Review - The Iron King (Iron Fey #1), by Julie Kagawa



Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

(From GoodReads)

My Review

For as long as I've been on GoodReads, Twitter and blogging, I've been hearing a constant phrase: "You haven't read The Iron Fey? You must read it NOW!" Author Julie Kagawa's fans are a loyal bunch. They love their Puck, Ash and Meghan. And you can now add me to that rabid group of readers.

I've read my fair share of faerie books. And I really like them. But, I think I was hesitant to start a new series because I was afraid of burnout and disappointment. You know, that feeling you get when you start a new book, only to discover you basically just read that same book, only with a different name.

Crises averted. Kagawa took the fae legends and gave it her own tweaks. The imagery given is vivid, almost alive. When Meghan steps into Nevernever, the descriptions Kagawa gives put me in mind of The Wizard of Oz. That magical moment when Dorothy steps out of her black-and-white world into Technicolor Oz. Just magical! Life in Nevernever is not all flowers and sunshine, though. The other side, the land ruled by Mab is frozen and icy and in it's own, different way beautiful. The creatures of Nevernever are appropriately violent and scary. Full of creatures such as goblins, ogres, trolls, red-caps. They all want a bite out of Meghan.

 But here's the main thing Kagawa did right. She made the fey world the basis on which major works of art were inspired. Such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream". I loved the way she incorporated aspects of that famous play into her own story, the characters of the play based on her fae characters. When I realized this, I then began to read The Iron King in a whole new light, sludging through my high school memories of the play, gleaning comparisons. If your a literature geek like me (I've read The Iliad and The Odyssey for fun), well then you know that's tons 'o fun!

Another aspect Kagawa nailed? Grimalkin, the talking, disappearing cat. He took The Iron King to a whole new level of fun for me. He was exactly how you would expect your cat to be. If your cat could...um... you know...talk?

In fact, I enjoyed all of the characters. Meghan's real-world life is so sucky that you have to like her. Nobody ever seems to notice her. She's made fun of for her clothes and living on a pig farm. She's an after-thought to her mom and step-father. The only thing going for her is her friendship with loyal, feisty Robbie. Going with Meghan on her journey of family and self-discovery is a treat.

The two Fey men accompanying Meghan are Puck and Ash. Both of these awesome guys have devoted, fierce fans. Puck's fans made a nice showing in this summer's YA Crush Tourney. And Ash's fans powered him through to the semi-finals. He beat Dimitri Belikov from the Vampire Academy series. Dimitri! The only dude who could take him down was Jace from The Mortal Instruments. That is saying something. Anyway, Ash is cold and aloof and beautiful. He is a knight bound to an evil queen, who happens to be his mother.  Cue the dramatic music!

I know most swoon over Ash, myself included. But I happen to have a soft spot for Puck. He is such a treat to read. He (and Grimalkin, of course) always have the best, funniest lines. He's wry, funny and doggedly loyal to Meghan. He also has a soft side. His endless battle with Ash, and the reason behind it, is a great source of pain to Puck.

Even if Meghan manages to complete her journey (no spoilers here), life will surely never be the same for her, or her family. I can't wait to take the next step with Meghan and her lovely band of friends in the next book in the series, The Iron Daughter.

Favorite Quote:

"Belief, worship, imagination - we were born of the dreams and fears of mortals, and if we are
 remembered, even in some small way, we will always exist."

"I licked my lips and whispered, 'Is this where you say you'll kill me?'
 One corner of his lip curled. 'If you like,' he murmured, a flicker of amusement finally crossing his
 face. 'Though it's gotten far too interesting for that.' "

The Iron King Trailer

Paperback, 363 pages

Published February 1st 2010 by Harlequin Teen            

Find The Iron King at:

GoodReads  |  Barnes & Noble |  Amazon  |  The Book Depository

* The Iron King is a book I purchased myself. *           

Giveaway! Glow Audiobook

Do you love audiobooks?

 I am excited to offer you the chance to win an audiobook of Glow, by Amy Kathleen Ryan, courtesy of Macmillan Audio.



What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you'd been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival—not love—the issue?

Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them...

Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.

But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all.
(From GoodReads)

You can go here see my review of Glow.

Rules:

You must be a US Resident to enter.

You must be 13+ years of age to enter.

Details:

Giveaway runs Sept. 30 - Oct. 6, 2011

I will send winner's information to Macmillan, who will in turn send the prize.

GOOD LUCK!

Review - Daughter of Smoke and Bone, by Laini Taylor



Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

(From GoodReads)

My Review

Have you heard all the gushing and raving about Daughter of Smoke and Bone? Silly me. Of course you have. Well then, have you looked at the book's rating on GoodReads? Currently, there are 644 ratings and 370 reviews. Which is kinda crazy considering it's not even "released" until September 27. Daughter of Smoke and Bone has a Star-rating of 4.52. That's an incredible number.  And to that I say, Believe it. Believe the hype, people, because this book is beyond incredible.

