FireStarBooks

Are You Ready to Embrace?: Guest Post + Giveaway

2012-03-20T00:00:00.001-04:00

Today I have a special guest post for you lovelies. It is the wonderful Jessica Shirvington, the author of Embrace. Everyone wants true love, and everyone wants to find it fast. Well, the magic happened to Jessica; she found THE ONE at the age of 17. And here is her story...

Falling in love is easy. Staying in love … more complicated.

At 17, life is about new experiences. It is about self-discovery, friends, adventure, mistakes, career and university choices. And let’s be honest, there are not many 17 year olds out there that aren’t interested in falling in love.

But how many are truly interested in falling in love with THE ONE at 17?

I’m not sure I was. In fact, I probably wasn’t. I was planning to take the world by storm – solo. So when I met Matt, well, actually … it was pretty darn amazing. But it was a little frightening too.

When we first got together, it was sweet and young and … perfect. I was head over heels. But things became complicated quickly. He was an up and coming athletic star and I was working in hospitality. So basically he worked hard in the day, and I worked hard at night. His lifestyle demanded routine and healthy living, mine … not so much. But we were determined to make it work.

Falling in love so deeply at a young age made it difficult to be as reckless as our friends. We watched them coast in and out of short, fun, but meaningless relationships and it just seemed so different to what we had.

Writing the Embrace series has been an opportunity for me to pour some of the incredibly intense emotions of young love into Violet’s story. It has been important for me as a writer, and a person, to recognize that it’s completely realistic for someone at her young age to experience the full effect and heartbreak of love. Violet is one hundred percent invested with her heart. She makes bad choices, but we have to. She regrets many of her decisions, because we all do. And she fights for what she loves, because she is compelled to. Violet’s story is unique to her, I don’t pull on parallel scenarios from my own life, but I do pull on the emotion of intense love. Love that I think adults sometimes forget that 17 and 18 years-olds are very capable of feeling.

I often find one question helps a lot of adults, who maybe disagree with this view, to be more open minded: Do you remember you first true love? Do you ever wonder what your life would’ve been like if you had stayed together? For some, the answer is a resounding NOT INTERESTED, but for others … the pause says it all.

Matt and I celebrate our 11th wedding anniversary in March - I believe jewelry is in order ;)

Jessica will also be blogging throughout the tour about her conversations with all of you through the Embrace Facebook Fan Page and her website. Also, don’t forget our website: www.embracetheseries.com. Be sure to check out our gorgeous new book trailer!

Embrace
By Jessica Shirvington
Release Date: March 6th, 2012
Number of Pages: 367
Format: Hardcover

Giveaway

Okay readers, I am so jealous of you guys right now. The publisher, Sourcebook, was super generous to be able to donate one copy of Embrace! Sorry international readers, it is US and Canada ONLY.

Giveaway is US and Canada ONLY!
Must be at least 18 to enter (or 13 and up with parent permission)
One entry per person
Giveaway ends March 31st at midnight but I have the rights to shorten or lengthen the period of the giveaway.
Winner will be selected via rafflecoptor and contacted through email. The winner has 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected.

This is not mandatory but do go check out Sourcebooks!
Sourcebooks Blog
Sourcebooks Twitter
Sourcebooks Facebook

And as for the giveaway, just fill out the rafflecopter below for entry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Day of First Sun Tour + $450 in Prizes

2012-03-19T00:21:00.001-04:00

The Day of First Sun
by Sheryl Steines

Synopsis:
When Princess Amelie of Amborix is murdered by magical means, Annie Pearce and Bobby “Cham” Chamsky of the Wizard’s Guard are called in by the FBI. Their job is to help solve the crime while keeping the non-magical world from discovering the existence of the Wizard Council.

During their investigation, Annie and Cham discover that Princess Amelie’s death is connected to a series of other crimes in the Chicago area. A larger plot involving, a vampire, a rogue wizard and an army of soul-less zombies is revealed, but can Annie and Cham discover who is responsible before The Day of First Sun?

Please enjoy this excerpt from the urban fantasy novel, The Day of First Sun. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.

Sturtagaard chose not to speak, though it was he who had called for the meeting. They both checked their watches and realized they had been sitting across from him for ten minutes, watching him sniff the air. If he wanted to play this, they would play along at least for a little while longer, though both were tired of the leering. As the vampire sniffed again, Cham finally figured out why.

"You know, you called us. We really don't have anything to say to you, so if you're just playing games, we're happy to leave. I've got other, more important things to do than watch you sniff and leer," Cham finally said, and stood up.

Sturtagaard smiled as he watched Cham open the door because he much preferred dealing with Annie, but when she stood up, too, he realized he'd overplayed his hand.

"If I talk, my employer will have me staked. I'd like some assurance that you won't do the same," he said rather quickly, before they left.

They turned and looked at him, both rolling their eyes.

"I'll have you staked if you don't talk," replied Cham, as he stood by the door.

"You're out of options if you ever hope to get out of here again," Annie said calmly, focusing on his face.

Sturtagaard squirmed a little in his seat, as Annie's expression was somewhat disquieting and unemotional. He looked at Cham, whose face was expressionless, and then back to Annie, who hadn't moved a muscle. The vampire sighed.

"You heard right. I was hired to create a zombie army to overthrow the Wizard Council," Sturtagaard said. His voice remained steady and calm with resignation.

"Who wants to overthrow the Council?" asked Cham, his hand still clutching the door.

"My employer. I've told you, I don't know who he is. I always dealt with his associate. He'd show up, leave notes, or send others with messages. I've never contacted him." He looked from one to the other, but they both remained stony and detached. "Come on, now. I can't give you information I don't have." Sturtagaard was charming.

Annie rolled her eyes again. "You really don't have any idea who the employer is?" she asked with sarcasm.

"Really, I don't," he said.

"So you're building an army of the dead. How long did you have to get this done?" Annie took out her phone and pulled out her calendar.

"He wanted it ready for September first."

Annie looked up with a grimace, and Cham looked surprised. She didn't need to mark the date on her calendar or research its significance, though neither could figure out why a zombie army had to be created for that day, the Day of First Sun. It was a very powerful and ancient day for good magic.

"So, your employer wants an army of the dead on that day? Why?" Cham asked in a flat, emotionless voice.

"He's a black wizard. What do you think he wants? He wants to overthrow the Council, take over the world, practice magic in the open. You know, the typical magical fantasy." Sturtagaard grinned because he believed that would benefit the entire supernatural world.

"Wipe the smirk off your face, Sturtagaard. Having free reign won't be as good as you think, with all the angry mobs, torches, and stakes through the heart."

Annie smirked at Cham, who shook his head and laughed. He waited to compose himself before looking back at the vampire.

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Day of First Sun eBook edition is just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes. The prizes include $450 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book.

All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win!

To win the prizes:

Purchase your copy of The Day of First Sun for just 99 cents
Fill-out the simple form on Novel Publicity
Visit today’s featured social media event

And I can win too!

The tour blogger who receives the most votes in the traffic-breaker poll will win a $100 gift card. When you visit Novel Publicity’s site to fill-out the contest entry form, don’t forget to VOTE FOR Fire Star Books!!!! So Don’t forget to say I referred you, so I can get a point in the poll. :)

About the book: A vampire, a rogue wizard and an army of soulless zombies are par for the course for Annie Pearce and Bobby “Cham” Chamsky of the Wizard’s Guard. But when the non-magical princess, Amelie of Amborix, is murdered by magical means, a deeper plot unfolds. Get it on Amazon.

About the author: Behind the wheel of her ’66 Mustang Convertible, Sheryl is a constant surprise, using her sense of humor and relatable style make her books something everyone can enjoy. Visit Sheryl on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.

[ARC Review] After the Snow by S. D. Crockett

2012-03-16T17:01:00.003-04:00

Published Date: March 27, 2012
Published Format: Hardcover

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Source: Raincoast Books

Received Format: ARC

Pages: 304

Category: Young Adult

Age: 12 & +

Synopsis:
Fifteen-year-old Willo was out hunting when the trucks came and took his family away. Left alone in the snow, Willo becomes determined to find and rescue his family, and he knows just who to talk with to learn where they are. He plans to head across the mountains and make Farmer Geraint tell him where his family has gone.

But on the way across the mountain, he finds Mary, a refugee from the city, whose father is lost and who is starving to death. The smart thing to do would be to leave her alone -- he doesn't have enough supplies for two or the time to take care of a girl -- but Willo just can't do it. However, with the world trapped in an ice age, the odds of them surviving on their own are not good. And even if he does manage to keep Mary safe, what about finding his family?

Book Trailer:

Review:

To begin with, I chose this book from the wonderful Raincoast Books because it reminded me of one of my sister's favourite series: the Chaos Walking Series by Patrick Ness. And guess what? The first page seemed like a twin copy of the plot from the Chaos Walking Series. The main character is a guy with a dog. The book is written in slang/weird dialect. The dog talks to him like Patrick Ness' book. But this dog was a formless dog. It never really been described. Its thought just come into Willo's mind. The only time it was described as a real dog was when the family first found it, when it was a broken and mangy.

Format:

The slang and the intentional grammar errors will not sit well with everyone. But without it, the character really don't have a feel to it. With the slang, it seemed like there is something tangible with the characters.

Setting:
The setting reminded me a lot of a scene from the TV mini series Pillars of the Earth, where the family is walking in the frozen forest. At least that is what I thought of it. And as the novel went on, it kind of reminded me of the Relic Master Series by Catherine Fisher. I don't know why it reminded me of it but I just had the same feelings that I had with Catherine's series.

Audience:
It was very disturbing to see that a fourteen year old girl has a baby with a old man but I guess that is the whole point of dystopian. Plus all around the world, stuff like this happen. Very disturbing! There was gory stuff in the novel. And it did feel more of a boy-ish type read (which I love).

Plot:
I started to like the book more and more as I read on. The suspense was amazing. I wasn't breathing because I was scared that I would change that fate of the characters.

The government in the novel was very secretive. The author painted a vivid and imaginary picture of the government and it seemed very dystopian and very interesting. I couldn't wait to learn more about the government. For most of the book, I wish Willo could just hurry into the city and told me more about the government.

I did enjoy how the novel did not focus mainly on romance. In fact I don't think there was 5% of it in the book.

I do like fairly short chapters but the thing is that the story moved too slow. In the beginning, I felt the magic here and there but it didn't spark me. The reason I read on was that I wanted to see what the government was like. If the author cut the first 40% of the book down to 10%, we got ourselves a good book. I mean the beginning of a book is VERY important. Most people would give up a few chapters in. I say the fun starts on pages 100 and onward. And the thing is that most people give up a book on page 100 or lower. But when you hit part 2, that's when the fun started to party :)
And as part 3 hits, "OH MY GOD! Please readers! Don't give up on this book! There are some great actions, some great secrets, some great unexpected things in this book. I am SOOOO glad that I didn't gave up on this book." Yup that was what I typed frantically on my iPod as notes when I read into part 3.

Final thoughts:
This book is not like the nowadays YA dystopian, it is like 1984 dystopian, but of course for YA. there is no guys fighting for a girl. It is refreshing and kind of bring me back the love I had for 1984.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to lovers of the Chaos Walking Series by Patrick Ness and boy-ish book lovers out there. Just bare with the story a little in the beginning, and when you get to part 2 and 3, you won't regret reading the book.

So since the book wasn't perfect, I am going to give this book a 4 fire babies out of 5.

In My Mailbox (Week of March 12, 2012)

2012-03-16T16:54:00.000-04:00

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme created by The Story Siren to share with everyone the books they bought, borrowed, or received for review.

Won:
Ghost Stories box set from Petra @ Hazel the Witch
Slide by Jill Hathaway from Jill's blog
Under My Skin (Wildlings #1) by Charles de Lint from Razorbill Canada

Review:
Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow from Heather :)
Kings and Queen by Courtney Vail from Heather @ SupaGurl for Blog Tour

P.S: Charles will be doing a chat on the Razorbill Canada website on March 27, at 8pm EST. Join Us!

So what was in your mailbox this week?

Fashion Friday (3) Special Edition

2012-03-15T23:08:00.003-04:00

This week's Fashion Friday is a special one. I am not blogging about any books. I am blogging about something that is fashion related and of course somewhat book related. Below you will see a photo, a gorgeous one indeed. She is my friend's friend. :) And she is trying to be on America's Next Top Model. I think she should be on top! I mean look at those eyes; she is SMIZING, smiling with her eyes.

So help her out and vote for her. It is so simple! Just click Save Vote, and you are done! You don't need to log in or register, just click and bam!

You can vote ONLY once, so don't waste your time click Save Vote over and over again, I appreciate the effort though :)

Vote for her here: CLICK ME

So I will leave you more photos if you are not convinced! Like Tyra always said, she is modeling from H2T (head to toe)!

If you want to see more of her gorgeous model pics? Click the link below: MORE PHOTOS HERE

But PLEASE don't forget to vote for her!
Vote for her here: CLICK ME

A MASSIVE Giveaway

2012-03-15T17:06:00.001-04:00

Author Laura Kreitzer is hosting a major giveaway! See her post here to see how to enter and help spread the word. Her break down of prizes, as determined by ebooks downloaded between now and April 14th is as follows...

