Bookmac

Mini Vacation

2011-02-20T07:49:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

So you may haven noticed my absence lately and I want to apologize for the lack of, well anything, on the blog. I have been crazy busy lately with school and I haven't even had to read a book. Not one book!!!!

Unfortunately I'm going to have to take a break for a few weeks just so I can get my life organized. On top of school work I also have to make a huge decision on where I will be attending school next year and I literally have never been so stressed in my life.

And as much as I would love to spurt out the occasional review during this period I would much rather come back strong, because I think that's more fair for you all.

So let this be a see you later, not a goodbye!

Happy reading!

-M

Angel

2011-01-28T09:50:00.000-08:00

Angel
by L.A. Weatherly

# of Pages: 506
Age range: 14+
Rating: 4/5
From: Purchased.

Willow knows she's different from other girls. And not just because she loves tinkering around with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into people's futures, know their dreams, their hopes and their regrets, just by touching them. She has no idea where she gets this power from - But Alex does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows Willow's secret and is on a mission to stop her. The dark forces within Willow make her dangerous - and irresistible. In spite of himself, Alex finds he is falling in love with his sworn enemy.

I was fortunate enough to stumble upon this book when I was in London over Christmas break. After convincing my family to stop in the famous bookstore, Foils, I headed over to the teen section and just looked at the different covers for at least ten minutes. Then I actually looked at books I wanted to buy. Unfortunately, the dollar to pound ratio is about $1.60 to ever 1 pound so anything you buy in England will almost cost you twice as much as it would at home. So basically I decided to only buy a book that I couldn't get back in the states.
You may be able to get this novel in the states now, but I hadn't seen it around so I picked up a copy. It didn't hurt that it was a signed first edition too...

Angel starts out with Alex, an Angel hunter who is on his most recent mission. After a successful kill he receives a text with the address of his next target, and is surprised to find it to be a young teenage girl. Willow, meanwhile, has just read the future of one of the most popular girls in her class, Beth, and it is looking very grim. Willow is disturbed to find out that Beth, an ivy league shoe-in has decided to give her future to the church of angels, a growing religion that is more like a cult.

When Willow learns too much about the truth of the angels, a death warrant is put over her head, and she must put all of her trust into Alex, a young adult she barely knows. Smart, and resourceful Willow does not hesitate to follow Alex's every call even when it seems he can't stand her. Not letting her emotions get in the way of the safety of her life Willow embarks on a journey with Alex that will play a huge part in the eventual saving of humankind.

Romance, friendship, action, and a long road trip make up Angel, a fast paced but sweet story of Willow and Alex and their dedication to human-kind. I actually really enjoyed this story, I love the spin L.A. Weatherly put on this novel and cannot wait to read the next installment. The best part about this book was that here wasn't a happy ending, I mean in a sense there was, but really the ending made the story more realistic instead of "wohoo the bad ass boy and the sweet girl save the day and end the book kissing!" It was more like the bad ass boy realizes what he has, decides to help the girl, and then they plan for their future together, like a real couple. Loved it!

Theo only reason I am giving this book 4 stars instead of 5 is because Willow bothered me a little bit. She was so awkward a lot of the time and seriously said "um" almost every sentence. Also Alex and Willow's relationship, sweet as it may be, was a tad bit unrealistic. Falling in deep love with each other in 2 weeks? Yes the circumstances allowed for close contact 24/7, giving ample time to get to know each other, but really? End all love at 17? A bit too twilighty if you ask me...

No matter, this book was still a great read and I highly recommend it!

IF you liked this novel be sure to check out:

Angel Star
The Pace
Paranormalcy
The Iron King (Harlequin Teen)
Unearthly (Unearthly - Trilogy)
Firelight

Visit L.A. Weatherly here

-M.

Interview with Sara Dailey and Staci Weber

2011-01-22T06:40:00.000-08:00

Meet debut authors Sara Dailey and Staci Weber. English teachers, wives, mom's, and friends, Sinful was a long process in the making. But now they can add authors to their list!

*Heads up, blogger is being screwy and won't let me put up pictures and made the interview format all weird :(*

1. What have you learned through your writing experience with this novel?

The biggest thing that we learned writing SINFUL is that we could actually do it. At first, we had no idea what we were doing or how it would work writing together, but it worked. Thankfully, we really do work well together, so everything just kind of fell into place.

2. When did you start writing this book?

We started writing SINFUL in 2007. It took us a solid year to write the book, another year to find it a home at Mundania Press, and another 18 months before we could hold it in our hands. It was quite a wait, but it was well worth it to see our first book in print.

3. Which of your characters do you most relate to and why?

That would have to be Elizabeth. She is a tough girl who says what she thinks and holds nothing back. We really tried to make her the hero in the story. That being said, we both liked writing Daniel’s character the most. He was just fun!

4. If you could go to any place in the world to write a book where would you go?

ITALY!! How fabulous would that be! We could sit at some little café and drink yummy coffee. Although, to be honest, I don’t think we would get much writing done. We are both avid people watchers and what better place to watch.

5. If you had to spend a million dollars in one day what would you spend it on?

Let me start by saying that we are both wives, mothers, teachers and writers, so this answer will probably sound a tad boring. We would probably pay bills, buy new cars, new houses, and probably invest a lot of it so that we could write full-time.

6. Where did you get the idea for your book?

A few years ago, we were both reading YA novels like mad and joked about writing one of our own. As middle school English teachers we thought, “How hard can it be, right?” Ha! Well, Staci had a crazy dream that she thought would make a great book, and it didn’t take much convincing to get Sara onboard. Before we knew it, we were plotting out our novel.

7. What was the hardest part of the writing process?

The EDITING!!! Once we got started the story kind of wrote itself, but the editing was a real chore. And once you think you’re done, you have to do it again and again. We both read through SINFUL at least a dozen times. I can’t imagine what it’s like for the authors who write 500+ page novels. For two English teachers, we make a lot of typos, spelling, and tense errors.

8. PC or MAC?

Both actually. We both have small PC net books that we do most of our writing on, but Staci has a Mac desktop that she edits on.

-M.

Sinful

2011-01-19T17:49:00.000-08:00

Sinful
by Sara Dailey and Staci Weber

# of Pages: 230

Age range: 13/14+

From: Traveling to Teens

Rating: 3.5/5

After the death of her mother, seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Carrington is starting over. In a new city, at a new school, and with a dad she hardly knows, it isn't going to be easy. Trying desperately to find her way and cope with her unceasing grief, she finds herself surrounded by a force so compelling, so comforting, so captivating that she can't deny its presence and soon fears that if it were to leave her, she might lose her very self. But is it all really happening or has her wavering sanity finally found its breaking point?

Michael's role in this world has been the same for centuries, but now something is different. He is inexplicably drawn to an intriguing stranger so alluring that he can't force himself to resist her. Is he willing to risk everything to be with her, even falling?

A dark force, hell bent on destroying any chance of happiness for his arch nemesis Michael, is lurking in League City, TX, and there is no limit to his need for vengeance. How far will he go to seek revenge for his sworn enemy's betrayal?

Caught in a clash of good versus evil, Elizabeth soon finds herself in the crosshairs of a battle that has been brewing since long before she was even born.

Sinful starts out with main character Elizabeth flying to Texas to live with her father after the death of her mother. Resentful towards her father for leaving her and still in mourning over her mother, Elizabeth finds extreme comfort in an invisible warmth that knows just how to to take the pain away. Soon Elizabeth realizes that her comfort is actually Michael, an angel who has fallen in love with her, and she with him. Their inevitable romance quickly follows and as does the battle of good vs. evil that will test everything Elizabeth has known about love and life.

I will admit I really did like Elizabeth's character, the authors definitely did a good job creating a teen like character and I thought her attitude was amusing throughout the book. However, I kind of hated how quickly she and Michael fell in love. It was literally love at first sight and I didn't really feel like her relationship with him had time to develop. The same could be said for Elizabeth and her father, she came in to his house with built up resentment but it seemed like in a matter of days she was over it and he was just your typical dad. I think it would have been nice if her family relationships were deepened some.

Still, the book was certainly and entertaining read. The plot was a page turner and I enjoyed the ending that kept you hanging on to the last page. Although some parts were a bit choppy, overall I think Sinful is a very good debut paranormal novel and I would recommend checking it out. Both authors have shown to be good writers and I fully expect their next book will be even better.

If you liked Sinful be sure to check out:

Unearthly (Unearthly - Trilogy)
Fallen Angel
Torment (Fallen)
Heavenly (Volume 1)
Personal Demons

Visit the authors here

-M.

Last Sacrifice

2011-01-11T14:55:00.000-08:00

Last Sacrifice
by Richelle Mead

# of Pages: 594
Age range: 14+
Rating: 5/5

READ SYNOPSIS WITH CATION. CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE NOT GOTTEN THIS FAR IN THE SERIES.

Rose Hathaway has always played by her own rules.

She broke the law when she ran away from St. Vladimir’s Academy with her best friend and last surviving Dragomir Princess, Lissa. She broke the law when she fell in love with her gorgeous, off-limits instructor, Dimitri. And she dared to defy Queen Tatiana, leader of the Moroi world, risking her life and reputation to protect generations of dhampir guardian to come.

Now the law has finally caught up with Rose- for a crime she didn’t even commit. She’s in prison for the highest offense imaginable: the assassination of a monarch. She’ll need help from both Dimitri and Adrian to find the one living person who can stall her execution and force the Moroi elite to acknowledge a shocking new candidate for the royal throne: Vasilisa Dragomir.

But the clock on Rose’s life is running out. Rose knows in her heart the world of the dead wants her back… and this time she is truly out of second chances. The big question is, when your life is about saving others, who will save you?(

Last Sacrifice. The book we have all been waiting for. I must admit, though I had to restrain myself from reading it the moment I opened the book as one of my presents on Christmas morning, I almost wanted to wait to read this final novel as it would be the last in one of my all time favorite series. That being said however, I read this book in one day and loved every page of it.

Last Sacrifice starts out pretty much right where Spirit Bound leaves off. I won't say what's happening for those of you who have not read the series until this point but let's just say Rose is in a dire situation. As expected however, her friends get her out of the jam but leave Rose with even fewer options then when she was in trouble in the first place. Suddenly, Dimitri (highlight if you have read up until this point) is her body guard and Rose is having a hard time letting go of her feelings for him despite the promise she made to Adrian. So, like typical Rose, she makes a break for it and ends up on the journey of a life time, as she doesn't know if it will be her last. Relationships are put to the test, hearts are broken, and fates are changed in ways I never saw coming. And with a shocking ending, Last Sacrifice will surely leave readers with a lot of different emotions to sort through.

Overall, Last Sacrifice was purely amazing! Probably my favorite in the series. So much was put at stake and I was honestly surprised at how Rose handled it, her character has grown so much! I have to give props to Richelle Mead for being such an excellent writer, she created such an amazing storyline that will surely win her new readers for years to come. I absolutely cannot wait to see what she comes out with next. Lucky for us, she will be starting a new young adult spin-off series titled Bloodlines that will follow some more minor characters in the Vampire Academy series. So for those of you who can't say goodbye, be sure to check this one out.

As for Rose and the rest of the gang, despite my reluctance to let them go, I will admit this was a pretty damn good ending to the series. There are a few ties left loose Adrain, Jill, Sydney??? (highlight to view if you have read up to this point in the series) but I have a feeling they will be played with in Bloodlines, so no worries!

For those of you who loved this series as much as I did, be sure to take a look at the following:

Blue Bloods (Blue Bloods, Book 1)
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones; City of Ashes; City of Glass
Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, Book 1)
The Summoning (Darkest Powers, Book 1)
Wake (Wake Series, Book 1)
Wicked Lovely
Evernight (Evernight, Book 1)

Visit Richelle Mead here

-M.

Drought

2011-01-05T09:14:00.000-08:00

Drought
by Pam Bachorz

# of Pages: 400
Age range: 14+
Rating: 4/5
From: Publisher
Release Date: Jan 25th

Ruby dreams of escaping the Congregation. Escape from slaver Darwin West and his cruel Overseers. Escape from struggling to gather the life-prolonging Water that keeps the Congregants alive--and Darwin rich. Escape from her certain, dreary existence, living as if it's still the early 1800s, when the Congregation was first enslaved. But if Ruby leaves, the Congregation will die without the secret ingredient to the Water: her blood. So she stays, and prays to their savior Otto, who first gave Water to the Congregants... and fathered Ruby before he vanished.

