas that somehow, magically come together to become a novel.

If you could choose, what supernatural creature would you be?

This answer always changes depending upon what character I’m writing at the time. Right now? Maybe a witch. Or a psychic.

What do you think makes a perfect horror/fantasy novel?

The same as any other novel. Imagination, memorable characters, an intriguing plot, and that hard to pin down wow factor. I’m also extremely fond of a little dark humor in the novels I read.

If you could write a novel with any other author in the world who would it be?

I’m not sure I’d make a good co-author with anyone. I’m pretty bossy. But maybe S.E. Hinton or Judy Blume or Lois Duncan. If I can include those who are no longer of this world, I’d say Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen or the poet Edna St. Vincent Millay or maybe Mary Shelley.

What’s one of your greatest Halloween memories?

Every Halloween is memorable! It’s one of my favorite holidays. But one year, my best friend, whose name also starts with M, and I dressed up as M & Ms. That was fun!

What are some books you have recently read and/or recommend?

I read a lot! Right now, it’s a lot of research books. I like Charlie Huston’s Joe Pitt vampire detective novels, Gail Carringer’s Parasol Protectorate novels. In YA, Laini Taylor’s LIPS TOUCH THREE TIMES and Holly Black’s WHITE CAT are two recent reads that blew me away. Actually, if there’s a vampire in it, I’ll probably read it. You can also check out my goodreads list, if you’re really curious about what I’m currently reading.

Quick Fire!

Angel or Demon? Demon
Fangs or No Fangs? Fangs
Ghosts: Believer or not? Believer
Alive or Undead? Alive

Thank you so much for doing this interview! Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Thanks for inviting me.
______________________________________________________

Guest Post: I Love Halloween! Beverly from The Wormhole

2010-10-17T16:15:00.000-04:00

Today I have Beverly from The Wormhole on my blog for a guest post on her love of Halloween. She is also holding an EPIC Halloween giveaway on her blog and there is a link at the bottom. Thanks so much for doing this post Beverly! Hope you guys enjoy!

______________________________________________________

I LOVE HALLOWEEN!!!

Halloween is my favorite holiday! I know that most people would choose Christmas or maybe even Thanksgiving, but for me....it's all about Halloween!

I don't know when it started, but it's been that way as long as I can remember! I have about 10 rubbermaid totes that are filled with decorations! I usually started getting ready the first week in October so I can get the whole house decorated in a week or so. I decorate EVERY room in my house for the event! I usually theme each room: ghosts and witches in the kitchen, pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns in the bathrooms, skeletons, mummies, and vampires in the living room. From there the themes spread out to general creepiness and Halloween ideas. I have rolls of scene-setters that I put up on the walls to make the rooms look like castles and dungeons and such. I cover all the windows in the front of my house with enormous black spider webs and giant spiders. I live in the country now and so I don't get trick-or-treaters anymore, but I still have bins of candy laid out all over (although I have realized that the window ledges are now place for chocolate! Way too soft by the afternoons). I have Halloween dishes, serving dishes, and both stemware and glassware! I even put out some glow-in-the-dark plastic flatware shaped like skeletons and ghosts!

I have a collection of Halloween clothes and dress in them for the week before Halloween and then I dress up as a witch every year (on the Friday before Halloween at school if the holiday falls on a weekend) and go out on the town!

My favorite Halloween read is:

Big Pumpkin by Erica Silverman and S. D. Schindler

It has been a favorite of mine for years so of course my kids love it too! When I was going to school in Winona, one of my assignments in my Children's Lit. class was to choose a story and do a read-aloud to a kindergarten class. Since it was October, I chose Big Pumpkin! I made a storyboard story out of it - I used a tri-fold presentation board for the setting and then made all the characters from the book out of craft foam. My kids and I made a tape of us reading the story so I could play it while I "acted" out the story on the board. It was amazing! We all chose different characters and did the voices! I dressed up as the witch to tell the story and was great! The little students loved it! If you have never read this story, go check it out!

Stop by my blog – The Wormhole – http://wormyhole.blogspot.com and enter my Halloween Giveaway!

Happy Halloween!
______________________________________________________

Re-create cover contest: Matched

2010-10-17T12:00:00.000-04:00

Enna over at Squeaky Books is having a Matched Re-create cover contest and because I’m literally counting down the hours to Matched, I decided I’d go ahead an enter.

Original Cover:

This cover is just BEAUTIFUL and I had to put some deep thoughts into what I was going to switch it up as. I’m actually very happy with the end result. I think (even though I’ve yet to read the book) that it is very fitting to the theme :)

My Cover:

So tell me what you think. I get nervous with no responses! Good? Bad?! O_o

Dead Books Review: Once Dead, Twice Shy

2010-10-16T21:02:00.001-04:00

Title: Once Dead, Twice Shy

Author: Kim Harrison

Publisher: HarperCollins (USA)

Pages: 232

Summary: My name is Madison Avery, and I'm here to tell you that there's more out there than you can see, hear, or touch. Because I'm there. Seeing it. Touching it. Living it.

Madison's prom was killer—literally. For some reason she's been targeted by a dark reaper—yeah, that kind of reaper—intent on getting rid of her, body and soul. But before the reaper could finish the job, Madison was able to snag his strange, glowing amulet and get away.

Now she's stuck on Earth—dead but not gone. Somehow the amulet gives her the illusion of a body, allowing her to toe the line between life and death. She still doesn't know why the dark reaper is after her, but she's not about to just sit around and let fate take its course.