My head is still spinning. I have too many things to say about Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I'll start with the characters. Karou. She is a dream protagonist. Wry, smart, talented, loyal, brave... She's so lovable. I wanted to tuck the little bird under my wing. The girl is all you want in a heroine and more.

Her best friend Zuzana is a tiny, ferocious, funny and wonderful friend. A powerhouse of a character. Always to be relied on for a quick comment, she consistently made me laugh. None more than when she meets Akiva.

Akiva..... That's pretty much the general response you'll get from those who've read the book. Indescribably beautiful, a warrior, battle-scarred, broken. He's no monster, but has no discernible traces of humanity. Until he and Karou cross paths. Akiva is the ultimate book hero.

And yeah, it's trivial and shallow of me, but I like a good visual. I don't know why, and I'll bet this isn't who Laini Taylor had in mind when she wrote the book, but I kept envisioning Kal Drogo, aka Jason Mamoa.

Okay. He's not exactly how Akiva is described. But, all readers have their own interpretation of  characters. And here's mine. If you read Daughter of Smoke and Bone, you might see where I get this idea of Akiva. Just let me have my fantasy!

Man candy aside, Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a masterpiece! Laini Taylor is an artist in every sense. I've never read a book quite like this. Here's how I described it last night on Twitter: "This book is about magic, and love, and war, and hope, and family. Part fantasy, part love story, and all genius. Daughter of Smoke and Bone is poetic and beautiful beyond belief." I actually kissed it passionately when I finished. For realz.

This is my must-must-read book. If you haven't purchased Daughter of Smoke and Bone yet, do yourself a favor. Go get it. You will not regret one moment spent in the intricate, elaborate world Laini Taylor created.

Favorite Quote: Really? Too many to list. But here's a couple.

"Karou was, simply, lovely. Creamy and leggy, with long azure hair and the eyes of a silent movie  
 star, she moved like a poem and smiled like a sphinx." 

 

 

"What people saw was a tall young man, beautiful - truly, breath-stealingly beautiful, in a way one

  rarely beholds in real life - who moved among them with a predatory grace, seeming no more

  mindful of them if they were statuary in a garden of gods."

The Trailer

Hardcover, US, 420 pages

Expected publication: September 27th 2011 by Little, Brown & Company

You can find Daughter of Smoke and Bone at:

GoodReads  | Barnes & Noble  |  Amazon  |  Book Depository

* Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a book I won in a giveaway.*

Waiting on Wednesday...

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's WoW is...

The Catastrophic History of You and Me

by Jess Rothenberg

BRIE'S LIFE ENDS AT SIXTEEN: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart—literally.

But now that she's D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost—and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after.

With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?

(From GoodReads)

So, what do you think? I think it sounds like a fabulous story. I can't wait...til February?!

Hardcover, 400 pages

Expected publication: February 21st 2012 by Dial        

 

Find The Catastrophic History of You and Me at GoodReads.             

PIRACY SUCKS!! SO I'M HAVING A GIVEAWAY!

Ya'll. I am SO mad right now, I could just die. (As you can see, when I get really mad, I talk very Southern.) It's a lovely day in Arkansas. My kids are getting along. I've been reading my little heart out. Then I come home to find this:

HALF - BLOOD and PIRATES 

(click the title to read the post)

on Jennifer L Armentrout's blog.

So, then I was like

Angry Andrea is NOT a good thing.

So in the spirit of BUYING BOOKS, I just went online to Book Depository. I bought two copies of Half - Blood. One for me. And a copy for one of you lovelies.

All you have to do is leave a comment with your name and email address. I'm so mad, I don't even care if you follow this blog (but it sure would be nice if you did!) I want the word to get out about book piracy, so if you want to earn an extra entry, you can Tweet, Facebook, or blog about it (but only one please, my head hurts when I have to add extra entries!). Just leave me a link with your entry.

As Jennifer points out in her post, if you can't afford to buy a book, go to the library. If the library doesn't have it, request it. If you can't afford an $3.99 ebook, chances are, you can't afford the e-reader you use or the wireless internet you just uploaded a stolen book with.

There. Rant over. Buy books, don't steal!

Oh, and this is US only because I'm an idiot who went ahead and hit send instead of waiting to get the winner's address and International shipping sucks! Sorry!

Ends Monday, October 3, 2011!

The winner Half-Blood is:

 

Poison Ivy Red!!

 

Congratulations!

 

I'm so happy to see that so many of you feel as strongly about book piracy as I do!

Thanks for entering!

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others!

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles.

This week's Teaser is from



Daughter of Smoke and Bone
by Laini Taylor

I'm posting my review of this book tomorrow, but it has so many lovely quotes. I just had to share!

Here's my Teaser:

"And then Karou's ex-boyfriend was standing before her class, beautiful as heartbreak, naked as the David. And on his chest, right over his heart, was a new tattoo.
It was an elaborate cursive K."