Number of E-Book Downloads: Prize

1,000-7,000- Winner’s Choice: One of my published books (7 winners)

8,000-14,000- First two books in the Summer Chronicles (7 winners)

15,000-20,000 -First three books in the Timeless Series (6 winners)

21,000-24,000- All five of my published books (4 winners)

25,000-27,000 -All five of my published books SIGNED & dedicated to whoever the winner wants (3 winners)

28,000-29,000 -A Kindle (2 winners)

30,000- Winner’s choice: Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet (1 winner)

40,000 -Winner’s choice: If you’re an author, I will thoroughly edit and analyze a 90,000-word manuscript. If you’re a reader, I will give you an advanced reading copy of Fallen Legion and Burning Falls (whenever they are available to me). (1 winner)

60,000 -A Mac mini (1 winner)

100,000 -ME! That’s right, if you live in the U.S. (except Alaska—sorry), I will take you out to eat (my treat) and bring gifts at a date and time we can arrange together! If you win this and do not want to meet, we can talk other options. (1 winner)

200,000- TOP SECRET, but it’ll be good. I promise. (maybe 1 winner, maybe more)

Link to the giveaway: http://bit.ly/z3kVrr

Download her FREE EBOOKS:

Phantom Universe

Kindle: http://amzn.to/zdnogJ

Nook: http://bit.ly/zmMhjR

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/x6EDLn

Shadow of the Sun

Kindle: http://amzn.to/x5gb7A

Nook: http://bit.ly/rV8Bqd

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/p8MqNd

Her other books:

Timeless Series: http://bit.ly/A875V6

Summer Chronicles: http://bit.ly/Al0GRH

[Guest Review] BZRK by Michael Grant

2012-03-15T11:49:00.005-04:00

Synopsis:

Time is running out for the good guys. But what happens when you don’t know who the good guys really are?

Noah and Sadie: newly initiated into an underground cell so covert they don’t even know each other’s real names. Trained for combat on the nano level, they are thrust into a war they can barely grasp.

Vincent: feels nothing and cares for no one. Fighting a personal battle with Bug Man, the greatest nano warrior alive.

The Armstrong Twins: wealthy, privileged, fanatical. Are they the saviors of humanity or authors of the darkest conspiracy in history?

On one side: Charles and Benjamin Armstrong’s Nexus Humanus. On the other: a group of teen hackers who call themselves BZRK.

Twenty-first-century warfare that takes place on the macro and nano level for the highest stakes: humanity’s free will.

It’s time to choose sides.

Okay, below you will find a lovely review by my awesome sister. <3

~~~~~~~~~~**********~~~~~~~~~~**********~~~~~~~~~~**********~~~~~~~~~~

First off: Damn you Michael Grant! Just as I have a story in mind involving nanotechnology, you produce a masterpiece that surely makes mine look weak. I declare you the king of nanotech.

Now on to my review and I have one question to ask you.

What would you choose given the choice of free will or cohesiveness?

Well, basically this is what this book is about. In one corner you have a set of deformed, conjoint twins, manoeuvring their empire of nanobots. They believe that the world should be joined together, as a whole and thinking as one. Oh geez. I wonder where they got that idea. Anyways, here is how I picture the twins (obviously less bug like and more human but you get the idea.)

In the other corner, you have a group of kids in their teens and twenties running genetically-linked biots. They are similar to nanobots but when they die, they drag their "owners" into insanity. These people make up BZRK and Lear is the mysterious force that runs the whole thing. But don't let the title of this book fool you. They can well be the bad guys in this story.

This novel seemed like a cross between old-school Nikita and good ol' James Bond. Hardcore ass-kicking in all the right ways! Woohoo. :) I've never understood how books can be deemed as thrilling until now. My heart pounded through every chapter and nearly leapt out in certain places. WHEN I SAY THIS BOOK IS A THRILLER, I MEAN IT!

Moving on (Let me get a drink of water to calm down first). Michael Grant is back in his element, doing what he does best. Putting way-too realistic teenagers in crazy-ass circumstances that makes my fangirling heart pound like there is no tomorrow. I freaking love everything he writes. Sometimes I wonder how he is able to get teenagers just right. None of those gooey, I-am-trying-too-hard-to-appeal-to-teens YA characters. These characters are relatable. Not that I can identify myself in one of the characters; I see myself in bits and pieces of many different characters. That is what I love about MG. He is a genius when it comes to generating believable characters. I have taken a liking to almost every one of them, even when I shouldn't be rooting for them. Some of these characters I love to hate.

Juggling beyond multiple characters, Michael Grant this time has also created a magical nano-size world. If you didn't pay attention is biology or history class, my condolences to you because you will miss a lot. Thankfully, the years I have stuck it out in both of these subjects made comfortable reading some of the more demanding parts. Make sure to bring your imagination with you while reading this book because if you don't, you will not enjoy the trip around the medulla oblongata and the hippocampus. And you might want to brush up on your history of the feud between Carthage and the Roman Empire. Scipio to be more precise, (hopefully there is also a Hannibal coming and I don't mean Silence-of-the-Lambs-Hannibal).

One thing that might turn away some readers is the fact that this book is more mature than the GONE series. Be prepared for some swearing and some skin. But this is the 21st century and we are teens. Thank you Michael for not treating us like babies. We are aware of stuff like the f-word or how babies are made. People with issue about that:

In conclusion, I cannot wait another torturous year before BZRK 2 comes out. Eh, excuse me Mr. Grant. When you have the basic manuscript for BZRK 2 ready, give me a call.

P.S.: I totally love Ophelia. She is like an Indian version of Barbara Gordon A.K.A. Batgirl #1 A.K.A. The Oracle.

Recommend this book to fans of Nikita, 24 and James Bond.

Follow my sister here on GoodReads

Waiting On Wednesday (Week of March 14, 2012)

2012-03-14T13:20:00.000-04:00

Enchanted by Alethea Kontis

It isn't easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.

When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.

The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past - and hers?

Hardcover, 305 pages

Expected publication: May 8th 2012 by Harcourt Children's Books

Why this book?

Okay, there are princes and princesses, and secrets?! Hello, sign me up for this book!

Cover Reveal: Light by Michael Grant

2012-03-13T14:47:00.001-04:00

The 6th installment to the GONE series by Michael Grant had revealed its beautiful self. :) What do you think?

Cover Reveal: Starling by Lesley Livingston

2012-03-12T14:58:00.000-04:00

"Thrilling and intense; pulls you along like the inevitable rush toward Ragnarok."
~ Julie Kagawa, New York Times bestselling author of the IRON FEY series

"A must read for all mythology fans!"
~ Josephine Angelini, bestselling author of STARCROSSED

~~~

"Love is just the beginning... of the end."

When Mason Starling rescues an unconscious young man from the ravages of a terrible storm—and he rescues her from the otherworldly creatures lurking in that storm—little does she know her whole life is about to spiral dramatically, mystically out of control. Someone is trying to kill her, someone else is trying to use her, and the only one who seems willing to help her is the tantalizing, dangerous stranger who can’t even remember who—or what—he is. All he remembers is his name: Fennrys Wolf.

What Fennrys doesn’t know is that, thanks in part to his past actions, a crack has appeared in the barrier between the mortal world and the Beyond Realms. The crack has opened up a nexus of dark energy in the middle of the East River and it’s attracting the attention of powerful entities on both sides of the rift.

Because of that, a longstanding truce involving the members of several ancient underworld cartels is now in jeopardy. Mason, Fennrys, and the students of elite Gosforth Academy—a neutral-ground “safe haven” for children of the Families—soon find themselves caught in the crossfire as the servants of the warring pantheons fight to see whose gods come out on top...and whose demons go down in flames.

Set in New York City, with all its dark, gritty sparkle, the STARLING saga explores the spaces between the worlds and the realms of the ancient gods… only a heartbeat beyond. It’s a tale spun from ancient mythologies—Norse and Greek and Egyptian—filled to the brim with adventure, danger, and romance, and played out against the backdrop of a city with its own siren-song.

From the universe of Lesley Livingston’s WONDROUS STRANGE, a new series and captivating heroine make their exciting debut.

March Break Madness Giveaway Box of Books

2012-03-11T22:53:00.002-04:00

So finally it is march break! WOOOT! Instead of heading to the beach, we book lovers will be reading :P
Since I finally got time around to read, I am on a super happy mood rant :D So I will be giving away a mystery box of books!

At first I was about to have this giveaway for a week (march break is only a week), but I want to continue the fun for march break for a month so I am hosting the giveaway for a whole entire month!

I will add to the box depending on how things go :)

Giveaway is International!

Must be at least 18 to enter (or 13 and up with parent permission)

One entry per person

Giveaway ends April 12th at midnight

Winner will be selected via rafflecoptor and contacted through email. The winner has 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is selected.

Just fill out the rafflecopter below for entry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ARC Review: Dangerous Waters by Gregory Mone

2012-03-11T19:48:00.000-04:00

Published Date: March 13, 2012

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Source: Raincoast Books

Format: Paperpack

Pages: 240

Synopsis:

A stowaway, a stolen book, a murderous villain: an adventure on the most famous shipwreck in history.

The great ocean liner Titanic is preparing to cross the Atlantic. On board is a sinister thief bent on stealing a rare book that may be the key to unlocking infinite treasure, a wealthy academic traveling home to America with his rare book collection, and Patrick Waters, a twelve-year-old Irish boy who is certain that his job as a steward on the unsinkable ship will be the adventure of a lifetime. Disguises, capers, and danger abound as the ship makes its way toward that fateful iceberg where Patrick will have to summon all his wits in order to survive.

Review

First of all I loved all the different point of views. The characters were very lovable. I really loved James; he seemed like a perfect big brother. Though there were a lot of names to remember in the first two chapters that it can get a little confusing.

The book is quite descriptive but it still left me thinking up my own idea of the setting. The Titanic is beautifully described.

The book didn't have the amount of suspense as I hoped. It was good, but it definitely didn't blow me away. I wish Greg could had played more with the secret. Go crazy! But everything was just so tone down. I want to feel the rush of fighting the bad guys, I want to feel the air burning in my lungs when the characters are running. I wanted more mind games, more betrayal, more mystery. A good example of a series that contained all that mentioned is the 39 Clues series. It is just a pleasure to read all the books.

When I was half way through the book, I kept on wondering what lay in the other half because I felt the first half was just introduction, nothing big happened. I though that Gregory stuffed the second half with the big secrets, but he didn't. Nothing really made me gasp with surprise. Plus I wanted Greg to talked about the poor passengers, and the trimmers. Greg, I think a good book will be a book on the trimmers :) And YA authors, maybe write one with romance in it. :P That I would love to read.

When I hit the 75% mark, the Titanic hit the iceberg. Only when the Titanic got hit did I felt an emotion. I panicked because of the dramatic irony in the book. I also almost tear up when I read about how hard working James was. I think I would love to have James as my boyfriend :p. Ok, back to the Titanic. So when the Titanic hit, it got a little bit more suspenseful but I was disappointed at the lack of imagination Greg had. The whole Titanic scene was almost the same as the movie Titanic with Leonardo DiCaprio, but even the movie had more action with Rose trying to save the locked up Jack.

I do have to say, the ending just made me cry! I wanted to save Titanic from sinking. I wanted to get a boat to save all the passengers. I want to swim to pick all of the poor souls out of the water, but I can't :'(.

The epilogue was beautifully written. I wanted to cry even more. :'(

If I read this book a few years ago I might had loved it but nowadays I find that there are way more amazing books.

Overall, the book was just a little disappointing, 3.5 out of 5.

In My Mailbox (Week of March 5, 2012)

2012-03-10T22:57:00.003-05:00

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme created by The Story Siren to share with everyone the books they bought, borrowed, or received for review.

Won/Received from Authors:
Signed When Desting Stricks bookmark from the lovely Heather M. White
Signed Carrier of Mark and Bookplate from Heather @ SupaGurl
ARC Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly from Michelle @ The Passionated Bookworm

From Raincoast Books:
ARC of Dangerous Waters by Gregory Mone
ARC of After the Snow by S. D. Crockett
ARC of Project Jackalope by Emily Ecton

Bought:
Divergent by Veronica Roth

A big thanks to all the fabulous people that sent me lovelies this week! <3

And, what was in your mailbox this week?

Fashion Friday (2)

2012-03-09T00:13:00.002-05:00

Fashion Friday is a weekly meme created by FireStarBooks in order for book lovers to post any fashion related idea or image that they thought would be a great match for books on Friday. To find out more information, click HERE.

This week I was inspired by Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. And yes I will be talking about nail related stuff, :3.

Shatter/Crackle nail polishes had been such a trend!

So here are some major brand that carries shatter/crackle nail polishes.

OPI
Mia Secret
China Glaze
Sally Hansen
Larosa
Colour Club

I don't think I am a fan of these type of nail polishes but it is very unique! What do you think about them? Love it or hate it?

What inspired you this week?

Waiting On Wednesday (Week of March 7, 2012)

2012-03-07T16:59:00.000-05:00

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1) by R.K. LaFevers

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

Hardcover, 509 pages

Expected publication: April 3rd 2012 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

I am super excited for this book to come out! The plot just seems amazing! It ckind of reminds me of The Seven Realm series combined with the Graceling series and a bit of medieval Merlin feel to it :)

SPECIAL: Stop Kony! Be the Change You Want To Be, Save Lives!