With a little ingenuity, some light-bending, and the help of a light reaper (one of the good guys! Maybe . . . ), her cute crush, and oh yeah, her guardian angel, Madison's ready to take control of her own destiny once and for all, before it takes control of her.

Well, if she believed in that stuff

Overall: 4.5 stars

Review:

Are you a dark reaper or light reaper?
Do you believe in choice or fate, because you can only choose one side.
But somehow Madison got stuck being on both.

Let me start by saying that I loved Once Dead, Twice Shy! It was one of those unique diamonds in the rough that told a story that was just dying to be written (pun intended). We first get introduced to Madison while she is trying to master “thought-touch” with her light reaper guardian, Barnabas. Barnabas was suppose to protect Madison from being killed by a powerful dark reaper but fail and is now trying to help her develop the powers she gain from stealing the amulet of the dark reaper that killed her. The beginning is a little confusing and you feel like you’re missing a lot of information, but you quickly become trapped in the new world that Madison has discovered she plays a big role in.

I loved all the characters in the book. Madison is like no character I have ever read before! From her short blond and purple hair to her unique way at looking at the world, she is a wonderful voice to hear the story through. Grace, her guardian angel, was just so funny! She added some much needed humor to the dark elements in the story. Josh was a great love interest. I’m a big supporter of him and Madison. And I even grew to love Nakita, the dark reaper! I was so shocked at the big twist of events at the end of the book that I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book, Early to Death, Early to Rise!

I regret not picking this book up sooner. I had seen it on book shelves for so long and now I wonder why I continued to passing it up! You never know if that one book you keep passing by on the shelves is one that you will love. It’s all chance really. I pick up a book and I love it like a child! Is that fate bring me this book or was it my own choice of actions that lead me to finding it? Sometimes I believe in fate and sometimes I believe that my own choices bring me to the things I do, but I guess I would see myself as a dark reaper. That may sounds scary! But you guys should really pick up this book and see the what side you would fight for. It’s an adventure that kills ;)
______________________________________________________

- Once Dead, Twice Shy -
__________________
Order a copy!

- Other YA Books by Kim -
__________________

Early To Death, Early To Rise (Madison Avery #2) (In Stores)
Something Deadly This Way Comes (Madison Avery #3) (Out April 8th, 2011)
Prom Nights From Hell (In Stores)

Blog Hop!

2010-10-15T17:15:00.001-04:00

It’s time for another BLOG HOP! The Blog Hop is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely Jessica at Crazy-for-Books! For more information on The Blog Hop head over to her blog.

Question of the Week:

When you read a book that you just can't get into, do you stick it out and keep reading or move to your next title?

I have this thing about how I really hate not finishing a book. It’s happened to me a few times, I’ll find a book I don’t really enjoy but when I decide I’m not going to finish it the book haunts me. I’m being completely serious. What if i kept reading? Would it have gotten better? Did I miss out big? I’ll never know if I don’t finish it and that bothers me! Please let me know if I’m not th eonly one with this problem out there. So to answer the question directly, I’d probably stick it out.
_____________________________________________________

Also make sure to check out my two giveaways going on on my blog right now!

Win a copy of Living Dead Girl! *International*
Win a copy of She Smells The Dead! *International*

Dead Books Giveaway: Win a Copy of She Smells The Dead!

2010-10-14T17:10:00.001-04:00

Dead Books Giveaway #1

Win a copy of She Smells The Dead by E.J. Stevens!

*Rules*

International
Ends Oct. 31th
Fill out form below!

She Smells The Dead Review
Interview with E.J. Stevens

Dead Book Interview: E. J. Stevens (She Smells The Dead)

2010-10-12T17:40:00.001-04:00

Today I have E.J. Stevens, author of She Smells The Dead, here on mu blog! She was so nice as to do an interview for my Dead Books celebration, so everyone enjoy the interview!
___________________________

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a novelist and poet with a lifelong love of the paranormal, fascination with cryptozoology, Edgar Allan Poe obsession, and a wardrobe that has been deeply entrenched in the goth aesthetic since 1987. The upside to all of this is that my friends and family always know where to come for a chilling story, I am prepared to identify and classify a Wendigo, though admittedly he will likely eat me before I can reveal my discovery to the public in which case I will exist nevermore, and it is very easy to sort my closet by color.

How did you get into writing?

I grew up in a family of eccentric storytellers. Throughout my childhood we would sit together and tell stories, many times taking turns and picking up where the other left off. We were always competing to tell the most frightening or most entertaining tale. Writing became a later extension of my love for storytelling.

Where did you get inspiration for your book?

The idea for She Smells the Dead came to me as I was walking my corgi past an overgrown graveyard. A sudden breeze carried a strong, pungent smell and I suddenly wondered what it would be like to sense the dead through smell rather than by sight or sound.

What do you think makes a perfect horror/fantasy novel?

I feel strongly that a novel must have strong characters in order to be a truly wonderful, engaging read. Fantasy characters should be believable with at least some core characteristics derived from the real world. While my characters may have supernatural abilities, may not even be human, their physical reactions and emotional responses are based on my own experiences and observations. It is my hope that these characters seem tangible and relatable to readers.

If you could write a novel with any other author in the world who would it be?

I do believe I mentioned a bit of an obsession with E.A. Poe? I never entirely outgrew my affinity for this amazing master of the macabre. I am afraid that we would have to employ the services of a voodoo priest to resurrect Mr. Poe. Sorry dear, a bit too messy? Perhaps a medium could assist Mr. Poe in speaking beyond the grave, though I had been looking forward to working on our novel over tea.

