September Spectacular Reading Challenge

I’ve decided to take part in the September Spectacular Reading Challenge hosted by The Thoughts of a Book Junky. You can head over there for more information, but here are the rules:

It will start September 1st and go on through September 30th.

There will be a 5 book reading challenge, ( one book a week) that you will have to read. Which books? Any 5 you want. Its your choice... Easy huh. At the end of that week you will post your review on your blog and add your link to the Mr. Linky at the bottom. ( If you don't have a blog you can either post a comment, letting everyone know what you think about the book or sent me an email with your review) * Sep first starts on a Wednesday so you can start your first book on Sunday the 29th if you want.

At the end of each week a giveaway will be posted. That's 5 giveaways!! The only thing you have to do to enter is, link your review on that weeks Mr. Linky. Plus get an extra entry if you add the September Spectacular button to your post or sidebar! ( Open Internationally)

My Five Books:

The books may change depending on my mood, but these are five books I really want to read and have off my giant TBR pile!

A “Heavenly” Giveaway!!

Whoo! It’s a “Heavenly” giveaway! You get it guys?! The books called Heavenly… and well… it’s like, a heavenly giveaway…you get it? No? Yeah? Well, that’s why I read books and not study to become a comedian.

Jennifer Laurens, the author of the Heavenly series, is holding an “Oooh-la-la Giveaway!” where you can win the first two book in her series, a notebook, mini poster, and a “Real Angels Don’t Fall” T-shirt! EPIC, right?

Well, I’ve been meaning to read Jennifer’s series for a long time now. Every since I read Falling for Romeo (which you guys should totally check out!) I want to read more from her! If I don’t win this I’m def. going to make sure I go order the first one.

So check out the GIVEAWAY HERE!!! It runs until Saturday! Enjoy!

Here’s the summary of her first book:

I met someone who changed everything. Matthias. My autistic sister's guardian angel. Honest. Inspiring. Funny. Hot. And immortal. That was the problem. What could I do? I did what any other girl would do-I fell in love with him. Zoë's sister darts in front of cars. Her brother's a pothead. Her parents are so overwhelmed; they don't see Zoë lost in her broken life. Zoë escapes the only way she knows how: partying. Matthias, a guardian sent from Heaven, watches over Zoë's autistic sister. After Zoë is convinced he's legit, angel and lost girl come together in a love that changes destiny. But Heaven on Earth can't last forever.

Book Review: Luna by Julie Anne Peters

Title: Luna

Author: Julie Anne Peters

Publisher: Little, Brown

Pages: 248

Summary: For years, Regan's brother Liam has been nursing a secret. By day, he is Liam, a passably typical boy of his age; at night, he transforms himself into Luna, his true, female self. Regan loves and supports her brother and she keeps his Liam/Luna secret. Things change, though, when Luna decides to emerge from her cocoon. She begins dressing like a girl in public; first at the mall; then at school; then at home. Regan worries that her brother's transgender identity is threatening her own slippery hold on normalcy. This serious, powerful teen novel was a National Book Award finalist for Young People's Literature

Overall: 

Review:

The story Luna is one of those books were when you are finished you’re just like ‘Wow’. I love Julie Anne Peters and her writing and her bravery to venture on writing on topics many authors would be hesitant to. I love her honestly and true emotion she shows through her writing and Luna just enhances my love for her.

Luna. She is a unique character. A girl trapped inside a boy’s body fighting to be set free, to be the person she was meant to be. We see the growth and struggle Luna goes through through the eyes of her little sister, Regan. Regan is a character I very much enjoyed. She felt so real. I could relate to her and she could be like any other girl that passes by me. Though she’s not. She has to carry the burden of the dark secret her brother has. The fact that he’s not actually her brother, but her sister.

The struggle that Luna went through really tugged at my heart. Can you imagine trying to be someone you’re not just because that’s what expected of you? That was the battle that Luna had to fit throughout the whole book. During the day she was Liam, the hollow boy, playing a part in the world she was expected to, and at night Luna came out, showing her true self.