When the Congregants discover Ruby's forbidden romance with an Overseer, they beat Ford to stop her from running away with him. Ruby steals their store of Water to save Ford's life and is banished. Ruby has everything she's dreamed of: a modern life with Ford. But the modern world isn't what she thought it would be, and Ruby can't forsake the Congregation. Love and loyalty push Ruby to return and fight for her family's freedom...at a terrible price.

Look at that cover, is it not fabulous or what? From the second I saw this book I was drawn to it, so props to the cover designer! Cover or not, this book is fascination. With an original plot that begs for attention and impressive writing I'm sure Drought will catch the eyes of many YA readers.

The book started off with main character, Ruby, working in the Forest with her mother, collecting water. I was a little confused as to what exactly was going on but within the next few chapters most questions get cleared up. Over 200 years old, Ruby and her community has lived under the brutal control of Darwin West, their slave master, waiting for their savior "Otto" to come and bring them to freedom. I will admit, the cult-like society Ruby lived in was a little weird and annoying at times but it helped develop the plot. With blood that heals, Ruby must provide for the society, and has never questioned her role, until she meets Ford.

Ford is a guard, but he is different from the many that watch and torment Ruby and her friends. He wants to help. And despite her better judgement Ruby starts a rocky relationship with him, one that will change her and the society forever. Done with being a prisoner and waiting for "Otto" to save them, Ruby begins to take action, but not without consequences that will have a huge impact on herself and her role among her people.

This wasn't a quick read, or heart-warming, but it grabbed my attention and evoked emotion from me that I was surprised to find. Instead of watching the characters like a movie and seeing how it played out, I was rooting for them, and I got mad at them. I wanted Ruby to do things she didn't, and I wanted her to takes a stand. I actually cared about what happened to the characters, which means the author did something right as I usually don't feel this involved.

Many may find this book strange due to the "cultness" and the evil that is present throughout, but I think many readers will be intrigued by this unique plot as I was.

Either way I definitely think it is worth a try, so be sure to check this book out, and if you like it, check out the following books as well:

Running Out of Time
The Chosen One: A Novel
Candor
Birthmarked
The Line
The Forest of Hands and Teeth

Vidsit Pam Bachorz here

-M.

Out For Blood

2010-12-26T17:10:00.000-08:00

Out for Blood
by Alyxandra Harvey

# of Pages: 304
Age range: 13+
From: Publisher
Rating: 4.5/5

Hunter Wild is the youngest in a long line of elite vampire hunters, a legacy that is both a blessing and a curse at the secret Helios-Ra Academy, where she excels at just about everything. Thanks to her friendship with Kieran Black, Hunter receives a special invitation to attend the coronation of Helena Drake, and for the first time, she sees the difference between vampires that must be hunted and vampires that can become friends-or even more. When students at the academy fall victim to a mysterious illness, Hunter suspects they are under attack from within. She will need someone she can trust to help her save the future of Helios-Ra . . . help that shockingly comes in the form of Quinn Drake, a drop-dead gorgeous vampire. Who said senior year would be easy?

After reading Alexandra Harvey's first novel, Heart's at Stake, I was eager to read her following books having really enjoyed the first one. Heart's at Stake introduced us to the powerful Drake family and their devastatingly handsome children. Out for Blood, though written with different main characters, still contains the same witty bantering, romance, and addictiveness as the first novel.

Out for blood focuses on Quinn, a Drake brother known for his many female conquests, and Hunter Wild, a senior at the Helios-Ra academy who comes from an esteemed family in the Helios-Ra world, one which would be horrified to learn of her recent meeting's with the Drake family. Written in both Hunter and Quinn's point of view, both characters learn to open their minds about their different races, and to work together to get at a common goal despite their differences. And well you know, maybe share a kiss or two along the way.

I actually really enjoyed this novel. It reminded me a little bit of Vampire Academy mixed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and I loved both series so a combo of the two is always good in my book! The writing was good for the story, light but fun, and the plot was filled with romance, action, and lovable characters.

Definitely check this series out!

If you liked this book be sure to check out:

The Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Firelight by Sophie Jordan
Need by Carrie Jones
Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers

Visit Alyxandra Harvey here

-M.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T19:39:00.001-08:00

Christmas Story - feel fee to do your own

2010-12-23T20:10:00.000-08:00

So tomorrow is Christmas Eve! And for those of you who celebrate Christmas this is a big day of preparation, traveling, last minute wrapping, the works! All in all, it's still a pretty great day and I wanted to share a little bit about my Christmas experience with you all, and maybe you'll want to share your own.

Every Christmas Eve my family drives over to my grandparents house for a traditional Christmas dinner, this includes the big meal, lots of family, and presents! It's a great way to get the old fashioned Christmas feeling without having to actually do it on Christmas day. When we open presents it starts off slow but then after a minute or two everyone is just grabbing presents at random and opening them, it's chaotic but fun.

When we get home it's a different story. Gone is the real tree, instead we have a 13 ft fake one.

Years ago we had a real one but it fell on my Dad one day when he was watching TV so ever since we have had this fake one. I actually prefer the fake one because there is no mess and you can bend the branches to hold any ornament you would like.

Sadly we have no fun lights because my Mom has a specific theme of red and gold.

Then we have our fireplace, which is also fake. My family likes to keep things simple, so we have a "light switch" for our fireplace and when you turn it on it comes to life, so to speak. It's real fire, but it's from gas, the wood inside is fake.

When I was younger my parents explained to me how Santa had "magic powers" so he could get through the glass that protected the fire. Those were the days.

The stone wall goes up all the way to the ceiling, and we also have a giant wreath but that was cut off. Oh yeah, the wreath and poinsettias are fake too. Big surprise.

So on Christmas day we all come downstairs and sit by the fireplace opening presents and after we have a big breakfasts of donuts, the only time we are allowed to eat them during the year, and usually some egg casserole thing my mom makes.

As for the rest of the day, we chill in our PJ's and order Chinese food for dinner. My mom comes from a more traditional family so the whole "Chinese food for Christmas" thing kind of kills her so this year she is making us eat in the dining room. My uncle is coming over too so she wants him to think that we have a "semi-respectable" Christmas meal. He's my dad's brother which means he really doesn't care one way or the other. Anyways this is how she decorated:

If you can see, it's "Asian" themed. My dad brought home all of these Asian dinner sets from China one year so my Mom likes to use it whenever she can.

Check out this wine bottle cover:

Finally, our advent calendar. Both my mom and I hate chocolate - I know, crazy! - so we never had one of those pop-open calendar's with the chocolate inside. Instead we have this little thing that we hang from our pantry door.

For the first week we took off an ornament every day before realizing you are supposed to put them on the tree, it was very sad.

So as you can see, only one more day to go until we can put the star on!

This year I'm asking "Santa" for Books, pearl earrings (I lost mine :( ) Brown lace up boots, makeup, and a Tiffany key necklace although I seriously doubt that will happen, but, you never know!

-M.

If I stay

2010-12-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

If I Stay
by Gayle Forman

# of pages: 272
Age range: 14+
Rating: 4/5
From: Gift.

In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make.I got this book as a present from a family friend, and I had seen it a lot (at TJ Max of all places) recently so I thought I would give it a try.

If I stay focuses on the life of Mia, a cello protege, and her life with the best parents she could ask for, a brother she adores, and a super hot up-and-coming-rock star boyfriend. But, like every pretty picture, her life is not perfect, yet after a devastating accident Mia would give up anything to have it back again. Looking from the outside in, Mia must decide whether she wishes to stay in this world or leave it during her time in the hospital. Told in both present time and series of flashbacks, Mia's journey is both heart-breaking and heart-warming, and certainly one that will be imprinted in your mind long after you have finished the book.

I must admit I really did enjoy this novel. Mia's character was well defined, and I liked how the author was able to create this music based world, so to speak, that you really felt a part of without ever being in it. When and author is able to do that you know the book is good. However, I wasn't a fan of the ending so much. I felt like it just sort of, well, ended. I didn't get a good sense of closure and I didn't think I knew all of the characters well enough to say good-bye to them just yet.

Luckily, there is a sequel. Which, I will be picking up when it is released.

If you like this book be sure to check out:

Before I Fall
Thirteen Reasons Why
Hate List
Rosebush
North of Beautiful

Visit Gayle Forman here

-M.

City of Fallen Angels

2010-12-20T17:19:00.000-08:00

AHHH! The cover has finally been released for CoFA!

SO EXCITED!

Check out this exclusive excerpt below:

Simon glanced toward the window. It was a brisk night, and the wind was blowing leaves across Second Avenue like handfuls of thrown confetti. There was a girl walking down the street, a girl in a tight belted trench coat, with long black hair that flew in the wind. People turned to watch her as she walked past. Simon had looked at girls like that before in the past, idly wondering where they were going, who they were meeting. Not guys like him, he knew that much.

Except this one was. The bell on the diner’s front door rang as the door opened, and Isabelle Lightwood came in. She smiled when she saw Simon, and came toward him, shrugging off her coat and drap- ing it over the back of the chair before she sat down. Under the coat she was wearing one of what Clary called her “typical Isabelle out- fits”: a tight short velvet dress, fishnet stockings, and boots. There was a knife stuck into the top of her left boot that Simon knew only he could see; still, everyone in the diner was watching as she sat down, flinging her hair back. Whatever she was wearing, Isabelle drew attention like a fireworks display.

Beautiful Isabelle Lightwood. When Simon had met her, he’d as- sumed she’d have no time for a guy like him. He’d turned out to be mostly right. Isabelle liked boys her parents disapproved of, and in her universe that meant Downworlders—faeries, werewolves, and vamps. That they’d been dating regularly for the past month or two amazed him, even if their relationship was limited mostly to infre- quent meetings like this one. And even if he couldn’t help but wonder, if he’d never been changed into a vampire, if his whole life hadn’t been altered in that moment, would they be dating at all?

I seriously cannot wait to read this now!

Thanks EW.com for the excerpt!

Also check out teasers released from Cassandra Clare HERE and be sure to check out the paperback copy of City of Glass for an exclusive chapter from CoFA!

-M.

IMMB

2010-12-19T06:30:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

So it's IMMB again! I recieved 3 books for review this week and cannot wait to read them!

Thank you Kirsti of The Story Siren for hosting this weekly meme.

Drought

Ruby dreams of escaping the Congregation. Escape from slaver Darwin West and his cruel Overseers. Escape from struggling to gather the life-prolonging Water that keeps the Congregants alive--and Darwin rich. Escape from her certain, dreary existence, living as if it's still the early 1800s, when the Congregation was first enslaved. But if Ruby leaves, the Congregation will die without the secret ingredient to the Water: her blood. So she stays, and prays to their savior Otto, who first gave Water to the Congregants... and fathered Ruby before he vanished.

When the Congregants discover Ruby's forbidden romance with an Overseer, they beat Ford to stop her from running away with him. Ruby steals their store of Water to save Ford's life and is banished. Ruby has everything she's dreamed of: a modern life with Ford. But the modern world isn't what she thought it would be, and Ruby can't forsake the Congregation. Love and loyalty push Ruby to return and fight for her family's freedom...at a terrible price.

The False Princess

Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia's led a privileged life at court. But everything changes when it's revealed, just after her sixteenth birthday, that she is a false princess, a stand-in for the real Nalia, who has been hidden away for her protection. Cast out with little more than the clothes on her back, the girl now called Sinda must leave behind the city of Vivaskari, her best friend, Keirnan, and the only life she's ever known.

Sinda is sent to live with her only surviving relative, an aunt who is a dyer in a distant village. She is a cold, scornful woman with little patience for her newfound niece, and Sinda proves inept at even the simplest tasks. But when Sinda discovers that magic runs through her veins - long-suppressed, dangerous magic that she must learn to control - she realizes that she can never learn to be a simple village girl.

Returning to Vivaskari for answers, Sinda finds her purpose as a wizard scribe, rediscovers the boy who saw her all along, and uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor's history, forever.

