In My Mailbox (32)

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren and is where we get together to share the books we've received through the week.

This was a slow week.  I only got ONE book!  But on a positive note, I'm actually watching my TBR pile shrink, rather then grow, and that's a relief!  

So the book I got, I bought (a couple weeks ago, before my book buying ban started) and it was Nevermore by Kelly Creagh.  I finished this one already and it was completely and totally amazing!  It's on my favorites list for sure!  If you haven't read it yet I highly recommend!

 

So what was in your mailbox?

Have a Happy Halloween!

Saturday Situation- Link up your Giveaways and Reviews!

It's Saturday again and time for a new Saturday Situation, hosted by both Lori at Pure Imagination and myself.  It's a linky for Giveaways and Reviews (and whatever neglected posts you may have).  You'll find the same linky's at Pure Imagination, so don't enter them twice!

Keep in mind that you can add your links through the entire week.  

You can find this post again by clicking the button on the top right of my blog.  I'll try to keep it up to date to go to the newest Saturday Situation post.

PLEASE make sure you use the correct linky! Giveaways go in the BOTTOM one!

BOOK REVIEWS AND OTHER NEGLECTED POSTS

Example:
Name: Fallout Review
URL: http://www.pureimaginationblog.com/2010/09/review-fallout-by-ellen-hopkins.html

BOOK RELATED GIVEAWAYS

Example:
Name: Middle Grade Giveaway- It's Raining Cupcakes and others Ends Sept 30th US Only
URL:http://www.pureimaginationblog.com/2010/09/middle-grade-giveaway.html

The Blog Hop (22) and Feature and Follow Friday (11)

I haven't done the hop or Follow Friday yet this month and I thought I'd do one here before November when things will be CrAzY with Steampunkery on Candace's Book Blog.

The Blog Hop is hosted by Jenn at Crazy-For-Books.  Each week Jenn also  picks a question to be asked, and answered (it's always nice to have more to say in the comments!) and this week she asks:

"What is the one bookish thing you would love to have, no matter the cost?"

I have to agree with Jenn on this one.  I'm dreaming of a library in my bedroom actually,  with wall to wall bookshelves on the one side of my room.  I have vaulted ceiling's so I would need one of those roll along ladders (I already need one because I have ceiling shelves).  Then I would have a couple super comfy chairs.  I have the whole image in my head and planned out!

Feature and Follow Friday is hosted by the lovely Rachel at Parajunkee's View.
She asks: 

If you have, or would have a daughter, what book would you want your daughter to read?

I do have a daughter and I'm looking forward to reading A Little Princess to her.  She's only 5 so I'm waiting another year or two :)

So there's a lot going on here, or at least there will be next week when Steampunkery starts!  I'll have loads of giveaways, Steampunk book reviews, guest posts, and Steampunk fashions (even a giveaway for one or two!).   You can check it all out here on my post.  I can tell you that the first giveaway consists of 8 books!  Some are in prize packs so you get more then one.  One of the packages includes Gail Carriger's three books.  Anyway, just be sure to check it out!

Affliate links, Steampunkery, and other randomness...

Today I got my first affiliate gift card from amazon.  It was only $12 but that's enough for a contest.  The thing is I have been torn about using affiliate links.  I don't want people to feel obligated to buy anything, but yet if people buy something through them then I get a tiny bit of money that eventually adds up to enough for a giveaway.  I really can't afford to do all the giveaways I want to do so I've been using links more often.   I only put the links to the books I've reviewed and titles to books so far.  But I've been debating adding a few more.   I wasn't sure before if it was worth it until I got the gift card.  It was from just before May, so it makes me excited that I could actually make something to fund my contests.  But your the ones who read my blog, so do you mind affiliate links?  Do you ever click them?  Do you feel pressure to buy because of them?  Honestly I don't see how anyone would feel pressure because of it, but that's just me.  Tell me your thoughts!
I'll be posting a gift card or book order giveaway next month, so watch for that!


Also remember that next week starts Steampunkery at Candace's Book Blog!  I'm still trying to figure out how to do the giveaways.  If I should just post one giveaway post for the books I've received from publishers, or if I should spread them out.  Either way, there's quite a few great books up for giveaway, as well as bookmarks, jewelery from etsy shops and Book Depository book orders.  Feel free to express your preference as far as the giveaways go in the comments.