2012-03-06T21:14:00.000-05:00

Please read this post. If you should read one post from my blog, please be this one! I just spend my busy weekday school night watching a super powerful, and emotion video. Just it was 30 minutes long, but please, watch it. It will change lives! 2012 got to be the year to stop Joseph Kony.

KONY 2012 is a film and campaign by Invisible Children that aims to make Joseph Kony famous, not to celebrate him, but to raise support for his arrest and set a precedent for international justice.
Pledge your support at http://bit.ly/konydonate and continue to share this story.
GOAL: 500,000 shares
FOR MEDIA INQUIRES ONLY: Monica Vigo pr@invisiblechildren.com

I know that not everyone can donate money, but just simply sharing about the news, about Joseph Kony makes a difference. Make Kony famous, change the world!

Giveaway (First Come First Serve) : A pair of tickets to Jodi Picoult in Toronto

2012-03-06T16:59:00.001-05:00

I have a pair of tickets for the Jodi Picoult event in Toronto.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012
7:00pm until 10:00pm
The Church of the Redeemer, 162 Bloor St. West

Celebrate the release of Lone Wolf with Jodi Picoult in Toronto! She will be doing a talk and a book signing.

Find Out More About It

FIRST COME FIRST SERVE!
Tweet me @firestarbooks or email me with your full name and your guest's full name.

SLIDE by Jill Hathaway Giveaway!

2012-03-05T19:16:00.000-05:00

Just in case if you haven't heard about Slide by Jill Hathaway, here is a little blurb about it. :) And at the end of the post, there is a link that direct you to the giveaway :)

Expected publication: March 27th 2012 by Balzer + Bray for HarperCollins

Vee Bell is certain of one irrefutable truth—her sister’s friend Sophie didn’t kill herself. She was murdered.

Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn’t actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else’s mind and experiences the world through that person’s eyes. She’s slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed “friend” when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie’s slashed body.

Vee desperately wishes she could share her secret, but who would believe her? It sounds so crazy that she can’t bring herself to tell her best friend, Rollins, let alone the police. Even if she could confide in Rollins, he has been acting off lately, more distant, especially now that she’s been spending more time with Zane.

Enmeshed in a terrifying web of secrets, lies, and danger and with no one to turn to, Vee must find a way to unmask the killer before he or she strikes again.

Slide Giveaway

Blog Tour Stop: The Night Watchman by J. L Manning + Giveaway

2012-03-05T09:00:00.001-05:00

The Night Watchman

This story takes place in any city where there is street crime, street racing, and underground fighting. There is a young man that was in a car accident as a child and was left with physical limitations. Over these years a speech impairment made him want to withdraw from society, because of how people now saw him left him lonely.

A technology gave him strength and stamina beyond the average person, and he wanted to use these abilities to help out his city. The abilities that he gained improved and the side effects gave him abilities that he was learning to take advantage of.

He started to investigate a criminal that got him involved in some tight spots. He gained the most unlikely of friends that were involved with underground activities.

His confidence grew, but when the time comes will he do the right thing?

About J.L Manning: J.L. Manning authored "Changing the Little Things" in 2010 He has self-published three books through Authorhouse.com that have not been getting the attention that they deserve. The first book that he published was about Mars in the not too distant future. "The New Mars" is about vacationing on Mars. He wrote two more books that are connected to the first book about Mars, but they are not sequels.

The first book was published Dec. 14, 2006 by a pay to publisher, as were all six of these books. Now that he has some experience, in writing good books, he is looking for a mainstream publisher to get these and future books the attention they deserve. He did self-publish "The Night Watchman" with Publish America. He republished "Paradise Island" with Tate Publishing. "Changing the Little Things" is his most recently published book. by Trafford Publishing. He has many ideas for new books that he is hoping will sell.

He dreams a lot about places to get away to and doing things that he's not capable of doing. His books help people imagine being at these places and doing the things that he writes about.

Buy the book on J.L. Manning’s website: http://www.jlmanning.net/TNW.html

Amazon.com: -http://www.amazon.com/Night-Watchman-J-L-Manning/dp/1607491400/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327342466&sr=8-1

Where you can find the author:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JL_Manning

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Night-Watchman/199497690072131

Website: http://www.jlmanning.net/Home.html

a Rafflecopter giveaway

PRETTY AMY Cover Reveal‏ + Giveaway Details

2012-03-05T00:58:00.003-05:00

Pretty Amy by Lisa Burstein

Expected publication: May 15th 2012 by Entangled Publishing

Synopsis:
Sometimes date is a four-letter word

Amy is fine living in the shadows of beautiful Lila and uber-cool Cassie, because at least she’s somewhat beautiful and uber-cool by association. But when their dates stand them up for prom, and the girls take matters into their own hands—earning them a night in jail outfitted in satin, stilettos, and Spanx—Amy discovers even a prom spent in handcuffs might be better than the humiliating “rehabilitation techniques” now filling up her summer. Worse, with Lila and Cassie parentally banned, Amy feels like she has nothing—like she is nothing.

Navigating unlikely alliances with her new coworker, two very different boys, and possibly even her parents, Amy struggles to decide if it’s worth being a best friend when it makes you a public enemy. Bringing readers along on an often hilarious and heartwarming journey, Amy finds that maybe getting a life only happens once you think your life is over.

Want in on the giveaway?

The author of Pretty Amy, Lisa Burstein, is running a Worst Prom Photo contest in the weeks leading up to the release of Pretty Amy (May 15). Make sure to dust off your old prom photos and watch Lisa's website, http://www.lisaburstein.com , for details on how to enter/submit to win a beauty package.

Lisa's Prom Photo

Lisa Burstein is a tea seller by day and a writer by night. She wrote her first story when she was in second grade. It was a Thanksgiving tale from the point of view of the turkey from freezer to oven to plate. It was scandalous.

She was a lot like Amy when she was in high school.

She is still a lot like Amy.

Want to know more about Pretty Amy?

Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13375237-pretty-amy

Amazon pre-order: http://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Amy-Lisa-Burstein/dp/1620611198/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330534300&sr=8-1

Barnes and Noble pre-order: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pretty-amy-lisa-burstein/1108930786?ean=9781620611197&itm=1&usri=pretty+amy

Additional links to Lisa’s pages:

Twitter:https://twitter.com/#%21/LisaBurstein

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/LisaBursteinAuthor

Website:http://www.lisaburstein.com

formspring.me

2012-03-04T21:05:00.001-05:00

Ask me questions about ANYTHING! http://www.formspring.me/Firestarbooks

Avengers Trailers

2012-03-04T12:58:00.000-05:00

AVENGERS TRAILERS!
Okay, yes, I am a fangirl when it comes to comics. When I first heard about the Avengers movie last year, I think I screamed so loud that my whole neighbourhood heard me. So finally some of the movie trailers are up on the world wide web, I decided to share them with you guys. <3 So here it goes <3

*Please note that DC Comics will always be my first love*

In My Mailbox (Week of February 27, 2012)

2012-03-03T22:21:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme created by The Story Siren to share with everyone the books they bought, borrowed, or received for review.

Sorry I was a little sick this week so I might look and sound uninterested :/

Won:
Super ARC of When Drams Come True by Rebecca Emin
New Beginnings by Rebecca Emin Postcard
A Knowing Look and Other Stories by Rebecca Emin Postcard
Signed swag from Tiffany King

For Review:
Shadows Bloom by T.A. Moore

What was in your mailbox this week? :)

SuperHeroStuff: St. Patrick's Day Shipping Discounts!

2012-03-03T20:14:00.001-05:00

Check it out!

I LOVE Green!

SuperHeroStuff is having shipping discount for St. Patrick's Day! You can save $6 when you order over $35 (use this code 6PADDY35). Or you you can save $3 on ANY order (use this code: 3PADDY)!

These are some of my favourite "greenies".

Green Lantern Merchandise
Wonder Woman Merchandise
Iron Man T-Shirts
Spider-Man Merchandise
Batman Merchandise
Superman T-Shirts

BALTHAZAR by Claudia Gray (Book Trailer)

2012-03-03T16:16:00.003-05:00

Ready? Here is the BALTHAZAR book trailer! Enjoy!

What do you think?

Title of the Final Transcend Time Book revealed!

2012-03-03T16:12:00.002-05:00

Today I'm super excited to announce the title of the Final Transcend Time Book!

It's called ...

TIMELESS

The Tagline is:

To make things right, they must go back to when it all began ...

Michelle is aiming to release Timeless at the end of 2012!! Cannot wait!

You can add the book on your Goodreads to-read list HERE.
Follow Michelle HERE.
Like HERE.
Subscribe HERE.

Fashion Friday (1)

2012-03-02T15:29:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my first edition of Fashion Friday! FF was inspired by my love for books and fashion.

Fashion Friday is a weekly meme created by FireStarBooks in order for book lovers to post any fashion related idea or image that they thought would be a great match for books on Friday. To find out more information, click HERE.

So this week I was inspired my the butterfly love for Incarnate by Jodi Meadows! Below is a video of my beloved youtuber friend, Cutepolish! She is so talented! I wish I can paint my nails like her. Her voice is also so soothing!

So let your fashion imagination fly! What book inspired your fashion this week?

RIFT by Andrea Cremer cover reveal!

2012-03-01T15:41:00.000-05:00

Before Calla Tor, there was Ember Morrow

Sixteen-year-old Lady Ember Morrow fulfills a family obligation by joining her friend Alistair in the Conatus Guard and begins training to help with the order’s true mission, to seek out and stop evildoers and their unnatural creations.

August 7th, why don't you come faster?! The cover is sooo gorgeous! Super kickass!

Ding ding ding! We got WINNERS! (50 Followers Giveaway)

2012-02-29T00:15:00.001-05:00

So my 50 followers giveaway just ended. :) Thank you guys so much for participating! There were more than 1000 entries! Wow! Without further ado, here are the 3 lucky winners!

The 3rd place winner, who wins 1 ebook of her choice is...Monica L!
The runner up, who wins 3books of her choice is...Rea!!

And the grand prize winner, who wins 7 ebooks of her choice is...Pavan!!!

Congratz!

I am sorry that not everyone who entered could win. I will be hosting an 100 followers giveaway when I reach 100 followers. So don't panic if you didn't win. :) Once again, thank you guys so much for entering my giveaway.

I have another giveaway going on right now! It is a fun casting contest with more ebook prizes! Go check it out! You can find the post HERE.

The winners will be contacted by email. If the winners don't reply within 48 hours, another name will be picked.

[Review] Cycles by Lois D. Brown

2012-02-28T21:51:00.001-05:00

Synopsis via Goodreads:

She remembers things that never happened.
She's a stranger in her own home.
She always knew she was different.
She just didn't know why.
Until now.

Renee Beaumont is about to die . . . again.

Review:

The plot was amazing! So unique but with a hint of familiarity. I was attracted to it immediately! And I, myself, is a guesser. By that I mean I would guess with the characters, trying to figure out what is the mystery. I just kept on flipping pages. I can't believe that I didn't read the book when I first got it.

Though the characters are fairly young-ish. But they are very sophisticated and mature, but this made it a little unrealistic. :/ They are 13 after all. But often this fact was forgotten due to the fact that the story was so intense! I mean it kind of reminded me of Kathy Reich's Virals/Seizure books. It was a mystery with teens. I enjoyed reading this book a lot.

I love the mystery, contemporary, and paranormal aspects of the book. This was an fantastic read!! I would recommend it to everyone!

Casting Contest! + Giveaways

2012-02-26T23:03:00.001-05:00

About Emily:
Emily Ward was born in Reno, Nevada and spent most of her childhood in Colorado. She grew up with a big family in The Salvation Army. One of her first stories featured a young girl whose doll came to life. The rest is history. She spent years writing mainly fanfiction (thank you, J.K. Rowling), but has since ventured into originality. When it comes to fiction, she writes mainly young adult, literary, and fantasy. She also writes nonfiction, ranging from stories of her travels to thoughts on the Bible. Currently, she lives in Salem, Oregon with her husband Chris and our cat, Thomas.

Find Out More About: (At the end of the post, you can win these awesome books, score!)

Promising Light

Finding Fiona

Below you will find a passage and your task is to cast for Grace, Dar, and Matilda. Easy enough? :) Go!

***

Dar led them down the main road to a small cottage next to a church. “This is where she lives.” He didn’t want to bring Sierra and Evan in to see Matilda, but they didn’t trust him to go alone. “Grace can come with me, and we’ll be back in a minute.”

Grace left her horse with Sierra and Evan, who stopped in front of the church. “Don’t try to talk me out of this,” she said as they walked up the path to the cottage.

“And what if I did?” Dar knocked on the door, hoping it wasn’t too early. A grumpy Matilda would be much harder to work with.

Grace looked at him coolly, but didn’t respond.

A moment later, they heard a yell and someone flung open the door. “Who the hell—” Matilda broke off when she saw Dar and smirked. She wore a robe that hardly concealed her breasts and her dark red curls were wild, as usual. “Oh, it’s you.” She glanced over Dar’s shoulder and said, “Come on in.”