Regan had to bare much of the troubles that Luna had to too. She helped keep Luna’s secret and then she helped her become the person she needed to be. I really loved Luna. Even through she went through times where she just wanted to give up, her determination and strength was inspiring.

By the end of the novel I felt like was reading about a different person than I did starting it. We see the transition Luna had made from hiding who she was to showing the world they can’t stop her. NOTHING would stop her from being who she felt she was.

Never judge from what you see on the outside.

Luna is a book that should set an example for literature today. There are many things about people we as a person many not understand and Luna allows us into the life and struggle of a transgender. It helps us understand a bit of what they are going through. It actually disgust me to know they go through this, but they do, and I’m grateful for Ms. Peters for writing it.

**Please note that Luna was born a boy but is a girl inside. She likes to be addressed as Luna and I will respect her wishes. Sorry if there was any confusion. Liam = Luna, but they are two different people.**

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You can purchase Luna HERE

Check out all of Julie Anne Peters’ other books 

P.S. Make sure to check out my 100 FOLLOWERS GIVEAWAY!!

Mockingjay and Personal Demon Cover Voting!!

Hey guys! I don’t usually *ask* for you guys to vote for my covers in the cover contest but these are two I’m really trying to win so if you really like my covers I would really appreciate it if you voted for them!

MOCKINGJAY VOTING! (I’m letter E! *winkwink*)

PERSONAL DEMONS VOTING!

Thanks everyone!

Book Review: Rae by Chelsea Rae Swiggett

Title: Rae

Author: Chelsea Rae Swiggett

Publisher: HCI Teens

Pages: 156

Summary: When you're fourteen and trying to deal with the highs, lows, traumas, and humiliations that go along with being a high school freshman, having severe anxiety can become all consuming. Chelsea Rae Swiggett's anxiety has affected every area of her life—school, family, friendships, and romance—ultimately pushing her to lose her voice, withdrawal from everyday life and school, and develop an eating disorder.

The sounds of planes flying overhead could spark a panic attack and something as simple as being called on in class could push her over the edge, convinced that everyone was judging her, mocking her. Faking sickness so she could stay home became her only solution, since she'd rather do anything than face the reality of what happened behind the school's double doors. Rae tells a story all-too-many teens today relate to—what it feels like to see the world through a lens of constant debilitating fear, anxiety, and stress.

Overall: 5 stars

Review:

Rae is a memoir from the Louder Than Words series and is quite honestly one of the most relatable books I’ve ever read. I know that this book is someone’s life story but there are many things in it that I felt that I could understand and I’m so happy I read it.

Chelsea Swiggett feels as if there is something wrong with her. She gets terrified when planes pass overhead, she’s incredibly shy and doesn’t really like to talk with others, and she is constantly thinking about death. In her book we read about parts of her life where she has felt like an outsider to the rest of the world. I felt like I would really like to have Chelsea as a friend. We both love books and writing. I would rather just stay at home and read. I like the quiet and keeping to myself. And I have gotten to meet Chelsea at an author signing and she is a really nice person. I’m so glad I got to read her book.

Some of the situations Chelsea described felt like she had read my mind. I know what it’s like to be sitting in a classroom and wonder if everyone’s eyes of on me. I hate that if I can answer a question in class that I’m the only one raising my hand and everyone looks at me. I’m terrible at having conversations with people I don’t know and I get incredible shy.

I recommend this book to all. To teenagers looking to find that they are not the only one that feel the way they do. To Adults and parents to maybe get some incite on teens. You may think we’re moody and mad at the world all the time, but really sometime we just need a break or we’re not comfortable in a certain situation. I may just make my mom read this book… maybe, because I don’t want her to find out that I, too, stay up all night reading Fanfiction and than fake sick. ;)
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Rae is a part of the Larder Than Words series where you can also find the stories of Hannah and Alexis.