Seriously. This book has an insane amount of beautiful quotes.
And guess what? It's out today! Do yourselves a favor. Get. It.

Hardcover, US, 420 pages

Expected publication: September 27th 2011 by Little, Brown & Company

You can find Daughter of Smoke and Bone at:

GoodReads | Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Book Depository

Be sure and share your Teasers (or links) with me! 

Cover Reveal - TOUCH, by Jus Accardo

I am so excited to take part in the COVER REVEAL of

TOUCH

By Jus Accardo

When a strange boy tumbles down a river embankment and lands at her feet, seventeen-year-old adrenaline junkie Deznee Cross snatches the opportunity to piss off her father by bringing the mysterious hottie with ice blue eyes home.

Except there’s something off with Kale. He wears her shoes in the shower, is overly fascinated with things like DVDs and vases, and acts like she’ll turn to dust if he touches her. It’s not until Dez’s father shows up, wielding a gun and knowing more about Kale than he should, that Dez realizes there’s more to this boy—and her father’s “law firm”—than she realized.

Kale has been a prisoner of Denazen Corporation—an organization devoted to collecting “special” kids known as Sixes and using them as weapons—his entire life. And, oh yeah, his touch? It kills. The two team up with a group of rogue Sixes hellbent on taking down Denazen before they’re caught and her father discovers the biggest secret of all. A secret Dez has spent her life keeping safe.

A secret Kale will kill to protect.

Expected publication: November 1st 2011

             by Entangled Publishing

Hot Guy? Check.  Big Secrets? Check.  Adventure? Check.

Touch looks like it going to be a hot one, folks!

Go add Touch to your TBR-list at GoodReads.

Review of Glow (Sky Chasers #1) by Amy Kathleen Ryan



What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you'd been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival—not love—the issue?

Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them...

Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.

But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all from the outside.

(From GoodReads)

My Review

Hmm... I could give a lot of info about Glow and try to gloss over what I think. But I don't really have the energy or the inclination to do that. I'm just gonna say it. I don't know how I feel about this book. And the worst part is, I can't even tell you why. As a matter of fact, I threw out a lifeline on Twitter this morning. I needed some help. My good friend Kara at Great Imaginations responded. The conversation went like this:

@BookishAndrea: "Can someone please tell me how I felt about Glow? I need to write a review and
                                 I'm confused..."

@Kara_Malinczak: "LOL that seems to be a common reaction. I wouldn't know. I haven't read it yet."

@BookishAndrea:  "I liked it. Then I didn't. Then I was bored. Then excited. Then I rolled my eyes.
                                 then tearful. Then 'Blah'. There's my review.

@Kara_Malinczak: "It sounds like a perfect review. LOL"

So. That, in a nutshell, is how I felt about Glow. I didn't hate it. In fact, there were parts that I downright enjoyed. And I even got a little teary-eyed at the end. But, I didn't love it, or even like, a lot of the book.

I don't know if this is the case (I certainly hope not) , but I almost felt as if the author didn't know what the "message" of the story was. At first it felt like an adventure in deep space. Then an allegory on religion. Then a cautionary tale on cults. Or what being on a space ship for dozens of years will do to people. And perhaps, it is meant to be all of those. And that's okay. It's just not for me.

I was also bothered by the characters. Waverly was great. She was brave and proud and honorable. But Kieran, I felt like the whole book was building him up as one idea, getting the reader on his side. Then, almost as an afterthougt, throw something out of left field. Turn him into a crazy. And Seth. He starts the book nice. Then goes ape-sh*t crazy. He turns into a dictator and abuses little boys. And then, at the end, he's the good guy?! I don't think so.

I don't like to go off and rant and rave about what I don't like about books. I really, really don't. Something about this one just set me off. And I'm sorry. There are lots of people who like Glow. So I've linked to some reviews so you can see for yourself.
Here's one by Miranda and another by Amber .

Favorite Quote:

" All the boys were looking at him now. Many of them were crying openly, sending tears to float in
   the air of the central bunker like snow, but they were quiet."

Hardcover, 307 pages

Published September 13th 2011 by St. Martin's Griffin                     

You can find Glow at:

GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Book Depository

* I won this book through the First Reads program at GoodReads, with no obligation to review.*

Vlog: In My Mailbox #7

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme created by Kristi at The Story Siren. It is a great way to put a spotlight on books received during the past week.

Bought



Fairy Bad Day, by Amanda Ashby

Hex Hall (Hex Hall #1), by Rachel Hawkins

For Review



Remembrace, by Michelle Maddow (Thanks to the author.)

All Men of Genius, by Lev AC Rosen (Thanks to Tor Publishing)

Won

Wicked Game (WVMP #1), by Jeri Smith-Ready          
Bad to the Bone (WVMP #2), by Jeri Smith-Ready       
Bring on the Night (WVMP #3), by Jeri Smith-Ready 
(Thanks to Jen at What's on the Bookshelf! )
Enclave (Razorland #1), by Ann Aguire   (Won at a giveaway at author Anna Banks' blog. Thanks!)