Sinful

After the death of her mother, seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Carrington is starting over. In a new city, at a new school, and with a dad she hardly knows, it isn't going to be easy. Trying desperately to find her way and cope with her unceasing grief, she finds herself surrounded by a force so compelling, so comforting, so captivating that she can't deny its presence and soon fears that if it were to leave her, she might lose her very self. But is it all really happening or has her wavering sanity finally found its breaking point? Michael's role in this world has been the same for centuries, but now something is different. He is inexplicably drawn to an intriguing stranger so alluring that he can't force himself to resist her. Is he willing to risk everything to be with her, even falling? A dark force, hell bent on destroying any chance of happiness for his arch nemesis Michael, is lurking in League City, TX, and there is no limit to his need for vengeance. How far will he go to seek revenge for his sworn enemy's betrayal? Caught in a clash of good versus evil, Elizabeth soon finds herself in the crosshairs of a battle that has been brewing since long before she was even born.

What did you get this week?

-M.

Win Entice!

2010-12-17T21:46:00.000-08:00

Win Entice and this super cool double sided bookmark!

Open to US only!

CLOSES DEC 31st

ENTER HERE

-M.

Entice

2010-12-17T21:36:00.000-08:00

Entice
by Carrie Jones

# of Pages: 272
Age Range: 13+
From: Publisher
Rating: 3.7

Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever. But that's not quite how things have worked out. For starters, well, Nick is dead. Supposedly, he's been taken to a mythic place for warriors known as Valhalla, so Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. But it's taking time, and meanwhile a group of evil pixies is devastating Bedford, with more teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys need all the warriors they can find. But how to get to Valhalla? And even if Zara and her friends discover the way, there's that other small problem: Zara's been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to go with her? Especially since she hasn't turned into just any pixie. . . She's Astley's queen

I was so excited to receive this book for review from Bloomsbury after being a huge fan of Need and Captivate! I loved the original plot line of Pixi's, Were's and Fae that intertwined throughout the novels. However, Entice just didn't "entice" me as much as Need and Captivate did. That being said, Need fans will still love the action packed pages that fill this book.

Entice picks off from where Captivate ended, with Zara still getting used to her new Pixi self. Wasting no time at all, Zara immediately begins her quest to save Nick and must deal with the losses and consequences that come from her decision. Astley too must deal with some personal problems and also try to win Zara's heart while simultaneously helping her find her boyfriend, Nick. As Zara attempts to save Nick she gets closet with Astley, and more so than ever questions her heart, humanity, and the choices she has made.

By the end of the book I am proud to say I am officially on team Astley! Something about the blonde Pixi king hit the right note with me and I would be more than happy if he and Zara were to get together. I also enjoyed seeing how strong Zara's friendship were despite her change, and also how she adapted to her new self.

Unfortunately though, I just didn't feel like the characters were as deep, and Zara's quick choices started to annoy me after awhile. Alas, I am still a fan of this series and will definitely pick up the next book, I just think I expected more than was delivered. Don't let this sway you, however. If you are looking for a fun. action packed sequel to Captivate, then you will more than pleased with Entice!

If you liked Entice be sure to check out:

Tempestuous (Wondrous Strange)
Evermore: The Immortals
Glimmerglass (Faeriewalker, Book 1)
The Iron Daughter (Harlequin Teen)
Hex Hall (Book 1)

Visit Carrie Jones here

Visit other cool pages:

http://www.facebook.com/BloomsburyTeens
http://www.facebook.com/NeedPixies

-M.

Rosebush

2010-12-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

Rosebush
by Michelle Jaffe

Pages: 304
Age Range: 14+
Rating: 5/5
From: BEA

Instead of celebrating Memorial Day weekend on the Jersey Shore, Jane is in the hospital surrounded by teddy bears, trying to piece together what happened last night. One minute she was at a party, wearing fairy wings and cuddling with her boyfriend. The next, she was lying near-dead in a rosebush after a hit-and-run.
Everyone believes it was an accident, despite the phone threats Jane swears were real. But the truth is a thorny thing. As JaneÕs boyfriend, friends, and admirers come to visit, more memories surface not just from the party, but from deeper in her past . . . including the night her best friend Bonnie died.

I was lucky enough to snag the last copy of this at BEA but tucked it in my bookshelf without much thought when I got home. Yet somehow this book caught my eye last night and I decided to pick it up. It sounded like an great read and I wanted something a little bit different from my usual go to books. I was not disappointed, not in the slightest.

From the very first page I knew the writing was going to be good in this book, it was very descriptive yet to the point, and I liked the authors perspective. As for the story, readers first meet Jane as a some-what quiet girl who is forever thankful of her place among the two most popular girls at school and her super hot senior boyfriend. But Jane is all to aware of how easy it is for the perfect things in her life to come crumbling down, and when she wakes up in the hospital with no memory of the night before she knows that is exactly what has happened. For the duration of the story Jane slowly figures out who her attacker is through series of flashbacks and revelations that not only lead her to the truth but also lead her to the recovery from the secrets of her past.

I couldn't seem to put this book down, I just had to know how it ended and I almost contemplated skipping to the end to find out, but I somehow managed to restrain myself. So instead I stayed up until two on a school night, reading, until I reached the very last page and closed the book with a satisfied smile. I've got to say I was surprised, Michelle Jaffe did an excellent job at throwing curve ball after curve ball so that you were always on your toes, guessing. Not only that but I loved the character and relationship developments that transpired through the story. The plot itself was also fantastic, it was extremely well thought out and complex, which I love and admire because I can only imagine how much effort must be put into creating something so dynamic.

So 5 stars for Rosebush, I am a huge fan! I will definitely have to check out more of Jaffe's work in the future. In the meantime, if you liked this book then be sure to check out:

The Lying Game
Deadly Little Games: A Touch Novel
The Body Finder
Before I Fall
If I Stay

Visit Michelle Jaffe here

-M.

Waiting on Wednesday

2010-12-08T17:48:00.000-08:00

In life, nothing is the same as it seems. People create masks –identities – to hide who they really are –some for noble reasons, or nefarious ones, but only a tiny fraction because they must.
Alessandra and Damien, or Rosalie and Daniel, were once the Princess and Prince of La Pacifica until they were forced out of the beautiful island. Eight months flew by, and they finally began to settle in Alexandria, Egypt, when they found out that they didn’t leave their past behind them, and that they were both wanted urgently. Dead.

Thoughts?

Well, I am certainly interested in this one but not captivated. I can't say I'm a huge fan of the cover, it kind of reminds me of the Lovely Bones movie poster for some reason. The plot sounds good but a little confusing, and I can't tell if this is Young Adult or MG? Romance, or family? Hard to tell, so I guess we shall see.

This book comes out in January so there isn't a terribly long wait, and it is being published by Alexandria Library for Publishing & Dist which I have never heard of before...hmmmm

-M.

Matched

2010-12-06T19:00:00.000-08:00

Matched
by Ally Condie

Pages: 369
Age Range: 14+
Rating: 5/5
From: BEA

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

I almost had a heart attack when I saw the pile for these at BEA, all I saw were bright shiny covers disappearing by the second. So I made a dash for it and proceeded to drop all my bags and dive for a copy while I could still grab it - I was that excited! I had heard about Matched over the winter and I really, really wanted a copy. So when I finally read it back in August, I was not disappointed, not in the slightest.

Matched starts off with main character Cassia being matched to her best friend Xander, except it doesn't go as smoothly as planned. When she gets home she goes to learn more about her match and she see's a completely different face, someone's she never expected to see. Confused, and slightly intrigued, Cassia tries to ignore the image she saw but she can't help thinking about him, the other boy. So when Cassia is put in a class with her almost-match, she can't deny the attraction she has to him. Suddenly all she's ever known about her world is changing, and not for the better.

This dystopian novel is similar to The Hunger Games in the "bring down the government" type theme. But do not categorize these two books as one, since Matched is much more romantically focused where as The Hunger Games is not. What I really like about Matched besides the romance and characters, is the original ideas. The things about Dystopians that is unique to fantasy novels is the small details that make the world so unique. When writing one of these stories the authors have to take every single detail about our day to day lives and recreate it to fit into their own world. I can seriously respect the thought that is put into such ideas.

Matched ended with a cliffhanger as most series do and I cannot deny that I am dying to read the sequel, Crossed. I want more of Cassia and her world, and I cannot wait to see what Ally Condie does in the future. I have only read three of the Penguin 5 but this one is definitely my favorite.

IF you liked Matched be sure to check out:

The Replacement
Wither (The Chemical Garden Trilogy)
Graceling
Delirium
Incarceron (Incarceron, Book 1)
The Water Wars

Visit Ally Condie HERE

-M.

IMMB

2010-12-04T21:53:00.000-08:00

*Thank you Kirsti from The Story Siren for hosting this weekly meme*

Hey everyone,

So it's Sunday again! and it is Dec 5th, only 20 days until Christmas! and if you are Jewish, happy Hanukkah!

So I got 3 books for review this week:

From Bloomsbury I received:

Entice

Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever. But that's not quite how things have worked out. For starters, well, Nick is dead. Supposedly, he's been taken to a mythic place for warriors known as Valhalla, so Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. But it's taking time, and meanwhile a group of evil pixies is devastating Bedford, with more teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys need all the warriors they can find. But how to get to Valhalla? And even if Zara and her friends discover the way, there's that other small problem: Zara's been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to go with her? Especially since she hasn't turned into just any pixie. . . She's Astley's queen.

Out for Blood (Drake Chronicles)

Hunter Wild is the youngest in a long line of elite vampire hunters, a
legacy that is both a blessing and a curse at the secret Helios-Ra
Academy, where she excels at just about everything. Thanks to her
friendship with Kieran Black, Hunter receives a special invitation to
attend the coronation of Helena Drake, and for the first time, she sees
the difference between vampires that must be hunted and vampires that
can become friends—or even more. When students at the academy fall
victim to a mysterious illness, Hunter suspects they are under attack
from within. She will need someone she can trust to help her save the
future of Helios-Ra . . . help that shockingly comes in the form of
Quinn Drake, a drop-dead gorgeous vampire. Who said senior year would
be easy?

And from Simon and Schuster...

Wither (The Chemical Garden Trilogy)

What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limited time she has left.

I'm pretty excited about what I got! But what did you all get???

-M.

Waiting on Wednesday

2010-12-01T12:49:00.000-08:00

Lady Victoria Mansfield, youngest daughter of the Earl and
Countess of Fairmount, is destined for a charmed life. Soon she
will be presented during the London season, where she can choose a mate worthy of her status.

Yet Tory has a shameful secret—a secret so powerful that, if
exposed, it could strip her of her position and disgrace her family forever. Tory’s blood is tainted…by magic. When a shocking accident forces Tory to demonstrate her despised skill, the secret she’s fought so hard to hide is revealed for all to see. She is immediately exiled to Lackland Abbey, a reform school for young men and women in her position. There she will learn to suppress her deplorable talents and maybe, if she’s one of the lucky ones, be able to return to society.

But Tory’s life is about to change forever. All that she’s ever
known or considered important will be challenged. What lies
ahead is only the beginning of a strange and wonderful journey
into a world where destiny and magic come together, where true
love and friendship find her, and where courage and strength of
character are the only things that determine a young girl’s worth

Thoughts?

Um, can I have this? Now? First of all the cover is stunning, I love the black and white it is very classic. I hope the mirror will be shiny when the final copy comes out! History + magic is always a great combo.

This book is officially on my my must-have list!

Too bad it comes out March 1st... :(

-M.

First Day of December, Goodbye to Books of November

2010-12-01T12:29:00.000-08:00

Well actually it's more like, "Hello November books." But I liked the little rhyme in the title :)

Paberback:

-M.

Author Interview: Christine Schulze

2010-11-30T16:04:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

Meet Christine Schulze! She is the author of many books but today we're going to learn a bit more about her newest book, Bloodmaiden.

For a full listing of Christine's books click here.

Here's a description of Bloodmaiden:
Vale. Gauthier. Varden. These three dynasties...

They all sound like something out of an ancient, oriental myth or fairy tale. The concept of humans and dragons helping and living in harmony with one another, without fear. To me, that's exactly what they are. A distant dream only read of, whispered secretly, quietly yearned for.

For, you see, I am the new Quelda of Tynan.

