Sunday, October 31, 2010

WORDFORTEENS Giveaway!

WORDFORTEENS is hosting a giveaway for a chance to win Kimberely Derting Books!

CLICK HERE for more info..


My Villian pick would be...

I have to say, Hannibal in Hannibal by Thomas Harris

Cast: Gaspard Ulliel (of--course!)


Hannibal is hands down the most unique villian I've come across. My whole life I never thought anything more creepy than cannibalism. As for the movies, there good...the book...AMAZING!


Saturday, October 30, 2010

Reading the Best of the Best Blog Giveaway!

Click below for a chance to win!



USA Only:
-ARC of Three Quarters Dead by Richard Peck
-EON by Alison Goodman (Paperback)
-ARC of The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller
-SIGNED The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

SWAG for USA ONLY:

-Mockingjay Bookmark
-Mockingjay Tattoo
-Tension Of Opposites Bookmark
-Princess For Hire Bookmark (signed)
-Dark Divine Bookmark
-Signed bookmarks and stickers from Kimberly Derting

USA or Canada:
Glimpse by Stacey Wallace Benefiel

SWAG for USA or Canada:
Ten signed bookmarks and five postcards from Amy Brecount White
Signed bookmarks and stickers from Emma Michaels
Signed bookmarks from Heidi R. Kling

and so on...
CLICK HERE for more information and form.


Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Elixir by Hilary Duff Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads


As the daughter of a renowned surgeon and a prominent Washington D.C. politician, Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. And though she dreads the paparazzi who track her every move, she herself is a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a career that allows her to travel to the most exotic parts of the world.

But after Clea’s father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, eerie, shadowy images of a strange and beautiful young man begin to appear in Clea’s photos—a man she has never seen in her life.

When Clea suddenly encounters this man in person she is stunned—and feels an immediate and powerful connection. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father’s disappearance and discover the centuries-old truth behind their intense bond.

Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fate, together they race against time to unravel their past in order to save their future—and their lives.


This book is the first in the elixir series by Hilary duff and ghost writer Elise Allen. I wasn't too surprised when I found this book to be full of mystery, suspense, romance, and drama all in good writing. I've always thought Hilary Duff talented and I can sense her ideas as I'm reading the book. As for Elise Allen...I got my eye out for this author as well. I must admit the story had it's moments of similar YA concepts but it also had a lot of boldness as well.

As others have mentioned, I agree when they say it's challenging to write a likable story dealing with the term "soulmates"...in this case, it wasn't overdone which was a relief because the plot and background story of the novel is very intriguing.

The end was abrupt but it didn't bother me as much it did for others. In all, a thrilling read. As for the sequel. Can't Wait!

5/5




Sunday, October 24, 2010

Stolen by Lucy Christopher Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads

Sixteen year old Gemma is kidnapped from Bangkok airport and taken to the Australian Outback. This wild and desolate landscape becomes almost a character in the book, so vividly is it described. Ty, her captor, is no stereotype. He is young, fit and completely gorgeous. This new life in the wilderness has been years in the planning. He loves only her, wants only her. Under the hot glare of the Australian sun, cut off from the world outside, can the force of his love make Gemma love him back? The story takes the form of a letter, written by Gemma to Ty, reflecting on those strange and disturbing months in the outback. Months when the lines between love and obsession, and love and dependency, blur until they don't exist - almost.

Excerpt:

"I thought you were going to...I thought..." The images were too horrible to get the words out.


"I know." You ran a hand through your hair, turning parts of it red from the sand in your fingers. You seemed serious. Your face was tired and empty-looking, your forehead wrinkled up.


"Just relax," you said again. "Please just relax. For once. Neither of us can go on like this. Just trust that it's all for the best."



This book I'm about to praise is not only directed to the story but to the author herself. I say this because it's a reminder to us readers that in a way, the story is the writer. Lucy Christopher is a true visionary and a giver of a life ignored. A story so vivid in "letter" form.

Entirely, the story is of a sixteen year old girl, Gemma, who writes a letter to her captor telling her story in her point of view. The situation is intricate but the story is told in a neat flow of lively words...promising to leave ya readers helpless with there wondering minds.