Beautiful Creatures (Beautiful Creatures #1), by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
(Thanks to Alli at Magnet4Books!)

Gift



Forgotten Souls (Saving Angels #2), by Tiffany King (Thanks to Tiffany King!)

Hope you enjoyed seeing what I've gotten this week. Be sure to leave a link so I can take a look at your mailbox!

Guest Post and Giveaway From Belle Whittington, author of Cicada

Today I am really excited to have a guest post from Belle Whittington, author of Cicada.

Miss Belle (I call her "Miss" because I find it next to impossible to not address any Southern lady named Belle as "Miss"!) and I have been emailing back and forth for a little while now and she seems like the sweetest lady. When I read the text of her post, I found what she wrote to be so charming! I'm sure you will, too.

Here is Miss Belle...

I have been daydreaming stories for as long as I can remember.  My first recollection of wanting to be a writer was when I was in the second grade, and my teacher, Mrs. Rambin, would have us lay our heads on our desks after lunch while she read us stories full of magic and imagination.

Most of my early writings were stories with a twist of science fiction…even my earliest poems.  I remember sitting on the dam of a neighbor’s pond around the time I was eleven, writing a story about space travel.  In fact, I still have that little handwritten story.  It’s still bound in the same yellow notebook that I put it in way back in the sixth grade!

Growing up in Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas, afforded me summers full of adventure with my friends.  I call on those adventures and memories a great deal for my YA stories.  Cicada has a lot of the energy of those childhood adventures spun throughout.  One of them is something that actually happened to me when I was thirteen years old.  I was on one of my adventures in the woods with my dog, Dusty.  We made our way through the woods to a neighboring pasture and crawled through the barbed wire fence.  When we got to the top of one of the rolling hills in the grassy field, I realized I was standing in the middle of a giant circle imprinted in the pasture grass.  No one had ever told me about crop circles at that time in my life, so I just thought it was an odd occurrence that there was a strange circle in the tall grass.   Now that circle is forever memorialized in a YA novel, Cicada!

Nowadays, I work at a day job in higher education and spin my tales during those off hours that I’m not working on assignments for my English classes at University of Houston, where I’m earning my degree in hopes of teaching English at the college level one day.

I’m currently writing the two sequels to Cicada.

You can find me online at these locations. I’d love for you to stop by!

• Facebook
• GoodReads
• Tumblr
• Twitter
• Cicada is currently available in paperback at: CreateSpace
• Cicada will be available in paperback on Amazon very soon
• You can find Cicada for e-readers at: Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Smashwords

Cicada Book Trailer

Oh my gosh! I loved that post. She is the most charming lady.

Giveaway!

Miss Belle would like to give an e-copy of Cicada to one lucky reader.

Summertime had always been carefree and fun for Blair Reynolds and her friends--until they came upon something that was not human. As the group of friends band together in a fight for their lives, Blair's true love becomes something more than human...something unnatural. And their existence relies on their ability to keep a secret.

(From GoodReads)

This giveaway will be easy-peasy. All you have to do is comment, leaving a name and email address. The giveaway is International. It will run from Saturday, Sept. 24- Friday, Sept. 30, 2011 at 11:59 pm.  If the winner would leave a review of Cicada once they've read the book, that would be super!

The winner is:

Jessica

Congratulations! I hope you enjoy Cicada.

Banned Books Week Giveaway Hop

This hop is hosted by Kathy at I Am a Reader, Not a Writer and Jen at I Read Banned Books.
Over 250 blogs are participating in banned or challenged book-related giveaways. We are all linked together so that you may hop from one blog to the next. The hop runs from Sunday, September 24 through Sunday, October 1, 2011.

When I signed up for this hop, I took a look at the American Library Association's page of banned and frequently challenged books. To be honest, I was pretty stunned at the list. The list includes such classics as The Color Purple by Alice Walker, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Also listed are new favorites such as Harry Potter by JK Rowling, Twilight by Stephanie Meyer and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I am a firm believer that every parent should be able to choose what's right for their family and that there is an appropriate time and place for all things. But I also believe that denial and hiding from the ugly truths of the world only leads to more danger. I also believe that if we can't learn from our history as a people, we are doomed to repeat it.

So, in honor of Banned Book Week, I have a great giveaway for you! There will be 1 winner.

Giveaway

The winner will receive 2 challenged books.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (challenged in 2010) .
To Kill a Mockingbird - In my opionion, the greatest book written. (challenged often since it's release in 1960, even as late as 2009)
Giveaway Details
To enter this giveaway, you must follow this blog and fill out the form below.

The only mandatory entry is to follow this blog.
Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm, October 1, 2011.

Optional Extra  Entry (Absolutely NOT Required)
Follow The Bookish Babes on Facebook (+1)

The winner of the giveaway is:

Lena Sledge!

Congratulations! I hope you enjoy the books.

