200 Followers Giveaway
In My Mailbox #6
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine. It features eagerly anticipated up coming book releases.
Until I Die (Revenants #2)by Amy Plum
Publication Date: May 3rd 2012
Kate has chosen to leave the comfort and safety of her human world in order to join Vincent in the dangerous supernatural universe he inhabits. For his part, he has sworn to go against his very nature and resist the repeated deaths that are his fate as a revenant—even though it will bring him immeasurable suffering.
Heady with romance and rife with danger, the second book of the DIE FOR ME trilogy follows Vincent and Kate as they search—separately—for a solution to their plight, pursuing their quest from the glamorous streets of Paris to the city’s squalid underbelly. Although the experiment that Vincent attempts is progressively destroying him, he insists on seeing it through to the end. This prompts Kate to strike out on her own into the dangerous world of the revenants to find another way. But she unwittingly puts everyone she loves at risk when she discovers a family of ancient healers who hold the key to a secret that could help the bardia—the good revenants—overthrow their murderous enemies, the numa, forever.
And while the lovers search for something they have little chance of finding, a new threat arises among the numa. Kate finds herself in the midst of an ancient and deadly war, not as a bystander...but as a target.
What are you waiting on this Wednesday?
*Bloggers: leave links to your posts & I'll check them out*
Destined
by Jessie Harrell
Publication date: November 17th 2011
Publisher: Mae Day Publishing
Format: E-book, ARC
Rating: 4/5
When Psyche receives a prophecy gone horribly wrong, she learns that even the most beautiful girl in Greece can have a hideous future. Her fate? Fall in love with the one creature even the gods fear. As she feels herself slipping closer into the arms of the prophecy, Psyche must choose between the terrifyingly tender touch she feels almost powerless to resist and the one constant she's come to expect out of life: you cannot escape what is destined. Destined is a fresh and heartachingly romantic retelling of the Cupid & Psyche myth from debut novelist, Jessie Harrell.|Goodreads|
I won't keep any suspense going in this review because I have to started off by saying that I loved this book. This was my first try at a book with a historical setting and I really enjoyed it. I was so, so lucky to be given an advance copy of this book by the author and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
The story is actually a retelling of the Greek myth of Psyche and Eros. Before I read this book I looked up the actual myth on Wikipedia, just so that I had a foundation of the myth going into reading Destined. I have to say, this retelling is better than the myth. I thought it was really well told and is totally age appropriate. If I had young teens, I would be happy with them reading Destined. I liked the fact that it was kept young and lighthearted as well. It was alot of fun to read.
What I liked most about this book is that although it is set in ancient Greece the dialogue is still kept very modern and thus I could still relate to all the characters and the story line as well. It wasn't like I was reaching for my ancient Greek dictionary every five minutes and thinking 'what the heck is going on here?'. I liked the fact that characters used funny, modern day sayings and phrases, and I often found myself laughing at their reactions to the situations they found themselves in.
The main character, Psyche, is the perspective from whom the story is told and I fell in love with her from page one. She was kind and caring but also very stubborn and self assured. I like the way she changed throughout the story, going from a naive and innocent young girl to a strong and independent young woman, who wasn't afraid to risk her life for the loved she believed in.
Another two characters I loved were Aphrodite and Eros. Aphrodite was so "kick-butt" and it was so fun whenever she was in a scene. She just brought this wonderful spunk and attitude to the story that I totally loved reading about. And the twist at the end (trust me no spoilers shall be leaked) really made the story interesting. In my opinion, Aphrodite could have a book all of her own *hint, hint*. Eros was everything a romance story needs and more. He was dreamy and sweet, kind and loving and I think his character was written really well. I just really wish he hadn't been so stubborn and closed up in the beginning of the story, but then we wouldn't have had a story at all. It was like I wanted to shake him and say 'be a little bit more open minded!'. But throughout the story he does develop an open mind and he changes quite a bit so I was really happy for him.