And I'm on a book buying ban for the rest of the year!  I put in an order today, but I'm going to try to resist buying books for myself until the New Year.  It's going to be hard cause Pegasus is coming out next week and I WANT it!  But I have plenty of books to read and I'll still enter contests and be getting review books, it's just hard to resist a good deal sometimes.
  Oh, and I want a kindle.  For some reason I'm just really really wishing for one.  I like my kobo, but there are a few things I don't like.  For one the print is teeny and if I enlarge it it doesn't fit the screen and I have to click and then I can't find my place... and yeah, not cool.  So I'm hoping to win a kindle somehow.  Somewhere.  Or maybe amazon will ask me to review one, and give one away.  Ha ha.  I can dream anyway, lol.
Disclosure: These are all affiliate links (aka associate links), I will be paid (via GC) a small amount if you purchase an item through a link.  I will use that money to fund contests on my blog.  

Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey

Details: Paperback, 272 pgs.
Published: June 22nd, 2010 by Bloomsbury US

isbn: 0802720978 (ISBN13: 9780802720979)

Reading Level: Young Adult

Received from: Purchased

Series:  The Drake Chronicles #2 

 

Description:
The action and romance continue as the Drakes face a new vampire with a 200-year-old grudge. It’s been centuries since Isabeau St. Croix barely survived the French Revolution. Now she’s made her way back to the living and she must face the ultimate test by confronting the evil British lord who left her for dead the day she turned into a vampire. That’s if she can control her affection for Logan Drake, a vampire whose bite is as sweet as the revenge she seeks.

The clans are gathering for Helena’s royal coronation as the next vampire queen, and new alliances are beginning to form now that the old rifts of Lady Natasha’s reign have started to heal. But with a new common enemy, Leander Montmarte—a vicious leader who hopes to force Solange to marry him and usurp the power of the throne for himself—the clans must stand together to preserve the peace he threatens to destroy.

This second adventure in the Drake Chronicles—told from both Logan’s and Isabeau’s perspectives—has all the same butt-kicking action, heart-pounding romances and snarky humor that readers loved in Hearts at Stake, as well as exciting new revelations about the vampire dynasties to keep readers coming back for more.

You can find my review of Hearts At Stake (#1) HERE.

My Thoughts:

I didn't like this book quite as much as the first one.  Mainly because of the main characters.  I liked them, just not as much as Nicholas, Lucy, Solange and Kieran.  Although we do get glimpses of them in this book it wasn't enough for me!  However, I did like Logan and his ridiculous idea of style (somehow it's just hot that he dresses as though he's in the Victorian age).  I liked Isabeau as well but didn't feel like I really quite connected with her.  

I loved seeing Isabeau's past when she was young and the French Revolution.  I've read books about it and it's a fascinating time period.  Those chapters with shots of her past were great and one of my favorite things about this book.

This book also had more magic.  The Hounds, which we learned about in the first book, have more magic, and a more ancient magic, then other vampires.  They know how to use it anyway.  It was fascinating seeing some of the things they could do with it.  And learning more about the Hounds.

Like the first book this one had some action.  I often don't care for fighting scenes and skim over them but they weren't overdone or drawn out so I didn't mind them and I don't think I skimmed a single time.

This book may not have been as good as the first one, but it certainly wasn't disappointing.  

I give it 4/5 moons.

You can find Alyxandra Harvey at her website 

 

Disclosure: Links are affiliate links to amazon.  If you purchase then the amount earned will be used to fund contests.


This book was purchased by me and I was not paid or influenced in any way.  The opinions stated are my own.

Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton- ARC Early Review

Details: Hardcover, 322 pgs. (I read an ARC)
Published: November 15, 2010 by Clarion Books
isbn: 0547330081 (ISBN13: 9780547330082)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Received from:  Won the ARC for review


Description:
Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.

Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right.

The goblins are coming. 

My Thoughts:

In the description it says that Abby dreamed of the goblins, but I feel that's a bit misleading.  She dreamt of a Saint, that may or may not have been a goblin.  And I don't recall the other creatures being in her dream.  Anyway, it threw me for a loop because I really felt like it wasn't like that at all.  But oh well.

I really liked this book.  In the beginning I felt like there were a few weird things that may have been editing mistakes that will be fixed before the final copy is out.  But other then that the story line was great.  It was unique and full of all kinds of creatures.  