So I hear you have plans for complete world domination. Do tell.

Now how, pray tell, did you learn of my plans? Oh dear, I do believe I have some minions to punish. Mwahahahaha!

What’s one of your greatest Halloween memories?

Halloween is my favorite time of year. I have so many wonderful memories. Many years ago, I was strolling through Salem just before Halloween and a group approached me asking when the tour began. Tour? They had mistaken me for one of the Haunted Salem tour guides. I was tempted to give them a bit of misdirection, my Halloween trick for the day, but ended up admitting that I was not a tour guide. I’m still not sure if it was my long black cape, bustle skirt, or make-up that led to their assumption, but it was all very amusing.

What are some books you have recently read and/or recommend?

As some of you may know, I have a book blog with a paranormal focus. My review pile is absolutely towering at the moment (just how I like it!). I recently read and would highly recommend Paranormalcy by Kiersten White, Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton, and The Hollow by Jessica Verday. I also recommend the Vampire Academy, Iron Fey, and Mortal Instruments series to YA paranormal and urban fantasy fans.

Thank you so much for doing this interview! Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Thank you for having me here today at the Scarrlet Reader!

Please visit me at my blog (http://www.FromTheShadows.info). Want to learn more about She Smells the Dead? Stop by the official Spirit Guide series website (http://spiritguideseries.blogspot.com)where you’ll find links to reviews, giveaways, and more!

~E.J
______________________________________________________

Thanks again so much to E.J.! Hope you all enjoyed the interview and look out for a chance to win a copy of She Smells The Dead tomorrow ;D

Also check out my review for She Smells The Dead HERE.

Where to find E.J.
_____________________

Website Blog

Dead Book Review: She Smells The Dead

2010-10-11T16:10:00.001-04:00

Title: She Smells the Dead

Author: E.J. Stevens

Publisher: Sacred Oak Press

Pages: 168

Summary: It's the beginning of senior year and Yuki's psychic awareness of ghostly spirits is threatening to ruin her life. Her ability to sense spirits of the dead isn't glamorous like the ghost hunting on television.

SHE SMELLS THE DEAD.

The smell impressions are becoming stronger. Yuki is being visited in her dreams, and she suspects that her friend Calvin is involved in something strange. To make matters worse her crush on Garrett is going unrequited, Yuki's friend Emma is on a rampage against bee oppression, and annoying Calvin Miller mysteriously disappears.

Will Yuki be able to focus her powers in time to save the lost soul who is haunting her? Meanwhile, who will save Yuki from following the spirits into the light?

Overall: 4.5 stars

Review:

For some reason I had a really hard time thinking of what I was going to score She Smells the Dead. It had elements in which I both very much enjoyed and others not so much. But overall I was surprised at how much I loved this book! I mean that in a very good way. I had no idea what to expect from a book with the title She Smells the Dead and I was very happy with how it was all written and played out!

Yuki can smell the dead. She can smell the spirits of ghost that have not been able to pass over to the other side and are haunting in between the realms of the living and dead. It’s a strange gift, it’s a unique gift and she has learned to use it in a useful way with the help of her two friends Calvin and Emma. One of the things that I really think made this book was the characters! I can’t say that I didn’t like any of them. Calvin, Yuki’s best friend but maybe something more with a mysterious secret and good looks. Emma, Yuki’s vegan best friend who is on the constant rampage of how people are killing animals and her skill with herbal medicines. Then, there’s Simon, who I just loved to bits! Read this book and find out his role in the book because it’s pretty freaking awesome. Let’s just say he’s a thirty-something man with good looks and a horribly flirty personality.

Through out the book Yuki is trying to help a spirit that seems to be haunting her, making her have the constant smell of vinegar in her nose. As she tries to solve the mystery of this man’s dead we also run into another person’s secret which was just another twist in the whole book. This book is part mystery, part romance, part adventure and all the things a person wants!

I loved the romance between Yuki and Calvin. It was very believable and sweet and I just want a Calvin for my own because he just sounds so yummy! At parts in the book I felt like the writing got a little repetitive and it was kind of hard to get into at the beginning but by the end I just wanted more more more! I seriously can’t wait for the next in the series, Spirit Storm!
______________________________________________________

A huge thanks to E.J. Stevens for sending me a copy of her book!

You can find E.J. on her WEBSITE and BLOG!

Order a copy of She Smells the Dead HERE!

Dead Books Celebration Begins!

2010-10-10T17:00:00.000-04:00

Alright, I’m really excited to have this event finally start!! I have some great books to share with you a long with some awesome guest post and giveaways!

So look forward to all the different post! It’s going to be a deadly time ;)

In My Mailbox (10)

2010-10-09T22:57:00.001-04:00

In My Mailbox in a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren! If you want more information on it go visit her blog.

Here are the books I’ve received in the past two weeks. Been very busy at the moment. Sorry for lack of reviews but they will all start coming starting tomorrow when my Dead Books Celebration starts! So look forward to that!

Also, sorry for the mumbling…

For review:

Popularity Genie in a Bottle by Donatella Fragiale & Cristina Fragiale
Of Witches and Wizards: The Trouble with Spells by Lacey Weatherford
The Demon Kiss by Lacey Weatherford

Won:

The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos
The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan
The Demon’s Covenant by Sarah Brennan

Bought:

Dead Is The New Black by Marlene Perez
Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison
Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Stolarz
Trance by Linda Gerber
Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

From Library:

The Flanders Panel by Arturo Perez-Reverte
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

What did you get in your Mailbox?