These words echo the mystery, horror, and romance found within Schulze's fantasy novel. Along with her new husband, Chalom, Crislin must choose to embrace cruel tradition, run from it, or stand against it. The young couple's only hope is to rally the help of the three peaceful dragon dynasties of Sulaimon-but tradition is not on their side, even outside the realm of Tynan. The dragons outside Tynan's borders have been rumored as too stubborn and proud to believe their Tynanian brothers would commit such horrors as inflicted upon the Quelda. Gaining their aid is not a likely hope. Yet, any hope at all is valued in Tynan...

If they are to stand a chance of bringing cruel tradition to a permanent end, Crisilin and Chalom must brave the constant, consuming blizzards of the Ever-white. They must brave the three dynasties and the challenges awaiting there. Together, they must convince the dragon emperors to allow them access to the shrines which house the sacred Aria - protective strands of music which may be able to disperse the evil from Tynan and unite the four dynasties of Sulaimon as a whole once again. Their only aid stems from a sprite whose moods are as unstable as her magic, a young minstrel, and a mysterious fox. Despite the odds, such plans are daring, dangerous, unprecedented, but fully possible - if they can escape the Wall first.

1.) Describe your book in 3 words

(Ah! So, I recently participated in an interview where the girl asked me to describe the book in five words. That didn’t happen, and this certainly isn’t happening either. Sorry to cheat on the first question, but the following is Bloodmaiden’s tagline and works brilliantly!):

Four Aria. Four Dynasties. One brilliant quest.

2.) How did you first get the idea for your novel?

Well, it was a number of things, really. It sort of began with an inspiration for a photo shoot I had and thus accomplished with a best friend of mine; yes, that is me on the cover. The concepts and moods of the photos helped paint some of the scene. I believe I was also taking or else had taken a fiction writing class in college and wanted to write a book that focused not just on the story and characters, but on the language and the tone set from that language.

At the same time, I wanted to do something with dragons. I’m not really a dragon fan at all when it comes to fantasy. However, while I love creating my own fantasy races and creatures, I also love taking those already in existence and placing my own, unique spin upon them. I’d done vampires, werewolves, fairies, elves, banshees, genies, you name it—but not dragons. After doing a bit of research online about different types of dragons and using that as groundwork to create my own four dragon dynasties, I set to work.

So, in reality, I sort of combined ideas for two books into one, something I’m actually quite fond of doing. More often than not, it makes the stories more complex and intricate, which in turn makes them more unique and interesting, which in turn makes for both happy readers and a happy author. ^_^

3.) Which of your characters do you most relate to?

I would have to say Crisilin, hands-down, if only because her character is one of many partly based upon myself. They say that authors put a little of themselves into each of their characters; this is likely true. Two other characters in the book are Pan and Brydon, which have a mysterious and intriguing side story going on which I won’t spoil. However, Pan reflects the deep pain I’ve felt in relationships, while I have felt the sting of Brydon’s sorrow as well.

However, as I said, I most relate to Crisilin. One reviewer of Bloodmaiden, Kate from The Book Buff, says:

“You are right there with her, you don't totally know what is going on, but that helps you feel more in the moment. Speaking of Crisilin, I just love her. She is so sweetly innocent, and unabashedly so. She is self aware, she knows she's naive in many things, and that's how she likes it.”

Though there are other aspects to my character—and Crisilin’s as well—I do incorporate my own innocence, naivety, and self-awareness into her character; though I may not claim to be as sweet as she...

4.) If you could go anywhere in the world to write, where would you go?

New Zealand! It’s so beautiful, plus I always have had a thing for traveling there since Lord of the Rings was filmed there—at least in part, I can’t remember how much of the movies they shot there. At any rate, who knows? Might see some hobbits while visiting; that would prove quite the inspiration...

5.) What is the hardest challenge about being an author?

Getting known! I have come to learn that it’s easy to write a good book—for me, at least; then again, I’ve been doing so since I was around four years old—and even fairly easy to get published. But gaining a name for yourself—promotion—that’s the toughie. There’s lots of great books out there, so it’s hard to get readers interested in your own book; why should they read it above others? Personally, I’ve been told I am a great writer with very unique fantasy reads with rich imagery in my books; however, spreading the word to other readers can be difficult!

However, I encourage all writers to have patience and persevere. The more you write, the better you get with each book, so work hard to present your best to the world. Patience is killer, but I’m slowly, steadily learning it.

6.) If you could be any of your characters for a day who would you be and why?

This is probably THE most awful question because I have SO many characters. I do have several characters crafted partially after myself: Crisilin from Bloodmaiden; Elizabeth from The Legends of Surprisers series; Chrystine from Golden Healer, Dark Enchantress; Chasmira from The Hero Chronicles, etc. I honestly don’t know if I would choose one of those as a character to act as.

Perhaps one I might choose is Tiffany from The Hero Chronicles. She is a story-traveler, something I used to pretend as a child and still do on occasion, traveling into the worlds of various books and aiding the characters on their quest. She is involved with Dristann in the side story of The Hero Chronicles; it is partially a forbidden sort of romance, partly connected to what is going on with the main plot—and one of the main villians. I was inspired to write Dristann’s character from Harry Potter’s Draco Malfoy. Dristann is a deep, dark character but one with a rich soul; he harbors many secrets and feels forced to serve a side he wants no part of. However, his story—and its outcome—are quite different than Draco’s. Perhaps if Draco had someone to guide him as Dristann has Tiffany, his story too could have ended on a happier note...

7.) Have you ever faced writer’s block, if so what did you do to overcome it?

Generally, no; I know so many writers who suffer from writer’s block. However, God seems to have truly blessed me. Often, when a new story comes to me, it comes to me rather quickly in full. Sometimes I have to sit down and brainstorm for how a certain scene will turn out or how I want two different ideas to connect in a story. For the most part though, writing is as natural as breathing to me. Thank God for that; I’ve currently written over thirty books and still counting and hope for all to be published someday!

8.) If you had to spend $10,000 in one day what would you buy?

Honestly? I’d probably save a lot; lol, maybe that sounds lame, but I am a cautious person when it comes to finances. Although, if I HAD to spend it, I would probably do all I could to promote my books in that one day that was possible! $10,000 might really help in getting a poor author’s name out there...

9.) What is the best part about being an author other than writing for a living?

Lol, so, to answer this honestly, I suppose I would actually have to first be able to actually write for a living—which I would love to do, but one has to get known first, eh?

Even if I never got paid though, I would write. When God inspires me to write a new book or story, I MUST write. It literally wants to explode from me; I’m actually quite cranky if I can’t get my new ideas down fairly quickly. I revel in creating unique worlds and peoples, intricate plots, deep characters, and intriguing side stories. Lately, I also love focusing not only on the story and characters but on the language as well, playing around with different writing styles; I’ve always been good at creating rich imagery though, transferring what I see in my mind, like a cinematic scene, onto the page.

In short, I love everything about writing. As far as writing to make a living though, the one thing I can say I would truly love about that is if someone decided to make a movie from one of my books, especially Bloodmaiden; it’s teeming with suspense, tension, beautiful imagery, and so many other qualities which could make for an awesome film.

10.) Mac or PC?

I’ve actually never used a Mac, so I’ll have to go with PC. Though, I am never opposed to trying new things. ^_^

***

Thanks Christine!

For all you fantasy lovers out there be sure to check out Christine's books!

-M.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-26T21:17:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

So this is the send time writing this post (grr) but mainly I just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving and for those of you who are brave enough to face the crowds, happy Black Friday!

Sorry for being MIA this week, it was exam week in my school, and turkey day so I took some time off to study and be with the family.

Anyways, on the blog this week make sure you check out two reviews! And an author guest post/interview.

And perhaps a contest?

Speaking of contests, be sure to enter my Mostly Good Girls contest to win 5 copies of this awesome YA novel, HERE! hurry, it ends tomorrow!

-M.

2011 Debut Author Challenge!!!

2010-11-21T14:40:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

So 2010 is coming to a close, well in a month anyway, which means the 2010 debut author challenge will be over :(. But that does not mean the fun is over, no way!

So once January 1st rolls around the 2011 debut author challenge will start up and I don't know about you but there is an awesome line up of books coming out next year that I can't wait to read!

So go sign up at The Story Siren!

The Exiled Queen

2010-11-17T14:47:00.000-08:00

Exiled Queen, The (A Seven Realms Novel)
by Cinda Williams Chima

# of Pages: 592
Age range: 13/14+
Rating: 5/5
From: Bought.

Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han Alister journeys south to begin his schooling at Mystwerk House in Oden’s Ford. But leaving the Fells doesn’t mean danger isn’t far behind. Han is hunted every step of the way by the Bayars, a powerful wizarding family set on reclaiming the amulet Han stole from them. And Mystwerk House has dangers of its own. There, Han meets Crow, a mysterious wizard who agrees to tutor Han in the darker parts of sorcery—but the bargain they make is one Han may regret.

Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana’Marianna runs from a forced marriage in the Fells, accompanied by her friend Amon and his triple of cadets. Now, the safest place for Raisa is Wein House, the military academy at Oden's Ford. If Raisa can pass as a regular student, Wein House will offer both sanctuary and the education Raisa needs to succeed as the next Gray Wolf queen.

I have been dying to read this ever since I finished the previous book, The Demon King, last September. Much to my disappointment all three libraries I go to did not have this book available so I bought it online. In general I much rather prefer a solid copy of a book, I have tried reading on the kindle and Ipad and for whatever reason the digital version of a book just doesn't beat good old paper. Regardless, my reading experience didn't take away from this amazing story, and I am so glad I didn't wait and read this when I did.

The Exiled Queen picks up pretty much right after The Demon King ended, both Raisa and Han are traveling to Oden's Ford and are adjusting to their new lives. The beginning was probably the slowest part of the book - which isn't that slow let me tell you, it's just not as fast paced as other parts. Still, immediately I fell in love with the characters once again and was amazed by their vividness and depth.
Throughout the book many new surprises are revealed and we see the characters make some of the hardest choices of their lives. Relationships will be built, and broken; blood will be spilt, and pages will certainly be turned.

The plot was intricately crafted, as usual. I love when authors are able to create a world that you can practically live in yourself through the writing, it amazes me to no end how they can weave in characters, plot, and this whole new world with power shifts, government, and culture all into one book without ever sacrificing another part. Cinda Williams Chima is the kind of writer that inspires me to write.

With a cliff hanger ending, it kills me that I have to wait a whole year for the next installment, but it's worth it! If you haven't tried this series I strongly recommend it, there's action, adventure, romance, and magic! A must read for fantasy lovers!

If you liked this book be sure to check out:

The Heir Chronicles Box Set
The Maze Runner (Maze Runner Trilogy, Book 1)
Boxed Set (Books 1-7) and Hogwarts Express
Graceling
Fire (Graceling)
Incarceron (Incarceron, Book 1)

Visit Cinda Williams Chima here

-M.

IMMB

2010-11-13T23:07:00.000-08:00

Thank you Kirsti at the Story Siren for hosting this weekly meme.

So I only got one thing this week but it was kind of amazing...

Yes, I made the conversion from PC to Mac and so far I am loving it! I haven't converted all my files and what not over yet and I don't really know how to work the mac that well but I'm getting there...

So what did you get this week???

-M.

Mostly Good Girls + Contest

2010-11-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

Mostly Good Girls

By Leila Sales

Age Range: 13/14+

# of Pages: 368

Rating: 4/5

From: BEA

The higher you aim, the farther you fall….
It’s Violet’s junior year at the Westfield School. She thought she’d be focusing on getting straight As, editing the lit mag, and figuring out how to talk to boys without choking on her own saliva. Instead, she’s just trying to hold it together in the face of cutthroat academics, her crush’s new girlfriend, and the sense that things are going irreversibly wrong with her best friend, Katie.

When Katie starts making choices that Violet can’t even begin to fathom, Violet has no idea how to set things right between them. Westfield girls are trained for success—but how can Violet keep her junior year from being one huge, epic failure?

I was walking through the S&S booth during BEA when I saw this one lone book tucked in the back of a miniature book shelf. The book lover in me pitied the poor book and I reached out to perhaps move it somewhere more...filled? When I saw the cover however I was a little surprised. With legs like that maybe this book wasn't so lonely after all! But after skimming the back I decided, lonely or not, this book was coming home with me.

