The Emerald Talisman (Volume 1) by Brenda Pandos

Title: The Emerald Talisman

Series: 1st in planned series

Author: Brenda Pandos

Published: March, 2010 by Obsidian Mountain Publishing

Pages: 280

ISBN: 9780578053394 

Source: ARC from Around The World Tours

 

Description: To be normal, sixteen-year-old Julia Parker would shed her empathic gift in a second. Life has been difficult since her mother's mysterious disappearance ten years earlier - an event she witnessed, but can't remember. Julia's situation becomes more complicated after a near death experience from a blood thirsty stalker. As high school students go missing it is clear there is a connection to her own experience--past and present. Someone has to stop the madness and a chance encounter with a creepy psychic foretells that only Julia is the key to stopping the madness, but it may require the life of the one she loves.  

I Give This ...

 

I think I might not have been in the right mood for this one.  I loved the main character Julia.  But, the rest of the characters felt a little flat to me.  I thought it was an interesting twist that Julia could feel emotions.  It's not an ability you see too often, and it made for some interesting situations.  I did really enjoy the relationship that Julia and Nicholas develop.  I thought it was sweet some of the things he did for her.  I also liked the character that Nicholas plays (I don't want to give it away), but wish we would have gotten to know him better.  The story did provide a fresh take on vampire lore, but it wasn't enough.  I didn't feel like the story built up in intensity fast enough.  It was good, but not great.  I would continue the series though, it's piqued my interest just enough!    

Prophecy of the Sisters (Prophecy of the Sisters, #1) by Michelle Zink

Title: Prophecy of the Sisters

Series: 1st in series

Author: Michelle Zink

Published: August 2009 by Brown for Young Readers

Pages: 343

ISBN: 9780316027427

Source: traded copy

Description: Sixteen-year-old Lia Milthorpe and her twin sister Alice have just become orphans, and, as Lia discovers, they have also become enemies. The twins are part of an ancient prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other. To escape from a dark fate and to remain in the arms of her beloved boyfriend James, Lia must end the prophecy before her sister does. Only then will she understand the mysterious circumstances of her parents' deaths, the true meaning of the strange mark branded on her wrist, and the lengths to which her sister will go to defeat her. Debut novelist Michelle Zink takes readers on an unforgettable journey where one sister's fateful decision could have an impact of Biblical proportions. Prophecy of the Sisters is the first of three books. 

 I Give This ...

  

 

  The description of this one really had me intrigued.  I was happy I finally decided to read it.  It has a very dark and Gothic feel.  The relationship between is Alice and Lia is so odd.  It's hard to imagine twins being as distant as they are.  It really makes the story feel foreboding.  It makes me wonder how the household functioned before the parents died.  I liked how the prophecy developed.  It's not all laid out, but explained a little at a time.  I especially enjoyed the twist in the story.   It completely crosses the lines of what one would consider good and evil.   I was surprised at the drastic actions Alice was willing to take.  Since the story is told from Lia's point of view, we never see how evil Alice has become until it is to late.  The only real fault I felt the story does not have a real conclusion.  I know it's part of a series, but I like to feel that a chapter is ending and another beginning.  In this story, I don't think I got that.  It feels like the book just ends at a convenient break in the story.  I will continue with the next book in the series.  I would love to get more from Alice's point of view.  But, since she is the evil one, I can see why it might not happen.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.  Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

I've had a pretty good reading week.  I finally finished Touch The Dark by Karen Chance.  As I said in last Monday's post, I thought it was just ok.  Since I already had book 2 on hand, I decided to continue on with the series.

I picked up Saving Max by Antionette van Heugten next.  I was afraid this was going to be a very serious read, but it turned out to be more of a legal thriller.  I really liked it, but could see were people might get bogged down by the details.

  I had a tour book come in that I decided to read next.  The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos was good, but not great.  I felt like I had read about the characters before and the circumstances had changed.  I would read the next one if it becomes a series though.

Likes I said before, I decided to give Claimed by Shadows by Karen Chance a shot because I already had it in my hands.  I'm really glad I did because it was so much better than the first.  I even thought it did a better job of explaining the events that occurred in the first book.

I'm currently reading Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin.  I'm about half way through and really could give or take it at the moment.  I think I'm tired of YA's that involve characters that have instant attractions to each other.  I do have to admit that I'm intrigued to see the final product of this book.  I've been to her blog and sounds likes it going to be over the top!  (On a side note, can anybody tell me who Ivy Devlin is a pseudonym for?  I have no idea!)