Chelsea is also a book blogger and you can find at her blog or on twitter!

In My Mailbox: Birthday & Vlog Addition!

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

Alright guys, this is my first Vlog so go easy on me. I apologize to all my shuddering and use of the word ‘awesome’ and ‘um’ a lot! Please tell me what you think of it!

SORRY if I sound awkward at moments!! Haha

Won:

Boy Proof by Cecil Castellucci (Signed!)
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl (Signed!!)
Beautiful Creatures necklace and sushi bag!
Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder (Signed! Thanks Maria!)
Sisters Red by Jackson Peace (Thanks Melissa!)
A BUNCH of signed swag!

Bought/Borrowed:
from PAYA:

Rae by Chelsea Rae Swiggett (Signed!)
Rain by Kieryn Nicolas (Signed!)
13 To Life by Shannon Delany (Signed!) (Review)
We Hear The Dead by Dianne K. Salerni (Signed!)
The Pace by Shelena Shorts (Signed!)
The Broken Lake by Shelena Shorts (Signed!)
Sleepless by Cyn Balog (Signed!)
Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready (Signed!)
Watersmeet by Ellen Jensen Abbott (Signed!)

from other:

Girl In The Arena by Lise Haines
The Ghosts of Ashbury High by Jaclyn Moriary
It’s Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han (Signed! In Giveaway!)
Old Magic by Marianne Curley (In Giveaway!)
(2) Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (One Signed!!!) (Review)

from friend:

One Piece #25-32 by Eiichiro Oda

Awesome People/Things Mentioned:

Author Mix Website
Maria V. Snyder contests
Chelsea at The Page Flipper
Melissa at YA Book Shelf
100 FOLLOWER GIVEAWAY!! Come enter!

Book Review: 13 to Life

Title: 13 To Life

Author: Shannon Delany

Publisher: St. Martin Griffin

Pages: 308

Summary: Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction…

When junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only presume it’s for one of two reasons. Either they’ve finally figured out who wrote the scathing anti-jock editorial in the school newspaper or they’re hosting yet another intervention for her about her mom. Although far from expecting it, she’s relieved to discover Guidance just wants her to show a new student around—but he comes with issues of his own including a police escort.

The newest member of Junction High, Pietr Rusakova has secrets to hide--secrets that will bring big trouble to the small town of Junction—secrets including dramatic changes he’s undergoing that will surely end his life early.

Overall: 4 stars

Review:

13 To Life is an awesome addiction to the world of werewolves. We have our dark secrets, forbidden love, and a hot Russian guy! Yum!

Our main character is Jessie, a small town girl that has been haunted by the troubles of her past and is trying to fight to keep a friendship with someone who may not even be her friend in the first place. When Pietr (pronounced Peter) comes into town with his family and a Russian heritage things begin to change for Jessie.

I really enjoyed the voice of Jessie. She was sarcastic and witty in her thoughts as in her spoken words. I found myself laughing many times at her comments and dry sense of humor. I really loved Pietr and greatly enjoyed the Russian heritage that was brought into the book. He’s that mysterious guy that you just want to know what in hiding in his mind.

I was kind of annoyed that Jessie continuously pushed Pietr away at first, but I could understand her loyalty to her friend, even if it was her fault they were together.

The ending is filled with surprises and twist that I never saw coming! I’m so looking forward to the next installment of the series , Secrets and Shadows.

Overall, this is a great read. It doesn’t change much of what we’ve seen before in the werewolf books out there (except for the epic introduction to the Russian culture) but it is a great take on the subject and can’t wait for more!

And remember: Live Life Fiercely!

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You can purchase 13 To Life HERE

And check out the sequel, Secrets and Shadows

You can find Shannon on the 13 to Life blog and on twitter! She is such a sweet person. I had the honor of meeting her in person!
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Also check out my 100 FOLLOWER GIVEAWAY!

What to find Awesome Giveaways? Check this out!