Fate emailed me one day in September asking if I wanted to do a tour for this book and I heartily agreed. I had my own copy, I had been wanting to read it for awhile, this was just the push I needed. So then...I read the book.

Mostly Good Girls is set in an all girls private school near Boston, MA. Violet, our leading lady is just like any other over-achieving private school girl who doesn't come from buckets of money - boy deprived, over-worked, and struggling to make it all work. I can relate. Mostly Good Girls follows the life of Violet through the first half of her junior year and the challenges she goes through with friends, boys, making the right choices, and ultimately being true to yourself and who you want to be.

Even though I didn't particularly love Violet herself, I could relate to her, and I think a lot of teens will be able to as well. Actually, it's kind of creepy how much the two of have in common - not personality wise necessarily, but lifestyle wise. Both of us go to all girls private schools in MA, and the school described in Mostly Good Girls is literally just like my own! And the things that happen in the school - they really do happen in real life! I was comparing the two the whole story!

Back to the book though, I loved the writing and the characters in this book, especially Violet and Katie's friendship (pre-fighting that is). The ending was perfect as well and I felt a good sense of closure.

I definitely recommend this book for people looking for a good, humorous, YA read. If you liked this book be sure to check out:

Before I Fall

Confessions Of The Sullivan Sisters

Not That Kind Of Girl

How To Say Goodbye In Robot

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls)

Visit Leila Sales HERE

*Contest!*

5 copies of Mostly Good Girls are up for grabs, generously donated from S&S!

Contest Ends 11/30/10!

Enter HERE

Open to US/Canada only.

-M.

Leila Sales Guest Post Tip #7

2010-11-11T08:58:00.000-08:00

Meet Leila Sales!

Author of the new YA novel Mostly Good Girls

I was fortunate enough to be a part of her blog tour for this awesome book, be sure to check out every stop.

8. HUMOR WRITING – PART SEVEN

Having shared with you a whole bunch of rules for humor writing, I wanted to give you a list of a few of my favorite funny writers, who make these rules look easy.

DAVE BARRY: This man has had a thirty-year long career, and everything he’s published has been brilliant. He is a genius. I literally, not even exaggerating, would not be a humor writer today if my mom hadn’t brought me a Dave Barry book from the library when I was twelve years old and home sick from school.

MEG CABOT: The Princess Diaries are some of the most hysterical YA novels out there. Remember my Humor Writing Tip #6? “Make things extreme”? Meg Cabot like invented that rule.

LOIS LOWRY: People don’t immediately think of Lois Lowry as a humor writer, presumably because neither dystopian societies (The Giver) nor World War Two (Number the Stars) are real laugh-fests. But her slightly less well-known books—like Taking Care of Terrific and The Willoughbys—are so droll and clever.

JON SCIESZKA: I mentioned The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales in my post on Humor Writing Tip #4 (callbacks), and I mean it: I’ve read that book a million times since I was seven, and it still makes me laugh. You know how I said that roughly eighty percent of humor is subverting the audience’s expectations? Well, no one does that as well as Jon Scieszka.

SIMON RICH: His first collection of humor essays, Ant Farm: And Other Desperate Situations is so funny that I literally cannot read it aloud without laughing until I cry. It’s vastly humiliating, yet I keep reading it aloud to friends anyway.

DOROTHY PARKER: My stated dream is to be the Dorothy Parker of teen literature. When my editor first acquired Mostly Good Girls, I made her and my agent go out for drinks with me at the Algonquin Hotel, where I ordered a cocktail called the Parker. That is how serious about this I am.

OSCAR WILDE: More than a hundred years after his death, Oscar Wilde remains the master of pithy wit. He once wrote the phrase, “If I am occasionally a little overdressed, I make up for it by being immensely overeducated.” If I ever write anything half that clever, then I’ll be satisfied.

Who do you think are some of the funniest writers? Which is to say—who should I read next?

Thanks Leila!

Waiting on Wednesday

2010-11-10T07:17:00.000-08:00

Blood Magic (The Blood Journals)

For Nick Pardee and Silla Kennicot, the cemetery is the center of everything.

Nick is a city boy angry at being forced to move back to the nowhere town of Yaleylah, Missouri where he grew up. He can’t help remembering his mom and the blood magic she practiced – memories he’s tried for five years to escape. Silla, though, doesn’t want to forget; her parents’ apparent murder-suicide left her numb and needing answers. When a book of magic spells in her dad’s handwriting appears on her doorstep, she sees her chance to unravel the mystery of their deaths.

Together they plunge into the world of dark magic, but when a hundred-year-old blood witch comes hunting for the bones of Silla’s parents and the spell book, Nick and Silla

Ooo, this looks like a goodie! I love the cover and the synopsis!

Release date: April 26th 2011 :(
Publisher: Random House

-M

IMMB

2010-11-07T08:02:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Kirsti for hosting In My Mailbox every week - much appreciated!

So this week I got one book for review from Egmont, which I am so excited to read!

The Lost Saint: A Dark Divine Novel

Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She gave her soul to the wolf to save him and lost her beloved mother. When Grace receives a haunting phone call from Jude, she knows what she must do. She must become a Hound of Heaven. Desparate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot - a newcomer to town who promises her that he can help her be a hero. But as the two grow closer, the wolf grows in Grace, and her relationship with Daniel begins to crumble. Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace becomes prideful in her new abilities - not realizing that an old enemy has returned and deadly trap is about to be sprung.

From the Library:

Finnikin of the Rock

Finnikin was only a child during the five days of the unspeakable, when the royal family of Lumatere were brutally murdered, and an imposter seized the throne. Now a curse binds all who remain inside Lumatere’s walls, and those who escaped roam the surrounding lands as exiles, persecuted and despairing, dying by the thousands in fever camps. In a narrative crackling with the tension of an imminent storm, Finnikin, now on the cusp of manhood, is compelled to join forces with an arrogant and enigmatic young novice named Evanjalin, who claims that her dark dreams will lead the exiles to a surviving royal child and a way to pierce the cursed barrier and regain the land of Lumatere. But Evanjalin’s unpredictable behavior suggests that she is not what she seems — and the startling truth will test Finnikin’s faith not only in her, but in all he knows to be true about himself and his destiny.

The Dead-Tossed Waves (Forest of Hands and Teeth, Book 2)

Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves.

Thoughts?

-M.

Paranormalcy

2010-11-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

Paranormalcy
by Kiersten White

# of Pages: 352
Age range: 13+
Rating: 4/5

Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours. Firelight

But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal

I was fortunate enough to win an ARC of Paranormalcy from James at Book Chic, and even though it took me awhile for me to get around to reading it, Paranormalcy was worth the wait. The cover alone was enough to make my wish list alone, but the awesome and original plot was what sold me. I am officially a Kiersten White fan!

Paranormalcy starts off with main character Evie kicking some vampire butt on one of her missions. Her unique talent - being able to see through glamours - makes her a key member of the international paranormal containment agency (IPCA for short). Evie never questions her duty or her place among the IPCA, and seems perfectly content with her mermaid best friend and highschool drama shows. But when a new paranormal is put behind bars, one that gains Evie's trust and heart, she starts to question the life she has at the IPCA and what exactly she is.

I loved Evie, she was such a bright character that made me smile. Her replacement of swear words with "Beep" was funny and unique. I especially loved her relationship with Lend - he made her grow as a character, and they had great chemistry while still remaining sweet and not steamy. I even liked Reth - Evie's ex faerie boyfriend - despite his kidnapping habit.

On the novel side, the original and captivating plot kept me glued to the book and the fun yet mature writing made the novel entertaining without being annoyingly sweet. The only complaints I would hwould be that it was hard to get a good image of what Lend looked like - and that I still am not e sure what Evie is exactly. But, more shall be explained in novel number 2, Supernaturally coming summer 2011!

If you like this book be sure to check out:

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, Book 1)
Matched
The Candidates (Delcroix Academy, Book 1)
Personal Demons
Dead Beautiful

Visit Kiersten White here

-M.

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T19:21:00.000-07:00

So my friends pulled me into to going out trick or treating this year. I figured, hey what the heck, you're only one once. So dressed up as cowgirls - it looked better than it sounds - and we hit the streets to score some serious sweets. After three houses we realized that this was actually pretty lame. We were the oldest people walking around, and it was kind of awkward going to each door asking for candy.

Then came house number four. We knock and this lady opens the door and gives us a blank stare. Hesitantly we say, "trick or treat?" The lady gives us a weird look and says "Candy or canned goods?" With embarrassment we admit candy and she raises her eyebrows and gives us that all too familiar look of disappointment before reaching to grab her candy bowl saying, "aren't you all a little big for trick or treating?" We don't say anything, take our candy and run.

In the street we practically die of embarrassment and argue about whether to keep going or not. Ultimately we choose to book it back to my friends house, throw on some sweats and walk down to CVS to buy some candy. Yes it was that sad. When we returned to her house we poured our paid for candy into bowls, popped some popcorn and sat down on my friend's bed to watch some scary movies.

I learned some valuable lessons tonight.

1.) Nothing in life is free
2.) Save trick or treating for kids
3.) Go to costume parties instead
4.) And always, always, always resort to sweats, junk food, and a movie when feeling bad about yourself! - okay actually never do that, but still..

-M.

Loved The Dark Divine...?

2010-10-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

.... Then you'll be excited to know about this cool promotion from Egmont.

From now until November 22nd you can buy the Dark Divine E-book for $2.99 HERE!

So if you have had any hesitations in buying this book, go buy it now, I promise you'll like it - especially at $3!

-M.

Waiting on Wednesday

2010-10-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

Across the Universe

by Beth Revis

Story of Love, Murder, and Madness Aboard an Enormous Spaceship Bound for the Future

Amy is a cryogenically frozen passenger aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed. She expects to wake up on a new planet, 300 years in the future. But fifty years before Godspeed's scheduled landing, Amy's cryo chamber is unplugged, and she is nearly killed.

Now, Amy is caught inside an enclosed world where nothing makes sense. Godspeed's passengers have forfeited all control to Eldest, a tyrannical and frightening leader, and Elder, his rebellious and brilliant teenage heir.

Amy desperately wants to trust Elder. But should she? All she knows is that she must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets before whoever woke her tries to kill again.

Across the Universe is Titanic meets Brave New World.

Thoughts: Um, can I have this? Now? I love futuristic novels, and this ones sounds amazing. The cover alone should be the selling point for this book, but the plot is equally as inticing. Love it!

Release date: January 11th :(

-M.

Nightshade

2010-10-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

Nightshade
by Andrea Cremer

# of Pages: 528
Age Range: 14+
From: BEA
Pub Date: Oct 19th

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything--including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

I know you should never judge a book based on its cover, but I look at this one, it says so much about the book. The moment I saw it I knew that this book was going to be must read. I was fortunate enough to snag two signed copies at BEA and I read one of them over the summer. Although Nightshade is much better suited for October this fun and sexy read was perfect for those warm August nights under the moon.

Nightshade starts off with Calla saving the life of a very handsome, and very human boy in the woods. There is something off about Shay though, he seems to be a part of Calla's world except f the fact that he knows nothing about her pack or magic. As Calla learns more about him, their connection grows and soon her future goes from being crystal clear to foggy and confusing. Her world as she knows it is changing and Calla isn't sure if she is prepared for whats coming next.

Nightshade captivated me from the very beginning. I loved how Shay challenged Calla, and the mystery behind Shay's existence. I will admit, the first 150 pages were confusing for me because I really didn't understand how the packs/nightshade world worked. All of the back history wasn't explained until much later so it made the beginning a little tough to get through. Once I knew what I needed to though, I was sucked in and found it hard to put the book down.

With strong characters. a page-turning plot, and an intense romance, Nightshade was a must read. I recommend this book to people who like or will like the following books:

Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, Book 1)
Misguided Angel (Blue Bloods, Book 5)
Torment (Fallen)
Crescendo (Hush, Hush)
Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, Book 1)
Beautiful Darkness

Visit Andrea Cremer here

-M.