Review of A Beautiful Dark, by Jocelyn Davies



On the night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites—like fire and ice—Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye’s life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move—only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.

In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can’t help falling for, and Devin, who she can’t stay away from, the consequences of Skye’s choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.

A Beautiful Dark is the first book in a captivating trilogy by debut author Jocelyn Davies.

(From GoodReads)

My Review

From the beautiful, prophetic cover to the prologue, A Beautiful Dark is a promising book.

The book is set in the snowy mountains of Colorado, providing a nice change in climate from a genre predominantly set in sunny, beach spots or the rainy, dreary Northwest.  Every time Skye ventures outside for a break from the drama, the wintry blasts seemed to re-invigorate me, as well.

In addition to the change in scenery, I also liked main character, Skye. She is a girl with a good head on her shoulders. She's smart and responsible, but is not so uptight that she becomes someone that you can not relate to.  She takes the revelations that are furiously thrown in her direction with the incredulity that is to be expected.  And, she doesn't become overly infatuated with the two new guys in her life, Devin and Asher. Skye subjects them to the scrutiny they deserve and is quick to call them out on their games.

I also liked Skye's core group of friends, Cassie, Dan, and Ian. They were funny, kind, and always had her back. They also were just mischievous enough to make them realistic. Their scenes provided a nice contrast to the drama surrounding Skye's love life.

And speaking of love life, I'm not even sure that's the right way to phrase it. Let me start with the two "guys" in question. Skye meets Asher first. Asher is wild, unpredictable, a rule breaker. That appeals to the side of Skye that longs to break free. Devin is calm, peaceful, a loner. He adheres rigidly to the rules, believes in order. He appeals to the part of Skye that longs for peace and logic.

I was never sure which guy was the supposed good guy/bad guy. First I thought Asher was bad, then Devin. Then I thought both, but possibly neither. I thought I knew who I wanted Skye to be with. But I wasn't sure that he was the right one, the good guy. But then I wasn't sure that I cared if he was the good guy, because I liked him. Are you getting a sense of my general confusion? Well played, Davies. Because I felt like I knew where the whole story was going, but she certainly kept me on my toes.

The ending of A Beautiful Dark is filled with tons of revelations and HUGE cliffhanger. But, in a way, I felt unsatisfied. I can't quite explain why. It just felt... lacking. But I plan to read the next book in the series, hoping to get some answers.

Favorite Quote:

" With Asher, I'd begun to feel like conversation was a game, a skill, and I couldn't show my hand. I had to hide my smile, make him work for it. With Devin, things just seemed so easy."

"Devin was more of a dove. Asher was a hawk."

You can find A Beautiful Dark at:

GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Book Depository

Hardcover, 320 pages

Expected publication: September 27th 2011 by HarperTeen

*I received this book from Harper Teen, in exchange for an honest review.*

Review of Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1) by Richelle Mead

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

(From GoodReads)

My Review

I originally had no plans to post a review of Bloodlines. From time to time, I buy books purely for my enjoyment. I consider it a reward for the massive amounts of time I spend on reading/reviewing books for this blog. But there were a few things I wanted to address about this book. In that respect, this is not my typical review. It's a semi-rant. But not a mad rant. Just my thoughts.

First off, I want to talk about body image. This topic was first brought to my attention by Ruby's review of Bloodlines at Ruby's Reads. I hadn't read Bloodlines yet, so I was hyper-aware of this issue when I started reading the book. Basically, Sydney is told she is a size four instead of a size two. She immediately is upset and wondering how it happened and how she can get back into a two. When she asks Jill, a super skinny Moroi what size she wears, Jill says a zero or two (darn memory!). That furthers Sydney's despair.

Okay, so I'm not quite sure why this is in the book. Maybe to show that even really skinny girls have feelings, too? To be fair, Sydney later goes into her past, her father telling her she isn't skinny enough. But Sydney's dad is an all-around ass-hat! Who care what that jerk thinks? Sydney does, that's who.

 Being a thirty-three year old wife (whose husband thinks I am one hot momma), mommy, and all-around badass (not really), I can handle it. I can say "Suck it, A-holes!" and go on about my day. But.... the teenager inside of me (who I bitch slap constantly) is a quivering pile of goo. I mean if a girl who is a size four considers herself fat, what does that make me, who is so not a four. Let the shame-spiral begin.

All in all, not a good message to send to teenage girls. They hear it enough from the idiots in the school hallways, they shouldn't hear it from a young adult book. Especially from an author as beloved as Mead.

Second. Well, I was going to do a little bit of ranting about sad-sack Adrian. But, I reminded myself of all he went through in the VA books, especially Last Sacrifice. And I decided to get over myself.  Because honestly, Adrian does rock it hard in Bloodlines. You can always count on him for a snarky comeback. He is quite awesome.