Another thing I have to say...I love, love this cover! I am so in love with it. I am going to have to find myself a hard copy just so that it can look pretty on my shelf. But also because I really enjoyed the whole story and I loved having the chance to review it.
Destined is a great, fun read that will keep you entertained right up until the very end. Jessie Harrell, I look forward to seeing and reading more of your work in the future! Well done on Destined!
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Review: Fury by Elizabeth Miles
by Elizabeth Miles
Publication Date: August 30th 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Format: ARC
Rating: 3/5
Sometimes sorry isn't enough....It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed. In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay. Em and Chase have been chosen.|Goodreads|
I was lucky enough to receive this book as a RAK last month. I must say, before starting this book my expectations were rather high because the blurb created quite an intriguing story line. But I think my expectations were slightly too raised.
This story is more of a horror than a paranormal read, so if you are a paranormal fanatic and you're thinking this might be up your alley, you might want to give this one a miss. That's just my opinion. There are some scary, creepy bits throughout where I was looking over my shoulder after putting it down but it's not going to be nightmare inducing if that's what you're thinking.
I found the story very slow to start off with and it only got really interesting more than halfway through, when the plot takes a serious twist. There are two main characters and the perspective alternates between the two, each chapter. In the beginning I found the characters both to be a little under developed and very immature. The female character, Emily does redeem herself towards the end and I liked her best in the last half of the book, when she finally gets some sort of a backbone and she eventually realizes all is not what is seems.
The same cannot be said of the male character, Chase. He is a chauvinistic and shallow young man who cares only for how he is being perceived by his fellow classmates. I found him to be extremely naive and rather irritating, to be honest. I find it hard to believe that after all the things he is put through by one of the Furies, the mythical young women who haunt both characters, not once dose he suspect that she might not be who she says she is. All I can say is he got what he deserved.
Speaking of the Furies, they weren't as much of a presence throughout the book as I would have liked them to. They sort of wisp in out of each character's chapter but they weren't as threatening as I had expected them to be. There are three of them that supposedly work together but to me there was one leader and the other two were similar to her minions. They weren't the dominating force of fear-inducing, vengeful goddesses that I had expected.
I would have liked to have seen more of the secondary characters, J.D and Gabby as they were rather enjoyable to read about. J.D is a really endearing character and I am excited to see what happens to him in the next installment. I understand Gabby had to be out of the picture for the sake of the plot line but I hope we get to see more her as well, in the next book.
Some things I did enjoy about this book; I like the fact that it takes place in winter, the constant snow fall that's described creates a really good, eerie setting. While reading, I actually felt a couple of cold shivers while picturing some of the scenes. Also the fact that is takes place around Christmas time, when everyone is relaxed and enjoying the festivities the main characters are not feeling so 'jolly' themselves.
All in all not a particularly nail-biting read but not a bad one either. Maybe it's because I read the ARC copy but I would be ready to re read the finished product if I received one. Just to see how they compare. I would recommend this to readers who are into creepy, light horror stories, ones that won't leave you crying in the middle of the night wanting to run out and buy a night light. I would really want to get a copy of the next installment to see what happens to the characters and to explore the story more. But, would I be putting in a pre-order as soon as I'm finished writing this, sadly no. This one just wasn't my cup of tea.
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E-Book for Review:
Silver and Bones (Bloodlines #1) by J.D Thompson
Thank you!
Let me know what you got in your mailbox!
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine. It features eagerly anticipated up coming book releases.
The Future of Us
by Carolyn Mackler & Jay Asher
Publication Date: November 21st 2011
Publisher: Razorbill
It's 1996, and less than half of all American high school students have ever used the Internet. Emma just got her first computer and an America Online CD-ROM. Josh is her best friend. They power up and log on--and discover themselves on Facebook, fifteen years in the future. Everybody wonders what their Destiny will be. Josh and Emma are about to find out.
I am dying to get my hands on an ARC copy of this book but I fear I might not be so lucky. Two of my favorite authors of all time collaborating together is like a dream come true. I just have to find out what the result of that is. I cannot wait to have read this book and too see i on my bookshelf.