As Gemma awaits her faith trapped in an Australian outback with her captor, Ty, she begins to reminisce events in her life past and present that will shape her life to whatever it may come to be.( I can't believe the amount of realism in the events of this book, it merged perfectly with the characters.) Descions will be made, hearts will sink or swim...meanings will forever be changed.

Lucy Christopher is currently one of my top favorite authors. Her book is literally my favorite of all.

5/5




Friday, October 22, 2010

Masked by Norah McClintock Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads


Rosie walks in on an armed robbery in her father's convenience store. Who is the masked man? And why does she think she knows him?

Everyone has something to hide.
------------------
There's a masked man in the store, and it isn't Halloween.
I duck down again—fast.
I hear someone say, "This is a stickup." It's the guy in the mask. He has a weird voice, like it's not a normal voice. He says, "Is there anyone else in the store?"
That tells me that the masked man hasn't seen me.
"No," my dad says without even a second's hesitation.


Excerpt:

...I feel her tremble, and I'm sorry about that. I'm sorry I have to scare her. But there's no other way. I watch the old man lower his hands to the cash cash register. I wonder how much money is in there...

Masked for me was envisioning with many unexpected turn of events. Norah McClintock has done a few Orca books as well as her popular novels published by Scholastic Canada. This is my second book by McClintock and although this one is placed on the pile for reluctant readers, I can't help but recommended this book to any YA books fanatic.

When I read, I like the feeling that I'm right by the characters side, (depending on who was telling the story from their point f view; Daniel, Rosie, or the masked man) feeling how they feel, thinking the way they think...it's real, so true
.

Rosie, the daughter of the man whose store is getting robbed finds herself in a very sticky situation...maybe even more than Daniel, the boy who walks through the doors hoping for a grab and go rather than a stick up by a masked man. Corey (Rosie's boyfriend) who's somewhat a minor character in the story turns out to be quite essential himself...poor kid is waiting for Rosie to run off with but finds that people aren't always what they seem to be. Which brings me to story's' message...people aren't really honest with themselves, therefore dishonest with anyone in their path.


I was very impressed by McClintocks ability to write such as interesting story in a matter of 108 pages...the story came together really good too. This gets a 4/5 only because it's a little too short.

4/5


Thursday, October 21, 2010

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads


When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

"In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart."


I thought the story prodigious,

I was completely engulfed with its' awesomeness as it turned out this book wasn't too cliched, unrealistic or typical at all. The story starts and grows with Brittany, an ordinary rich-cheerleader type girl and Alex, a male member of Latino Bloods Gang ...both gradually showing interest in one another. What I liked most about their evolving relationship is how conscious they still were of the real world; the characters felt real, alert, flawed and almost perfect in their own way.

I have to admit at first I told myself I wasn't going to be that interested in this book but I had a bit of trust Elkeles as I have already read leaving paradise before diving into this series. After just passing the first couple of pages, I hadn't realized the day moved three hours or that I had missed an episode of Supernatural.

I didn't feel too bad about that in the end.

Simone Elekeles is nothing like other YA fiction authors, the confidence and originality she gives way is remarkable. She goes out there writing stories that appeal to almost any young adult reader and never fails to exceed in her books... what ever thoughts one might have after reading a book description or observing one of her book cover art, the books always live up to that action, romance, intensity and humor one might be hoping for.

It's as if she goes away from all things heard of and creates a masterpiece to share with us to enjoy. I can't imagine living without reading her books.
5/5






Sequels: Rules of Attraction {2} Chain Reaction {3}


Bruiser by Neal Shusterman Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads


Tennyson:
Don't get me started on the Bruiser. He was voted "Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty" by the entire school. He's the kid no one knows, no one talks to, and everyone hears disturbing rumors about. So why is my sister, BrontË, dating him? One of these days she's going to take in the wrong stray dog, and it's not going to end well.

BrontË:
My brother has no right to talk about Brewster that way—no right to threaten him. There's a reason why Brewster can't have friends—why he can't care about too many people. Because when he cares about you, things start to happen. Impossible things that can't be explained. I know, because they're happening to me.

