In My Mailbox (18)

It's Sunday!  And time for another IMM, which is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren and is where we feature all the books we got through the week.  This week I did NOT buy any books.  Again!  I'm doing AWESOME on my book buying ban!  Oh wait.  No, nevermind.  I did buy a book.  I had a 40% off coupon and I bought Tracking the Tempest by Nicole Peeler.  Now I must tell you I did NOT violate my Book Ban buying rules.  I stated that I could buy ONE book with a 40% off coupon.  So I'm STILL doing AWESOME!  I did preorder my August preorders but that is for my August update which I need to plan out and post about soon.

Then I got a couple of super amazing books that I think I won from Penguin, but I'm not sure.  So I'll say I won AND they are for review because they are ARC's.  Super amazing ARC's!  Now I already loaned out Nightshade to my sister in law (SO hard to part with it!) so no real pic :(   But the second one is The Replacement.  SO cool, right?!

 

Then the last book I got is for review.  It's something totally different and is The Book of Unholy Mischief: A Novel by Elle Newmark

So that's what I got in my mailbox.  What was in yours?

All the fun and greatness in the Book Blogging World! Well, some of it anyway!

BlogFest 2010 is coming up Sept 10-12.  It is going to be HUGE and I don't know how anyone will be able to enter ALL the giveaways!  Seriously, its HUGE!  And I'm participating this time!  I'm planning something good for you guys!  It's being hosted by Journey of Books so be sure to check it out!  Just click the BlogFest button! 


Then, I've already told you guys this one, but for who missed it, I'm also participating in the Green Extravaganza giveaway.  This one is SOON and lasts a week, well, 5 days anyway.  It starts Aug 9th and lasts through the 14th.  It's put on by Kirthi at Pages and you can check it out here.  I'm giving away some 'green' related books but am hoping to have a YA package and an adult package as well.

And THEN there's a top secret giveaway being planned
to starting in ONE week!  It's one no one will want to miss out on so keep watch next Friday!

On another note, we're having a yard sale this weekend so busy, busy, busy!  Hopefully I can get some books read so I'll have reviews to post next week, but it's not going so good so far.  Just too much to do! 

Book Insaneness!

I know you guys are all book crazy like me, so when my hubby, or my friends and family, think I'm a freaking crazy lady, I know I have you guys all by my side.  You can relate and understand why I screamed like a freaking insane monkey when I got two very unexpected packages from Penguin and found The Replacement and Nightshade wrapped in those shiny white bubbly packages.  But the movers next door about smashed their feet and dropped dead from a heart attack when they dropped a ginormous dresser thinking someone was being murdered.   And the kid riding his bike down the road biffed it a big one when he was startled out of his peaceful thoughts (well, maybe not so peaceful, but more so then my scream!).   And my kids stared at me with this expression like "what the heck is wrong with her?!"  Luckily my hubby wasn't at home because he would have been muttering under his breath about what a nut job I am. 
And then is it normal to stare at the books for a very long time saying things like "Oh my lovely" and gently stroking the cover? And then sending a message to Angel and Lori because, well, because that's what we do!  We always tell each other when we get books, especially ones we REALLY want!  After that I feverishly sent messages to my family and friends, who REALLY don't give a crap, to tell them.  The next step would've been to step outside and scream to the world, but I was afraid I might cause the movers next door to actually kill themselves, so I held that one in.
But really, what are your reactions when you get a new, very highly sought after book?  Do your neighbors get worried and call the police?

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Release Date: October 6, 2009

Received From:  Loaned to me

Series: Maze Runner

My Rating: 5 Stars
IBSN: 0385737947
Reading Level: Young Adult

Description:

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got whe...more When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. His memory is black. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade, a large expanse enclosed by stone walls.
 

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning, for as long as they could remember, the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night, they’ve closed tight. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the lift. And no one wants to be stuck in the maze after dark.
The Gladers were expecting Thomas’s arrival. But the next day, a girl arrives in the lift—the first girl ever to arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. The Gladers have always been convinced that if they can solve the maze that surrounds the Glade, they might be able to find their way home . . . wherever that may be. But it’s looking more and more as if the maze is unsolvable.
And something about the girl’s arrival is starting to make Thomas feel different. Something is telling him that he just might have some answers—if he can only find a way to retrieve the dark secrets locked within his own mind.