Hello fellow bloggers! Do you want to help spend the word of your giveaways?? Well you can go over to the GiveawayScout and put your blog's giveaway into their system to spend the word.

And for those of you looking for good giveaways just take a look around! They had a BUNCH lined!

GO HERE TO CHECK IT OUT!

ALSO, I have my 100 FOLLOWER GIVEAWAY going on! Go HERE to check it out and win come awesome stuff!!

Blog Hop! (8)

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:

Do you use a rating system for you reviews and if so, what is it and why?

Why, yes I do use a rating system for my reviews! I rate my reviews on a scale from 1 to 5+ stars. On the right hand side you can find what I think each lever of star means. I use a rating system so that it’s easy to give a clear image to people reading my reviews that I thought of the book. It’s easier to show how I feel about a book by giving a visual of the number of stars I think it deserves.

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Also make sure to check out my 100 FOLLOWER GIVEAWAY!!! I just posted it! Also if I reach 150 or more followers I’m adding another winner! So go check it out!!

GIVEAWAY!

Thanks for hopping by!

100 FOLLOW GIVEAWAY!!

Yes, you saw that right: 100 Follower Giveaway!!!

I can’t believe that I’ve already reached 100+ followers! It’s really amazing and I love ever single one of you who is out there following and also the new ones to come!

So to show my gratefulness I’m holding a giveaway. My first giveaway, and I’ve prepared for it and everything!

What’s up for grabs:

• A copy of Old Magic by Marianne Curley
• A signed copy of It’s Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
• A bunch of signed swag!

Rules:

*US and Canada addresses only! Sorry international followers!

*YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER! This is a follower’s contest so it’s required and I will be checking!

*There will be ONE (1) winner who will pick ONE (1) of the two books. BUT if I reach 150+ followers I’ll add a second winner who will get a swag pack of signed goodies!

*Leave a comment on this post with your email address. If you don’t want you email openly in the comment you can email it to me at: VanillaMusic15@aol.com.

*This contest will end on September 12. That’s a little over two weeks form now.

Extra Entries:

*+3 for following me on Twitter http://twitter.com/ScarrletReader. Leave you Username.

*+2 if you tweet about this contest. Make sure to add my tag so I can see it: @ScarrletReader. There is also a Re-tweet button at bottom of post.

+3 For adding a link to the contest on your sidebar.

+5 For making a post on your blog about this contest. (Leave Link!)

Thanks for entering! And please spend the word!

Re-create Mockingjay Cover Contest

I’m sure most of you out have heard of Mockingjay. If you haven’t though I don’t know what rock you’re living under, but it’s the final installment of The Hunger Games series and Missie over at The Unread Reader is holding a re-create cover contest for it!

Original Cover:

I really do absolutely love this cover and in no why can create something that can compare to it’s symbolism and beauty but here’s my attempt.

My Cover:

Had no idea what to do. This is the end result of finding a pretty awesome picture of the girl holding the knife. I know that the book Mockingjay is a lot about gaining freedom but for a good part of the book we are in war.

So tell me whatever thoughts, complains, and random nonsense you would like to say. Is it a good one?

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On other Cover Contest related news… I have three other covers out there in contests. Maybe you guys can check them out… maybe even, you know, help me out ;)

Coffeehouse Angel

Losing Faith

Personal Demons

Mockingjay/Suzanne Collins Signing in NY

Ah, the City. The place of flashy lights, giant signs, dirty streets, fabulous shops, and some of the weirdest people you will ever meet. Yep, only in New York, Baby!

It was yesterday that I had the pleasure of traveling into New York and attending a Suzanne Collins signing! As you can see from the picture I took from the ferry, the weather wasn’t the greatest, but, hey, it’s better then melting on the sidewalk in 95 degree heat. And trust me, when you are in New York either you walk or you’re a very brave (and patient ) person for driving.

I took the ferry in with one of my close book buddies! Me and her are always discussing different books and a big thing about this is that she is a MAJOR Team Gale gal while I support my Team Peeta! We’ve had some lovely arguments on the topic XD (Hey Catherine!)