Haunted Halloween Cover and Story Entry

2010-10-05T20:19:00.001-04:00

Hey, everyone! This is my entry for Confessions of a Bookaholic and A Life Bound by Books’ Haunted Halloween Cover and Story contest. I made my cover based off the short story I wrote so it would make more sense if you read my little story (I would really appreciate it!).

My story was inspired by the superstition that if you look in your mirror at midnight on Friday the 13th you will see a figure people call “Bloody Mary” (I’m also pretty sure it’s the name of an alcoholic drink.) I’m pretty happy with it though I wish I could have written in more detail, but I was limited to 600 words. I hope you enjoy and I would love any feedback!

Cover Entry:

Story Entry:

~The Blood Spirit~

1920

It was in the small town of Ashbury, New York that the rumor became.

“Oh, Mary, I’ve missed you so much!”

“Hahaha, well, I told you I’d return didn’t I, silly boy.” The girl’s sweet voice filled the room. It was like a drug to Everett and he wanted more. He had long awaited her return spending night after night staring longingly into the mirror on his dresser, until she had finally appeared that night.

“I thought… maybe you had moved on.” Everett’s voice tried to cover his emotions at the thought of losing his beautiful Mary. Mary, the one that had saved him from all the darkness in his life and now he could barely stand to look her in the eyes because of her beauty. They had shown with understanding, but that was all a mask to help cover up the thing she really was.

“Oh, darling, it’s only you and always you,” she insisted, smiling encouragingly at Everett. She was so close… to what she desired.

“Where did you go? I was worried that something had happened. It’s been over a week! When will I get to meet you in person?”

“Hush, my boy, soon, soon we will be together. As a matter of fact, we can be together right now. There is all but one condition,” she cooed to Everett, twisting a lock of her dark, brown hair.

Everett jumped to life from his bed where he sat and ran to his dresser, leaning across it as far as he could to get as close to the mirror as possible. He was so close to her, he longed to be able to touch her.

“Anything,” he whispered to her, “anything you want I will give as long as I can be with you.”

She ducked her head in forge shyness and glanced up at him under her eyelashes. Everett’s breathing grew heavy and his heart skipped a beat.

“Anything?” she asked and a smile played on the corner of her lips.

Everett could only nod his head eagerly.

She let out a gleeful laugh and passes her hands to the surface of the mirror. Everett raised his hands and placed them over hers and the mirror was ice cold.

“So tell me, tell me what I must give you!” Everett begged.

“Oh, wonderful boy, all I ask of you is,” her voice grew raspier and her hands suddenly appeared to be dirtied and scratched with a giant bloody ‘X’s across the palms. Everett pulled his hands back and stared at his Mary in horror as her elegant dress turned into one full of dirt and slashes and blood. Her perfect hair suddenly became wild and tangled, her eyes turned from a light blue to a near transparency, and another giant bloody ‘X” formed from her collarbone to her waist.

“Your soul,” she finished and smiled.

‘M-m-mary, what’s happening t-to you?!” Everett tried to stubble backwards away from this awful sight but suddenly sharp, claw-like hands were holding him by his shirt. He struggled but it was no use, the arms coming from inside the mirror had a death grip on him.

“No turning back now, foolish boy. I will take from you what the person I loved took from me,” she hissed.

Everett screamed, but a sudden swift movement came at him and he was silenced. A white light shot from his body and into the hands of the monster from the mirror. He now lay on the floor, a giant bloody ‘X’ across his chest…

And the figure in the mirror was gone.
______________________________________________________

And so I hope you liked both my cover and story! As you can see I didn’t use my real name on the cover, when I put it on there it just didn’t look right. I wanted it to be a hand coming out of a mirror for the cover but I learned that was stretching my Photoshop knowledge. Also, I really wish I could have written in more detail but this was exactly 600 words!

Giveaway: Win a copy of Living Dead Girl!!

2010-10-04T18:15:00.001-04:00

So I’ve got one (1) hardcover copy of Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott here! All you have to do is follow the rules and fill out the form below!

RULES
International
Must be at least 16!
Ends Oct. 31th
Fill out form below!

Review HERE!
Interview HERE!

Author Interview: Elizabeth Scott!

2010-10-04T17:14:00.001-04:00

Today I have Elizabeth Scott here, author of Living Dead Girl! It’s an honor that she let me interview her and I hope you enjoy it!

Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm pretty boring, LOL! I like to write, I like to read, I like to watch TV, and I love spending time with my husband and dog. (See? Boring!)

What is one of your favorite part about writing?

Finishing that first draft!

What inspired you to write the story of Alice?

A dream, of all things--one that I had over and over until I finally realized I had to write her story.

Living Dead Girl could not be a more perfect title for the book. How did it come to be?

It was always the title--she thought of herself that way in the dream and I knew it was not just who she was, but the title too (I like to know my titles before I start writing, so that was serendipitous)

There are many different messages you can receive from reading Living Dead Girl, but what was your central message you were trying to get to your readers through book?

I wasn't thinking about a message--I don't like message books at all, myself--I just wanted to tell Alice's story.

I know that your newest book, Grace, was just released. Congrats! Do you have any other projects planned for the future?