For the rest of the week, my goal is to read The Seven Rays by Jessica Bendinger, Love Bites by Ellen Schreiber, and I really should read The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer before Eclipse comes out.  We will see though!

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!  I also want to mention that all my cover pictures link to the description on Goodreads!

For Review:

 

•  The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos (Around The World Tours)
• Noah's Castle by John Rowe Townsend

Swapped:

•   Intertwined by Gena Showalter
•  Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkes
• Rogue by Rachel Vincent

Added Another Winner and More Books To Choose From!

If you've entered my giveaway contest for my blogoversary, you know that I will add another winner for every 50 followers I gain.  I reached 100 followers today!!  So, we now have 3 winners!

1st Prize - 2 books from my list and 1 ordered from Book Depository

2nd Prize - 2 books from my list

3rd Prize - 1 book from my list

And since we have another winner, I need to add more books to choose from!  Here is what I added

Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog (a little more worn ARC)
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting (cover has a serious crease, but it's a signed ARC)
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer (brand new paperback)
Fang by James Patterson (brand new hardback)
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger (brand new hardback)

For those who have already entered the contest, you can retweet, facebook post, or blog post either this post or the original entry post for an extra entry.  Come back to this post and leave a link in the comments so I can add it to my spreadsheet.  I will have the same extra entries if I hit 150 followers!

For those who haven't entered and you want to check out the details, please visit this

POST

Never Let You Go by Erin Healy

Title: Never Let You Go

Author: Erin Healy

Published: May 2010 by Thomas Nelson

Pages: 320

ISBN: 9781595547507

Source: Copy sent by Publisher for honest review

Description:   Lexi lives in the shadow of choices her husband made. Especially Grant's choice to leave seven years ago, without a word. Her relationship with their daughter, Molly, is now the most important thing in her life. Lexi will do anything-work grueling hours, attend church on her only day off, sacrifice financially-just to see Molly smile.  When Grant shows up declaring his intent to re-enter their daughter's life, Lexi is skeptical of his motives. She soon determines not to let him near Molly. Then a drug dealer named Warden arrives on Lexi's doorstep, demanding payment of Grant's old debts.  But that's just the earthly perspective. Staggering supernatural events are spilling into her world in real and shocking ways. Hell's fury is great, but Heaven's power is greater still. In a novel that defies easy categorization, this has all the early buzz of the breakthrough read of 2010.

I Give This ...
 

I've seen this labeled Christian fiction.  I found it odd that just because a book quotes scripture, talks about good versus evil, and basic principles of faith and hope, it's labeled as christian fiction.  But, that mentioned, I'm not sure what to think of this book.  I felt sorry for Lexi.  No matter what she did it seemed life was determined to keep her down.  It was almost depressing to listen to.  Even the ending didn't feel really uplifting.  Yes, good triumphed, but it didn't seem like much of a victory.  The circumstances that lead to the events in this book were kind of horrific.  Drug use, an affair, and murder do not make for a very happy opening sequence.  I had the most difficulty with Warden.  I wasn't sure if he was always the character that appears in this story.  It didn't seem to mesh with the back story Lexi gives of the Warden she knew in the past.  So, I feel like I'm missing part of the story.  The ending happened way to fast and felt very cliche.

Overall this was just an interesting read.  I probably will look for something else by this author.  I think she has an interesting premise in this one, it just fell a little short of it's mark for me.

Book Blogger Hop & Follow My Book Blog!

For those visiting from the HOP and Follow my Blog, please check out my blogoversary CONTEST

for your chance to pick from my book list or win a book of choice from Book Depository!

It's time for some networking! Crazy For Books hosts the Book Blogger Hop which is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on!  This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!  It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed!

Parajunkee hosts Follow My Book Blog!  Happy Follow Friday!

The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #5) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Last Olympian

Author: Rick Riordan

Series: Last of 5 books

Published: May 2009 by Disney Hyperion

Pages: 381

ISBN: 9781423101475

Source: Library

Description: All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of a victory are grim. Kronos’s army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan’s power only grows. While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it’s up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time. In this momentous final book in the New York Times best-selling series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy’s sixteenth birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate.

I Give This ...
 