So we get to the Borders about an hour before the signing. It’s not too packed yet so we hurried to get our books. At this point I already read Mockingjay and had a copy back at home, but rules were you had to buy the book at the store for it to be signed, so now I have two copy! I also bought some Mockingjay bookmarks (so, maybe, look for a giveaway… ;)!

We got really good spots in line! I felt bad for all the people behind us because the line had started to loop around shelves and you could tell it’s be really hard for them to see. So the hour went by, while Catherine and I tried to think of what to say to Ms. Collins while she signed (stamped) our books. I was way too excited to think of what to say! I was near hyperventilation!

Finally it came the time and Suzanne Collins was introduced *throw confetti*! She started by reading a small part of the first chapter from Mockingjay, and then the line started to move!

 

Finally, it was time for me to have my book stamped. My hands started to sweat which they always do when I’m nervous. I headed it to her and I’m pretty sure I said sometime like: “Thanks you SO much for this series! I loved all the books so much! They mean a lot to me!” and I may have babbled a little about how much I loved her too, but at the point my eyes started tear up (no joke, I get emotional easily, haha). She thanked me and I shuffled off, trying to catch my breath.

Aw, look how happy I am. Well, the day was really awesome! Oh, and on my walk out of the city look what store I happen to be passing…

YES, that is Random House Publishing!! I wanted to go in so bad, but I needed to get house. I also passed the Simon&Schuster store! I promised myself that I would one day make a day trip to visit all the major publishing stores :D

And at the end of the day I was ready to pass out.

*Warning: The side effects of visiting New York involve tireness, sore feet, and an unliking for anyone that says you have a Jersey accent (well for me)*

Some new titles and covers revealed

Here are some new titles and covers I’ve seen released recently. Just thought I'd keep everyone up-to-date on some new ones to look out for! :) You can click on the titles to bring you to their GoodReads page.

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Cryptic Cravings (Vampire Kisses #8) by Ellen Schreiber

Published: April 8th 2011

Summary: none yet

Oh, I really like this series. The book are quick read and they are really cute! Also love the cover for this one!

 

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Rotters by Daniel Kraus

Published: April 5th 2011

Summary:

Grave-robbing. What kind of monster would do such a thing? It's true that Leonardo da Vinci did it, Shakespeare wrote about it, and the resurrection men of nineteenth-century Scotland practically made it an art. But none of this matters to Joey Crouch, a sixteen-year-old straight-A student living in Chicago with his single mom. For the most part, Joey's life is about playing the trumpet and avoiding the daily humiliations of high school.

Everything changes when Joey's mother dies in a tragic accident and he is sent to rural Iowa to live with the father he has never known, a strange, solitary man with unimaginable secrets. At first, Joey's father wants nothing to do with him, but once father and son come to terms with each other, Joey's life takes a turn both macabre and exhilarating.

Daniel Kraus's masterful plotting and unforgettable characters make Rotters a moving, terrifying, and unconventional epic about fathers and sons, complex family ties, taboos, and the ever-present specter of mortality.

This sounds kind of creepy, but something that definitely catches my attention.

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The Floating Island by Rachel Neumeier

Published: February 8th 2011

Summary:

When Trei loses his family in a tragic disaster, he must search out distant relatives in a new land. The Floating Islands are unlike anything Trei has ever seen: stunning, majestic, and graced with kajurai, men who soar the skies with wings.Trei is instantly sky-mad, and desperate to be a kajurai himself.  The only one who fully understands his passion is Araene, his newfound cousin.  Prickly, sarcastic, and gifted, Araene has a secret of her own . . . a dream a girl cannot attain.Trei and Araene quickly become conspirators as they pursue their individual paths.  But neither suspects that their lives will be deeply entwined, and that the fate of the Floating Islands will lie in their hands. . . .Filled with rich language, and told in alternating voices, The Floating Islands is an all-encompassing young adult fantasy read.