Thanks for the congratulations, and I do have more books in the work--the next one, Between Here and Forever will be in stores on May 24, 2011...
______________________________________________________

Thanks so much for doing this interview Elizabeth! I loved Living Dead Girl (you can read my review) and I really look forward to reading more of you work!

Fall Giveaway Winners!

2010-10-03T19:30:00.001-04:00

So sorry I’m a little late on this but I’ve been swamped with school work and stuff and I had to hand write every entry enter in my giveaways. Not so fun. But it was fun to pick my two winners so here they are:

Winner of Welcoming the Fall Giveaway #1:

Rachelle!
She has already contacted me and will be getting a copy of Revealers by Amanda Marrone. She also seems to be a new blogger and all of us has been there at one time so way don’t you go take a look at her blog!

Winner of Welcoming the Fall Giveaway #2:

Autumn!
She has also already contacted me! She also as a blog and you should go take a look and check it out! I know I love finding new blogs :D

If you didn’t win do not fear! I have quite a few others coming up from my Dead Books Celebration! Also look out for a giveaway tomorrow for a copy of Living Dead Girl!

Review: Living Dead Girl

2010-10-03T13:30:00.001-04:00

Title: Living Dead Girl

Author: Elizabeth Scott

Publisher: Simon Pulse/ Simon & Schuster

Pages: 170

Summary: Once upon a time I was a little girl who disappeared.
Once upon a time my name was not Alice.
Once upon a time I didn't know how lucky I was.

When Alice was ten, Ray took her away from her family, her friends -- her life. She learned to give up all power, to endure all pain. She waited for the nightmare to be over.

Now Alice is fifteen and Ray still has her, but he speaks more and more of her death. He does not know it is what she longs for. She does not know he has something more terrifying than death in mind for her.

This is Alice's story. It is one you have never heard, and one you will never, ever forget.

Overall: 5 stars

Review:

Living Dead Girl is a novel that will truly stay with you long after you have finished it. It has an unforgettable story told from the voice of a fifteen year old girl who has been abducted at the age of ten. We read of her long journey and hardships as she tries to find a way out of a life where she is only living on the outside but all dead in the inside.

Alice isn’t her real name, it’s the name Ray gave her, but now she is Alice and no one else. She is trapped under the controlling and menacing gaze of Ray, who keeps her locked away from the rest of the world. She dares not to run because of the deadly consequences Ray has drilled into her head. She dare not hope for freedom, but she does. Now that Alice is older and it’s about time, she figures, for Ray to get a new Alice, she so sets out in hopes to find someone that will replace her in her sorrows and mercy. All she wants in freedom.

This highly emotion packed book will leave you with a punched-in-the-gut kind of feeling. When you are done with Alice’s journey it is not one you will regret. You will see a new perspective, a new light. The pages will keep on turning and by the end you’ll wonder where the rest of them went.
______________________________________________________

-Living Dead Girl-
_______________
Order a copy HERE

-Elizabeth’s Other books-
_______________
Prefect You (In Stories)
Bloom (In Stories)
Something, Maybe (In Stories)
Stealing Heaven (In Stories)
Love You Hate You Miss You (In Stories)
The Unwritten Rule (In Stories)
Grace (In Stories)
Between Here and Forever (May 24, 2011)

Find Elizabeth
_______________
WEBSITE

Last Day to Enter: Welcoming The Fall Giveaways!

2010-09-29T16:13:00.001-04:00

Today is the end of the Welcoming The Fall Giveaway event hosted by Good Choice Reading! It will end 11:59pm EST so hurry up an enter if you haven’t! You may have entered my first giveaway but I added another one and it’s international!! (You guys are worth the dent in my wallet :D

Welcoming The Fall Giveaway #1 (US and Canada only!)

Welcoming The Fall Giveaway #2 (International!)

Hope you guys enjoy and look forward to some Halloween related giveaways coming soon for my Halloween Event: Dead Books Celebration! (you can read more about it if you click on the button on the top right hand corner!)

Top 5 Picks for 2011!

2010-09-29T00:25:00.001-04:00

Princess Bookie is now holding her Contest Craze event and her first mini-challenge is to tell your top 5 most looked forward to of 2011! So here’s my list:

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Release Date: May 2011

Summary: In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris, and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together, they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes-fascinating, sometimes-exasperating boy fits into the life she’s chosen.

But Tris also has a secret: one she’s kept hidden from everyone, because she’s been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly-perfect society, she also learns that her secret might be what helps her save those she loves . . . or it might be what destroys her

Why I want this:

This sounds like a great addiction to the growing dystopian books coming out and it just sounds like a book that I will really enjoy! I also love the cover!
_________________

Across The Universe by Beth Revis
Release Date: January 11, 2011

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone—one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship—tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn’t do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now, Amy must race to unlock Godspeed’s hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there’s only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Why I want this:

The book seems like it will be like one I’ve never read before! It takes place 300 years later in time! I’m so looking forward to see how the author creates this world! Plus, once again, I LOVE the cover ;)
___________________

XVI by Julia Karr
Release Date: January 6, 2011

Summary: In the year 2150, being a girl isn’t necessarily a good thing, especially when your sixteenth (read sex-teenth) birthday is fast approaching. That in itself would be enough to make anyone more than a little nuts, what with the tattoo and all – but Nina Oberon’s life has taken a definite turn for the worse. Her mother is brutally stabbed and left for dead. Before dying, she entrusts a secret book to Nina, telling her to deliver it to Nina's father. But, first Nina has to find him; since for fifteen years he's been officially dead. Complications arise when she rescues Sal, a mysterious, and ultra hot guy. He seems to like Nina, but also seems to know more about her father than he’s letting on. Then there’s that murderous ex-government agent who’s stalking her, and just happens to be her little sister’s dad."