  I thought this was an extremely satisfying ending to the series.  Everything is neatly tied up and explained.  The events are the most part fast paced.  I did get a little bored during some of the in between battle times while they were defending NYC.  But, then Kronos would attack again with some new monster and the action would pick back up.  I loved Hestia's role in this book.  It felt like a much needed recognition for the lesser known Gods.  I thought it also played in nicely to the inclusion of Pandora's box and that all that was left was hope.  I was happy to see the relationship between Percy and Annabeth finally progress.  It was once of those it's about time moments.  I loved Rachel's finally place in the story.   It just made sense to me, especially since I never felt the connection between Percy and her.  It always felt forced. 
Overall, just a wonderful book and great tie up.  I'm looking forward to the author's next series involving the Egyptian Gods.  I don't know as much about them, so I'm interested to see if holds the same pull as this one did.

Burned (House of Night, #7) by P.C. & Kristin Cast

Title: Burned

Series: House of Night #7

Author(s): P.C. & Kristin Cast

Published: April 2010 by St. Martins

Pages: 323

ISBN: 9780312606169

Source: Library

Description: Y’all need to get yourselves together. Here’s a newsflash from the only High Priestess you have left at this dang school: Zoey isn’t dead. And believe me, I know dead. I’ve been there, done that and got the fricken tee-shirt. Zoey Redbird is the youngest High Priestess in House of Night history and is the only person – vamp or fledgling – that can stop the evil Neferet from raising all kinds of immortal trouble. And she might just have a chance if she wasn’t so busy being dead.
Well, dead is too strong a word. Stevie Rae knows she can bring her BFF back from her unscheduled va-cay in the Otherworld. But it’s going to take a lot more than hoping to bring Zoey back. Stevie Rae will have to give up a few secrets of her own . . .  

I Give This ...

I keep reading this series because every few books the author's surprise me and come up with something I enjoy.  I shouldn't have been surprised after enjoying Tempted so much, that Burned would fail to impress me.  I've really like were Aphrodite as a character has been headed the past couple books, but she took a turn for the worst in this one.  I think she lost some of her attitude when she got around more powerful vampyres than herself.  She's reverted to really horrible trash talk (I really disliked her calling everyone retard and various other forms of the word).  And that's not the only really horrible dialogue in this book.  And that was were most of my problem lies.  There's way to much talk and not enough action (at the risk of sounding cliche).  I did enjoy the entire time Stark, Zoey, Darius, and Aphrodite were on the Isle of Women.  It gave a whole other dimension to the storyline.  I also think that they got the most respect there.  They weren't treated like children.  I also really liked Stark's role in this book.  He had to really prove himself beyond what I thought imaginable.  Stevie Rae continues to confuse me.  I'm not sure were she's headed in terms of character development.  I worry that there is still some ingrained evil in her no matter how much she tries to deny it.  I liked her relationship with the Raven Mocker.  It showed a different side of her.  

I will continue the series, but I'm starting to get a little tired of it.  7 books with more to come seems to like to much.   I want to see some sort of wrap up soon.  I would recommend this one to anyone who has been reading The House of Night series thus far!

Waiting On Wednesday - Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

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

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Infinite Days (Vampire Queen #1)

by Rebecca Maizel

When Lenah Beaudonte, a 500-year-old vampire queen, wakes up a human teenager at an ultra-cliquey prep school, she must choose between embracing the humanity she’s always craved and saving her new friends from her vicious coven. The first in a sizzling new YA series.

Lenah Beaudonte is, in many ways, your average teen: the new girl at Wickham Boarding School, she struggles to fit in enough to survive and stand out enough to catch the eye of the golden-boy lacrosse captain. But Lenah also just happens to be a recovering five-hundred-year-old vampire queen. After centuries of terrorizing Europe, Lenah is able to realize the dream all vampires have -- to be human again. After performing a dangerous ritual to restore her humanity, Lenah entered a century-long hibernation, leaving behind the wicked coven she ruled over and the eternal love who has helped grant her deep-seated wish.

Until, that is, Lenah draws her first natural breath in centuries at Wickham and rediscovers a human life that bears little resemblance to the one she had known. As if suddenly becoming a teenager weren’t stressful enough, each passing hour brings Lenah closer to the moment when her abandoned coven will open the crypt where she should be sleeping and find her gone. As her borrowed days slip by, Lenah resolves to live her newfound life as fully as she can. But, to do so, she must answer ominous questions: Can an ex-vampire survive in an alien time and place? What can Lenah do to protect her new friends from the bloodthirsty menace about to descend upon them? And how is she ever going to pass her biology midterm?