Teagan is a great and realistic character.  I didn't love her, but I liked her and I didn't find any reason to dislike her.  She's just didn't seem to have an overwhelming personality.  But to be honest, if she had the book would have been a bit over the top because everyone else did have an overwhelming personality!  Her friend Abby was as out there and quirky as they come and in the beginning had me giggling quite a few times.  Then her brother, Aiden, was a crazy little kid.  I thought in the beginning that maybe he was a little too crazy, but it kind of works out pretty well.  He said some pretty cute things and his obsession with singing was very cool.  Then you throw in a quircky mom who writes children's books, a father who's a librarian and constantly quoting books and then to top it off along comes Finn.  An Irish HOT.TI!  In the beginning, one of the first scenes with him is probably in my favorite scenes book.  I mean he was very open and outspoken and said some of the sweetest things I've ever heard. 

The book had some great creatures. Mostly scary.  The author went off track from the majority of books in this genre.  These weren't faeries, they were goblins.  But there were all different kinds, so it reminded me of faeries quite a lot.  I like how she weaved the magic, the history, everything together.  It made for a fantastic story! 

I give this one 3/5 moons.

You can find Kersten Hamilton at her website.

Spooktacular Book Blog Giveaway Hop Giveaway!

This Giveaway hop is hosted by Inspired Kathy at I am a Reader Not a Writer.

I'm giving away Bras & Broomsticks (Magic In Manhattan)

and Frogs & French Kisses (Magic In Manhattan) 

both by Sarah Mlynowski

 

Description of Bra's and Broomsticks (Book One):

What if all your wishes could come true? Blink your eyes, drink a fizzing pink potion, and poof! Life is perfect. That's Rachel's situation. Except she's not the one who suddenly has magical powers. Her younger sister is. And as Rachel would tell you, spellbooks are wasted on the young!

Yes, yes, of course world peace and cures for horrible diseases are important. But so is dancing without looking like she's being electrocuted, winning back her best friend, stopping her dad's wedding, and finding a date for Spring Fling.

Rachel's not bewitched. Yet. . . .
From the Publisher (Delacorte) 

These books are Young Adult

Contest open to 

US only (sorry, I'm broke, shipping is killing me on contests!)

Must be 13 or older

Both books go to ONE winner.

This contest is open from 12:01 AM (Eastern) on Oct. 25 to midnight Oct. 31st

To enter:

Leave a comment with contact information

That's it!

Be sure to enter the other contests in the linky below!

In My Mailbox (31)

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren and is where we share the books we got throughout the week.

This was a very slow week, but that just means it actually looks like I'm getting through my To-Be-Read-Right-NOW pile, so although I love getting books it's kind of a relief to see the pile getting smaller and not growing bigger!  

For Review and Giveaway 

for Steampunkery on Candace's Book Blog I got:

Steamed by Katie MacAlister

Thank you Signet!

 

I won:

Ghost Huntress Book 2: The Guidance by Marley Gibson

from Cindy at Princess Bookie for the contest craze a couple weeks ago.  Thank you Cindy!

So what was in your mailbox this week?

Winners of the 1,000 follower Giveaway!

Here are the winner's selected by random.org for my 1,000 follower giveaway.  Thank you everyone, once again, for following me.  I can't believe I'm up to 1,100 followers now!  

The winner of the book of your choice from The Book Depository is...

Ana Luisa

The first winner of the books listed is...

Becky from Bibliognome

The second winner of the books listed is...

Mariah from A Reader's Adventure

And the final winner of the books listed is...

Alannah from pix n flix n stix

Thanks again everyone!  Be sure to check out my new giveaway posted for Mini Book Charms listed at the top of my blog.

Winner's were selected by random.org, they've been emailed and have 48 hours to respond before I pick a new winner.

Saturday Situation- Link up your Giveaways and Reviews!

It's Saturday again and time for a new Saturday Situation, hosted by both Lori at Pure Imagination and myself.  It's a linky for Giveaways and Reviews (and whatever neglected posts you may have).  You'll find the same linky's at Pure Imagination, so don't enter them twice!

Keep in mind that you can add your links through the entire week.  

You can find this post again by clicking the button on the top right of my blog.  I'll try to keep it up to date to go to the newest Saturday Situation post.

We're no longer doing the giveaway for SS due to funds, but I may occasionally do one, so check it out each week!

We do hope that you'll continue to visit the links.  I know it makes it easier for myself to visit blogs and some reviews I may have missed.

If you do visit through the Sat. Situation links it would be great if you mention that so we know that people are using the links.

PLEASE make sure you use the correct linky! Giveaways go in the BOTTOM one!