Why I want this:

Holy snickers I’m seriously addicted to dystopian novels! Have you noticed all the ones I’ve listed are ones? It’s not my fault they just sound so wonderful and this is a book I will be craving for 2011 to come sooner! It seems like a mystery and I love a good mystery!
___________________

Steel by Carrie Vaughn
Release Date: March 1, 2011

Summary: When Jill, a competitive high school fencer, goes with her family on vacation to the Bahamas, she is magically transported to an early eighteenth century pirate ship in the middle of the ocean.

Why I want this:

I love pirates. For real, I just love them! I think it’s because of the manga One Piece that I read,which has pirates, but I just love them! Once I saw that this book had a girl who travels back to the time of pirates it immediately became on my Need-Or-Will-Die Pile!
____________________

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
Release Date: January 4, 2011

Summary: In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees. . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what it is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place--and out of place, at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make--between honesty and deciet, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Why I want this:

I’ve really been into angel related book lately and this looks like it could give a good twist on what we see a lot with angels in other books. Plus, there seems to be promise for a love triangle in it… I like :)

I Need Your Help! Halloween Event!

2010-09-26T19:29:00.001-04:00

So, for part of the month of October I’m going to be holding a Halloween Dead Books Celebration. I made a post earlier about it but now I need some of you guys out there to help me if you can. The event is me reading books that have ‘dead’ in their title. There will be author interviews, lots of giveaways, and some little contests. (For more info on it go HERE)

BUT, I’m looking for people who may be interested in writing a guest post (maybe on their favorite Halloween or a scary tale they have) OR if you have a book that has ‘dead’ in it’s title (or related to dead) an would like to review it for the event or something else you would can think of doing.

Please fill out the small form below if your interested please!

Thanks and make sure to look out for the event!

In My Mailbox (9)

2010-09-26T15:02:00.001-04:00

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren. For more information go to her website!

Won:
Blameless by Gail Carriger
Bella Should Have Dumped Edward by Michelle Pan (signed)
Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill
Dust by Joan Frances Turner
Hunger Games key chain and pins

Borrowed:
Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers (Review)
The Boy Who Couldn’t Sleep and Never Had To by DC Pierson
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong

Swap/Bought:
The Boys Next Door by Jennifer Echols (I got this by swaging one of my old Nintendo Game Cube Games!)
Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers
The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Then the two Picture The Dead and T-shirt you see was sent to me by the author to giveaway for my Dead Books Celebration! Look out for that! ;)

What’d you get in your mailbox?

Welcoming The Fall Giveaway #2: INTERNATIONAL! CLOSED

2010-09-26T12:26:00.003-04:00

For this event I was only planning on holding one giveaway on my blog. What I was not expecting was all the feedback I was going to get! It’s incredible and at the moment my followers number sits at 250! It’s really insane and I decided to hold another giveaway and this one is international!

So what will I be giving away, you ask??

I’m giving away a copy of Kiss Me, Kill Me and it’s sequel Kisses and Lies by Lauren Henderson!

*Rules*
Must be a blog follower!
Must be at least 13
ENDS 9/29!!
Fill out the form below
International!

Also, don’t forget to look at the other giveaways hosted on these blogs!

Hope you enjoy and thanks for entering!!

Blog Hop (12)

2010-09-23T23:39:00.001-04:00

It’s time for another BLOG HOP! The Blog Hop is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely Jessica at Crazy-for-Books! For more information on The Blog Hop head over to her blog.

Question of the Week:

When you write reviews, do you write them as you are reading or wait until you have read the entire book?

Well, when I write my reviews they are usually always after I read the book, unless there is a part of the book that I want to quote or remember and then I’ll write it down, but for the most part I like to think about the book for a while before writing a review for it. Though sometimes I’ll write the review a hour later or a week later. I’m very scattered about when I write them sometimes, but they get written!
______________________________________________________

Also make sure to check out my Welcoming The Fall Giveaway! If I reach 250 followers I’ll add a special prize! And make sure to check out all the other blog’s giveaways!

Cover Spotting!

2010-09-23T20:15:00.002-04:00

Summary: What if the only friend you could trust turned out to be dangerous? A new thriller from debut author Elizabeth Woods!

No full title yet but this is a beautiful cover! Plus, Ms. Woods is a debut author for 2011! So look out for her book around January 4th ;)

Review: Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers

2010-09-23T13:22:00.001-04:00

Title: Some Girls Are

Author: Courtney Summers

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Pages: 246

Summary: Climbing to the top of the social ladder is hard--falling from it is even harder. Regina Afton used to be a member of the Fearsome Fivesome, an all-girl clique both feared and revered by the students at Hallowell High... until vicious rumors about her and her best friend's boyfriend start going around. Now Regina's been "frozen out" and her ex-best friends are out for revenge. If Regina was guilty, it would be one thing, but the rumors are far from the terrifying truth and the bullying is getting more intense by the day. She takes solace in the company of Michael Hayden, a misfit with a tragic past who she herself used to bully. Friendship doesn't come easily for these onetime enemies, and as Regina works hard to make amends for her past, she realizes Michael could be more than just a friend... if threats from the Fearsome Foursome don't break them both first.