She turned, and Grace raised her eyebrows at Matilda as they walked in. Her cottage seemed even smaller on the inside. Matilda lit a few candles on the small table next to the stove, and the flames shed light on a few pieces of furniture and the shelves lining the walls. Dar had been here before; the books spoke of Mahri spells, and the bowls held ingredients for potions. She used the small cauldrons almost daily, smoked the tobacco when she was stressed, and she was ready to leave as soon as the Protectors came sniffing around. He’d seen this same setup in half a dozen other houses.

“Who’s your friend?” Matilda asked, motioning to Grace.

“Do you need to know?” Dar wasn’t sure whether he trusted Matilda, especially if the Protectors came asking around.

“Depends on what you need.” Matilda stepped closer, putting her hand on her hip. Dar could smell her perfume, the stuff she’d worn for years. Had she slept with it on?

“Just a few concealing spells,” Dar replied. “We don’t want any Protectors looking for us.”

Matilda cocked her head. “What kind of trouble have you got into this time?”

“How much will it cost?”

She turned to one of the shelves. She pulled down a book and half-glanced at Grace before flipping through the pages. “You an Avialie?”

“No.” Grace shook her head.

“Should have guessed. Never met a blonde Avialie.” Matilda motioned to Dar. “They’re all dark and handsome like our friend Dar.” She flashed a grin at Grace. "Not that you're not handsome."

Now it is time to cast! Comment below your idea for the Grace, Dar, and Matilda! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In My Mailbox (Week of February 20, 2012)

2012-02-25T02:04:00.001-05:00

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme created by The Story Siren to share with everyone the books they bought, borrowed, or received for review.

Bought:
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr
Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

Won:
Ingulge and Savour Bookmarks from SupaGurl
Misery Bear's Guide to Love and Heartbreak from Hachette Canada
The Story of Beautiful Girl from Hachette Canada
Blood Red Road by Moira Young from Wendy @ CaffeLatte

AND...
ARC of The Rising by Will Hill from HarperCollins Canada!!! :O *dies*

Excuse my emotions!

So *calms down*, what was in your mailbox this week?

Transcended Time Title Hunt

2012-02-24T00:30:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the Transcend Time Saga Title Hunt! The title hunt is the reveal of the title for the final novel in the Transcend Time Saga. Each of the bloggers participating in the hunt have been given a letter. Hop around to the blogs participating to hunt for the letters. (And remember that two of the letters are used twice, so the title is eight letters long.)

Once you've unscrambled the title, go to Michelle Madow's blog and use the title name to enter the giveaway for a voucher for an advanced e-copy of the final Transcend Time novel! (She is giving away a voucher because the novel is planned to be released at the end of the year, and she hasn't finished writing it yet! This voucher will ensure that you will receive an advance e-copy once they are available).

- Letter is: I

So now I am suppose to write about what I hope happens in the third book, but truthfully, I am not sure. I mean I don't want it to be a perfect ending but I want the ending to have some happiness in it. I want substance and an ending that makes me want more. But I don't mean an ending that leaves me hanging but an ending that it was the best the characters could produce. :)

If you haven't read the series, don't fret, ecopies of Remembrance and Vengeance are both $0.99 each on Amazon! But don't wait because this deal won't last long! It will end when the Michelle's tour ends in March.

[Review] Fables: Animal Farm Volume 2 by Bill Willingham

2012-02-23T20:21:00.000-05:00

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Fables of the world Unite!

Ever since they were driven from their homelands by the Adversary, the non-human Fables have been living on the farm - a vast property in upstate New York that keeps them hidden from the prying eyes of the mundane world. But now, after hundreds of years of isolation, the Farm is seething with revolution, fanned by the inflammatory rhetoric of Goldiclocks and the Three Little Pigs. And when Snow White and her sister Rose Red stumble upon their plan to liberate the Homelands, the commissars of the Farm are ready to silence them - by any means necessary!

My Thoughts:

First of all, there are soooo many literary references, j'adore! I was like "oh, there's one, oh and here too, here's one too." I loved it! Ok, on to the story.

The story start out intense, no dragging of the plot like the first one. This volume was like the end of the first volume. The suspense and the mystery of the first volume was amazing, this volume had more fear build in, if you know what I mean.

In this volume you get to see how intelligent Red Rose is. You also get to see the evil plan building which I always like to read about, and which I think is harder to write. The amount of thinking and strategy makes this volume a fantastic read!!

When a chase began, my heart was pounding so hard that I was barely breathing! This volume will definitely make you sit at the edge of your seat and read until you are completely finished.

The relationship between the characters were farther revealed. Snow and Red's past was shown and I felt horrible. I hope my sister and I never get separated like them. But as you read on, you see how much emotions and care there are. *tears*

Overall, this volume was definitely enjoyable to read. :) 5 out of 5!

Insurgent EXCLUSIVE Excerpt! - Veronica Roth

2012-02-21T21:33:00.000-05:00

Synopsis via Goodreads:

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.

The excerpt is HERE!

Cover Reveal: Finn Finnegan by Darby Karchut

2012-02-20T15:55:00.000-05:00

Finn Finnegan

Finn (not bleedin’ Finnegan) MacCullen is eager to begin his apprenticeship. He soon discovers the ups and downs of hunting monsters in a suburban neighborhood under the demanding tutelage of the Knight, Gideon Lir. Both master and apprentice are descendents of the Tuatha De Danaan, a magical race of warriors from Ireland. Scattered long ago to the four corners of the world, the De Danaan wage a two thousand year old clandestine battle with their ancient enemy, the Amandán, a breed of goblin-like creatures.
Now with the beasts concentrating their attacks on Finn, he and his master must race to locate the lost Spear of the Tuatha De Danaan, the only weapon that can destroy the Amandán, all the while hiding his true identity from his new friends, Rafe and Savannah, twins whose South African roots may hold a key to Finn’s survival. Armed with a bronze dagger, some ancient Celtic magic, and a hair-trigger temper, Finn is about to show his enemies the true meaning of “fighting Irish.”

Release Date: March 12, 2013

Cover Reveal: Call of the Sea by Rebecca Hart

2012-02-20T15:53:00.000-05:00

There’s no denying the call of the sea.

Elysandra Winters has always yearned for a life of adventure on the rolling seas and is willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill her dream. When her Privateer father continually refuses to allow his only daughter to sail, Ellie defies him, disguises herself as a boy, and goes in search of a captain who will give her a chance to prove her worth.

Thanks to the cursed selkie blood coursing through his veins, Daniel O’Rourke needs the sea to survive. After giving up on his humanity and spending three years in seal form, he decides to give his human side another chance. Daniel goes in search of a job and a sense of normalcy, earning himself a position aboard Captain Winter’s ship, The Surf Runner. However, his new captain’s first assignment has nothing at all to do with sailing, and everything to do with his headstrong young daughter.

Years later, when the leader of a band of bloodthirsty pirates murders Captain Winters, Daniel and Elysandra’s lives come crashing back together with the force of a hurricane. Both experts in deception, they must find a way to trust each other if they are to have any hope of hunting down the captain’s killer.

Call of the sea is scheduled for release in June 2012. You can find out more about the author, Rebecca Hart, at her website and blog. The publisher is Ink Spell Publishing.

Cover Reveal: Hidden by Sophie Jordan

2012-02-20T15:47:00.000-05:00

The cover of the final book in the Firelight trilogy is finally out! The title of the book is "Hidden" and the cover is definitely eye catching! look at all the red!

Coming September 11, 2012 from HarperTeen
The final installment in the Firelight trilogy

A dangerous journey.
Shattered bonds.
Undying passion.
Jacinda was supposed to bond with Cassian, the "prince" of their pride.
But she resisted long before she fell in love with Will—a human and, worse,
a hunter. When she ran away with Will, it ended in disaster, with Cassian's
sister, Miram, captured. Weighed down by guilt, Jacinda knows she must rescue
her to set things right. Yet to do so she will have to venture deep into the heart
of enemy territory.

The only way Jacinda can reach Miram is by posing as a prisoner herself,
though once she assumes that disguise, things quickly spiral out of her control.
As she learns more about her captors, she realizes that even if Will and Cassian
can carry out their part of the plan, there's no guarantee they'll all make it out
alive. But what Jacinda never could have foreseen is that escaping would be
only the beginning....
Loyalties are tested and sacrifices made in the explosive conclusion to Sophie
Jordan's Firelight trilogy.

Cover Reveal : Surrender (Mimics of Rune #2) by Aimee Laine

2012-02-20T03:27:00.000-05:00

Synopsis:

Face the past or look to the future? Both will hurt. One could kill her.

All her life, Lily Crane has supressed her childhood memories, masking the signs of abuse with a variety of looks. From brunette to blonde, tall to short — as a Mimic, changing shape is her gift. Her right. Her achilles heel.

It’s Lily’s latest likeness, chosen simply by accident, which threatens to repeat a history she’s desperate to forget. Worse, she must do so without the one man who takes all her pain away: Cael Aldridge.

Cael has no intention of leaving Lily on her own. He never has. Now, with the woman he loves in the hands of a predator who wants Lily for her genetics, Cael will do everything he can to bring her home.

Alive.

He can only pray he isn’t too late.

Cover Reveal! INBETWEEN (Kissed by Death, #1) by Tara Fuller

2012-02-20T00:02:00.000-05:00

INBETWEEN (Kissed by Death, #1) by Tara Fuller (August 7, 2012)

Synopsis:Since the car crash that took her father’s life three years ago, Emma’s life has been a freaky—and unending—lesson in caution. Surviving “accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option.

It’s not easy being dead, especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn't let her die before, and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the only thing he has left…his soul.

Paperback Available for Pre-Order from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Inbetween-Tara-Fuller/dp/1620610833/ref=lh_ni_t

Add to your Goodreads TBR:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13055677-inbetween

Save 15% - Green Lantern's Birthday‏

2012-02-19T15:41:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Hal Jordan

Next Monday is Hal Jordan's Birthday! Happy Birthday Green Lantern! We are kicking the celebration off early with our 15% Off Green Lantern Sale! Use coupon code GREEN15 during check out and all of your Green Lantern merchandise will be discounted by 15%!
SuperHeroStuff

Ok as you can see, my geek side had come out. :) Superherostuff is having a 15% off Green Lantern Items. This deal ends on the 22nd, so go check it out before it is too late.

50 Followers Giveaway

2012-02-19T01:38:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my 50 Followers Giveaway!

I just reached 50 follower via GFC. :) Thank you guys so much for supporting me through the months! This giveaway is a little thank you want say to all of you!

So you might ask what are the prizes? Well there are going to be 3 winners. The grand prize will be 7 ebooks of that person's choice. Runner-up will win 3 ebooks of their choice. And the second runner-up will win one. :)

So at the beginning of the blog, I have some suggestions you can choose but you DO NOT have to pick from the list. So enough rambling, below you can find a Rafflecopter form and just follow the instructions. Have fun!

*I might add to the prize depend on how many people enter.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In My Mailbox (Week of February 13, 2012)

2012-02-17T19:04:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme created by The Story Siren to share with everyone the books they bought, borrowed, or received for review.

Bought:

The Emipre by Elizabeth Lang

The Legacy of Eden - Nelle Davy

From Giveaways:

Delirium from Dani @ Pen to Paper.

Soul Quest, The Guardians of Souls, Souless from Amy Maurer Jones and The Childe with Swags (watch the video to see the awesome swags) from C. A. Kunz, all from Amy Maurer Jones' Casting Contest.

From RaincoastBooks:

Among Others by Jo Watson

ARC of Of Poseiden by Anna Banks!

What was in your mailbox this week? :)

Favourite Book Boy Hottie

2012-02-16T21:53:00.000-05:00

My hottie is Harley from Across the Universe by Beth Revis. He is a geeky, artist. He is sweet and ambicious. He might not have abs or have the most muscular arms but his ginger hair sure will brighten your day. He made me cry when I read ATU because he wanted to see the stars so bad and when he finally got the chance, he stayed at the window for days to try to draw it. To me it shows that he is dedicated. <3

Cover Reveal: Gravity by Melissa West

2012-02-16T19:55:00.000-05:00

Gravity by Melissa West

Paperback, 400 pages
Expected publication: October 2012 by Entangled Publishing, LLC
Series: The Taking #1

Synopsis via Goodreads:
In the future, only one rule will matter: Don’t. Ever. Peek.

Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed--arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die.

Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she’s been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she’s falling for him. But Ari isn’t just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention. She’s a military legacy who’s been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know--especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war.

Waiting On Wednesday (Week of Feb 15, 2012)

2012-02-15T01:24:00.000-05:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted here, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Ok, so this week's WOW is very special to me...because I had been waiting on it for ever and I guess I'll finally put it on my WOW. This book, well technically series, is also loved by the one and only Cory Beatty, @CoryBeatty. Ok enough talking, now to the book.

The Rising (Department 19 #2) by Will Hill

Hardcover: 496 pages

Publisher: Harpercollins (March 29, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0007354487

ISBN-13: 978-0007354481

Synopsis via Goodreads: Sixteen-year-old Jamie Carpenter's life was violently upended when he was brought into Department 19, a classified government agency of vampire hunters that was formed to deal with a little problem . . . known as Dracula.
But being the new recruit at the Department isn't all weapons training and covert missions. Jamie's own mother has been turned into a vampire - and now Jamie will stop at nothing to wreak revenge on her captors. Even if that means facing down Dracula himself.
The Rising is a fast, furious, can't-turn-away thrill ride that will suck readers in just like a video game. This riveting second book in the Department Nineteen series is packed with cutting-edge gadgets, international locales, and daredevil action that tumbles ferociously across the page - perfect for fans of Darren Shan and Anthony Horowitz.