Doesn't this one sound great.  I love the idea of a vampire turned human.  Plus, I've seen some fantastic early reviews!  

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Title: The Body Finder

Author: Kimberly Derting 

Series: 1st

Published: March 2010 by Harper Teen

Pages: 327

ISBN: 9780061779817

Source: traded copy (signed ARC)

Description: Violet Ambrose can find the dead. Or at least, those who have been murdered. She can sense the echoes they leave behind... and the imprints they leave on their killers. As if that weren't enough to deal with during junior year, she also has a sudden, inexplicable, and consuming crush on her best friend since childhood, Jay Heaton.  Now a serial killer has begun terrorizing Violet's small town... and she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

I Give This ...

 

I really enjoyed this story.  I've always been a fan of the mystery/thriller genre, and I think this falls into that category rather nicely.  Since it's geared towards teens, a lot of the gruesome things that come with that genre in the adult books is way toned down.  My mom would have given this two thumbs up when I was way beyond child books, but she was hesitate for me to read the likes of Stephen King, etc.  And I would have devoured it then, just as I did now.  There were even times this book sent tingles down my spine and I'm hard to scare.  The romance element just makes the book feel extremely believable.  It's just the right blend with the mystery.  And, at no time does it feel over done.  There's no love triangle, which is refreshing.  It's the simpleness of a girl starting to like her best friend, which I'm sure many teens can identify with.   

Overall just a wonderful book.  It was great chance of pace when you enjoy young adult, but occasionally get tired of the paranormal aspect or the never ending "can't live without you" love (lust) stories.  I will be reading the next in this series!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.  Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

 

I started off the week finishing Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev.  I LOVED this book.  I was unsure at first, but I think I wasn't in the right frame of mind when I started it.  I ended up thinking it was fantastic.  Currently have it rated as 4 stars on goodreads, but when I get to my review, I have a feeling it might change to a 5 butterfly book!

Next I hit the review pile and read The Word on the Yard by Janet Rising.  Perfect for pre-teen girls, especially those who love horses.  I really enjoyed the story.  It reminded me of The Saddle Club series I read as a girl.  

I read a library book next.  Captivate by Carrie Jones was much better than the first in the series Need.  There is still something that bothers me about the characters though.  Zara especially gets on my nerves.

I read Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog next.  It was an interesting story.  I liked her writing and will be reading her next book.  The only thing that bothered me was I didn't feel the relationship between Morgan and Cam.  So they story lost some of its appeal since it's all about Morgan saving Cam.

Since I was cruising right along, I opened up another library book.  I'm reading Touch The Dark  by Karen Chance.  I don't know if it's because I'm not really into the story or because we're visiting my parents, but I'm just not into this book.  I'm hoping to finish it before this posts in the morning or sometime on Monday.  But, I've been reading it since Thursday!

I also plan on reading Saving Max  by Antionette van Heugten.  This sounds like a really serious book, so I hope I enjoy it.  I will also read The Seven Rays by Jessica Bendinger.  I also need to read Claimed by Shadows by Karen Chance, but that will depend on how I feel when I'm finished with Touch The Dark.

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!  I also want to mention that all my cover pictures link to the description on Goodreads!

Another really light week in the books received department!  I almost bought a book, but actually stopped myself (mainly because I think I might order a few this next week).  I'm expecting a couple in the mail from swaps but none of them have arrived yet!  So, yet another week that I was able to tackle my own to read pile without adding to it!

Oh, and please check out my giveaway!  The link is at the top of the right sidebar!

Library: 

• Love Bites (Vampire Kisses #7) by Ellen Schreiber

Bookshelves, Twin Beds, and So Much More

If you are a follower of lots of different book blogs, you've probably noticed a number of posts about CSN Stores. I was recently contacted about possibly reviewing a product and I jumped at the chance. I was amazed at what they offer. They offer twin beds, bookshelves, toys, media storage and so much more. After spending lots of time browsing, I think I've decided to get my daughter a nightstand like this....

She really needs a night stand and I haven't been able to find something that I think would work in her room.  I think we will give this one a shot!  I can't wait to receive it!  Look for my review!