BOOK REVIEWS AND OTHER NEGLECTED POSTS

Example:
Name: Fallout Review
URL: http://www.pureimaginationblog.com/2010/09/review-fallout-by-ellen-hopkins.html

 

 

BOOK RELATED GIVEAWAYS

Example:
Name: Middle Grade Giveaway- It's Raining Cupcakes and others Ends Sept 30th US Only
URL:http://www.pureimaginationblog.com/2010/09/middle-grade-giveaway.html

I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan

Details: Hardcover, 272 pgs.
Published: June 1st, 2010 by Arthur A. Levine Books
isbn: 0545088186 (ISBN13: 9780545088183)

Reading Level: Young Adult

Received From: Won in a contest 

Description:

Seventeen-year-old Bronwen Oliver doesn't just want a family. She has one of those, and there's nothing terribly wrong with them apart from bickering grandparents, an image-obsessed mother and a brother she describes simply as Jesus. But there's no natural sense of connection between Bronwen and her family, leaving her with the belief -- and the hope -- that she was switched at birth, that she was never supposed to be Bronwen Oliver but someone else entirely.

When she begins dating college senior Jared Sondervan, she finds herself thoroughly embraced by the loving family she has always wanted and does not hesitate to say yes when Jared proposes on her 18th birhday. Plans for the Perfect Beach Wedding before her junior year of college become plans for the Perfect Beach Wedding before her freshman year of college. And a wedding so soon isn't exactly what Bronwen wants. But Jared is. And his family is. Or so she thinks.

Before Bronwen can determine what she truly wants, she must first determine who she truly is, and the answer, she discovers, is only partially what she thought it was. She wasn't switched at birth, but she's also not Bronwen Oliver and hasn't been for a very long time. 

My Thoughts:

This book was a lot of fun, but it also was a great book about family, friends and relationships.  

One thing that really stood out for me was the tone.  The book felt like an adult book to me though it didn't have any adult themes or anything.  It was just the tone.  Bronwen felt like an adult I guess.  That's not a negative, it's just something that really stood out to me.  It was actually refreshing to not be annoyed with a character the entire time.

I think the book brings about some important subjects.  First of all Bronwen refuses to sleep with a guy before she's married.  She sticks by this rule of hers and she's headstrong in believing what she believes.  The other point is marriage when your still young.  

Although Bronwen thinks she wants to get married, have a regular, normal family, she realizes she also wants to be young, have fun, live in a dorm, and be herself before she's an 'US'.    I think that this is an issue for a lot of young girls.  They really want to be married, but yet they want to have a college life.  So they have the hard decision of choosing.  

Although Bronwen doesn't always make the best decisions and isn't as open about things as she should be, she's a very realistic and likable character.  I think that the way everything played out was very realistic.  I also thought that even though Bronwen always complained about her family communicating, she had her own issues with it as well.  She had a hard time with it and maybe wasn't as different from her mother as she thought.  

I loved the romance in this book.  It was realistic (for a new relationship) and uncomplicated.  The guy wasn't a jerk and didn't do weird things or toy around with her.  It was sweet and real and you couldn't help but root for them.

Bronwens mother wasn't a completely likable person, but it was clear she loved her daughter.  She just didn't know how to deal with things or let things go.  Her step father was great and I thought their relationship really added to the story.

I loved her quirky family.  I mean outside of her mother, stepfather and brother.  They were crazy and quirky and a lot of fun.  We didn't see them much, but she talked about them a lot and it was funny.  I also have a crazy family and I could completely see the Thanksgiving scene clear as day!

This is a book that may open some girls eyes.  Not only in the sense of marriage, but in relationships with your family and friends as well.

I definitely recommend!  I give it 4/5 moons.

You can find Erin McCahan on her website | Blog | Facebook

Mini Book Charms- Thanksgiving Giveaway! *ENDED*

It's time for another giveaway from Southwest Sky Jewelry!

This giveaway is for five very awesome book charms made by Southwest Sky Jewelry on etsy!

Nancy makes these awesome little book charms based on books published before 1923 as they are public domain and there's no copyright law to get around.  She also said that sometimes she adds some images to the covers that may not be on the book because so many books published before 1923 didn't have any images and the images make it much more interesting! 

Authors are also welcome to request having their own books made into charms.

Are you needing a few ideas for what to do with charms?  Well, the things you can use them for are endless.

Bookmarks

zipper pulls

Necklace

wine glass charms

party favors

and the list could go on... 

The items for giveaway are 5 Thanksgiving themed mini bookcharms featuring the books of:

-"Capt. John Smith"
-"Pocahontas with Son"
-"Thanksgiving 1621"
-"Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor" by William Halsall (1882)
-"Cape Cod, Ma. Atlas"

This time around there will be TWO winners!  One person will win three and the other will win two.