So you might asked why am I kind of fan-girling over this book? I'll give you some reasons...

1. The plot is super cool! Oh yeah! Finally a kickass male character.
2. The first book was FDOKRKGU RMTRU MRGHERFJAFA~ SOOO GOOD! I still remember reading the first book last year and just dying how the first page mentioned Arsenal (A British Football Team) and I instantly connected. <3.
3. Will Hill is a Liverpool fan (at least I hope he still is).
4. The covers are too die for gorgeous! Who is also sick of a giant girl face on the cover....well I guess the book won't really work even if they sell it like that since the main character Jamie is a dude. :3 Ok now I am just rambling.
Um...I wonder if you can find my review of Department 19 on Goodreads...I did a really short one...oh yeah here it is, Review. Keep in mind that the review was done before I started blogging so it maybe very "noob".
Any who, this is my WOW this week. <3 What was your WOW?

In My Mailbox (Week of February 6, 2012)

2012-02-11T23:21:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme created by The Story Siren to share with everyone the books they bought, borrowed, or received for review.

Recieved From Friends:

Audiobooks: The Half Life by Jennifer Weiner and Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner

Books: The Guy Not Taken, Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner, The Placebo Effect by David Rotenberg

Recieved from Author:

Cinder swag with Of Poisedon book mark

Won:

From Miranda Kenneally Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi <3

From Sinnful Books,

Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison

Bitten by Kelley Armstrong

It by Stephen King

Magic Pawn by Mercedes Lackey

Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings

Red Dragon by Thomas Harris

The Devouring by Simon Holt

From Quirk Books, The Worst Case Senorio Daily Survival Calendar 2012

Review:
From Penguin Canada, Triggers by Robert J. Sawyer

So what was in your mailbox this week? :)

[Review] On the Bright Side by S. R. Johannes

2012-02-11T18:39:00.000-05:00

On the Bright Side is a hilarious road to guardian angeldom paved with so much drama and due-paying that it makes middle school look painless.

As if the devil’s food cake at her wake and the white fat pants she’s stuck wearing for eternity weren’t bad enough, fourteen year-old Gabby is quick to discover that Cirrus, the main rung of Heaven, is a far cry from the Pearly Gates. Here, Skyphones and InnerNets are all the rage. Until Gabby finds out she has to protect Angela, her school nemesis, in order to move up through the training levels of heaven. Problem is, Angela is now hitting on Gabby's should-have-been boyfriend. (awkward!) Instead of protecting Angela, Gabby pranks her (like tripping is a sin?) at the hopes of cooling off the new couple. At first, they seem harmless until the school dance sabotage gets completely out of control. Then, her Celestial Sky Agent, who happens to have anger management issues of his own, puts Gabby on probation, threatening her eternal future. Determined to right her wrongs, Gabby steals an ancient artifact that allows her to return to Earth for just one day. Without knowing, she kicks off a series of events and learns what can happen when you hate someone to death.

Review:

Ok first of all, the main character, Gabriella, seems to be in the stage where she is stuck between tween and teen. I really doesn't like that stage in real life, and I can tell that Shelli portray it perfectly. But that doesn't mean I didn't like the book. I found the plot SUPER unique! I don't think I had ever read something similar. At first, I wasn't really interested in Gabby at all. She was just I guess a little annoying with her crush, Michael. But when Gabby actually died, I got excited (sorry, I really didn't mean it in a bad way).

When Gabby actually arrives at Cirrus, I loved everything! Gabby seemed super cute, and a character I love. She was like a normal tween, that was curious. I love how the Cirrus have different places such as The Body Shop where is it kind of like a hospital but cooler. And all the technologies at Cirrus were also kick ass! Man, I half excepted Iron Man himself behind the whole development of these amazing technologies. And if you know the show Totally Spies, the technologies reminded me of the spies' technologies, super cool! :) Cirrus itself was beautiful!! I imagined it as classic heaven (clouds, beautiful music, starry sparkle) with a hint of star trek in it. Kind of like

The buildings have big windows (a must have feature in my future house) that just make me want to squeal in delight! I can imagine 'night' time Cirrus and looking through those windows,

            Oh, how can I forget Jessica. Jessica is Gabby's friend. She is clumsy, and bubbly. I loved her, I think even a little more than Gabby. And when Gabby was given he assignment, the system can be drawn parallel to Harry Potter's sorting hat. And I felt the anger she had when she was chosen to look after Angela. Really well written Shelli! (Harry Potter fans, give this book a try!).
            The "evils" in this book reminded me of Inferno Devices/ Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. Very mysterious and dark. There is also another kind of evil, the girl drama version. What will happen when you put two girls that are fighting over the same in one space? Cat fight! (Well not literally). I did kind of got a little annoyed at Gabby for making Angela's life a little miserable. I mean I didn't want Gabby to get into trouble! Every time Gabby does something bad, she could get punished. It was like the girl in a nightgown in a horror movie. You scream at her to NOT go into that freak place but she does it anyway. You get mad because you don't want anything to happen to her.
            I felt a different type of emotion when Gabby went back to see her family. Shelli wrote the novel with just enough descriptions to make me understand and actually feel the pain, the loneliness, and the sorrow but not to much so that I just read and don't feel the emotions. All these emotions made me started thinking about life and what I need to do to make it memorable and how life is too precious to be wasted. Shelli not only wrote a fabulous tween book with girl drama, magical gadgets and funny jokes but she also entwine in a deeper thought in the book. :') Beautiful.

Overall this book was fantastic! I don't care how old you are, read this book! I can't wait for more of Shelli's books!

5 out of 5!

Purchase Information

ISBNs

ebook: (available Jan 31^st)

ISBN 10 – 0984799117

13 - 978-0-9847991-1-4

Paperback (available in Feb)

ISBN-10: 0984799133

ISBN-13: 978-0-9847991-3-8

How to Buy:

Paperback will be available in Feb.

To buy the Kindle ebook - The ebook is $2.99 and can be purchased at amazon

Book Trailer:

http://faeriality.blogspot.com/2010/01/on-bright-side-trailer.html

Other Bloggers' Giveaways (2)

2012-02-10T23:50:00.007-05:00

Lynn Rush March Giveaway

A Novel Affair: Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop Ends 2/22: It's time for the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop Hosted By I Am A Reader Not a Writer , and Co-Hosted by Books Complete Me and Author Cindy ...

Pages From My Thoughts: Giveaway : Katana by Cole Gibsen: Giveaway Open : Internationally I would like to thank Cole Gibsen for giving me opportunity of hosting this amazing international giveaway...

Win a SIGNED copy of PURE via The Thoughts of a Book Junky

Fear Reaper Countdown to wings of 13

The Last Word: Interview With Editor Kristin Daly Rens & ARC Give...: I'm thrilled to welcome my amazing editor Kristin Daly Rens to the blog today! Not only is she an insightful, talented editor who brings ...

Stuck in YA Books: March Madness Giveaway!!!: For the month of March I will be giving away a box of random books/ARCs !!! Trust me there are finished copy of books. I have been adding b...

Stuck in YA Books: Giveaway: A Million Suns by Beth Revis (Razorbill ...: Title: A Million Suns (Across the Universe #2) Author: Beth Revis Pages: 386 Publisher: Razorbill Release Date: January 10, 2012 Format...

Sizzling Reads: 350 FOLLOWERS GIVEAWAY!: I'm BACK! The move is over, the internet is back, and I'm ecstatic to be back without any unnatural interruptions!!! Even if my inbox expl...

Kindred Dreamheart: 200 Follower Giveaway: I promised you a follower milestone giveaway on GoodReads; and I'm sorry I took so long to post about it. So here goes: Head over to the...

The Reviews News: The Epitome of Epicness Giveaway (because I adore ...: **UPDATE: I'm so sorry, you guys, I totally didn't think of this. But the giveaway has to end on 2/24 , 5 days earlier than what I previousl...

Emily's Crammed Bookshelf: Valentine's Day Giveaway: Passion: Hi everyone!! Happy Valentine's Day!! I hope you all got valentine's from the people you wanted!! I love new love, I love love in genera...

Emily's Crammed Bookshelf: Giveaway: Carrier of the Mark: Hi everyone :) Well, I'm sure you all know that this is my first ever giveaway and I'm SO EXCITED!! I hope you all like the book I'm choos...

Pages From My Thoughts: Giveaways: Giveaway Announcement : Hey Guys, I have a good news. I have decided to organize giveaways twice or thrice a month, so there will be 24 to...

The Mockingbird by Daisy Whitney Autographed Giveaway

The Tales Compendium Two-Year Blogoversary Giveaway!

ROOTS IN MYTH: Blog Tour and Giveaway: THE KNIFE AND THE BUTTERFL...: Today, I'm honored to be part of the blog tour for the new YA novel by Ashley Hope Pérez. THE KNIFE AND THE BUTTERFLY by Ashley Hope Pére...

Live To Read: Massive ARC Giveaway!: Swag Pack filled with bookmarks (quite a few signed), Book Postcards, etc... this portion of the giveaway is INTERNATIONAL-don't worry, t...

Musings of a Write-aholic: 100 Follower Giveaway!: Hey everyone! I am so excited to share that Musings of a Write-Aholic is almost to 100 followers after only a little more than a month of ex...

http://www.firstpagepanda.com/2012/02/first-page-and-giveaway-article-5/

Signed Copy of Legions by Karice Bolton

Beck Valley Books: $1000 To Win with The Grand Event Cash Giveaway: The time has finally come for your chance to win... ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ! You know you neeeeed it... Well a great group of 100 blo...

Literary Rambles: KRISTEN SIMMONS INTERVIEW AND ARTICLE 5 GIVEAWAY: Today I’m excited to interview Kristen Simmons about her debut book ARTICLE 5 which was released on January 31, 2012. Being an attorney, I...

A Great Book Is The Cheapest Vacation: Follower Love Hop- $15 from the Book Depository gi...: Welcome to the Follower Love Giveaway Hop! This hop is hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and is co-hosted by author Rachael Renee An...

Sassy Book Lovers: Follower Love Giveaway Hop: Hey all, We are so happy to be apart of this amazing hop. With over 300 blogs participating, there will be so much fun to be h...

For Those About to Read...: I Heart YA Giveaway Hop: Welcome to the I Heart YA Giveaway Hop. Michelle Madow , Fictional Distraction , & myself are celebrating Valentine's day by spreadin...

elizabeth norris: February Must Read Giveaway Encore!: I'm insanely excited for all the awesome books coming out in 2012, and I decided what better way to celebrate than to pick the book I'm most...

Books and Needlepoint: February Frenzy iPad 2 and Cash giveaway is finall...: Welcome to the February Frenzy iPad 2 and Cash giveaway! Bay Area Mommy and Swagbucks has teamed up with 60 wonderful bloggers to give yo...

Amaterasu Reads: Interview with Teri Terry + Slated ARC Giveaway!: And DD2 continues! Now we are featuring an awesome book that I am pretty sure you all are so excited about. I am too! We are dishing o...

Shadow Kisses: Spread Love, Not Hate Blog Hop-Stand Together and ...: Spread <3, Not Hate is an inspiring Blog Hop hosted by K.C. Neal and K.M. Parr . Over 85 bloggers have gotten together to post about bul...

ROOTS IN MYTH: FOLLOWER LOVE GIVEAWAY: PANDEMONIUM by Lauren Oliv...: I'm thrilled to be participating in the FOLLOWER LOVE GIVEAWAY HOP hosted by Inspired Kathy at I am a Reader, Not a Writer and co-hosted Ra...

Check it out: Dystopian Domination 2!

Two of the most awesome blogging gals of Phillippines, Kai from Amaterasu Reads and Precious from Fragments of Life, are back again with Dystopian Domination! It's Dystopian Domination 2 this time.... meaning it's twice as EPIC. They have so many amazing posts planned and the giveaways? *fans self* Some of the most sought after titles of 2012!!

I really hate to tell you all about it, because I'd rather it be kept a secret so I can win all the good stuff myself. But I kinda love those girls and their event is so awesome I can't NOT talk about it, you know? With titles like Incarnate, Insignia, Under the Never Sky, Lies Beneath, Harbinger, The Hunt and MORE... you'd be crazy to miss out on this!

The full schedule of posts and giveaways can be found here:

http://shusky20.blogspot.com/2012/01/dystopian-domination-2-schedule-button.html

So go follow both their blogs and tune in for an INCREDIBLE month of Dystopian Domination!!

Guest Post: Top Ten Tuesdays (1) For Reluctant Readers

2012-02-07T20:27:00.000-05:00

Hello. This is Stella, guest posting for May. :)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. This week we were asked to list books that we would give to someone who does not read books. These are my picks:

For the boys and reluctant readers:

1. Department 19 by Will Hill which was one of my favourite 2011 books.

This book may be about vampires but think secret government department that hunts them instead. With a male protagonist who is trying to find his kidnapped mother and unveil the truth behind his father's betrayal, this book is very appealing to anyone who just cannot stand the current YA trends.

2. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.

This book is one of my all-time-favourites. For anyone who found the mind-games in The Hunger Games just did not satisfy their hunger, this book is for you. With a movie adaptation in the works, hype for this book has been slowly rising. I've read this when I was quite young and found the 6-year-old Ender to be endearing and BOSS-LIKE at the same time. The way he is able to fight his enemies within and outside the "games" was incredible and captivating. Plus, there is an alien race involved! Since I have a boy-oriented taste in books, I highly recommend this series to the teen boys out there.

3. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness.

Staying on track with the alien "New-Earth" trend, the Chaos Walking series by Patrick Ness is one of those spectacular series that can engage both sexes. Think about a world where everyone can hear each other's thoughts. Wouldn't it be nice to hear if the girl you've been crushing on has the same feeling towards you? Well, THINK AGAIN. A mysterious disease from this new world has killed off the entire female population...until one day a boy named Todd discovers a girl. DUN DUN DUN~! I really hope people of all age and gender can check this series out. Yet again, this series is on my all-time-favourites list.

Note: I will also mention the words in this series are very unique in which the font changes and new words will appear. They are not fancy or sophisticated. In fact, they demonstrate a determination of the human language with extra contractions and slurring.

4. Magyk by Angie Sage.

This book is for the tweens, 9-12 year olds. This book/series is very much like Harry Potter meets Tamora Pierce. Entangled with magic, dragons and talking animals, this series will delight young boys.

5. The Charlie Bones series by Jenny Nimmo.

Technically called The Children of the Red Kings series, many have taken the route of the Percy Jackson fans by calling this series after its main protagonist. With a salute to fellow British phenomenon, J. K. Rowling, Jenny Nimmo mixes Harry Potter with the X-Men in this series that kept me up all night when I was a tween.

6. The 39 Clues by Various authors like Rick Riordan, Gordon Korman etc.

Are you ready for The Amazing Race in a book format? Yes, you read it right. The Amazing Race is exactly how I will describe this series (plus some minor cases of sabotage and run in with crocodiles, of course). I loved this series and I am sure boys will too.

7. Atherton by Patrick Carman

Living on a new planet where life is divided up into 3 sections (literally and figuratively, not just your rich, middle class and poor), this book tells the story of a young boy who is determined to climb the cliffs that separate him from the secrets of his father. This book is for anyone who loved The City of Ember and like dystopian novels.

8. The GONE series by Michael Grant

This could be any teen's dream. No adults and no rules. When everyone over 15 disappears, the world is suddenly thrown into chaos and darkness is slowly rising. Did I also mention kids start to develop super powers? COOL~! Like X-Men mix with Lord of the Flies, this series is one of my all-time-favourites.

9. The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima

So maybe people have watched the HBO series Game of Thrones or have read the original novels by George R. R. Martin, will this book is for a younger audience to dive into. With magical objects, corruption within the Queen's court and a streetwalker and princess destined to meet, this series reflect the works by Tamora Pierce and George R. R. Martin.

Note: If you have already read this series, check out Graceling by Kristin Cashore instead.

10. The City of Ember or The Percy Jackson series.

Okay, so I cheated. There are 11 choices in the post but this is really tough to narrow down to.

The City of Ember was my very first dystopian novel and it remains one of my favourites. Living in a world where power is very limited, a boy and a girl finds some secret files that may give them an answer to the poverty of their world.

Note: DO NOT WATCH THE MOVIE VERSION OF THE BOOK. It was one of the worst movie adaptations I've ever seen (tied with Funke's The Thief Lord and Inkheart).

Last but not least, The Percy Jackson series.

Right after studying a unit on

Greece

and Greek mythology, I discovered this series that blew me away. Similar to a video game, Percy Jackson is sent on quests involving Greek myths and creatures of many kinds. This series will not disappoint and I personally know a lot of male friends who have LOVED this series.

Thanks for reading and I hope people you know will discover something magical from these books.

Find me on Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/newestgirlz

In My Mailbox (Week of January 30, 2012)

2012-02-04T23:16:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme created by The Story Siren to share with everyone the books they bought, borrowed, or received for review.

This week I didn't have a lot of items in my mailbox but the one I got is awesome.

Bought:

This week I bought Graceling for my sister and I to re-read. I was super excited to be able to buy the hardcover version for a little over $6 at Chapters.

So what was in your mailbox this week? :)

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows Theater Treasure Hunt!

2012-02-01T23:50:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the INCARNATE Theater Treasure Hunt!

This week, 48 bloggers are celebrating the release of INCARNATE by Jodi Meadows by participating in a treasure hunt with clues, activities, and lots of prizes including signed books and handknit fingerless mitts. You've reached a CLUE blog, which means somewhere on this page is a clue to finding the hidden page and grand prize entry form on Jodi's website. Follow 26 clues to get there!

For more information on the INCARNATE Theater Treasure Hunt, check out Jodi's post. [http://www.jodimeadows.com/?p=568]

Looky here! One more of Jodi's knits!

Jodi Meadows' Incarnate has the most beautiful cover I had seen in a while. The colour and the design is just so inspiring. Butterflies are free and beautiful. There are between 15,000 and 20,000 species of butterflies worldwide. For those who took high school biology you probably heard of the Taxonomic Systems where organisms are classfide based on DNA. Well every butterfly follows the below "root of classification".

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera

So if you want to know a specific specie of butterfly, you will need the family, genus, and specie to find the exact butterfly. Ok enough science talk, let me show you some of my favourites from these beautiful creatures!

North American Nymphalid Butterfly

Silvery Blue Butterfly, really that's the name!

Ulysses Butterfly

Eastern Black Swallowtail

Common Jezebel

Eighty-eight

Scarlet swallowtail

So what are some of your favourite butterflies?

Wait! One more thing before the clue. So I was searching up some dresses for my prom. And guess what? I found a beautiful dress that totally reminded me of Incarnate's cover! It seems like it was made for it. The colour, the details were just amazing!

Clue Time!

My clue for the password is . . .

Second word: O

Remember, there are no spaces in this password!

Here are the links to ther other bloggers on the tour! Check them out!

Clue Bloggers:

Fictional Distraction
Stuck In YA Books
Ramblings (of a fiber obsessed transplant Vermonter)

Project Tell Taylor

2012-02-01T14:29:00.000-05:00

Michelle Madow's debut novel Remembrance was inspired by Taylor Swift's "Love Story" music video. She talked all about it in a blog entry a few months ago, discussing how Remembrance was inspired by Taylor Swift's "Love Story" music video. She even wrote a letter to Taylor Swift and sent it to her, along with a signed book!

It's been a few months now, and she has yet to hear back from Taylor that she received the letter and book. She really wants to tell Taylor about how inspiring she and her music have been to her, but since Taylor Swift is an international superstar, she’s a little hard to reach. This is where YOUR help comes into play! Michelle is giving away the biggest prize pack she's offered yet, and the ways to enter to win are by telling Taylor Swift about Remembrance.

The Goal: Get Taylor Swift to Tweet about Remembrance!

So for those of you who have not heard about Remembrance, here is what the books is about. (Trust me, it is cute!)

Synopsis via Goodreads: Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.

Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's high school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she get him out of her mind?

Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, fighting fate isn't going to be easy

Didn't that just made you want to burst out singing Love Story?
Want to know the prize?

So what is there to lose? Tell Taylor!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting On Wednesday (Week of Feb 1, 2012)

2012-02-01T10:46:00.000-05:00

A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

Synopsis via Goodreads: Even angels make mistakes in this page-turning epic romance...

When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen-year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world's past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong, because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.

Michelle Zink masterfully weaves historical fantasy with paranormal romance to create a gripping tale of love and betrayal.

Hardcover, 400 pages

Expected publication: March 20th 2012 by Dial Books for Young Readers

Above by Leah Bobet

Synopsis via Goodreads: Matthew has loved Ariel from the moment he found her in the tunnels, her bee's wings falling away. They live in Safe, an underground refuge for those fleeing the city Above—like Whisper, who speaks to ghosts, and Jack Flash, who can shoot lightning from his fingers.

But one terrifying night, an old enemy invades Safe with an army of shadows, and only Matthew, Ariel, and a few friends escape Above. As Matthew unravels the mystery of Safe's history and the shadows' attack, he realizes he must find a way to remake his home—not just for himself, but for Ariel, who needs him more than ever before.

Hardcover, 1st Edition, 368 pages

Expected publication: April 1st 2012 by Arthur A. Levine Books

Why These Books?
What is there not to love about these books? A Temptation of Angels has angels and secret organization? Oh god, just let me love you!
And for Above, all the super powers and dystopian-ness just make me squeal!

What are you waiting for?

On the Bright Side by S.R. Johannes Blog Tour

2012-01-29T16:12:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my stop on the On the Bright Side Blog Tour!

S.R. Johannes is the author of Untraceable (a teen wilderness thriller) and On The Bright Side ( a tween paranormal). She lives in Atlanta Georgia with her dog, British-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess, which she hopes- someday- will change the world. After earning an MBA and working in corporate america, S.R. Johannes traded in her expensive suits, high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and her love of writing.

On the Bright Side
Publisher: Coleman & Stott

Synopsis:

On the Bright Side is a hilarious road to guardian angeldom paved with so much drama and due-paying that it makes middle school look painless.

Instead of protecting Angela, Gabby pranks her (like tripping is a sin?) at the hopes of cooling off the new couple. At first, they seem harmless until the school dance sabotage gets completely out of control. Then, her Celestial Sky Agent, who happens to have anger management issues of his own, puts Gabby on probation, threatening her eternal future.

Determined to right her wrongs, Gabby steals an ancient artifact that allows her to return to Earth for just one day. Without knowing, she kicks off a series of events and learns what can happen when you hate someone to death.

Praises for On The Bright Side

"S.R. Johannes delivers a cute paranormal thrill ride for middle graders! Even in death there is a BRIGHT SIDE!" - Addison Moore, author of the bestselling Celestra series and soon to be TV show

Clever and charming, ON THE BRIGHT SIDE is the story of a reluctant guardian angel, her still-breathing crush, and the frenemy she’s assigned to protect. A great read! -Suzanne Young, author of A Need So Beautiful, A Want So Wicket (6/12), and The Program (2013)

“ON THE BRIGHT SIDE is both hilarious and heart-warming – a tale that’ll have you hoping that there really *are* spunky and determined angels like Gabby who’ve got our backs.” - Kristin O’Donnell Tubb, author of Selling Hope & The 13th Sign (2013) (Feiwel & Friends)

"With a smart, snappy heroine and a heart-warming crush, ON THE BRIGHT SIDE is a page-turning new take on guardian angels that left me begging for a sequel!" - Gretchen McNeil, author of Possess and Ten (9/12) (Balzar + Bray)

Praises for Untraceable

"Grace is a spunky, independent, nature girl who doesn't need a boy to save her. With wilderness survival, a juicy love triangle, and more twists and turns than a roller coaster, this fast-paced novel had me holding my breath until the very last page—and still begging for more!" -Kimberly Derting, author of the The Body Finder series (Harper Teen) and The Pledge series (S&S)

"This thrilling story is a dramatic entanglement of mystery, deception and teen romance. The action flows like a brisk mountain stream interspersed with rapids, holding suspense to last page." - Kirkus Reviews

2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Quarterfinalist (under the original title of Grace Under Fire) - Judges Reviews:

"This story starts out with a bang...it reads like the young woman were narrating it to a friend, and had the ring of a young person's style and intensity. Grace sees authority people, or at least those she knows, as a bit bumbling, which is true to age. Authentic representation of youth in action also. Original in premise and style, and good use of background...Good story!" - Sue Grafton, author of bestselling Kinsey Milhone series

"This murder mystery features a teenaged heroine, but she has the self assurance of a woman twice her age. The prose is very descriptive...and the dialogue is genuine. The setting of small town North Carolina and the surrounding woods is appealing. The story moves along at a brisk clip, and it feels as if we already have some important clues. We look forward to seeing what's in the case file and what Grace and her motorbike, Luci, will be up to next." - Sue Monk Kidd, author of Secret Life of Bees

Purchase Information

ISBNs
ebook: (available jan 31^st)

ISBN 10 – 0984799117

13 - 978-0-9847991-1-4

Paperback (available in Feb)

ISBN-10: 0984799133

ISBN-13: 978-0-9847991-3-8

How to Buy:

Paperback will be available in Feb.

To buy the Kindle ebook - The ebook is $2.99 and can be purchased at amazon

Book Trailer:

http://faeriality.blogspot.com/2010/01/on-bright-side-trailer.html

TO RECEIVE AUTHOR NEWS

If you would like to get periodic author news on my upcoming special edition in Jan or on the release of my future books, please register your email address here. I do not expect to send more than one email a month.

Contact information:

Email: shelli@srjohannes.com

Social Media

Blog: http://faeriality.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/srjohannes

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/SRJohannes/249888602550

Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5235537.S_R_Johannes

Untracable Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12731861-untraceable

On The Bright Side Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13251805-on-the-bright-side

In His Eyes Anthology Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13331838-in-his-eyes-anthology

Other Bloggers' Giveaways

2012-01-29T15:46:00.001-05:00

(YA)Y! books: WIN THIS BOOK! Savoy (Celia Rees): Welcome to this stop on the Young Adult Giveaway Hop !