Book Blogger Hop & Follow My Blog!

For those visiting from the HOP and Follow my Blog, please check out my blogoversary CONTEST
for your chance to pick from my book list or win a book of choice from Book Depository!

Revenge Served Cold by Jackie Fullerton

Title: Revenge Served Cold

Author: Jackie Fullerton

Published: May 2010 by Thomas House Publishing

Pages: 287

ISBN: 9780984381500

Source: Copy Provided by The Cadence Group

Description: Kathy Spence awakens in the middle of the night and finds herself in a living nightmare. Her husband has been run down and she is the primary suspect. With an eyewitness to the crime and proof that her car was the murder weapon, it appears to be an open and shut case. Terrified for her future, Kathy turns to amateur sleuth Anne Marshall for help. Believing in Kathy s innocence, Anne launches her own investigation, uncovering proof of a conspiracy that reaches from Kathy s past and threatens her own life. In a race against time, Anne must count on her close friends and even the ghost of her father to help her bring a killer to justice before it's too late.

I Give This ...

 

  I love a good mystery/thriller.  While this one probably falls more into the cozy mystery category, I still enjoyed it.  I did find it extremely predictable in the who-done it category.  I had the criminal pegged the moment the character stepped into the story.  I liked Anne.  It was a different twist that the person helping her with her case with the ghost of her father.  It played out better than I expected.  The story has a first in a series sort of feel.  We're just touching the surface of the characters with the potential to get to know them better in future books.  The only thing that bothered me a little is there's a previous case that Anne solved.  It's mentioned in passing a few times, and I wish it was explained a little better.  Also, I know cozy mysteries are light on sex and violence.  But, the slight sexual references seem out of place in this story.  

I would read more if the author decides to continue this into a series.  I would recommend it to those who like cozy mysteries, stories about amateur sleuthing, and who done it stories!

The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry

Title: The Amaranth Enchantment

Author: Julie Berry

Published: March 2009 Bloomsbury

Pages: 320

ISBN: 9781449824716 

Source: Library e-audio book

Description: When Lucinda Chapdelaine was a small child, her parents left for the royal ball and never returned. Ever since, Lucinda has been stuck in perpetual servitude at her evil aunt’s jewelry store. Then, on the very same day, a mysterious visitor and an even more bizarre piece of jewelry both enter the shop, setting in motion a string of twists and turns that will forever alter Lucinda’s path. In this magical story filled with delightful surprises, Lucinda will dance at the royal ball, fall under the Amaranth Witch’s spell, avenge her parents’ death, and maybe—just maybe—capture the heart of a prince.  

I Give This ...

 

I've had this book on my radar for awhile now.  My library got it in as an e-audio book (I check it out online and downloaded to my ipod).  I was a little hesitant to this, but really wanted to read it.  While, I'm not sure about the person who read the story (I thought she was ok, my husband thought she was awful), I loved the story itself.  It had a wonderful fairytale feel.  Lucinda was a wonderful narrative.  I loved watching her grapple with who she really was and making her place in a world that was rightfully hers.  Once she set her eyes on what she wanted, she never stopped until she achieved it.  Her companion, Peter, was the most interesting side-kick.  I found myself actually laughing out loud at some of the exchanges between and Lucinda and Peter.  He's a thief by nature, but has a heartfelt goal.  I'm not sure he deserved his fairytale ending, it seemed way to convenient.  But, it wrapped up the story in a nice little bow.  The prince, Gregor, I wasn't quite sure of.  I was so afraid he was going to walk away from what he truly wanted, all because of his title.  The only thing I wish was that we got to know Beryl and her world a little more.  I didn't get enough.  Overall, an enchanting story that I would recommend to anyone who likes fairy tales and maybe even historical fiction mixed with fantasy (it had a historical fiction feel even if it's not based on any fact).        

The Dead-Tossed Waves (The Forest of Hands and Teeth, #2) by Carrie Ryan

Title: The Dead-Tossed Waves

Author: Carrie Ryan

Series: Companion to The Forest of Hands and Teeth

Published: March 2010 by Delacorte Books

Pages: 407

ISBN: 9780385736848

Source: Library 

Description: Gabry lives a quiet life, secure in her town next to the sea and behind the Barrier. She's content to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. Home is all she's ever known and, and all she needs for happiness. But life after the Return is never safe and there are threats even the Barrier can't hold back.  Gabry's mother thought she left her secrets behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, but, like the dead in their world, secrets don't stay buried. And now, Gabry's world is crumbling.  One night beyond the Barrier . . .
One boy Gabry's known forever and one veiled in mystery . . . One reckless moment, and half of Gabry's generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry knows only one thing: if she has any hope of a future, she must face the forest of her mother's past.