Hold Me Closer Necromancer

2010-10-13T08:48:00.000-07:00

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer
by Lish McBride

# of Pages: 352
Age Range: 14/15+
From: Publisher
Rating: 3.7/5

Sam leads a pretty normal life. He may not have the most exciting job in the world, but he’s doing all right—until a fast food prank brings him to the attention of Douglas, a creepy guy with an intense violent streak.

Turns out Douglas is a necromancer who raises the dead for cash and sees potential in Sam. Then Sam discovers he’s a necromancer too, but with strangely latent powers. And his worst nightmare wants to join forces . . . or else.

With only a week to figure things out, Sam needs all the help he can get. Luckily he lives in Seattle, which has nearly as many paranormal types as it does coffee places. But even with newfound friends, will Sam be able to save his skin?

I was fortunate enough to snag a copy of Hold Me Closer, Necromancer at BEA and then have the publisher send me a second copy a few weeks ago. The plot sounded like a funny paranormal read and one day when I was in the mood to read something humorous, I picked up a copy and gave this book a try.

I was fortunate enough to snag a copy of Hold Me Closer, Necromancer at BEA and then have the publisher send me a second copy a few weeks ago. The plot sounded like a funny paranormal read and one day when I was in the mood to read something humorous, I picked up a copy and gave this book a try.

I couldn't help but like college drop out, Sam, the naive main character in this debut novel. I found him funny and loved how close he and his friends were. Apparently you can make some serious bonds over burgers. When Sam's life is on the line after he catches the attention of Douglas - the council's leader and strongest necromancer in the area, it seems that Sam's already dead, especially when he is captured and held prisoner in Douglas's evil basement. Luckily for Sam he has a loving family and great friends who will stop at nothing to save him - not that he' alone. With him in the basement is a gorgeous werewolf hybrid who is desperate for company.

This novel has a very original plot - which I liked, and I really enjoyed the characters. My problem with this book however is that the ending felt very rushed, I didn't feel like I got to know some of the characters as well as I should have and the climax seemed like the first part to a bigger climax, except it wasn't... Needless to say, I did enjoy this book, and I thought it was extremely funny and original. I just wish the ending had been better executed.

Still, I'm hoping for a sequel!

If you liked this novel be sure to check out:

Fat Vampire: A Never Coming of Age Story
I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies)
The Replacement
Eighth Grade Bites (Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, Book 1)

Visit Lish McBride HERE

-M.

Winners!

2010-10-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

WINNERS...

For the signed Firelight ARC the winners is...

KATIE!

and the winner of The Twins Daughter is....

LESLIE G.

I'll be emailing you both shortly!

-M.

Author Interview: Julie Berry

2010-10-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

Meet author Julie Berry!

Books

I''m so happy to have to the chance to interview her here at Bookmac today! For those of you who don't know Julie, her newly released novel is called Secondhand Charm and I have a review of it below!

1.) Why did you decide to write a fantasy novel for young adults?

I wrote the kind of book I enjoy reading. I don’t remember ever musing, “Hm, should I write a corporate crime thriller? A depressing memoir? ... I know. How about young adult fantasy? Bingo.” There was never a choice. When I opened my creative cupboard, that’s what was sitting on the shelves.

2.) If you could describe your book using only three words which ones would you choose?

Can I list the three words I hope others will choose? “Brilliant, inspired, award-winning?” That last one was a cheat, I suppose. If I must choose my own, how about: “I like fish?” I’m trying here, grasping … Adjectives elude me. Would you settle for ingredients? “Adventure, danger, myth.” (Plus kissing.)

3.) How did you come up with names for all of your characters?

Naming is always fun. Some names in Secondhand Charm have thematic significance, for me at least. Others are simply harvested from lists of names I find online. I look up first names and surnames that existed in England and France during the 18th Century, then trawl through them for the ones I like best.

4.) Are any of your characters based off of people you know?

Not really. There’s a little bit of me in every first-person girl protagonist I write. I hope it won’t spoil things for my readers when I say that every leading guy I write has a bit of my husband in him. But really, girls, you should see my husband. I’m not kidding.

5.) Did you have to do any research for your novel?

I did, and I always do, whenever I’m writing anything set in the past, even if it’s a made-up past. European history fascinates me – social, linguistic, religious, political. Part of the fun of writing each book is the exploration into new historical territory. Researching details for period authenticity helps my settings feel more believable, I think, even if there is no kingdom of Pylander. Although I don’t attempt to use speech patterns that would have been used in the 18th Century – no “thee” and “thou” for me – I do research every word I use to make sure it existed in English during the time period in which my novel is set.

6.) Do you plan on writing more fantasy for young adults in the future?

Absolutely. I’ve only just begun to play. Stay tuned!

***

Can't wait!

-M.

Secondhand Charm

2010-10-06T08:16:00.000-07:00

Secondhand Charm
by Julie Berry

# of Pages: 352
Age Range: 13+
From: Publisher
Rating: 4/5

In a secluded village, magic sparkles on the edges of the forest. There, a young girl named Evie possesses unusually strong powers as a healer. A gypsy's charms—no more than trinkets when worn by others—are remarkably potent when Evie ties them around her neck. Her talents, and charms, have not escaped the notice of the shy stonemason's apprentice. But Evie wants more than a quiet village and the boy next-door. When the young king's carriage arrives one day, and his footman has fallen ill, Evie might just get her chance after all . . .

I had wanted to read author Julie Berry's novel, The Amaranth Enchantment, for some time. So when I got the chance to review her new novel, Secondhand Charm I eagerly agreed to review it and I am so glad I did!

Secondhand Charm is an enchanting fantasy novel filled with laughs, love, and magic! Main character, Evie, is not only refreshingly sweet but has a good head on her shoulders. When she has a chance to go to University despite her gender, she takes it. With the help of a special someone of course... Along her journey Evie learns more about herself than she ever imagined and also gets the chance to help her kingdom.

This novel had great characters, awesome writing, and plot. I really enjoyed it! With short chapters, Secondhand Charm read quickly and I never found myself bored throughout the novel. After reading this novel I am more inclined than ever to go pick up Julie Berry's, Amaranth Enchantment!

If you liked this novel be sure to check out:

The Healer's Apprentice
StarCrossed
Everlasting
Princess of the Midnight Ball
Princess of Glass

Visit Julie Berry here

-M.

Author Interview: Jennifer Solow

2010-10-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!

Meet Jennifer Solow, author of the new MG series, The Aristobrats. I was lucky enough to not only review her book but also interview her!

1.) What was the hardest part about writing The Aristobrats?

The hardest thing about writing The Aristobrats is that the characters aren’t real. I really have fallen in love with them and sometimes I get in the mood to meet them at La Coppa Coffee for a Mocha Mach – but they’re not on my speed dial.

The other hard thing is that so many of the stories and characters are based in reality – it’s weird when the person and the character meet up. For instance, Ikea was inspired by a friend I went to school with. I was so excited to tell her about it because I think Ikea is a pretty big hero in the story. I don’t think my friend saw it that way – I felt bad, like maybe I’d offended her when what I really wanted to do was pay homage to a girl I admired long ago.

2.) Which of your characters do you see yourself the most in/you best relate to?

I think I’m a lot like Parker – we both work hard to seem like we have it all together when really we’re just hoping it all doesn’t all fall apart at the seams. I’m also a bit Kiki-like, or at least I wish I could be some days – kind of like the world revolves around me and there’s no reason to believe otherwise. Ikea is a perfectionist and deeply charitable and brilliant. Unfortunately I can only aspire to be like her. Plum is uber-cool, very laid back and punky-stylish without having to try too hard. I’m sort of Plum in my imagination.

3.) If you had one day to spend 1 million dollars, what would you buy?

Clothes. But at the end of the day, I’d wish I’d said chocolate…but at the end of the chocolate, I’d wish I’d said savings bonds…but after the savings bonds, I’d wish I’d said clothes. So I’m sticking with clothes.

4.) Mac or PC?

MAC!!!

5.) What is the best part about being a writer?

Getting to invent a world that didn’t exist before and then inviting people to come in.

***

Thanks Jennifer!

-M.

The Ivy

2010-10-03T18:42:00.000-07:00

The Ivy
by Luren Klunze and Rina Onur

# of Pages: 320
Age range: 15+
From: Blog Tour
Rating: 4.5/5

Congratulations! You have been admitted to the most prestigious university in the world. Now what are you going to do?

Callie Andrews may not have money or connections or the right clothes, and she may have way too many complications in her love life, what with—
Gregory
The guy she loves to hate

Evan
the guy she'd love to forget

Clint
the guy she'd love to love

and Matt
the guy she really should love

—all vying for her attention.

But she has three fantastic roommates (best friends or her worst nightmare?) and a wholesome California-girl reputation (oops) and brains and beauty and big, big dreams.

Will it be enough to help her survive freshman year at Harvard?

The gorgeous red cover alone was enough to draw me to this story. When I read the plot it became automatic must read on my mental book list. And I from the second I picked this novel up, I found it extremely hard to put down. I even read it amidst the craziness of a group study session before a field hockey game. I was dedicated, and this book was worth it.

A little bit of Legally Blond, The Clique, and The Duff all combined into one, the Ivy was addictive in a way vampires and Werewolves are not. Because let's face it, we know paranormal creatures not to be real, and while it's fun to dive into their world for many a story, the great thing about realistic fiction such as this book is that even though the events that take place are about as close to happening as we are to the sun, they could still happen! Which makes it much more fun to day dream about. I mean, I know Edward Cullen isn't out there waiting for me, but Gregory...? Who knows!

Hot guys aside, The Ivy also has an awesome unexpected side story that has me captivated and shocked. And while I wasn't a huge fan of Callie's bubbly room mate, Vanessa, I loved all of the other characters and the fun angles they presented to the story. The writing was great too, and he plot was a definite win. I wasn't a fan so much of very very ending, not so much because of the fact that was a cliffhanger but more so because I felt like it was cut off awkwardly, but nonetheless it still managed to make me be eagerly awaiting the release of he sequel to this new series.

Check this book out! And if you like it be sure to take a look at:

The DUFF: (Designated Ugly Fat Friend)
Matched
Echoes
Smart Boys & Fast Girls

Visit the authors here

-M.

CSN product review...or giveaway.

2010-09-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

So the lovely lovely people at CSN gave me another opportunity to either host a giveaway or a product review of one of their many items at any of their 200 + online stores. They have everything from dutch ovens (which I didn't even know existed until about 2 seconds ago) to shoes, bookcases, and more!

I am very, very excited to be working with CSN again!

So, product review? Giveaway?

Thoughts?

-M.

The Duff

2010-09-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

The DUFF: (Designated Ugly Fat Friend)
by Kody Keplinger

# of Pages: 288
Age Range: 15+
Rating: 4/5
From: BEA

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

I have to say, right off the bat this book intrigued me. Duff. I'd never heard the word before but after learning it's meaning, it is definitely something that I could see myself, and many other teen girls (and boys) relating too. Besides that though, the plot sounded really good so after hearing some positive buzz about the book, I decided to pull it from my bookshelf and read it.

From then on I could barely put it down.

Bianca, although a little too snarky at times in my opinion, was a funny and strong female lead. She loves her friends and carries herself well despite the inner troubles she faces inside - and at home. Although her relationship with Wesley was a roller coaster ride to say the least, I couldn't help but route for the feuding duo. All throughout the novel, I definitely saw a Pride & Prejudice type relationship between Bianca and Wesley, which was humorous to watch unfold.

On a deeper level, I really loved how Kody's novel revealed a really important message to teens underneath witty, romantic, and fun filled pages. I think it's really important for teen girls (and guys) to understand that they're not alone when they feel like the "duff", because come on, haven't we all felt like that at some point? With great writing, a strong plot, and a happy ending, The Duff delivers something for everyone.

I highly recommend this book! Check out the following if you liked this novel:

If I Stay
The Ivy
Something Like Fate
Cracked Up to Be
Some Girls Are
Going Too Far

Check out Kody here

-M.

Auther Interview: Jessica Warman + Contest!

2010-09-27T19:07:00.000-07:00

Meet Jessica Warman,

Author of

I'm lucky enough to have the chance to interview her here at Bookmac! Jessica's newest book Where the Truth Lies, hits stores tomorrow! Where the Truth Lies is a companion novel to Breathless.

1.) If you could choose one word to describe your book what would it be?

Deceit.