ROOTS IN MYTH: Lucky Leprechaun Hop—ASHFALL by Mike Mullin: I'm thrilled to be participating in the LUCKY LEPRECHAUN GIVEAWAY HOP hosted by Inspired Kathy at I am a Reader, Not a Writer . It's simple...

Savoy is a privileged English lady who runs into trouble
head-first when she goes looking for her missing father during the crux of the
French Revolution and just as England is in turmoil trying to avoid a revolution
of their own. She disguises herself both as a highway robber and as a proper
young lady, befriending a notorious but dashing criminal, a studious American,
and a cross-dressing prostitute along the way.
If you like European history and the French Revolution,
you’ll like this book- there’s a lot of history deeply interwoven into the plot.
It’s even a little Sherlock Holmes-y with a dark mystery running through as
well. I enjoyed the strong female character- you have to love a spunky leading
lady in historical fiction where there is more at stake. However, I didn’t think
there was enough personal story to counteract the crazy historical territory the
author covered. With all those male characters, I was hoping for a little more
drama on that front.

5th Year Blogoversary!! From Jessica @ A Great Read

It's my 5th Year Blogoversary!! 5 years ago today I started my blog, back then blogging was still pretty low key and I was still learning. And boy did I learn a lot! Each year I was picking up new things and new followers as well! I remember being ecstatic when I reach 100 followers, now I'm up to 700!!!

So it's time for a giveaway! As I enter many giveaways (and even win a few!), I want to share the love! Hence there will be 2 winners! Since I also reached 700 followers this week that means a contest as well!

http://jessica-agreatread.blogspot.com/2012/01/5th-year-blogoversary.html

Ilike Merey Guest Post, Pictures, and a + e 4ever Giveaway!

http://www.gennasarnak.com/?p=3494

In My Mailbox (Week of January 23, 2012)

2012-01-27T20:15:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly memo hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Review:
H2O - Austin Boyd and Brannon Hollingsworth

Won:
Spontaneous Happiness - Andrew Weil

Bought:
Talnut - J. H. Wear
Ghost Tigers - D. R. Johnson
Switched - Amanda Hocking
The Dark Elite - Chloe Neill

So what was in your mailbox this week?

Super Butterfly Gif

2012-01-27T16:03:00.000-05:00

I made a gif of all the beautiful butterfly related stuff together. I was about to put it in a special blog post but it was too much. So here it is in a whole different blog post because it needed to be its own special thing. Enjoy!

Click on the picture to see the gif.

In My Mailbox (Week of January 16, 2012)

2012-01-21T17:21:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme created by The Story Siren to share with everyone the books they bought, borrowed, or received for review.

Won:

Indulge by Megan Duncan and some swag bookmarks from her blog.

The Day is Dark by Yrsa Signurdardottir from Hachette Canada.

This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel from HCCFrenzy.

Review:

Ecopy of On the Bright Side by Shelli Johannes

Ecopu of Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow

Ecopy of Running Wide Open by Lisa Nowak

What was in your mailbox? :)

Waiting On Wednesday: Sister Edition

2012-01-18T15:18:00.000-05:00

Weekly meme hosted by Breaking The Spine.Spotlighting upcoming releases that readers and review bloggers are eagerly anticipating.

Ok this week's WOW is going to be dedicated to my sister. All the books are basically the books she had been waiting to read for YEARS!

Fear: A Gone Novel #5 By Michael Grant

Reading Level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (April 3, 2012)

Synopsis via Goodreads:

This is a blood-pumping, white-knuckle sci-fi thriller of epic proportions. Night is falling in the FAYZ. Even though it's been nearly a year since everyone over the age of fifteen disappeared, the sun has continued to shine on the kids of Perdido Beach. Now, though, the gaiaphage has blotted out the sun and plunged the FAYZ into perpetual gloom. Divided and dispirited, the survivors face their greatest enemy yet - the darkness of their own minds...

Bitterblue (The Seven Kindom #3) by Kristin Cashore

Reading level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: Dial (May 1, 2012)

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Eight years after Graceling, Bitterblue is now queen of Monsea. But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisors, who have run things since Leck died, believe in a forward-thinking plan: Pardon all who committed terrible acts under Leck’s reign, and forget anything bad ever happened. But when Bitterblue begins sneaking outside the castle—disguised and alone—to walk the streets of her own city, she starts realizing that the kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year spell of a madman, and the only way to move forward is to revisit the past. Two thieves, who only steal what has already been stolen, change her life forever. They hold a key to the truth of Leck’s reign. And one of them, with an extreme skill called a Grace that he hasn’t yet identified, holds a key to her heart.

What is your WOW?

Guest Post: Fun Qs with S.R. Johannes

2012-01-18T15:13:00.000-05:00

Welcome authour S.R. Johannes!

S.R. Johannes lives in Atlanta Georgia with her dog, British-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess, which she hopes- someday- will change the world. After earning an MBA and working in corporate america, S.R. Johannes traded in her expensive suits, high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and her love of writing. You can find her hanging out online and visit her at srjohannes.com

Let the fun questions begin!

If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?

I don’t know the time period – but I would love to go back and experience

If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?

Oprah, Steve Jobs, Ghandi, Dali Lama, Joan of Ark

Maybe Brad Pitt or Keanu Reeves – but that would be for breakfast - ha!!

If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?

Besides food and water - books, laptop (with great wireless plan), and picture of family

What is one book everyone should read?

The Prophet by Kahil Gibran

If you were a superhero what would your name be?

SuperScribe (I would be the dorky superhero who beats people with words)

If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

To heal

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Magnum chocolate bars – Think ice creame with a layer of caramel with a layer of crunchy chocolate with another layer of caramel with another layer of crunchy chocolate.

If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?

Jesus

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?

Smoked Salmon everything bagel with garlic creame cheese with one slice of tomato and one ring of red onion (yummy!)– not to be specific or anything. *runs off to make one *

Night owl, or early bird?

Night owl – definitely NOT early bird.

One food you would never eat?

Any kind of organ. Especially liver (though I have nightmares of my parents making me when I was little (shivers)

Pet Peeves?

Hypocricy and dishonesty

Saying you will do something and not honoring it.

Skittles or M&Ms?

Since my husband is from England, I have to say Minstrels (which is like a high end delicious, creamy MMs)

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.

A new young adult wilderness thriller with a missing father, a kickbutt heroine, and of course - two hot boys.

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?

There is a special edition coming in Jan/Feb with a different ending and the first 5 chapters of the next book.I do have a second book planned – Uncontrollable set in the winter.

What inspired you to want to become a writer?

I love to tell stories. But I never thought about writing until my daughter was born.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

Knowing I created something on my own – something that touches people and makes them think in some way.

What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen?

Pippy Longstocking. I loved that at that age – she was independent, confident, and creative

Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters? Grace by REM

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?

Don’t give up and go with your gut!

If you could be one of the Greek Gods, which would it be and why?

Calliope – so I could be a muse to writers.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

On the beach somewhere. I’m not picky.

What is your favorite Quote?

Do unto others as you would have them do to you. It has always stuck with me.

Who are your favorite authors of all time?

John Steinbeck, Kahil Gibran, Ann Rand, James Patterson (in the early years)

Can you see yourself in any of your characters?

I see pieces of myself in all my characters.

What's the best advice anyone has ever given you?

My dad always says Hero or Zero – I eithe rgo all the way for something or I don’t go at all.

Hidden talent?

I can sing

Favorite Food?

Mexican cheese dip (with a nice strawberry margherita)

What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?

Hunger Games

How do you react to a bad review?

Of course - it hurts my feelings at first. Especially if I don’t feel it represents my book. But I’d rather have good and bad reviews than no reviews. To me – that shows passion and if I touched someone.

If you were a bird, which one would you be?

Owl so I could stay up all night and watch people without them knowing.

If you were a super hero what would your kryptonite be?

Critisism

If you could have a signed copy of any novel what would it be and why? Bible. I could only imagine what God’s signature looks like J

You have won one million dollars what is the first thing that you would buy?

My parents out of debt.

What do you do in your free time?

Write or play with kids

What are you the most thankful for?

My family being together, safe, healthy and happy

Book Trade

2012-01-17T16:17:00.000-05:00

My friend, @goshmylife, have a brand new Hardcover copy of This Dark Endeavour by Kenneth Oppel. She would like to trade it for other YA book[s]. Anyone interested to trade books, leave a comment below with the title and author of the book you want to trade. Of course leave a way for me or her to contact you:)

Thank Goodness It’s Free Books Monday 2012!

2012-01-17T15:42:00.000-05:00

The awesome Cindy has started TGIFBM again. :) Click the link and find out more. :)
http://cindypon.com/2012/thank-goodness-its-free-books-monday-2012/#comments

First In My Mailbox (Week of January 9, 2012)

2012-01-15T14:28:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme created by The Story Siren to share with everyone the books they bought, borrowed, or received for review.

Won:

These beautiful "A Clockwork Christmas" trading cards were won from Manic Readers.

E-copy of Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

Ecopy of Tower of Parlen Min by Matt Xell from A Book Vacation

Library:
Fable: Animal Farm, Volume 2

Review:

Ecopy of The Fountain of Eden by Dan Kindman

E-copy of Cycles by Lois D. Brown

So what was in your mail?

Prom Dress: Save $300

2012-01-13T18:16:00.000-05:00

Ok, prom season is starting. This year, I'm graduating so a lot of my friends had start preparing. I just start checking out dresses online and found a great deal.
http://www.betseyjohnson.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11960614#.TxBtjiTR-mk.facebook

So this gorgeous beauty is more than $350, but there is a similar dress, costing under $60.
http://www.promgirl.com/shop/dresses/viewitem-PD761216

Above dress is $59.99.
So if you are trying to find a dress, this is sure a great deal. :)

Rafflecopter Launch Party Giveaway: Win an iPad & a Kindle Fire

2012-01-10T00:20:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year from Rafflecopter HQ! To start 2012, you’ll have a chance at winning an iPad2 or one of two Kindle Fires in what we’re calling the ‘Rafflecopter Launch Party Giveaway’!

Say ‘Hi’ To Rafflecopter

Rafflecopter makes the whole process of running giveaways on your blog really, really easy. Over 80,000 giveaways have been created with Rafflecopter, and if you didn’t know yet, there’s a new version in town! Oh yeah, it’s free. If you haven’t used Rafflecopter, sign up and launch a giveaway in the matter of minutes.
If you’re a Rafflecopter veteran, check out several of our recent blog posts, including ‘6 Tips for Rafflecopter’s New Widget‘, and ‘Rafflecopter Q&A: Facebook vs. Email Login‘.

Now… Let’s Give Away Something Awesome!

To celebrate the new year, we’re going to give away a 16GB Apple iPad2 and several Kindle Fires. The giveaway starts Monday 1/9 at 12:01 a.m. and lasts for a month. To enter, simply tell us who referred you to this giveaway! You can receive additional entries by tweeting about this giveaway, following us on twitter, and giving us feedback. In addition, we’re doing something a little special to make things more fun:
Suggest a Mascot Name – You’ve seen the Rafflecopter smiley-face dude hanging around the web. The poor guy needs a name, and we want to leave it up to you to decide what his (or her?) name should be. For an additional entry, suggest a name! After the giveaway is over, we’ll go through the list of names and pick out our favorite suggestions (be creative!) and bring it to a vote on Facebook. If your name is chosen, you’ll win a Kindle Fire and be immortalized in Rafflecopter history :)

Help Spread The Love… And Win! :)

Nine months ago, we set out to create an app that makes it super simple to manage the process of running a giveaway on your blog. In 2012, with your continued support, we’re looking forward to making Rafflecopter even awesome-r :)
Many of you have asked how you can give back. We’ve had emails sent to us asking if we accept donations. We’ve even had folks send us food and yes, someone even ordered us a pizza! We sincerely appreciate the support. Nothing makes us happier :) We believe in keeping Rafflecopter free and strive to keep it that way.
So if you love Rafflecopter and want to give back, simply help us spread the word! Not enough motivation? Then how about this for an incentive: If you refer the winner, you win a Kindle Fire for yourself. BOOM! Look out – It’s raining prizes!
If you want to embed the widget on your blog for +5 entries, here’s how you’d do it. Just go to this link and follow the instructions:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/Z3JlZzoxMDA=/

This giveaway is open for the US and Canadian residents and will close February 9th at 12:01 a.m. EST.

Thanks for sharing the love!!

http://blog.rafflecopter.com/2012/01/rafflecopter-launch-party/?utm_source=Rafflecopter+Launch+Email&utm_campaign=42f6bf262c-email_invite&utm_medium=email

a Rafflecopter giveaway

[Review] When Destiny Knocks (Destiny Saga, #1) By Heather M. White

2012-01-09T17:10:00.000-05:00

When Destiny Knocks (Destiny Saga, #1) By Heather M. White

Synopsis via Goodreads:

16 year old Karlie has had a pretty normal life... But when her Mom dies she is force to move over 1,000 miles away to live with her Dad. That's when things start getting weird.