Even though I took issue with the "Sydney-is-a-big-fatty" scenario, I thought Bloodlines was pretty freaking great. I would be a liar if I said I didn't devour this delicious book.  I love Richelle Mead's writing. I love the world she has built. I love her characters, even up-tight Sydney. She has set herself up brilliantly for book two The Golden Lily.

Oh, and the last sentence of Bloodlines? Squeeee!!!!!

Favorite Quotes:

Really, I could fill a page or two with Adrian quotes. The guy is seriously funny, and snarky. But for this, I chose a quote about Adrian.

"...but in that moment, I suddenly gained a flash of understanding into the mystery that was Adrian Ivashkov. People didn't believe in him very often. They had low expectations of him, so he did as well."

Hardcover, 421 pages

Published August 23rd 2011 by Razorbill

You can find Bloodlines at:

GoodReads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

*Bloodlines is a book I purchased for myself.*

Cover Reveal! Cold Blood by Heather Hildenbrand

Synopsis

Wood Point Academy is not at all what I expected. For one thing, it looks like a cross between military school and Buckingham Palace. Everyone stares, the floors shine so bright you can see your reflection in them from a mile away, and no one smiles. Unless they're kicking your butt in the process. Which happens more often than not for the freshman. Lucky for them, my presence has just stolen the spotlight, and they get a break from the daily joys of hazing.

At least I've got plenty to take my mind off the fact that my psycho cousin, Miles De'Luca, keeps calling and declaring his love and promising to come for me just as soon as he's destroyed anyone standing in our way. Wes isn't going to like that idea.

So between Miles, Wood Point's evil welcoming commitee, and the drill sergeant hottie trainer from hell, I just keep asking myself, how did I end up here?

I am very excited about this one! I loved Dirty Blood and can't wait to see what Heather has in store for the characters. The synopsis has me so pumped up to read Cold Blood. And seriously, what a gorgeous cover!

Cold Blood, Book 2 in the Dirty Blood series, is due out Fall 2011. If you haven't already read Dirty Blood, you can download it for your Kindle for just .99!

In honor of the cover reveal, Heather is hosting a giveaway on her blog, where you can enter to win a signed PAPERBACK of Dirty Blood, fresh off the press with its own new cover art. The winner of this giveaway will be receiving the very FIRST paperback with the new cover art! Second prize is a set of bookmarks, one with a special wolf charm, and the other signed by Heather.

To enter, visit Heather's site at www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com

Waiting on Wednesday...

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's WoW is...

Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, outhouses, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring. Until I spotted my hot neighbor with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marked me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and the mark he left on me has me lit up like Las Vegas strip to the bad guys. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. If I don't kill him first, that is.

And then things got really bad…

(From GoodReads)

Why I'm waiting: Aliens! Really, Really Hot Aliens! Not since Alex Pettyfer played alien John 

                              Smith in I Am Number Four, have I been so excited to read a book with a hot,

                              alien boy! Gorgeous cover? Check. Exciting synopsis? Check. Can't wait!

Add Obsidian to your To-Read list at GoodReads.

Paperback, First

Expected publication: December 6th 2011 by Entangled Publishing                          

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others!

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles.

This week's Teaser is from

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood. (From GoodReads)

My Teaser

" 'Adrian,' I said awkwardly, 'I'm--'

  ' Forget it,' he said. 'You don't know what it's like to love someone like that, then to have that love

    thrown back in your face--' "

 

Hardcover, 421 pages

Published August 23rd 2011 by Razorbill

You can find Bloodlines at:

GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Book Depository



Review of Weaving Destiny, by GP Ching

Malini Gupta thought Jacob Lau was her destiny. But after months of failing to decipher how she fits into the Soulkeepers, frustration threatens to tear their relationship apart. And it doesn't help that a new Soulkeeper named Mara is ready to stop time itself to earn Jacob's love.

When Malini faces her worst fears, and even death, she learns a funny thing about destiny. Fate is a tapestry of choices, and she has the power to weave hers.

(From GoodReads)

 

My Review

I loved The Soulkeepers. I thought it was a brilliant and amazing book. So, I was quite excited to read the next book in the series, Weaving Destiny. And when I learned that the story would be told from Malini's point of view, I thought "Yay!".

Weaving Destiny is the story of Malini's search to find her place in the world of the Soulkeepers. Her apparent lack of ability leaves her feeling frustrated and left out. All that frustration and the emergence of a new Soulkeeper, Mara, begins driving Malini and Jacob apart. It seems, the journey that Malini has to take to find her destiny, she must take alone.

Weaving Destiny includes some intriguing new characters and a larger role for some of the secondary characters of The Soulkeepers. The new addition to the group, Mara, is bold, sexy and confident. She is the polar opposite to Malini in many respects. She's the funniest character in the book, always sure to chime in with her morbid sense of humor. Henry is another new character that I felt made a great addition to the book. He is handsome and old-fashioned, to say the least. I won't give away in what capacity, but he is a major game-changer!