This sounds like an awesome new book! Something unique and different! 

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Drought by Pam Bachorz

Published: January 11th 2011

Summary:

Ruby Prosser dreams of escaping the Congregation and the early-nineteenth century lifestyle that’s been practiced since the community was first enslaved.
She plots to escape the vicious Darwin West, his cruel Overseers, and the daily struggle to gather the life-prolonging Water that keeps the Congregants alive and gives Darwin his wealth and power. But if Ruby leaves, the Congregation will die without the secret ingredient that makes the Water special: her blood.
So she stays.
But when Ruby meets Ford, the new Overseer who seems barely older than herself, her desire for freedom is too strong. He’s sympathetic, irresistible, forbidden—and her only access to the modern world. Escape with Ford would be so simple, but can Ruby risk the terrible price, dooming the only world she’s
ever known?

I love me a new dystopian novel! There seem to be a lot to look forward to this coming year. Very cool cover for this one!

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Bloodflower by Christine Hinwood

Published: 2011

Summary:

An intense story of love, loss and turmoil in the aftermath of war. A first novel by a uniquely talented author.

Vivid, compassionate and totally absorbing, Bloodflower follows the fortunes of young Cam Attling and all those whose fates entwine with his.

Cam has a hunger, an always-hunger; it drives him from home, to war, from north to south. When he returns from war alone - all his fellow soldiers slain - suspicion swirls around him. He's damaged in body and soul, yet he rides a fine horse and speaks well of his foes. What has he witnessed? Where does his true allegiance lie? How will life unfold for his little sister, his closest friend, his betrothed, his community, and even the enemy Lord who maimed him?

With extraordinary insight and literary skill, Hinwood weaves their stories to create a tale of romance, adventure and everyday life in croft and manor house and castle. Her style is unique. Her characters will hijack your heart.

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Saltwater Vampires by Kirsty Eagar

Published: August 30th 2010

Summary:

He looked to the sky, praying for rain, a downpour, some sign from the heavens that he should refuse the abomination contained in that flask. But all he saw was the bloated white face of the moon smiling down on him …

And the sky around it was cold and clear and black …
They made their circle of blood. And only the moon witnessed the slaughter that followed.

For Jamie Mackie, summer holidays in the coastal town of Rocky Head mean surfing, making money, and good times at the local music festival. But this year, vampires are on the festival’s line-up … fulfilling a pact made on the wreck of the Batavia, four hundred years ago. If their plans succeed, nobody in Rocky Head will survive to see out the new year.

Page-turning and suspenseful, Saltwater Vampires is a distinctly Australian vampire thriller

I can’t resist a good sounding vampire novel!

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Angels Lie by Melissa de la Cruz

Published: not sure

Summary:

The Angels Practice, or TAP as it's known to its members is the kind of cult that doesn't exist. Not that anyone can see, anyway. It's not a religion, so there are no churches; it's not a science so there are no rules; it's not written in a book or on pamphlets and there are no preachers, salesmen, magicians or prophets.
All you need to know is that it will define who you are and what you will become, so you had better get it right. TAP can give you everything, but it wants everything in return: money, loyalty, absolute obedience.

Taj and Nick seem to be the only people who aren't buying into the TAP culture, and when the people closest to them start to disappear into its vortex, they discover something far more sinister. It appears that TAP has plans for its members, and like it or not, there's no way out.

As Taj and Nick frantically search for a way to reach the lost souls who have been tapped, the Angels Practice tightens its hold. Can they resist the lure of TAP's dark side and uncover the truth before they too disappear? TAP mythology began with Angels on Sunset Boulevard, and now this great new bind-up completes the edgy and compelling story.

It said this story was first published in 2009 but there are no reviews for it and it’s on the list of books being published in 2010. Maybe a new series? It look good!

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Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Published: January 11th 2011

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.

THIS LOOKS SO AWESOME! WANTS! This sounds like a cool new adventure and isn’t the cover just beautiful?!