I Give This ...
 

I'm being a little generous giving this 4 stars, but I'm trying to get away from the half star rating.  And this book was better than the first one.  I liked Gabry so much more than her mother.  She didn't seem selfish, if anything she was the exact opposite.  But, not nearly as annoying and as hard of a voice to listen to.  The action is still packed into the story.  It almost feels like you don't get a moments peace, reminds me of the zombie horror movies (in a good way though).  The zombies are still terrifying, although I like the term Unconsecrated used in the first book.  It makes them seem that much more terrifying.  There are some interesting on ideas of what makes life worth it and how the zombie are different from humans.  It's an interesting thought from those who have known no other life beside the one after The Return.  I finally got some questions answered about events that occur in the first book, which definitely made me happy.  Hopefully the next in the series will answer questions that arise in this one.  I did dislike the use of a love triangle again.  It was already done in the first book, and I saw no need to repeat it.  I also still had issues with the timeline.  Part of the book happens in days, making the book feel like its happening at top speed.  But, once they are on the path into the forest, time slows down and it loses it's urgency.  I have no idea if it's days or weeks that pass.  I will be looking forward to the next in the series!  I recommend this to anyway who enjoys zombies, post-apocalyptic fiction, and especially those who love The Forest of Hands and Teeth

Teaser Tuesday - Captivate by Carrie Jones

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:
     "Yeah, but they've gone a little crazy about this. They've converted the entire basement into a lab.  They're online 24-7 researching and they didn't even know pixies existed until this fall."

~Captivate by Carrie Jones

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.  Click on the picture to be taken to Sheila at One Person's Journey Through A World of Books!

I finished The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan to start with.  It was a fantastic ending to a series I enjoyed very much.  I'm looking forward to his next one!

I read Never Let You Go by Erin Healy next.  I'm still not sure on this one.  Have you ever read a book that you liked, but your just not sure you really go it?  Sounds strange I know.

I also read The Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink.  I really liked this gothic young adult.  It just left me a little unsatisfied.  I know it's a series, but I really felt like nothing was wrapped up at the end.

I'm pretty sure I will finish Eyes Like Stars by Mantchev by the time this posts in the morning.  I'm really loving it and hoping it has a good ending (even though I know it's part of a series).

I also plan on reading The Word on the Yard by Janet Rising, Captivate by Carrie Jones, and Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog this week!

In My Mailbox!

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!  I also want to mention that all my cover pictures link to Goodreads were you can find the description!

I received no books for review this week!  It's been kind of nice to catch up on my own to read pile!

Swapped:

• The Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison

Library: 

• Touch The Dark by Karen Chance
• Claimed by Shadows by Karen Chance

Blogoversary and Giveaway!

CONTEST CLOSED. WINNER PICKED SOON!!

ADDED ANOTHER WINNER!!  NOW 3 WINNERS!  AND ADDED MORE BOOKS TO CHOOSE FROM!


It's hard to believe but it's been a year since I started this blog. I've enjoyed every minute of it! So, in honor of my Blogoversary and that fact that I now have 50 Followers, I'm holding a contest. For now, I'm starting off with 2 winners. First winner will be able to pick a book from my list and plus I will order a book from Book Depository (under $15). Second winner will be able to pick 1 book from my list. For every 50 followers I gain, I will add a winner, plus one book to each other winners pile (these additional books have to be picked from my list). I will add more titles if more winners are added, anything with a star next to it on my to read pile list (which is in the right hand column) has the potential to be added. I will cap this at 6 total winners (that's 300 followers).  A reminder that only the 1st place winner will get to pick 1 book to be ordered from Book Depository. So, this is sort of open internationally. If you don't live in the US you may enter to win the 1 book from the Book Depository (that is if they ship to you), but you won't win the books from my list (I can't do international shipping at this time sorry).  If someone wins the first prize and does not live in the US, I will an additional winner for the box of books.

 

For Now We Have 3 Winners...