Nancy has also made some changes to her mini bookcharms.  For this giveaway the charms will remain the same but for the Christmas giveaway and if you were to order online, she has changed them so they actually have paper in them! 

She has a lot of different items in her shop with a large variety and a price point for every shopper. She really has something for everyone!

Right now I'm loving this turtle brooch:

Keep in mind you can ask her to make custom mini book charms as well.  Just contact her on her etsy.

So do you want some of her stuff ?  You can buy them here.

Or you can enter to win the Thanksgiving themed book charms right here on my blog!

There will be TWO winners.

The first winner gets to pick the three they want.

Second winner gets the remaining two.

*ENDED*

RULES:

This giveaway is open to US and Canada only.

You must enter before Nov. 15, 2010 when the contest ends.

REQUIRED ENTRY:

You must go to Southwest Sky Jewelry and pick out your favorite item in her shop. Leave a comment here.

Be sure to leave a way to contact you in your comment if it's not in your profile.

EXTRA Entries:

These will only work after your initial and required entry.  You can do as many or as few of them as you like.

You must leave a separate comment for each entry.

Follow my blog publicly by google friend connect- Leave a comment

Follow Southwest Sky Jewelry's Blog- Leave a comment

Follow Southwest Sky on Twitter- Leave a comment with your twitter name

Follow me on Twitter- Leave a comment with your twitter name

Tweet with RT button at top of post - Come back here and leave a comment with the URL directly to tweet.

Purchase an item from Southwest Sky Jewelry - Come back here and tell me what you purchased so I can confirm it with her (if you wish to email me to tell me, that's fine as well)

Make sure you check back for December's Giveaway of more mini book charms!

Disclosure:  The items being given away are provided by the company mentioned in return for this post advertising for them.  I will be mailing the charms myself but take no responsibility if they are lost in the mail.  I cannot promise that the charms will be perfect and take no responsibility for their condition. 

That being said I will do my best to insure they arrive safely and unharmed.

October Girls Crystal and Bone by LC Glazebrook (Scott Nicholson)

Details: Kindle, ebook (I think it's in paperback now as well)
Published: Sept 14, 2010 by Cinderella Story Press
Reading Level: Young Adult
Received from: Author in return for an honest review


Description:

Five days until Halloween and all hell is about to break loose.

And it’s all Crystal’s fault.

Momma warned her not to consort with the dead and tried to teach her the magic spells that would close the portal to the afterlife. But Crystal doesn’t want to be a trailer-trash witch like Momma. She has dreams of going to community college and escaping the Appalachian town of Parson’s Ford.

Her best friend Bone is only too happy to escape the afterlife and help Crystal break the rules. Bone died too young, and she’ll do whatever it takes to remain among the living.

Then a teen movie maker comes to Parson’s Ford, and he has a very special project in mind: a horror movie starring a real ghost. The kids who watch his movies turn into brainwashed zombies. And to totally complicate matters, Crystal thinks he’s kind of a hunk, and she’s afraid her boyfriend Pettigrew only loves her because of Momma’s magic spells.

Now it’s Halloween, the night when the portal to the afterlife is widest, and somebody’s been messing with Momma’s potions. The fate of the world is in Crystal’s hands, but she hasn’t been paying attention to her lessons. And a mysterious figure in the afterlife is urging Bone to stay loyal to her own kind instead of to Crystal.

The movie is rolling, the creatures are stirring, and the brainwashed teenagers are ready to welcome a new star from the other side of the grave.

Crystal and Bone must overcome drama queens, coffin cuties, and mangled magic if they want to remain best friends forever—but at this rate, forever may not last much longer.

My Thoughts:

This was a pretty good book with a unique story line and intriguing characters.  The book was suppose to be funny and at times it was pretty funny.  Other times it just fell flat for me.   This was a 'fun' book though.  And appropriate for different ages.

My biggest problem with this book was that I felt like I was missing something most of the time.  Like chunks of it had been edited out.   Other then that I felt like I enjoyed it okay but I didn't love it.  I didn't feel any overwhelming need to fly through the book but I did want to know how everything turned out.  

Another issue I had was I didn't feel like I quite connected with the characters.  I didn't quite 'get' them or their personalities and actions.  

So although I'm listing some negatives this isn't a poorly wrote book.  It's actually wrote well.  I just think that maybe a few things could have been done differently.  

If your looking for a fun and fairly quick read with unique and quirky characters you should give it a try.