What are you waiting on this Wednesday?
*Bloggers: leave links to your posts & I'll check them out*
- Grab your current read.
- Open to a random page.
- Share 2 "teaser" sentences on that page.
- Be Careful Not To Include Spoilers! (Don't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others)
- Share the title & author as well, so that others can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers.
Top Ten Tuesday
Top Ten Books I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time
1. The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
I am a HUGE Twilight book fan. Yes, I am a fan of the books, which I am proud to say, I had read before the first movie was even filmed. I loved reading these books and I still remember the day I picked up Twilight in the bookstore. These books helped me through a very difficult time in my life and I will always be grateful to them for that. I wish, wish I could reread these books all over again for the first time!
2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Next to the Twilight Saga these are my next favorite books. I loved all of them and it was such a thrilling adventure reading about Katniss and her fight to survive. There are very few books that actually keep you on the edge of your seat while reading them and The Hungers Games are a perfect example of that. The entire story was a roller-coaster ride of pure action and if I could, I would read it all over again for the first time.
3. Wither by Lauren DeStefano
I have already proclaimed by love for this book twice on the blog so I won't bore you by doing it all over again. I will just say, I love this book!
4. The Harry Potter series by J.k Rowling
I grew up with these books and they formed a fundamental part of my imagination. J.K Rowling...you are a genius. Need I say more?
5. The Fallen series by Lauren Kate
It took awhile for me to get into Fallen because it was the first angel themed book I had read, but once I was hooked I couldn't put these books down. Bring on Rapture is all I can say!
6. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Talk about a wild card! I read this book when I was seven, I think and it is the best children books out there! Just thinking about that story makes me wish I was little again just so that I could reread and enjoy it as much as I did then.
7. The Molly Moon series by Georgia Byng
Another children's book from my past. I was in love with the first 3 books growing up and I still am. I think I have to go dig them out of the old book boxes I have and reread them. They were awesome!
8. The Mediator series by Meg Cabot
Before Bella and Edward there was Suze and Jesse. Well, for me anyway. I love Meg Cabot and I loved these books as a teen.
9. The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell
Coming from a generation who just missed the boat for the epic Sex and the City craze, the Carrie Diaries gives us a chance to also experience the awesomeness that is Carrie Bradshaw. Now I just have to get started on Summer in the City.
10. How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff
This book was truly amazing! I wish I could read it again for the first time so that I could appreciate its beauty even more.
That's my top ten books I wish I could read again for the first time! Let me what your's are in the comments.
In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.
In My Mailbox This Week:
Bought:
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove by Lauren Kate
Pretty Twisted by Gina Blaxwill
Hereafter by Tara Hudson
Gifts:
Last month was my birthday and I got a gift card to buy some books, so this week I bought:
Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton
Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen
E-Arc for Review:
Destined by Jessie Harrell
That's all that arrived in my mailbox this week. What was in yours?
Let me know in the comments.
This is my first TGIF post! It's hosted by GReads
To-Be-Read's: How big is your pile? Which book keeps getting pushed down the stack, but you keep meaning to read it?
Here are some of the book in my To-Read Pile:
If I had to put pictures up of all the books on my to-read pile the bog post would probably reach the end of the blog. So this is just a sampling of the top 6 books I'm trying my best to get to. But then in between there are some really awesome books I'm getting to review soon so these will just have to wait a little bit longer.
How big is your to-read pile? What books are you dying to get into? Let me know in the comments!
P.S: Bloggers...I follow back!
Follow Friday #4
It's Friday again and that means it's time for Follow Friday hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read!This week's question:
Q.If you could pick one character in a book, movie or television show to swap places with, who would it be?
I also loved Tris from Divergent because she starts out all innocent and a little cowardly but through the story she becomes so much stronger and more capable, and I found that really endearing. So I would definitely want to swap places with her. Plus I would get to jump off a couple of buildings which would be really cool.