1st Winner - 2 Books (2 from List and 1 ordered from Book Depository)

2nd Winner - 2 Book (from list)
3rd Winner - 1 book (from list)

Current List To Choose From: 
If you are curious what a book is about, please click on title and it will take you to about page on Goodreads)
Another Faust by Daniel and Dina Nayeri (gently used ARC)
We Hear The Dead by Dianne Salerni (gently used ARC)
Beautiful Dead: Jonas by Eden Maguire (gently used ARC)
Under This Unbroken Sky by Shandi Mitchel (gently used ARC)
Princess For Hire by Lindsey Leavitt (hardcover read once)
The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner (gently used paperback)
Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog (a little more worn ARC)
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting (cover has a serious crease, but it's a signed ARC)
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer (brand new paperback)
Fang by James Patterson (brand new hardback)
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger (brand new hardback)

End Date is July 10 at 11:59 pm PST and is open to those 13 and older
US only for books from my list but International can enter to win the Grand Prize of a book from Book Depository!

The Ghost And The Goth by Stacey Kade

Title: The Ghost and the Goth

Author: Stacey Kade

Published: June 29, 2010 by Hyperion

Pages: 288

ISBN: 9781423121978

Source: Around The World Tours

Description: After a close encounter with the front end of a school bus, Alona Dare goes from Homecoming Queen to Queen of the Dead. Now she’s stuck here in spirit form with no sign of the big, bright light coming to take her away. To make matters worse, the only person who might be able to help her is Will Killian, a total loser/outcast type who hates the social elite. He alone can see and hear her, but he wants nothing to do with the former mean girl of Groundsboro High.
Can they get over their mutual distrust—and this weird attraction between them—to work together before Alona vanishes for good and Will is locked up for seeing things that don’t exist?  

I Give This ...

  

If it's possible for a book cover to really cover the feel of the book, I think this one is close (at least for me).  It's cute, but not annoying.  It also has just enough of a serious side that really gives the story a backbone.  It's dual narrative, which I've really liked in recent books.  Alona surprised me as a character.  It just goes to show you that even the most put together girl as serious issues just like everyone else.  I liked watching her accept her fate and really take charge of things.  Will was great as well.  He was just enough of the opposite of Alona to make the story work.  And his deeper issues were an interesting moral story that just added to the book.  I liked how the two gradually opened up to each other.  I think there's room for a sequel, and would love to see were it goes.

Overall, a fun book that's also got a serious side.  I would recommend this to anyone who likes YA, summery reads, etc.  I really enjoyed this one!  

Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri

Title: Another Faust

Author: Daniel & Dina Nayeri

Published: August 2009 by Candlewick

Pages: 400

ISBN: 9780763637071

Source: traded (copy is an ARC)

Description: One night, in cities all across Europe, five children vanish — only to appear, years later, at an exclusive New York party with a strange and elegant governess. Rumor and mystery follow the Faust teenagers to the city’s most prestigious high school, where they soar to suspicious heights with the help of their benefactor’s extraordinary "gifts." But as the students claw their way up — reading minds, erasing scenes, stopping time, stealing power, seducing with artificial beauty — they start to suffer the side effects of their own addictions. And as they make further deals with the devil, they uncover secrets more shocking than their most unforgivable sins. At once chilling and wickedly satirical, this contemporary re-imagining of the Faustian bargain is a compelling tale of ambition, consequences, and ultimate redemption.

I Give This ...

I haven't seen very many raving reviews for this one.  I still wanted to give it a shot because the idea sounded interesting.  But, it's very confusing in the beginning.  I didn't feel the story did a very good job of explaining why these 5 (or really 4 and a tag-a-long) were picked.  I also felt that even the 3 who knew what they had done really understood the full implications of the deals that they had made.  It felt like they were getting little in return (not that any reason is good enough to sell your soul).  What was the final goal?  Was it to make them all rich and powerful and then remind them that they didn't own their own lives?  It was also a very slow read.  There isn't a lot of action, more like a lot of meticulous details.  I think the story would have been better if there would have been less characters pitted against each other.  It was hard to tell were one character's deeds ended and another one's began.  They all seemed so intertwined, but at the same time they were trying to out do one another.   It made it hard to like the characters, even those who had no real choice in the gifts given to them.  

I kept reading because I wanted to see what the end result would be.  It's not a horrible book, but not something I would overly recommend.