My thoughts: 

First of all, that is a great description!  It really does tell you what the book is about.  Now when I finished this book I had to take a second to gather my thoughts.  It was WOW.  Yes, just another WOW.  This book made me think.  It made me turn the pages furiously, having to know what was going to happen next.  It was hard to read, but like a horror movie I couldn't look away, I had to know what was going to happen.   I had to figure it all out and I had to know NOW!  Well, that means that I flew through this book to get the answers I so desperately sought.

I was unsure at first what I thought of the main character, Thomas.  He wasn't terribly like-able at first, though he wasn't unlike-able either.  But as the story progressed I really grew to respect him and with that came the like part.  The side characters all had interesting personalities that kept me interested.  I don't really know what to say about them, but they all played their roles well.

Have you read The Hunger Games?  While you read it did you feel like I just described above?  Like you HAD to know what happened?  That you were horrified at what was happening but you couldn't put it down?  Were your emotions all over the place?  Crying, laughing, screaming, wanting to reach in and choke someone?  Yeah, well, this book was like that.  Not as extreme or quite as emotional, but it definitely had a similar feel.  It was different though!  So be prepared emotionally but don't expect quite as much awesomeness as The Hunger Games.

This book was well wrote, well thought out, and it brought out those emotions, which I say makes a good book!  I'm torn on whether this is a 4 moon or 5 moon book.  I was thinking it deserves 5 moons compared with most normal books, but then I compare it to The Hunger Games and it's not THAT good.  I think HG is just way too over the top good and it's unfair to compare anything to it.  I'm still going with the 5/5 moons for this one.

You can find James at his Blog |
You can purchase at your favorite bookstore.  The Scorch Trials is the second in the series and is to be released Oct. 12.  Feel free to click below to amazon.  If you purchase I'll be paid a small fee which I'll use for contests.

Blogging Thoughts (5) Formerly Blogging 101

It's come to my attention (through a random google search) that Rachel at Parajunkee's View does a Blogging 101 post.  I was completely unaware of that and I don't want anyone to think I'm copying her or snagging her ideas.  So I'm just changing it to Blogging thoughts.  I probably won't post this every week anymore, just when something comes to my attention that I think needs to be brought up.  Or if I need some input on something.

It's been a few weeks since I've posted this and thought it's time to put up another. 

I've been blogging on an everyday regularity for 6 months now and I feel like I'm starting to learn the ropes and know what I'm doing. I have been wanting to let you guys know a bit more about me, my techniques, thoughts, likes and dislikes for awhile now. I have been asked some questions, and others are questions I thought up. I would love to have you participate. You can answer the questions for yourself in the comments or make your own blog post (I would appreciate it if you linked it here, of course). Take note that I am NOT an expert. Most of these questions I have no good answer to and am really hoping to hear all your thoughts.

So this weeks questions are:

In the blogging world there are a lot of contests.  When a contest you enter ends would you email the person hosting the contest and ask if they've picked a winner yet?

Absolutely not!  Some contests are very popular and there are a lot of entries and it takes time to tally those entries.  Plus it's FREE!  Why would you bug someone about something like that?!  Just leave them alone.  IF you were lucky enough to win then they will let you know or you can watch their posts for the winner announcement.

Now along the same lines as the previous question.  If you're told you won a contest and you send the info along and then you don't hear back from the person do you ask about the prize you won?

This one is slightly more tricky.  First of all keep in mind that the item was FREE.  Second of all quite often it's being mailed from a third party, such as the publisher, and the person hosting the contest is not responsible.  BUT I know that in some cases if I host a contest and the person does not receive the item I would want to know.  If its from another party I probably can't do anything, but if it's something I mailed (or was suppose to mail) then I want to be told it wasn't received.  HOWEVER, give me some time!  It may take me two weeks to mail something (which means it could take a month or more to get to you).  If I have a LOT to mail (Read a thon!) then I may have to spread them out to match up with pay checks.  Things get expensive to mail.  Remember that!  So what are your opinions about this one?  Would YOU want to even be contacted and asked about it at all?