I was happy to find that Lillian, who is Jacob's mom, and Gideon played a bigger part in Weaving Destiny. And Dane, also. Dane was often the comic relief in this book. He was a huge support system for Jacob and Malini. And if you've read book one, you'll know that is a huge departure from the role he played in it.

One character that I was surprised didn't play a bigger part in this book was Dr. Silva. She was a huge part of The Soulkeepers. I've never fully trusted her. Something about her seems off. She always seems to have a secret up her sleeve.  I'm sure she has a lot more to reveal and hope that she will play a larger part in book three.

Weaving Destiny didn't pull me in quite as tightly as The Soulkeepers. And I definitely didn't become engrossed as soon. But, Wow. This book really got it together in the end. The last few chapters were fast-paced, terrifying, and heart-wrenching. And the epilogue? Let's just say it was ominous. Book three in The Soulkeepers series should be quite a ride!

Favorite Quote:

" 'So, you do find her attractive.'
   'Will you stop saying the word attractive like you looked it up in a thesaurus under 'ambiguous
    words to trap your boyfriend with'? "

" 'I wear the Spongebob pajamas so that I remember how it felt to watch someone I thought I wanted

   dead plunge a knife into her chest. I didn't like it, Jacob. Spongebob reminds me to live by the rules

   even though I don't have to.' "

 Watch the Weaving Destiny Trailer

Be sure to hit all the stops on the Weaving Destiny Blog Tour for chances to win fabulous prizes!

You can learn more about The Soulkeepers series at GP Chings blog.

You can find Weaving Destiny at:

GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble

You can find author, GP Ching, at her blog.

* I received a copy of Weaving Destiny from the author, in exchange for an honest review.*

IMM #6

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme created by Kristi at The Story Siren. It is a great way to put a spotlight on books received during the past week.

No vlog this week. I know, I know. You’re extremely bummed out. Me too.

Here’s what I got this week…

For Review

Find Guardians of the Grimoire, by Natasha Slight at the Facebook page.
Find Sundial, by CF Fruzzetti and MI Pearsall at GoodReads.

Purchased (kinda)


Find The Emerald Talisman, by Brenda Pandos,  on GoodReads and get it for FREE at Amazon!
Find Reckless Magic, by Rachel Higginson,  at GoodReads and for FREE at Amazon!
Find Kindred Spirits, by Ashanti Luke, at GoodReads and for FREE at Amazon!

Be sure to leave me a link so I can check out what’s in your mailbox.

Review of Marooned, by PJ Druce

High above the streets, the skyscrapers in the cities of the American Union exude wealth, luxury, and for the privileged few, immortality. Those with the means to take Communion are immune to the diseases and risks that ravage those who live outside the city walls. While life is a struggle for the less affluent, their existence is subsidized by the rich. Food and medicine are cheap, transportation is free–and for those with needed skills–indentured servitude to the wealthy or to the government can buy your own expanded longevity. They are two different worlds, and those above and those below share little in common except for one thing: A love for the Professional Seeder matches, where immortal combatants fight until only one is left standing.
With two weeks left before her sixteenth birthday, Punk Jordan lives out the last days of her mortal existence by competing in underground Seeder matches where only the best martial artists excel and the rules stop the moment the match begins. The daughter of William Jordan, founder of the company that makes the Communion drug, Punk’s elevation to immortality is guaranteed and a life of fame and wealth on the professional circuit awaits. But when those closest to her–including her own mentally ill mother–turn out to be part of a heretical anti-government movement, her comfortable life is shattered. To protect those she loves the most, Punk flees the only home she’s ever known and is forced to make choices that weigh family against compassion, privilege against promises and love against immortality itself. (From GoodReads)

My Review

Marooned is the story of Alyssa “Punk” Jordan. Punk, although of a higher, wealthy social status, is an unhappy girl. Her mom has severe emotional problems. Her dad, a powerful political player, is controlling and unfeeling towards his wife and daughter. Punk and her mom are virtually prisoners to her father’s agenda.  It’s no wonder Punk spends her time fighting in fierce matches. When the illusion of Punk’s world is shattered, she must contend with learning the harsh truths. Betrayal seems to be around every turn. Everything she knows to be true is steadily being ripped away. And Punk must find her way in a world she doesn’t really know anything about.

Marooned offers a bleak, futuristic look at an urban society. Most people live their lives high above the ground, never even walking down there. Immortality is a given for the wealthy. Lower classes can earn an extended lifespan by becoming “Indentures”. Those who are less fortunate must contend with disease that can be eradicated, if you are of the right social status. But, all the medical  “advances”  come with a price. There is action, adventure and deception. And Zombies. Yep, Zombies. Turns out, you can’t screw around with people’s brains with no consequences.

In Marooned, author PJ Druce has built a complete, harsh future that has plausibility. I really appreciate that he applied scientific reasoning to the abilities that his future shows. Marooned is a smart, entertaining read.

Favorite Quote:

“…but everyone I know calls me Punk. Whoever that Alyssa girl is, well, I don’t know her and she certainly doesn’t know me. We’re both better off that way. If we ever met I’d probably kick her ass.”