Overall: 5 Starts

Review:

Don’t you love that feeling when you make a connection with a book and you just want to keep reading and keep reading until you’re read all there is and you still want more? Well, that’s how I felt about Some Girls Are.

The story is about Regina Afton, a girl starting her senior year of high school at the top of the world. She’s part of the most popular group in school, she’s in the IT group that lays down the laws and those who don’t follow them are banished away as nobodies, or worse, like Regina, they become a target. And Regina broke the all time rule, she slept with Anna’s, the head biotch, boyfriend, or so that’s the rumor. The truth is much, much worse.

From that point on we witness the hell the Regina is put through from Anna and her followers. They torture her, cast her out, make her pay, and she deserves it, right?

Throughout the whole book I was really conflicted on my feelings towards Regina. On one hand you wanted to feel bad for her and stand up for her, protect her from the terrible things that they were doing to her, but on the other hand you hated her. Or at least I did at first. Regina was just like the people that were torturing her. When she was still part of their “clique” she bashed people, hurt them, did whatever Anna told her to do. And I hate people like that. Actually, no, I despise them. People like that are scums and through out the whole book I hated Anna with a burning passion. This is strong emotion and that’s great! The author is doing her job by making us feel through her writing and I think that’s what really made this a great book, despite the fact I felt hate for most the people in it.

Michael and Regina’s relationship, I really liked it. Though a part of me kind of hated that he forgave her for all the things she did, because what she did was terrible, but in the end I felt that I could forgive her too. I loved Michael’s character! He was the perfect mix of indifference and sensitivity and kindness and you just wanted to hug him for most of the book. One of the greatest things in this book was how their relationship developed.

Overall, Some Girls Are is that book you hate to love, your guilty pleasure, the book that makes you feel emotions that you may not want to, but you get through it and though some part may have hit you in a sensitive spot, what this book tells us is to be the better person. And two biotches definitely don’t make a saint.
______________________________________________________

-Some Girls Are-
_______________
Order it HERE.

-Other Books by Summers-
______________________
Cracked Up To Be (In Stores)
Fall For Anything (Dec. 21, 2010)

Find Courtney
_____________
BLOG
TWITTER

Book Trailer
____________

Waiting on Wednesday (8)

2010-09-22T19:01:00.001-04:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine!

Summary: In this world, you're just a possession.

So, there isn’t a full summary out yet for the book but, yet, I’m completely ready to read this book just from the one liner they have up! In this world, you're just a possession. Wow, now that line is a hook and I’m caught! Sounds like it’s a dystopian novel and dystopian is one of my FVAORITE genre to read! Plus they just released the cover for the book and can you say gorgeous? It’s so simple yet effective. I. WANT. THIS. BOOK.

Release Date: June 2011 [So far away! :’(]

Welcoming The Fall Giveaway! CLOSED

2010-09-21T23:43:00.002-04:00

The Welcoming The Fall Giveaway Event was started and is hosted by the ladies at Good Choice Reading! There are 50+ blogs participating and all are hosting bookish giveaways! This contest/event will run for a week starting at September 22th at 12:o1 and ending on September 29th 11:59. (Make sure to check out the list of other blogs at the end!)

For my giveaway I’m offering:

A copy of Revealers by Amanda Marrone
A copy of Wake by Lisa McMann
A signed Shade bookmark
A signed 13 To Life Postcard
A Tell Me A Secret sticker

Rules:
There will be one (1) winner who will pick one (1) of the two books and all the swag.
US & Canada ONLY!
Become a Follower
Fill out THE FORM!
(Leaving a comment will not enter you but will give you an extra point!)

Make sure to check out all the other blogs and their giveaways!

Thanks!

Guardian Legacy 4 for 4 Giveaway!

2010-09-20T23:45:00.001-04:00

Author Ednah Walters is holding a big giveaway for a chance to win:

). A signed ARC of Awakened.
2). A Guardian Legacy T-shirt (black, female sizes small, medium, large or Xlarge)
3). A Guardian Legacy pen.
4). A Guardian Legacy bookmark

There will be 4 winners and it’s international! So hurry over and enter because it ends Thursday the 23rd!

GO HERE TO ENTER!

Cover Contest: Anna and the French Kiss

2010-09-20T16:32:00.001-04:00

Ok, let me start by saying that I want this book (Anna and the French Kiss) so bad that I will give away my left foot. For real. For 1. The reviews I’ve read for it have been all praise, 2. Stephanie Perkin’s (author) writing has been compared to Jennifer freaking Echols’ writing and if she writes like Jennifer she is def. on my Totally Awesome List, and 3. It takes place in Paris with a hot English guy. Yum.

I guess you can see why I ~~will die without~~ want this book! So of coarse I’m entering Princesses Bookie’s Cover Contest for it!

Original Cover:

My Cover:

I really wanted to make this one awesome so I used a technique I’ve been working on. It’s filling in a silhouette with pictures while still have the picture on top visible. Not sure I phased that right enough to make sense but I’m pretty happy with the turn out!

I’m hoping to get the gold in this contest so when the time comes around and you like my cover the best please vote!

Love to hear your thoughts! Good? Bad? Fail?

Madly In Love On Monday (1)

2010-09-20T02:20:00.001-04:00

So this week I decided to take part in the meme Madly In Love On Monday which is hosted by author Lacey Weatherford over at her blog The Delusional Diaries! For this meme pick a book that you absolutely loved and tell why you loved it! You can check it out HERE.

For this week I’m picking a book I just finished:

Summary:

Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. But on a trip to visit her absentee father, Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree is the exact opposite of Kristina -- she's fearless.