Now along the lines of this post, but a little different is Lori's New Book Blogger Tips.  You can find it on her blog Pure Imagination HERE. 

Winner of Hazelaid Jewelery and reminder of discount code!

And we have a winner for the Hazelaid Jewelery giveaway!  The winner is...

KIRTHI from Pages

Congratulations!  Kirthi's been emailed and has 48 hours to respond.

Thanks everyone who entered and hope you stick around for more contests because more are coming!

And many are already here!  Be sure to check at the top of my page for current contests.

I also want to say thanks to Hazelaid again.  They really are FANTASTIC to work with and I am a forever customer (as long as their products and customer service stays the same).

Remember that you can get a discount until August 10th.  Here's directly from the post.

"Here's an exclusive discount promo code for you to use at the checkout for 10% off: READING10. Good through August 10th."

So use it while you can!

Check out my review here if you missed out on it. 

Here's some pictures to remind you of some of the beautiful items they have.

 

 

 

Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler Review

This is an adult Urban Fantasy novel. 

Release Date: October 27th, 2009
Received From:  Purchased
Series: Jane True
My Rating: 5 Stars
IBSN: 0316056588
Age: Adult

Description:
Living in small town Rockabill, Maine, Jane True always knew she didn't quite fit in with so-called normal society. During her nightly, clandestine sw...more Living in small town Rockabill, Maine, Jane True always knew she didn't quite fit in with so-called normal society. During her nightly, clandestine swim in the freezing winter ocean, a grisly find leads Jane to startling revelations about her heritage: she is only half-human.

Now, Jane must enter a world filled with supernatural creatures alternatively terrifying, beautiful, and deadly- all of which perfectly describe her new "friend," Ryu, a gorgeous and powerful vampire.

It is a world where nothing can be taken for granted: a dog can heal with a lick; spirits bag your groceries; and whatever you do, never-ever rub the genie's lamp.

If you love Sookie Stackhouse, then you'll want to dive into Nicole Peeler's enchanting debut novel.

My Thoughts: 

Wow!  Just. freaking. wow!  This book started out good and was never hard to read.  Although once Jane found out what she was and more about this whole other 'world' things just got better and better!  And so did Jane!  This was one character who really grew and came to 'find' herself.  At least begin to.


I'm a big fan of UF.  I love when there are magical creatures, vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, and all that magical jazz.  This book certainly did not disappoint in that aspect.  Nicole managed to come up with her own crazy world and creatures and it was GOOD.  It was believable.  There's a fine line between being ridiculous and being fantastic.  Nicole's world was fantastic!  It was believable.  As believable as this sort of thing can be, anyway.    


I didn't find myself annoyed with any characters, I loved every single one of the main characters and I was blown away by how well it all came together seamlessly.  Nicole Peeler is suppose to be a debut author!  Debut?!  Well, that's shocking because this is as good as any seasoned author out there and much better then many!

The romance, love, whatever the heck it was, was awesome!  Ryu had his bad points (okay, not many!) and was yummyliciousness.  The s-e-x scenes weren't long and drawn out which I appreciated, but still had enough details to get an idea of 'stuff'.  Some may wish for more details, but generally in my UF books I prefer it to be short and sweet. 


This is one of those books I want to pick out passages and share with you, but that would take all day!  I did a piece in my Tuesday Teaser that gives you an idea of some of the creatures in this book.  But really any UF (urban fantasy) fan should love it!  


I give this book 5/5 moons and will be a series I'll always look forward to the next one (hoping it's going to be more then just a trilogy!).  

You can find Nicole Peeler on her website | twitter 

You can buy Tempest Rising and the second book that is now out, Tracking the Tempest, at your favorite bookstore.  And you can preorder Tempest's Legacy (out Jan. 1, 2011).  To order from amazon click below. If you click and order I will be paid a very small amount of money which will be used toward contests.

Teaser Tuesday!

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!