2.) Which of your characters was the most fun to write?

I absolutely love the character of Del Sugar. Writing about him is always a joy, no matter what he’s doing. I have a serious crush on him.

3.) Like Emily, did you ever go to a boarding school?

Yes! I was at boarding school for three years, from grades 10-12. Breathless is loosely based on my experiences.

4.) Where did you get the idea to write Where the Truth Lies?

There were some characters from Breathless who I didn’t feel I was quite finished with yet – specifically Mazzie and Renee. And I’d written a book for my graduate thesis about Del Sugar as an adult – I wanted a chance to explore his adolescence, too, since he’s so interesting to me. Everything just kind of came together with “Where the Truth Lies.”

5.) On a scale of 1 to 10, how excited are you for your books release date?

10! Always a 10!

6.) Do you see yourself writing any new young adult books in the near future?

Absolutely! I love writing for young adults. I have a book coming out next year, called “Between.” It’s a thriller/ mystery, and I’m SO excited about it! I also have a fourth book in the works that is scheduled for release in 2012.

Can't wait to read about it!

*Contest Info*

Open to US only

Ends October 11th (2 weeks from today)

Enter HERE

-M.

Where the Truth Lies

2010-09-21T18:36:00.000-07:00

Where the Truth Lies
by Jessica Warman

# of Pages: 320
Age Range: 13+
From: Publisher
Release Date: September 28th
Rating: 4/5

On the surface, Emily Meckler leads the perfect life. She has three best friends, two loving parents, and the ideal setup at the Connecticut prep school where her father is the headmaster. But Emily also suffers from devastating nightmares about fire and water, and nobody knows why. Then the enigmatic Del Sugar enters her life, and Emily is immediately swept away—but her passionate relationship with Del is just the first of many things that aren't quite what they seem in Emily's life. As the lies she's been told start to unravel, Emily must set out to discover the truth regarding her nightmare; on a journey that will lead her to question everything she thought she knew about love, family, and her own idyllic past.

I loved the synopsis of this novel and was so excited to get the chance to review it. Also it was another book about private school, (aka boarding school), so it was interesting for me to compare the lifestyle of Stonybrook Academy to my own school.

Where the truth lies is a captivating young adult book and I found myself constantly drawn to the book the moment I put it down. The secrets and the romance kept me coming back from more, and I loved the relationships the characters had with each other, both good and bad. Although I didn't agree with some of the choices Emily made, I found myself pleasantly surprised in the end.

The writing in this novel was really great, I thought the style was well suited for the story and I felt like I really got to know the characters. I loved how in depth the author went with the characters and their lives. The novel flowed well and the plot was full of betrayals, lies, and jaw droppers. I did not expect a lot of the turns this book possessed, so it made the ride all the more worthwhile when I encountered them.

Emotional, compelling, surprising and shocking, this book is a must read for fans of realistic fiction and fantasy alike. This book is one of those novels that makes you take a second look at contemporary fiction. I highly recommend checking this one out!

Check out the following books if you liked Where the Truth Lies:

Cracked Up to Be
Losing Faith
Freefall

Tell Me a Secret

Visit Jessica Warman hereWinter Longing

2010-09-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

Template changes still not complete! Just thought I'd let you know.

If you have any cool suggestions left me know!

The Aristobrats

2010-09-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

The Aristobrats
by Jennifer Solow

# of Pages:
Ange Range: 11+
Rating: 4/5

Parker Bell knows the secret to beauty is pretty simple–wearing the right clothes isn't as important as how you feel in them. Popularity is like that too. It's all about attitude. You have to picture who you want to be and then just imagine that's who you already are.

This year Parker and her three best friends have made their way to the top of the populadder at Wallingford Academy. And they're ready to use their Aristobrat status to help spread positive vibes throughout the school. But when the girls are assigned to produce the seriously lame school webcast, their popularity plummets! Will this tragedy destroy the girls' status? Or their friendship? Or both?

The Aristobrats centers around a group of four friends, Parker, Kiki, Ikea, and Plum. The main character was Parker however and she is starting her eighth grade year with high hopes despite her family's financial situation. What is supposed to be the best year of the girls' lives quickly turns out like it might be their worst. But the four friends persevere and learn more about themselves and each other than they ever imagined.

I really liked the themes that were presented in this novel. They were evident but not blindingly so, enough that a middle grade reader could pick up on them. Despite Parker and her friends' popularity, the girls are no Pretty Committee, they actually are nice and bear some resemblance physically and emotionally to humans rather than rich barbie dolls. I loved reading about their friendship and watching it grow even when it seemed like it was at ends.

I will admit that the excessive use of modern day slang and text lingo was a bit much at times, even though I am a teen and live off of my phone like everyone else. Some of the names and acronyms were still beyond my level of comprehension. I also wish that when the POV switched to another character it could have been for a longer period of time.

Overall, though, this was a really cute novel with good morals and a fun plot. I definitely recommend this book to middle grade readers and fans of The Clique. If this is a series (I have a feeling it will be...) I'm sure it will be a good one!

Check out similar reads below:

]The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball
My Worst Best Friend

It Started with a Dare
The Clique Ah-mazing Collector's Gift Set
Cliquetionary
Alphas

Visit Jennifer Solow here

-M.I hardly ever read or review middle grade novels, but I decided to do both for Aristobrats. Starting a private school myself for the first time this year, I wanted to read about the girl's experience's at Wallingford Academy and compare it to my own. I came into this thinking that the book would be a lot like the popular Clique books but I found myself surprised at the difference's between the two prep school novels.

Bookmac is currently under construction

2010-09-18T08:58:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the mess that you may stumble upon, just a heads up!

Check this out!

2010-09-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

Okay so I got this email and on it was a link to this post and there was a picture, of this....

How awesome is that!?

Way to be eco friendly!

-M.

Waiting on Wednesday

2010-09-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

Riley has always wanted to be a Demon Trapper like her father, and she's already following in his footsteps as one of the best. But it's tough being the only girl in an all-guy world, especially when three of those guys start making her life more complicated: Simon, the angelic apprentice who has heaven on his side; Beck, the tough trapper who thinks he's God's gift, and Ori, the strikingly sexy stranger who keeps turning up to save her ass. One thing's for sure - if she doesn't keep her wits about her there'll be hell to pay...

Thoughts:

Bad ass demon hunter ("trapper")? Hot guys? Yes please!

Release date: January 7th, Macmillian

-M.

IMMB 39

2010-09-11T20:34:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

So it's another week of IMMB, but for me this week is particularly special. Why you may ask? Because the rest of the books I got at BEA came back to me! I'd left them with my aunt and uncle who live near the city and they came to visit this weekend with their new born baby and adorable toddler. Anyways, TMI.

The main point it, I got a lot of books! Which I will show you....later. Yes, if you are reading this post on only see the one lonesome book below then check back late Sunday morning or Sunday afternoon for either a vlog or picture of all the books + swag that has returned to me.

In the meantime, thank you Kirsti from The Story Siren for hosting this weekly meme.

For Review:

The Aristobrats
by Jennifer Solow

Parker Bell knows the secret to beauty is pretty simple–wearing the right clothes isn't as important as how you feel in them. Popularity is like that too. It's all about attitude. You have to picture who you want to be and then just imagine that's who you already are.

This year Parker and her three best friends have made their way to the top of the populadder at Wallingford Academy. And they're ready to use their Aristobrat status to help spread positive vibes throughout the school. But when the girls are assigned to produce the seriously lame school webcast, their popularity plummets! Will this tragedy destroy the girls' status? Or their friendship? Or both?

Check back later for BEA books!

-M.

BEA Books:

Adios, Nirvana (cop to giveaway)
Spy Glass (Singed copy to giveaway)
Sapphique (copy to giveaway)
Revolution (copy to giveaway)
Firelight (Signed copy to giveaway)
Two Moon Princess
Gimme a Call (Signed copy to giveaway)
Mistwood (Signed copy to giveaway)
Suite Scarlett (audio cd. giveaway copy)
Nightshade (Signed copy to giveaway)
Honey, Baby, Sweetheart
Seth Baumgartners Love Manifesto
Brilliant (Avery Sisters Trilogy) (signed.)

What did you get this week???

Question

2010-09-11T07:11:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Do any of you know a great place to get awesome blog layouts? Is it worth paying for a custom made one, or are there any great free ones?

Let me know!

-M.

The Twin's Daughter Review and Giveaway

2010-09-10T16:04:00.000-07:00

The Twin's Daughter
by Lauren Baratz-Logstead

# of Pages: 400
Age Range: 13/14+
Rating:4/5
From: Publisher

Lucy Sexton is stunned when a disheveled woman appears at the door one day…a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to Lucy's own beautiful mother. It turns out the two women are identical twins, separated at birth, and raised in dramatically different circumstances. Lucy's mother quickly resolves to give her less fortunate sister the kind of life she has never known. And the transformation in Aunt Helen is indeed remarkable. But when Helen begins to imitate her sister in every way, even Lucy isn't sure at times which twin is which. Can Helen really be trusted, or does her sweet face mask a chilling agenda?

I was so excited to read this book when the opportunity came to review it. The plot sounded creepy and fantastic, and it had been awhile since I read a good thriller/suspense novel. I was in for a surprise however when I learned that this book was more than just a chilling story, it was a romance, and it was historic, but most importantly it possessed hidden depth that even I didn't realize until turning the final page.

The book starts out relatively slow after the first initial bombshell in the very beginning. Readers are given time to watch aunt Helen adapt to the new life she had been given and they start to make guesses and assumptions as to what will happen. Then comes the New Years Eve party and everything changes. Everything you thought you knew is put to question, relationships are changed, plot picks up and the story becomes much more suspenseful. From there on I was hooked, watching the events of Lucy's suddenly tragic and twisted life unfold page by page.

The ending had me open mouthed and shocked, I honestly did not see it coming at all which is new for me. I loved the relationships between Lucy and Kit, and how they depend on each other. I also enjoyed seeing how the characters changed and grew through every event - even if their growth was more of a downward spiral. The writing got better throughout the novel and the plot was extremely original to say the least.

I definitely recommend picking this title up, and with a cover like that (see the hidden image...) you have to at least check it out.

If you liked this novel be sure to take a look at:

The Education of Bet The Luxe

Siren
Pretty Little Liars Box Set: Books 1 to 4
The Season

Stop by and say hi to Lauren Baratz-Logstead HERE

-M.

*CONTEST*

Win a copy of The Twin's Daughter HERE

Open until September 30th

US only (sorry everyone else)

Interview with Lauren Baratz-Logstead

2010-09-10T15:30:00.000-07:00

Lauren Baratz-Logstead

Author of The Twin's Daughter

and:

Crazy Beautiful
The Education of Bet

& many more.

Hey everyone! I am so happy to have the chance to get an interview with Lauren Baratz-Logstead today, author of the newly released The Twin's Daughter and many other titles. So without further ado...

1.) When did you first think of the idea to write The Twin's Daughter?

I hope you're not looking for an exact date! I think it was an idea that had been percolating in me for years. I've always been fascinated with twins in general and then when it occurred to me to wonder what it must be like to be the daughter of an identical twin, the idea really took off.

2.) When is your favorite time to write?

Early morning, before fear and self-doubt have had a chance to tiptoe in.

3.) If you had to describe yourself in three words which words would you pick?

Lighthearted, serious-minded, resilient.

4.) Who was your favorite character to write in The Twins Daughter?

Kit. He's the most purely heroic male character I've ever written.

5.) If you could visit Victorian England what is the first thing you would do?

I'd go fairly early in Queen Victoria's reign so I could visit the Brontes and try to give them health tips so they might live longer. Can you imagine the books they might have written with more time?

6.) Do you see yourself writing more young adult books in the future?

Absolutely. In fact my next YA novel, due out next year, is called The Middle March and is about a contemporary teen and her unusual relationship to the classic novel Little Women.

***

Thank you Lauren, I can't wait to check out your new book!

-M.

Songs for a Teenage Nomad

2010-09-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

Songs for a Teenage Nomad

by Kim Culbertson

# of Pages: 242
Age Range: 13+
Rating: 4.5/5
From: Publisher

After living in twelve places in eight years, Calle Smith finds herself in Andreas Bay, California, at the start of ninth grade. Another new home, another new school...Calle knows better than to put down roots. Her song journal keeps her moving to her own soundtrack, bouncing through a world best kept at a distance.