Through a boy, Bree meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild, ecstatic ride turns into a struggle through hell for her mind, her soul -- her life.

I just finished this book and I can’t believe I’ve waited this long to read it! This was a beautiful, heart breaking story about a girl trying to find her way out of and endless maze. No matter how many turns she makes she seems to keep hitting dead ends but I love the real emotions put into the book and can’t wait to pick up more Ellen Hopkins books! (Review coming soon!)

Special Halloween Event!: Dead Books Celebration!

2010-09-19T18:27:00.001-04:00

The “Dead Books” Celebration. It’s an event I came up with to 1. Celebrate Halloween and 2. Put some spotlight on books that have ‘Dead’ in their title and give us the chills!

This event will be taking place from October 10th to the 31th! It will include Book reviews of books that have ‘dead’ in their title, author interviews, GIVEAWYS! and more!

And, so, I also need some help from you guys! I’m asking that if anyone is interested in doing a Guest Post for the event please email me at VanillaMusic15@aol.com. I would really appreciate if you guys helped and would love to hear your story of maybe your best Halloween! Just please let me know if you want to be a part of this event!

For now hear is a list of books I plan on spotlighting. There could be more added!

We Hear The Dead

She Smells The Dead

The Body Finder

Living Dead Girl

Picture The Dead

Generation Dead

The Dead-Tossed Waves

Dead is the New Black

Also, if you guys have any suggestions for ‘dead’ books let me know too! I hope you’ll be a part of it because we’re going to have a deadly time! XD

In My Mailbox (8) Epic Addition

2010-09-19T17:56:00.001-04:00

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren. For more information go to her website!

Sorry for my little rant in the middle of the video!

Review:
None

Won:
Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer
Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin
Fangs For Freaks by Serena Robar
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (Stamped!)
Catching Fire by Suanne Collins (SIGNED!!! A LEGIT SIGNATURE!!)
Signed Everlasting bookmark

Bought:
Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Dead Is The New Black by Merlene Perez
Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison

Also, Reviewed this Week:

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols (LOVED IT!)

Scarrlet Reader

New YA Books to look out for!

Review: Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler

Fan Art for Possession by Elana Johnson

Early Review: Possession by Elana Johnson

Talking Sports in YA with Holly Schindler (Playing Hurt)

Take a look at our Katniss!

Review: The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Review: XVI by Julia Karr

Review: Delcroix Academy: The Candidates by Inara Scott

Review: Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler is out today!

Review: I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Review: Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Covers Revealed: 11 New Covers!

Just wanted to say… Go Steelers!

In My Mailbox 19 & 20

Across The Universe Giveaway: Last day to enter!

Review: A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

Across the Universe Giveaway!

Review: Across The Universe by Beth Revis

In My Mailbox (15,16,17,&18)

WOW/ Cover Alert: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

2011 Debut Author Challenge

The Books That Made My 2010 Awesome

Review: Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Wishing a Merry Christmas!

Review: Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

Review: The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

In My Mailbox (11)

Bunch of Winners!

Covers Revealed: 34 New YA Covers!

Upcoming CSN Review

Last Day to win Signed copies of The Body Finder and Picture of the Dead!!

In My Mailbox: Klutz Addition (11,12,13)

“Promise in the Wild”!

The Uglies series: Zane vs David. Who would you choose?

Happy Halloween Vlog!

Dead Books Epic Halloween Giveaway!

LAST DAY TO ENTER!

Authors Interview: Adele Griffin & Lisa Brown

Author Interview: Dianne K. Salerni

Cover Contest: Vote Vote Vote!

Guest Review: The Dead and The Gone

Dead Books GIVEAWAY: Win *signed* copy of The Body Finder!

Author Interview: Kimberly Derling

Book Review: The Body Finder

Guest Post: The Trouble with True Blood

Dead Books GIVEAWAY: Win signed Dead Is Just A Rumor!

Dead Book Review: Dead Is The New Black

Dead Books Author Interview: Marlene Perez

Guest Post: I Love Halloween! Beverly from The Wormhole

Re-create cover contest: Matched

Dead Books Review: Once Dead, Twice Shy

Blog Hop!

Dead Books Giveaway: Win a Copy of She Smells The Dead!

Dead Book Interview: E. J. Stevens (She Smells The Dead)

Dead Book Review: She Smells The Dead

Dead Books Celebration Begins!

In My Mailbox (10)

Haunted Halloween Cover and Story Entry

Giveaway: Win a copy of Living Dead Girl!!

Author Interview: Elizabeth Scott!

Fall Giveaway Winners!

Review: Living Dead Girl

Last Day to Enter: Welcoming The Fall Giveaways!

Top 5 Picks for 2011!

I Need Your Help! Halloween Event!

In My Mailbox (9)

Welcoming The Fall Giveaway #2: INTERNATIONAL! **CLOSED**

Blog Hop (12)

Cover Spotting!

Review: Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers

Waiting on Wednesday (8)

Welcoming The Fall Giveaway! **CLOSED**

Guardian Legacy 4 for 4 Giveaway!

Cover Contest: Anna and the French Kiss

Madly In Love On Monday (1)

Special Halloween Event!: Dead Books Celebration!

In My Mailbox (8) Epic Addition

Dead Books GIVEAWAY: Win signed copy of The Body Finder!

Welcoming The Fall Giveaway #2: INTERNATIONAL! CLOSED

Welcoming The Fall Giveaway! CLOSED