Movie-I would want to swap places with Keira Knightley in either Pride & Prejudice, because I loved that movie (and the book as well, of course) or Pirates of the Caribbean because those movies are epic and I would love to go on a truly thrilling adventure just like that.
T.V Show-I would want to swap with Elena from the Vampire Diaries! Hands down that would be my choice! Who wouldn't want not one, but two, hot vampires lusting over you?
So what would your choices be? Let me know in the comments. And happy Friday everyone!
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine. It features eagerly anticipated up coming book releases.
One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.
Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.
New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.
Release Date: 28 May 2012
Publisher: HaperCollins
When Elder learns harrowing news about the space ship Godspeed, he and Amy must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, all the while dealing with the romance that’s growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart. It all boils down to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.
Release Date: 10 January 2012
Publisher: Razorbill
What books are you waiting on?
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke And Bookish Blog.
Top Ten Book Endings That Left Me With My Mouth Hanging Open
(because of the cliffhanger or because it the ending was MINDBLOWING, etc. Be careful with spoilers on this one!)
1. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer.
Although it did provide answers to many questions raised throughout the series it still left me wanting more.
2. The Hunger Games (The entire trilogy)
This series of books is undoubtedly one of my favorites and the first two endings were major cliffhangers but the final book had a totally unexpected ending, which I really enjoyed.
3. Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows
Having literally grown up with this series, the end of Deathly Hallows was perfect. It left me completely satisfied with the outcome and it was a wonderful way to round off the series.
4. Wither by Lauren DeStefano
I'm not going to repeat myself too much (you can find my review here) but I LOVED this book. The ending was seriously jaw dropping and I cannot wait for the next installment.
5. If I Stay by Gayle Forman
This book was so incredibly beautiful. The ending was fitting to the story and left me with some tears in my eyes.
6. Runaway by Meg Cabot
This whole series was really fun and lighthearted and I really enjoyed it. The ending wasn't an OMG moment but I liked it.
7. This Is all by Aidan Chambers
This whole book was a mindblowing experience to read! It was funny at times, it was heartbreaking at times and the ending was just amazing! I would say it is for slightly older readers (say over 17) but I highly recommend it.
8. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
Beautiful, heartbreaking story is all I can say.
9. Torment (Fallen #2) by Lauren Kate
I loved the cliffhanger on this one! Seriously good. It made me jump into Passion right away.
10. Divergent by Veronica Roth
I can't wait for Insurgent! another awesome cliffhanger and mindblowing at the same time. This ending was totally unexpected and I really enjoyed it.
What are some of your favorite book endings?
In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.
In My Mailbox This Week:
Bought:
Across the Universe by Beth Revis
Immortal Beloved by Cate Tierman
Where She went by Gayle Forman
Goodreads
Bumped by Megan McCafferty
Bumped by Megan McCafferty
Goodreads
Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz
Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz
September RAK:
I received an ARC copy of Fury by Elizebth Miles from Jennifer at The Book Nympho. Thank you Jennifer!
And that's all from my mailbox this week. What was in yours?
I would love to see the Fallen series by Lauren Kate be adapted to the big screen. I think they are in the process of doing so but I'm not sure. As to whom I would cast, I'm really terrible at picking actors/actresses because I have very strong images in my head of each character, but I think Ian Somerhalder would make a really good Cam. The character really reminded me of Damon from The Vampire Diaries so I think that's why, to me, Ian would portray Cam really well on screen. My pick for Luce is a little difficult. Her resilient nature reminded me very much of Kristen Stewart but I wouldn't cast her because she's just finished the whole Twilight franchise. But I would like to someone similar cast as Luce. Someone who has a strong on screen presence, who is tough and independent and looks like she's just going to kick butt. And as long as whoever they cast as Daniel is 'easy on the eyes', then I wont mind!
What book would you like to see adapted to screen and who would you cast?
What book would you like to see adapted to screen and who would you cast?
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