Yet before she knows it, friends creep in-as does an unlikely boy with a secret. Calle is torn over what may be her first chance at love. With all that she's hiding and all that she wants, can she find something lasting beyond music? And will she ever discover why she and her mother have been running in the first place?

I don't usually read books like this; a little on the artsy side, a little too real for comfort. Not because I don't like them per say, more so that I just prefer other genre's. So when the opportunity came to review this book, I hesitated. Then I decided that it would be good for me to expand my horizons and I choose to review the book. And I am so, so glad I did.

Calle (Cal-ee) Smith is only fourteen and yet she is one of the most mature characters I have read all year. I can't describe this book without ruining it, even the synopsis on the back of the book really doesn't do the novel justice. Everything about this novel is just so original and deep, from the fact that every man Calle's mom is with drives a ford to the snippets of memories at the beginning of each chapter. The character development and flow of the plot just knocked me off my feet, and the more I got into this book the more I loved Calle.

The writing was really powerful when you stopped and thought about it too. There was a lot of symbolism and short sentences that packed a punch. Calle especially, impressed me. She remained true to herself throughout the whole novel and really developed as a character. I thought the ending gave the perfect amount of closure and was extremely fitting to the novel.

Overall, this book not only surprised me but stuck with me and I highly recommend it if you are looking for a quick but deep read.

Check out the following if you are a fan of this book:

Paper Towns
Looking for Alaska
Story of a Girl

Before I Die

Check out Kim Culbertson HERE

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Kim is a 2010 debut author?

-M.

Firelight Review + Giveaway

2010-09-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

Firelight

by Sophie Jordan

# of pages: 336

Age Range: 13/14+

Rating: 4.5/5

From: BEA

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

I had never even heard of Firelight until BEA this past May, but from the moment I heard about this fiery new YA novel I knew I had to read it. Luckily for me, I was fortunate enough to get not one but two signed copies of Firelight at BEA, and I read it about a week after I got home. There were a lot of mixed reviews about this novel but I know one this is for sure...I LOVED it!

As great as vampire and werewolves are, let's face it, they're getting old. Fallen Angels seem to be the latest trend, perhaps with a mermaid, zombie, ghost whisperer or two thrown in there. But dragons? I have yet to see one book quite like this. Firelight brings a whole new paranormal creature to the table; draki. And they are positively fantastic!

From page one Sophie Jordan captivated me with this epic tale. Right from the get-go Jacinda is running - excuse me; flying - for her life, away from the hunters who seek to kill her kind. Little do they know that she can turn into a human and shed her dragon form. This secret keeps her tribe alive, and if it were ever to get out it could lead to the extinction of her species. A rarety of her own kind, Jacinda is used to living outside the norm - however normal can be,at least, when you live in a dragon community. But when she is forced to move after receiving startling news, Jacinda feels more unusual and alone than ever. And then she meets Will, he starts the fire in her the way the dry dessert she know calls home cannot. Being with him is the biggest risk she's ever taken...for herself, and her kind. But no one said love was easy.

With great writting, a fabulous plot, a hot romance, and a loveable main character; Firelight was a win for me! My only complaint is that the sequel doesn't come out sooner, and well, to be honest, at times the tug a war relationship between Will and Jacinda was a little tedious. None the less, Firelight was one of my favorite books of 2010 and I am now one of the soon to be many readers, anxiously awaiting the following book in this series.

Please write fast, Sophie Jordan!

If you liked this book be sure to check out:

Paranormalcy
Halo
Nightshade
Matched

The Replacement

Visit Sophie Jordan HERE and check out the awesome contest she is holding HERE

* CONTEST BELOW*

Ok so you want to win your own SIGNED Firelight arc? Plus some BEA swag perhaps?

Then fill out this form HERE

Contest will end September 30th!

Open INTERNATIONALLY!!!

-M.

IMMB 38

2010-09-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, it;s IMMB again! Wohoo!

Thank you Kirsti from the Story Siren for hosting this weekly meme!

So I got two books this week which was pretty exciting!

From a contest I received:

From Macmillan, I received:

but my cover was actually different because I got the arc which looks like this:

I was lucky enough to snag a copy of this at BEA, so now I have two! Perhaps I shall give it away, or trade or something.

Thank you vvb32 reads for Mockingjay and Macmillan for Hold Me Closer, Necromancer

What did you get this
week!?!?

-M

Princess Bookies create a cover contest: Freefall

2010-09-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

So Cindy from Princess Bookie is doing another cover contest, this time for the book Freefall by Mindi Scott

Here is the original image:

Now this one is mine:

Check out the contest HERE and vote for the cover you like the best, there are some really awesome ones!

Hourglass

2010-09-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hourglass
by Claudia Gray

# of Pages: 352
Age Range: 14+
Rating: 4.5/5

Bianca will risk everything to be with Lucas.

After escaping from Evernight Academy, the vampire boarding school where they met, Bianca and Lucas take refuge with Black Cross, a fanatical group of vampire hunters. Bianca must hide her supernatural heritage or risk certain death at their hands. But when Black Cross captures her friend—the vampire Balthazar—hiding is no longer an option.

Soon, Bianca and Lucas are on the run again, pursued not only by Black Cross, but by the powerful leaders of Evernight. Yet no matter how far they travel, Bianca can't escape her destiny.

Bianca has always believed their love could survive anything . . . but can it survive what's to come?

I am a huge Evernight fan. To me, the series gets better with every book, and Hourlgass is no exception. What started off as a slightly slow beginning picked up into an action filled, heated romance, amazing young adult vampire novel that I found extremely hard to put down.

I cannot say too much about the plot because I do not want to give any spoilers for people who have yet to read Hourglass, or the Evernight series. The main points are that Bianca and Lucas's love is put to the ulitmate test, and in the end, both might loose everything. Many long awaited answers are finally revealed, and readers will get to see their favorite characters in entirely new light. In other words, it was fabulous!

The writing was great, the plot was fantastic and full of surprises, and the characters continued to grasp my undivided attention - and my heart. This book was great, and the ending was killer - except for the major cliff hanger! I cannot wait for the fourth installment, Afterlife.

If you have yet to read this series, be sure to check it out! And if you liked Hourglass, take a look at some of the titles below:

Blue Bloods 3-Book Boxed Set
Evermore: The Immortals
Darkest Powers Trilogy Omnibus
Vampire Academy Collection
Hush, Hush
Check out Claudia Gray HERE

-M

Waiting on Wednesday

2010-08-31T19:23:00.000-07:00

Flecks of Gold

by Alicia Buck

Mary Margaret is not the type of girl to fall in love, especially after seeing what a string of bad relationships has done to her mother. That's why it's so weird when Mary finds herself strangely attracted to Kelson, a guy at her new school. It's almost . . . unnatural. What she doesn't know is that she's been put under a spell. And when Kelson kidnaps Mary's mother and takes her to his home world, Mary will have to rescue her by relying on something she never knew existed, magic. Flecks of Gold is an enchanting blend of fantasy, action, and even a little romance.

Thoughts?

Sounds fab-u-lous! I love the cover, so sparkly! It's like having your own little chunk on gold, only on your bookshelf. Want, want, want!

Ok, I thought this was a new novel but it's actually already out!

Check it out here

-M.

!News!

2010-08-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

As summer comes to a close so must my two contests!

So today and tomorrow are your last days to enter!

You can win:

The Eternal Ones and Infinite Days arc + BEA swag! HERE

or...

Signed Radiance and Radiance bookmark by Alyson Noel HERE

So enter now! And be sure to check back in September for some awesome stuff!

-M.

IMMB 37

2010-08-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!

Thank you Kirsty at The Story Siren for hosting this meme. So I decided to do a quick vlog this week, I apologize that you a.) can't hear me, b.) I look like a ghost, and c.) I look all messy and blech because I just got back from a run.

So without further ado I give you my really terrible video, but at least it's short!

For Review:

(Thank you Kate from Bloomsbury!)

Bought:

Library:

Sisters Red
Gaurdian of the Dead
Library self-help writing books

-M

WHAT DID YOU GET!?

New Covers! (Or at least new to me...)

2010-08-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

1.) Starstruck by Cyn Balog

When Gwendolyn “Dough” Reilly’s boyfriend and best friend Wish moves away in seventh grade, the only consolation she can find is in her family bakery’s donuts. Now, it’s sophomore year, and Wish is coming back. But in only three years, they’ve both changed—drastically. She’s seriously overweight, and suddenly Wish is the most popular guy in school, and girls everywhere want him. Dough has doubts that appearances don’t matter and that Wish can love her as she is, so she launches into a plan designed to keep them together. That is, until she discovers that Wish’s gorgeous looks and charm might not be all they appear to be.

2.) Arranged by Catherine McKenzie

Anne Blythe is lucky. She's got a brand new book contract, a great newspaper job and a steadfast best friend, and she can land just about any man she sets her sights on - and the ones that appeal are typically tall, dark and handsome.

Problem is, the men she chooses never last. Shortly after yet another relationship goes down in flames, Anne comes across a card for what she believes is a dating service, and pockets it just in case. If she's so unlucky in love, maybe she could use a little assistance. Then her best friend announces she's engaged, and envy gets the better of Anne. Now's the time, she decides, to give the service a try - and she is shocked to discover that what the company specializes in are exclusive, and pricey, arranged marriages. After learning of the company's success rate, however, she overcomes her reluctance and signs on. After all, arranged marriages are the norm for millions of women around the world, and she's not done so well selecting a mate on her own. So why not use a professional service that claims it can produce the perfect match?

Some time later, Anne is travelling to a Mexican resort, where in one short weekend she will meet and marry Jack, the man they have chosen for her. And against all odds, it seems to be working out, until Anne learns that Jack and the company who arranged their marriage are not what they seem at all.

3.) The Iron Queen

No synopsis available :(

-M.

Mockingjay

2010-08-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

Mockingjay
by Suzanne Collins

# of Pages: 400
Age range: 13/14+
Rating: 4/5
From: Bought

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12.

Can anyone say MAJOR HYPE? Can you imagine the pressure Suzanne Collins must have been under to write this book, and write it well? I have to give her credit for pulling it through. Mockingjay is probably one of the most emotional and heart-wrenching books I have read all year, which would have been fine had it not been so utterly depressing.
In Mockingjay, heroine Katniss Everdeen accepts her title and agrees to be the face of the revolution in exchange for something extremely valuable to her. In doing so, Katniss is thrust into a new light entirely showing more of herself than she ever wanted anyone to see. The Katniss from The Hunger Games and Catching Fire is replaced with someone else - a strong but war torn girl who has the weight of her country on her shoulders. It surprised me to see such changes in Katniss, and especially in her friends and family. Collins however, had exceptional talent in capturing the emotions of what it feels like to be a part of a war,and though I have never been in such a situation, by reading Collin's work I can imagine exactly what it would feel like.

I can not say this was my favorite book in the trilogy -which is why Mockingjay did not receive a five star rating - mainly because it was so shocking, sad but, ultimately real. I pitied Katniss more than I ever did in any of the other books, the girl can't seem to catch a break! The beginning was a little slow for me as well, mainly do a lack of my favorite character, and the ending was a little rushed and just didn't live up to my expectations. Even though Katniss developed and changed so much in Mockingjay, even from where she was at the end of Catching Fire, it was hard for me to see her so used in this book, which was probably the biggest disappointment. Personally, I thought Mockingjay was 3/5, but when I add in the excellent writing and portrayals of emotion I have to give the book 4/5.

All negative comments aside, Mockingjay was still a powerful novel. With fiery words and moving symbolism, Collins managed to captivate me for hours as I turned page after page in this riveting finale. Despite the darkness there was still light in the ending of the novel and the last couple of pages made me smile in delight. Although I will miss The Hunger Games trilogy and the characters within the books, my hunger is satisfied and I can happily tuck the books away into my bookshelf - a reminder that one book is all it takes to start a revolution.

If you liked the Hunger Games be sure to check out:

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, Book 1)
Nightshade
The Maze Runner
The Forest of Hands and Teeth
Matched

Visit Suzanne Collins here and buy Mockingjay here

-M.