Award-winning author Neal Shusterman has crafted a chilling and unforgettable novel about the power of unconditional friendship, the complex gear workings of a family, and the sacrifices we endure for the people we love.

This book was a web of astonishment. A true! ...but not so true story. Throughout the book, you have the voice of four unique characters that tie things up with a great message. In my opinion, this story told a message in the most unique way I've ever read.

In a nutshell, the story is about a girl, Bronte, who has been dating "the Bruiser" to soon find out by her brother, Tennyson, that there's more to The Bruiser then just a funny name. He has a special ability that I dare not mention because it's far more deserving than to just spoil you with.
Neal Shusterman has written a well thought-out book so I really recommend you get a copy or borrow it from a library.

The humor, action, science, and sheer wonder of the story is one of a kind.

4.5/5




My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent Review

Photos will lead to GoodReads

Book Description:

She doesn't see dead people, but…

She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

My Review:

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next…

Just to point out: It's hard for me to get into the whole sensing the near death and love triangles but I read this one because of the rave reviews and proof that there are exceptions to what people dislike. (For Example click hear for my review of The Body Finder).

In my opinion, My Soul to Take started out bland for me but promising myself to uphold the "100 page rule"...I kept on reading. As I read, I found the story original and tempting for the most part but there was just something I didn't like about it. Kaylee, the heroin, and the two boys never held my interest. Nash, the love interest, was as forgettable as the dialog itself.

To me, the book description gave me the impression that the story will be somewhat
imperative and thoroughly heart pumping, but in the end, I felt let down and lost any interest to read any of the sequels. incent an "OKAY"

2/5







Prequel: My soul to Lose {0}















Sequals : My soul to Save {2} , My soul to Keep {3} , My soul to steal {4} , If I Die {5} .


Swedish House Mafia - One (Your Name) [feat. Pharrell]

Song of the Week{1}

As you may know, I wasn't in the United States this past summer...rather, I was somewhere not entirely big in music, books, movies, and so on.


I was practically on a desert.

But when I got back I was greeted with this awesome electronica...The killer song is as Crazy and Amazing as the Wickedly Awesome Video!





The song and video are taken from the forthcoming CD/film package Swedish House Mafia 'Until One' which will be released across the world in September. The music video was directed by Christian Larson & Henrik Hanson. Contains Content fro EMI Music.


Wednesday, October 20, 2010

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads

Meghan Chase has never fit in at her small-town high school, and now, on the eve of her 16th birthday, she discovers why. When her half brother is kidnapped, Meghan is drawn into a fantastical world she never imagined--the world of Faery, where anything you see may try to eat you, and Meghan is the daughter of the summer faery king. Now she will journey into the depths of Faery to face an unknown enemy . . . and beg the help of a winter prince who might as soon kill her as let her touch his icy heart.

The second I read this book I had an instant connection with Meghan Chase. Not only because my name is Meg too but because she has a little brother whom she feels protective of as I do... hence the
the reason for her adventure through the bitter cold and pronged Winterland-the necessary fight against her love for IcePrince Ash and The Iron King himself to save her innocent kid brother. On top of all that not to long ago, she's filled in that she is the daughter of King Oberon and that forbidden to deal with anything that is anywhere below freezing temperature.

The Cover for one definitely does the story justice as well as the supporting characters that I must admit are surprisingly unforgettable in their own corner. Kagawa has that great way in her writing that makes you wonder if this book is in fact fiction. Zooming on the fantasy parts of the story, it's hard to believe that there ever was a place called Earth because the reader gets so deeply sucked in to the paranormal elements that it's difficult to get out. The characters are marvelously entertaining; Ash, Meghan, Puck,
Grimalkin...they all have these great personalities from humorous to dangerously sweet to witty and seemingly carefree.

Another point I loved in this story is the absence of a wide range of old folk tale stories and dreadful information that would normally lead the reader to the actual, entertaining part of the story. It's a fresh story with enticing, cool mythical beings and typical yet original every
day characters that don't require so much energy to get into.


5/5







The Other Parts to The Iron Fey Series
: Winter's Passage, The Iron Daughter and The Iron Queen.

Book 1.5 Book 2 Book3

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads

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

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

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


Bravo Kimberly Derting! Your writing certainly has the likability factor.