She can't explain the earthquakes that nobody else feels, or why she no longer sleeps. But most of all she doesn't know why she trusts Shane so much, even though his Dad wants her dead.

Suddenly, Karlie's normal life is turned upside down and she enters a world she never dreamed could really exist.

My Thoughts:
The book was a fabulous paced, "short" novel. I love how the author didn't focus that much on school life drama and conversations because I find that conversations can be boring and long. Liked I mentioned, the book was paced marvellously. It wasn't fast for a 200 pages book and it wasn't slow and boring. Some might disagree saying the pace is too fast but I enjoyed it. I blaze through the chapters.
I enjoyed the plot very much. I really like how everyone was acting strange, like her friends and dad, so it was not just the main boy that was "weird". I love how everyone knew something but she didn't. This made me want to know of the secret!

I actually didn't hate any of the characters. Karlie wasn't annoying like most YA novels' main characters. Shane and Alex were smoking! ;) Karlie's friends were nice and relate-able. I mean the jealous flirting, mmmmm, yes please! I laughed SOOOOO hard!

This is the first book that I think I'm going to say that doesn't have enough descriptions, therefore, goes by a little fast. I wanted more, the story was SOOOO good. The story reminds me of Classandra Clare's series. The writing is not quite not up there, but I see a lot of potential! I want to read more from Heather, brilliant.

I have to say the little tingled that the characters felt when they touch is a little cliché, but I get it. One more thing that is cliché about this book is that the main girl's mom died and she have to move to live with her dad, but in a sense, it was tiny bit different. The dad was gentle and nice and commendable to the girl. The girl actually loves her dad unlike other books where the girl was a "victim" of no love from their dad. Oh boo hoo. Writing a daughter and father relationship is great, it eliminated a lot of the whiny in most YA novels.

PS: I think I spotted some Supernatural references, Heather ;). I think you will love this book if you love the show Supernatural.

Overall, 5 out of 5 stars!

Eleusinian Mysteries: 2012 Author Interview & Giveaway: Beth Fantaskey!

2012-01-08T22:20:00.000-05:00

Eleusinian Mysteries: 2012 Author Interview & Giveaway: Beth Fantaskey!: You still have a little time to enter to win NIGHT SCHOOL by Christi Daugherty! Giveaway will end Monday 16th January 11:59pm US EST. Hur...

[Review] Locke & Key, Volume 2: Head Games (Locke & Key #2) byJoe Hill

2012-01-08T21:36:00.000-05:00

Locke & Key, Volume 2: Head Games (Locke & Key #2) by Joe Hill (author), Gabriel Rodriguez (Illustrator)

Synopsis via Goodreads:
New York Times bestselling writer Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez, the creators behind the acclaimed Locke & Key: Welcome to Lovecraft, return with the next chapter in the ongoing tale, Head Games.
Following a shocking death that dredges up memories of their father's murder, Kinsey and Tyler Locke are thrown into choppy emotional waters, and turn to their new friend, Zack Wells, for support, little suspecting Zack's dark secret. Meanwhile, six-year-old Bode Locke tries to puzzle out the secret of the head key, and Uncle Duncan is jarred into the past by a disturbingly familiar face. Open your mind - the head games are just getting started!

My Thoughts:

Ok, I thought I would give this book a try because I had it at my house. All I can say is that there was a lot of talking that lead basically nowhere. I didn't want to finish it. I finished half of the volume but just couldn't bare it anymore. I read a lot of the new 52 from DC comics and I enjoyed a lot of them. This was just "yawn". I hate that I didn't like it. I really try to love it. Once again, the illustrations were just gorgeous. I really don't know what to say. :/ Sad. 2 out of 5 stars.

[Review] Locke & Key, Volume 1: Welcome to Lovecraft (Locke & Key #1) by Joe Hill

2012-01-08T21:25:00.000-05:00

Locke & Key, Volume 1: Welcome to Lovecraft (Locke & Key #1) by Joe Hill (author), Gabriel Rodriguez (Illustrator)

Synopsis via Goodreads:
Old New England mansions have a well-earned reputation for strangeness, but no other abode can match the supernatural weirdness of Keyhouse. From the very first page of Locke & Key, the forbidding old house draws you in and binds you, challenging you to guess what's beyond each ghastly door. Bram Stoker Award–winning writer Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez have delivered a graphic novel in throat-grasping horror seeps to the surface when you least expect.

My Thoughts:
I had high hopes for the comics. The idea seemed very unique and very interesting. But as I started to read the comics, I was very disappointed. The plot went by slowly. And I thought perhaps it had an awesome cliff hanger that can want me to read more, it failed. The characters are not loveable. I really don't enjoy any of them. And for people who does not like gory, don't read the comics. The images are very graphic. I guess the comics did provoke emotions from me. I think the only good thing was that the illustrations were amazing! The colours and lines were very intense, and strong. It is the other side of the Fables comics. But I will tell you that I did read the second volume, because I just happen to have it at my house, so why not? I am just very disappointed, the idea has so much potential. It just didn't grab me.

2 out of 5 stars.

The Paper Planes Giveaway

2012-01-07T16:29:00.000-05:00

December really is a time of celebrating for me! I've just reached over 100 followers and can I just say how much I love each and every one of you? Because you are amazing and I really, really do love each and every one of you! You've all made this blogging experience so much fun!
It's also my birthday on the 20th December and then of course we have Christmas and the New Year! I would love to have separate giveaways but since I'm kind of running on a low budget I thought, why not celebrate them all together? :) This is my first giveaway though so hopefully this works out all right!

There will be one winner. The winner will receive two books of their choice from the list below. If I get over 250 followers before this giveaway ends, the winner will get their choice of three books

http://the-paperplanes.blogspot.com/2011/12/celebrating-december-international.html

2012-01-07T14:01:00.000-05:00

a Rafflecopter giveaway

[Paperback News] Guardians of the Grimoire by Natasha Slight

2012-01-06T12:37:00.000-05:00

Synopsis via Amazon.com:

What are the realms to do when a corrupt god seeks to destroy three girls? When his greed extends into the human world, and sorcerer and king alike are seduced by the promise of ultimate power hidden in the Grimoire. If man opens the book, chaos is unleashed. If a god touches the book, he shall be rendered mortal.
After being instructed by the Spirit Mother to guard the Grimoire and protect its future guardians, the goddess Gaïa must seek refuge on a hidden island and make certain the sacred book is kept safe.

When they come of age, Kerani, Tiluvia, and Cesca are awakened to their destiny in becoming Guardians of the Grimoire, and so begins their journey. But in a land shrouded in magic, and filled with as many friends as there are foes, will the young women be able to reach Gaïa in time, or will the forces of evil take over Utopia and forever haunt the universes?

Fellow Canadians, now you can purchase Guardians of the Grimoire through Amazon.ca. And you know what? The book is printed on cream paper! This means that it is easier on your eyes, and it is thicker than regular white paper! This is perfect for those of you who stares at the computer all day long (guilty here), and for those for travels a lot and don't like their pages bent.

You can find the book on Amazon.ca right below. :)
http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0987778013/sr=8-1/qid=1325866227/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1325866227&sr=8-1&seller=

WOW (3): Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

2012-01-04T15:29:00.000-05:00

Weekly meme hosted by Breaking The Spine.Spotlighting upcoming releases that readers and review bloggers are eagerly anticipating.

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
Release Date: January 13th 2012
Pages: 384
Publisher: Tor Teen
Format: eBook

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard for her to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It’s hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.

This book just seems so awesome! I can't explain it. Once again, it is a book based on the dystopian trend. I personally don't like following trends but I always love dystopian books so why not follow it. :)

Mostly Reviews: 400 Followers Giveaway

2012-01-04T14:34:00.000-05:00

Mostly Reviews: 400 Followers Giveaway: This is yet another givewaway! As you can see, I love making them. Anyways, this is the last one I have planned...for now. Here it goes: ...

Mostly Reviews: 350 Followers Giveaway

2012-01-04T14:03:00.001-05:00

Mostly Reviews: 350 Followers Giveaway: This is the third ongoing giveaway for my growing followers. In this one I am celebrating 350 followers. There is one more to come and if I ...

Mostly Reviews: 300 Followers Giveaway

2012-01-04T14:03:00.000-05:00

Mostly Reviews: 300 Followers Giveaway: For this giveaway I was inspired by the upcoming movie The Hobbit. I admit I haven't read The Lord of the Rings Series although I have them ...

Mimi Valentine: ABF Giveaway #6: Fall Favourites!

2012-01-03T21:38:00.000-05:00

Mimi Valentine: ABF Giveaway #6: Fall Favourites!: Don't you just love autumn? :) <a href="http://diminutivemimi.blogspot.com/search/label/autumn%20bookfest" target="_blan...

Giveaway and Chapter Commentaries of Tower of Parlen Min by Matt Xell

2012-01-03T16:54:00.000-05:00

http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/2011/12/31/giveaway-and-chapter-commentaries-of-tower-of-parlen-min-by-matt-xell/?blogsub=confirming#subscribe-blog

FireStarBooks

Are You Ready to Embrace?: Guest Post + Giveaway

The Day of First Sun Tour + $450 in Prizes

[ARC Review] After the Snow by S. D. Crockett

In My Mailbox (Week of March 12, 2012)

Fashion Friday (3) Special Edition

A *MASSIVE* Giveaway

[Guest Review] BZRK by Michael Grant

Waiting On Wednesday (Week of March 14, 2012)

Enchanted by Alethea Kontis

Cover Reveal: Light by Michael Grant

Cover Reveal: Starling by Lesley Livingston

March Break Madness Giveaway *Box of Books*

ARC Review: Dangerous Waters by Gregory Mone

In My Mailbox (Week of March 5, 2012)

Fashion Friday (2)

Waiting On Wednesday (Week of March 7, 2012)

SPECIAL: Stop Kony! Be the Change You Want To Be, Save Lives!

Giveaway (First Come First Serve) : A pair of tickets to Jodi Picoult in Toronto

SLIDE by Jill Hathaway Giveaway!

Blog Tour Stop: The Night Watchman by J. L Manning + Giveaway

PRETTY AMY Cover Reveal‏ + Giveaway Details

formspring.me

Avengers Trailers

In My Mailbox (Week of February 27, 2012)

SuperHeroStuff: St. Patrick's Day Shipping Discounts!

BALTHAZAR by Claudia Gray (Book Trailer)

Title of the Final Transcend Time Book revealed!

Fashion Friday (1)

RIFT by Andrea Cremer cover reveal!

Ding ding ding! We got WINNERS! (50 Followers Giveaway)

[Review] Cycles by Lois D. Brown

Casting Contest! + Giveaways

In My Mailbox (Week of February 20, 2012)

Transcended Time Title Hunt

[Review] Fables: Animal Farm Volume 2 by Bill Willingham

Insurgent EXCLUSIVE Excerpt! - Veronica Roth

Cover Reveal: Finn Finnegan by Darby Karchut

Cover Reveal: Call of the Sea by Rebecca Hart

Cover Reveal: Hidden by Sophie Jordan

Coming September 11, 2012 from HarperTeenThe final installment in the Firelight trilogy

Cover Reveal : Surrender (Mimics of Rune #2) by Aimee Laine

Cover Reveal! INBETWEEN (Kissed by Death, #1) by Tara Fuller

Save 15% - Green Lantern's Birthday‏

50 Followers Giveaway

In My Mailbox (Week of February 13, 2012)

Favourite Book Boy Hottie

Cover Reveal: Gravity by Melissa West

Waiting On Wednesday (Week of Feb 15, 2012)

In My Mailbox (Week of February 6, 2012)

[Review] On the Bright Side by S. R. Johannes

Other Bloggers' Giveaways (2)

Check it out: Dystopian Domination 2!

Guest Post: Top Ten Tuesdays (1) For Reluctant Readers

In My Mailbox (Week of January 30, 2012)

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows Theater Treasure Hunt!

Project Tell Taylor

Waiting On Wednesday (Week of Feb 1, 2012)

A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

Above by Leah Bobet

On the Bright Side by S.R. Johannes Blog Tour

Other Bloggers' Giveaways

In My Mailbox (Week of January 23, 2012)

Super Butterfly Gif

In My Mailbox (Week of January 16, 2012)

Waiting On Wednesday: Sister Edition

Guest Post: Fun Qs with S.R. Johannes

Book Trade

Thank Goodness It’s Free Books Monday 2012!

First In My Mailbox (Week of January 9, 2012)

Prom Dress: Save $300

Rafflecopter Launch Party Giveaway: Win an iPad & a Kindle Fire

Say ‘Hi’ To Rafflecopter

Now… Let’s Give Away Something Awesome!

Help Spread The Love… And Win! :)

[Review] When Destiny Knocks (Destiny Saga, #1) By Heather M. White

When Destiny Knocks (Destiny Saga, #1) By Heather M. White

Eleusinian Mysteries: 2012 Author Interview & Giveaway: Beth Fantaskey!

[Review] Locke & Key, Volume 2: Head Games (Locke & Key #2) byJoe Hill

[Review] Locke & Key, Volume 1: Welcome to Lovecraft (Locke & Key #1) by Joe Hill

A MASSIVE Giveaway

March Break Madness Giveaway Box of Books

Coming September 11, 2012 from HarperTeen
The final installment in the Firelight trilogy