This week my teaser is from Tempest Rising.  I'm at the very end of this FABULOUS book (it's Monday night as I type this so I'm sure I'll actually be finished with it by Tuesday).
" If I'd been expecting brooms sweeping by themselves, like in Fantasia, or pots stirred by unmanned spoons,  like in Harry Potter, I was disappointed.  There were many creatures at work here, although the nature of the creatures themselves was more than entertaining.  There was a room full of washing machines being loaded by a particularly disgruntled looking orangutan, and I saw what had to be an ifrit lazily painting her nails as she sat beneath a large spit upon which an entire pig turned, roasting."
pg. 263

Minder by Kate Kaynak Review and Giveaway!

Product Description: 

Sixteen-year-old Maddie Dunn is special, but she needs to figure out how to use her new abilities before somebody else gets hurt.  Ganzfield is a secret training facility full of people like her, but it's not exactly a nurturing place.

Every social interaction carries the threat of mind-control. A stray thought can burn a building to the ground. And people's nightmares don't always stay in their own heads.

But it's still better than New Jersey.  Especially once she meets the man of her dreams…

My Thoughts:

I wasn't sure what I was going to think when I heard all the Twilight comparisons, I guess I just think if it's compared to Twilight then it's just a knock off of the real thing.  This was very different from Twilight.  In a good way!  The love between the two characters was very sweet and mostly uncomplicated which was actually quite refreshing.

I liked the main character and I loved all the different powers involved.  I really love reading characters that can read minds.  That's one reason I love Sookie Stackhouse.  I think it's a great power.  In this case her being able to read minds makes a relationship much easier.  No secrets (at least others can't keep secrets).  

The book was wrote well, but I did think it focused too much on the relationship and didn't get to more action and 'saving the world' stuff sooner.  BUT I think since this is the first in a series she was introducing us to Ganzfield and the characters.  She could have focused a little less on their obsession for each other, but that's just my opinion.  Others may like it more for that.

I thought this was a fun and intriguing read that pulled me in immediately and not once was hard to read.  I'll be sending it on to my sister to read as she's currently 'in love' (she's 17) and may enjoy a good bit of sweet teen love.  And you guys are lucky!  Kate has offered up to one of YOU the book AND a t-shirt!  How awesome is that?  

You can find Kate on the Ganzfield website where it also lists the entire series of books. You can also find her on her blog. Adversary comes out August 20th.   

RULES:

Open to US and Canada only

Must be 13 or older

Must enter before August 9th

Must fill out the form below.

Extra entries include following Reading Angel and Pure Imagination.  

I received a review copy of Minder for the purpose of an honest review.  The opinions expressed are solely my own.  

The book is being provided by Kate Kaynak.  Once the contest is over and the winner is picked I will email Kate the winner's info.  At that point it is out of my hands.  It is not my responsibility that you receive the items. 

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday!  What Are You Reading?  Is hosted by Sheila at One Persons Journey Through a World of Books.  It's a fun meme where we gather to share what we've read last week and our reading plans for this week.

I finished up Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopkus (Review)

 

Minder by Kate Kaynak (review and giveaway to come)

 

I'm currently reading Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler (and loving it!)

 

It's hard to know where my reading will take me after this.  

I really NEED to get The Maze Runner read, but I'm a little burnt out on YA, so I may take a week long break and just read adult.  If I do that I may continue this series with Tracking the Tempest or I may continue the Aisling Grey series with Fire Me Up.

 

I am itching to read Brightly Woven and Other as well.

 

So what are you reading this week?

In My Mailbox (17)

It's Sunday again!  And time for In My Mailbox!  This is a fun meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren and is where we get together to share the books we got through the week.
I'm a book buying ban,  but I still got books!  YAY!  I won a few books from Page at One Book at a Time.  It was her blogoversary contest and I won first place!  Woo hoo!  So I got to pick a book from The Book Depository and I picked Other (An Other Novel) by Karen Kincy.  I also got to pick two books she had on her list of books she owned and I picked Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt and an ARC of Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog.

Then Jenn at Rayments Readings, Rants and Ramblings sent me Folly by Marthe Jocelyn.  She sent me it for promoting the Spina Bifida raffle (posting, tweeeting, etc.).  I feel kind of bad, because I didn't expect anything out of it.  I love to support a good cause is all!  But she's a sweetie so be sure to check out her blog!  She somehow got lucky and is on the Linger tour!  So be sure to check out her giveaway!