Marooned Book Trailer

Kindle Edition
Published July 28th 2011 by Gryffynperch Books

You can find Marooned at:

GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble

You can find author PJ Druce here.

*I received a copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.*

Review of Dead Sky Morning (Experiment in Terror #3), by Karina Halle

With the Experiment in Terror show finding some success, amateur ghost hunters Perry Palomino and Dex Foray embark on their most terrifying investigation yet. A tiny, fog-shrouded island in the rough strait between British Columbia and Washington State has held a dark secret for decades: It was a former leper colony where over forty souls were left to rot, die and bury each other. Now a functioning campground, Perry and Dex spend an isolated weekend there to investigate potential hauntings but as the duo quickly find out, there is more to fear on D’Arcy Island than just ghosts. The island quickly pits partner against partner, spiraling the pair into madness that serves to destroy their sanity, their relationship and their very lives. (From GoodReads)

My Review

If I had to describe Dead Sky Morning with one word, that word would be Intense. Intense on every level.  Author Karina Halle continuously ups the ante with each book in the Experiment in Terror series, bringing her “A-Game” every time.

Perry Palomino (ah, how I love that name), is still the endearing, absorbing protagonist that made anyone who has read this series fall in love with her. She’s an Everywoman. She doesn’t have the perfect body, career or guy. She’s just another person, trying to get by the best way she can.  I don’t know that I’ve ever read a character that I could relate to more than Perry. And that’s not to say that I am just like Perry or that you have to have the same issues she does to be able to relate to her. But when you are in her head, living the moment with her, you can’t help but be sucked in, all the way. The author puts you so soundly in Perry’s head that when she is angry or sad, you are so there with her.

Dex Foray, Perry’s partner, friend and object of affection is back in all his twitchy, weird, and extremely hot glory in Dead Sky Morning. Luckily, in this book, Halle gives more insight into who Dex is, the events in his past that shaped him. Perry’s poor heart. The look back just makes Perry embrace him all the more. Really, as a reader, I should hate him sometimes. He pulls some really insensitive, asinine stunts. The kind of stunts that make Perry, and me, want to knock the hell out of him. But when he looks up with those damaged eyes, filled with an unspoken pain, you want to try to make it all better.

As expected, once Dex and Perry are stuck on a (possibly) haunted island together, sparks fly. And I do mean FLY! Between drinking games, such as “I Never” and “Truth or Dare”, and copious amounts of Jack Daniel flowing, the emotional barriers between the two come tumbling down. Dex and Perry begin revealing bits of themselves, alternating between surprising, funny, and poignant. The revelations only serve to endear the characters more, to each other and the reader. Dead Sky Morning left me torn. Torn between hoping and thinking that Dex will be the man Perry deserves. And the fact that although I love Dex, he may never become that man. And Perry Palomino deserves the very best life and love have to offer. But, believe you me, I have me fingers crossed for these two. 

I’ve tried to think of an eloquent statement regarding the dialogue. Here’s what I kept coming back to: the dialogue in Dead Sky Morning just plain Rocks!  The moments between Perry and Dex alternate between wistful or poignant, to laugh out loud funny, especially when Perry and Dex are antagonistic towards one another. And when Dex finally meets Perry’s little sister, Ada? Snarkiness at it’s best! Halle pulls no punches with her characters’ words. I don’t know if anyone writes “Smart-Ass” better.

Karina Halle’s talents also excel in her insane ability to write the nonverbal communication, as well.  The manner in which she can portray an exchange of looks or the observations on a facial expression just takes her work to a whole other level. So if I can’t get Perry and Dex out of my head, I blame her!

On the whole, I can say at this point I honestly have no idea where Karina Halle will take Perry and Dex in the subsequent books of the series. Their world could spin in a hundred different directions and I have a feeling that she will put this captivating pair through a lot more strenuous, funny and passionate times. I can’t wait to journey each one with them.

Favorite Quotes

“Sometimes it felt like looking at his face and just accepting the way things were between us was the hardest thing in the world.”

“He was staring at me. There were so many intense looks flowing across his eyes and lips, waxing and waning with each passing second. He looked deep into my eyes, trying to get something out of me.”

Paperback
Expected publication: October 13th 2011 by Metal Blonde Books  
 

You can find Dead Sky Morning at:

GoodReads  |  Experiment in Terror website.

You can find my review of Darkhouse (Experiment in Terror #1) here.

You can find Darkhouse (Experiment in Terror #1) for only $0.99 at:

Smashwords  |  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  ITunes

You can find my review of Red Fox (Experiment in Terror #2) here.

You can find Red Fox (Experiment in Terror #2) for only $2.99 at:

GoodReads  |  Smashwords  |  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble

You can find author Karina Halle at the Experiment in Terror website.

*I received an ARC of Dead Sky Morning from the author, in exchange for an honest review."*