I say this because although the book description comes off a little typical and heard of by any young adult reader who love YA fiction...the book is one that will have you second guessing the whole way through.

The main character Violet is certainly one individual to look up to. She has the ability to sense death and to me, it's nothing I haven't heard of before but then there's Kimberly Derting. She entwined love and paranormal powers in a unique way that is precious in YA books, which is the presence of maturity in the characters, in this case teens. I love for a book with determined and caring teenagers, it goes perfect with Jay's and Violet's growing love relationship.

Derting is a fantastic voice for teens and young adults alike, she supports old school and presents fun flowing dialog . I just loved the visible maturity in Violets and Jays words. They've been friends since childhood and find that they're falling for each other but the book doesn't come off as cliche at all in my opinion.

I also should mention that I don't favor in "feels/hears the dead" stories but again this book has this originality that ties this book and author to one of my favorites definitely.

5/5




The sequel_*Desires of the Dead*_ is to be released on March 1st 2011 and is on the top of my list of "to read"



The Dark Divine by Bree Despain Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads

Book Description:

A Prodigal Son

A Dangerous Love

A Deadly Secret

Grace Divine—daughter of the local pastor—always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared and her brother Jude came home covered in his own blood.
Now that Daniel's returned, Grace must choose between her growing attraction to him and her loyalty to her brother. As Grace gets closer to Daniel, she learns the truth about that mysterious night and how to save the ones she loves, but it might cost her the one thing she cherishes most: her soul.Come the last page of the book, I wasn't satisfied and slightly disappointed. I'd gear this book more towards tweens than say a nineteen year old such as myself.

My Review:

There were times in The Dark Divine that were really interesting...for example, the points of the novel where the characters true self were presented. Daniel to be more specific but then again I wasn't head over heels for the guy. That went the same for Grace towards the end of the book. I can't comprehend the mention of "oh my, my waist is so slim in this dress! What ever should I do!"-(not direct quote, que the sarcasm)-not my flavor.


The Book had it's speed reading moments but then again it went slow at times with uninteresting side words around the main plot.

If you love wolves, hype, and have a dream to meet Jacob and visit La-Push...than this book might be for you.

3/5






Sequel(s): The Lost Saint{2}









Never After by Dan Elconin Review

Note: Photos will lead to GoodReads

There is no place like a dysfunctional home.


Leaving everything behind for the Island was Ricky's dream come true. When his happily ever after is not quite what it seems, he discovers that running away means running toward bigger problems.

Trapped on the Island, Ricky must join together with the only people he can trust to help him face his fears and return home. But the only way off the Island is to confront the person who trapped Ricky and his friends in the first place. With countless enemies and true peril staring them down, Ricky's mission to leave this so-called paradise will become a battle for their very lives.

This book is overall a great and highly original re-telling of peter pan. The story is so imaginative giving a great feel for young adult readers who are interested in a classic with a twist.


I found out about this book from a blog as many of you may get your way finding books as well, well let me tell you...fate was on my side that day because this book has it all.

Full of action, humor, some romance, and very likable characters gives this book a high rating from me. I consider this book a dark horse probably because Dan Elconin hasn't published anything apart from this book.

Elconin has the characteristic of grabbing you right from the start and giving a ride the whole way through for any young adult reader. The book isn't complicated reading wise but it has a good flow f
or any age reader so don't let this one pass.

5/5



Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Tyger Tyger Giveway!! and Vesper Deviants Novel!

http://lafemmereaders.blogspot.com/2010/10/cover-post-giveaway-kersten-hamilton.html
Tyger Tyger^^

http://lafemmereaders.blogspot.com/2010/10/vesper-deviants-novel-by-jeff-sampson.html

Vesper^^

Another Giveaway! Blog is pretty cool!

Blog has a Halloween vibe to it. Check it out! and the Giveaway!

http://www.lushbudgetproduction.com/2010/10/fallen-angels-contest.html

Another neat Givaway!!

Crescendo by

Fun Givaway!!

http://www.candacesbookblog.com/search/label/Giveaway

Head to this ^^ blog and celebrate their 1000 followers. Present your information and enter to win!