I'm giving this one 3/5 moons.  

You can find LC Glazebrook at 'her' blog.  You can find Scott Nicholson aka LC Glazebrook at his website.
I received this book free of charge from the author in return for an honest review.  I wasn't paid or influenced in any way.

Winner of The Happy Hollister's!

The winner of The Happy Hollister's *signed* book is....

Jessi from The Elliott Review! 

Congrats!

She's been emailed and has 48 hours to respond.

Winner was selected by random.org

Thanks everyone who entered!  I hope you'll still purchase the book as it's a great book (series) for young readers just starting out on reading chapter books.  Or for you to read aloud to your children.

I'll have a new giveaway going up tomorrow so stay tuned! 

Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Details: Hardcover, 512 pgs.
Published: Oct 12, 2010 by Little, Brown books for Young Readers

isbn: 0316077054 (ISBN13: 9780316077057)

Reading Level: Young Adult

Series: Caster Chronicles (Beautiful Creatures) #2

Received from: Purchased myself

 

Description:

Ethan Wate used to think of Gatlin, the small Southern town he had always called home, as a place where nothing ever changed. Then he met mysterious newcomer Lena Duchannes, who revealed a secret world that had been hidden in plain sight all along. A Gatlin that harbored ancient secrets beneath its moss-covered oaks and cracked sidewalks. A Gatlin where a curse has marked Lena's family of powerful supernaturals for generations. A Gatlin where impossible, magical, life-altering events happen.

Sometimes life-ending.

Together they can face anything Gatlin throws at them, but after suffering a tragic loss, Lena starts to pull away, keeping secrets that test their relationship. And now that Ethan's eyes have been opened to the darker side of Gatlin, there's no going back. Haunted by strange visions only he can see, Ethan is pulled deeper into his town's tangled history and finds himself caught up in the dangerous network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, where nothing is as it seems. 

My Thoughts:

Although I ended up really enjoying this book I felt like it had a bit of a slow start.  It was probably a bit necessary to show the passing of time and some issues being resolved (his father) as well as meeting some new characters.  But I just had a harder time getting through it in the beginning.  But once it took off, WOW it got GOOD!  

This book shows us much more of the Caster world.  We spend a lot more time with them and in their world. 

All my favorites were present and I LOVED the sisters (Ethans Aunts) so much!  I wish they had more book time because I could listen to them old ladies prattle on forever!  

This book was full of twists and turns and completely unexpected events.  People disappeared and people reappeared and you just didn't know what was what, and who was who anymore.

I thought I'd get a little irritated because when the book starts Lena is really depressed (to be expected) and she makes some decisions that I just wasn't getting.  But I knew that everything happened for a reason and I just went with it.  Although lack of communication is a pet peeve of mine in books, I felt like this situation made more sense.  I still wish some things maybe had gone a little differently but it was okay how it played out.  

Kami and Margie are able to create a world completely unique though still filled with our favorite paranormals and magic.  The Gothic aspect as well as being in the south are two things that make me love this book even more.  Oh, and I can't forget Ethan.  I love that these books are told from a male.  Makes the books even better, in my opinion!

I give this one 5/5 moons and can't wait for the next one!

You can find out more about The Caster Chronicles at Kami and Margie's website.

You can buy the books at your favorite bookstore.

Book Spooks Treasure hunt Clue #3!

Hi! I'm hosting Clue #3 of the epic Book Spooks treasure hunt! This starts right here, right now and ends in one week (Tuesday, October 26) at six p.m. EST. There is a super amazing prize pack to the winners who get the most correct, which you can see over here at our lovely host WORD for Teens.
Are you ready for Clue #3?

My skin is soft and fragile like silk,
I am as dangerous as much as I am beautiful.
If you're not careful, I can draw blood.

Click here to fill out the form or see the other clues.

Ready? Set? SPOOK.

Cast your villain

Nicole at Word for Teens has a a challenge going on (with a GREAT prize!) where we pick our favorite villain and then who would cast them.   She already has some good ones up so it's actually sort of hard to think of another... but the one I'm thinking of is Devina from The Fallen Angels series by JR Ward (Covet and Crave).  This is an adult series (sorry, this is what popped in my head). 

Villain: Devina from The Fallen Angels Series by JR Ward (she's a demon)
Cast: Angelina Jolie 
Why:
She just is able to pull off evil and she's absolutely beautiful.  I'm not picking her by a description of Devina because I don't remember what color hair she had or anything.

Steampunkery- Steampunk style! November 1-30

November is Steampunkery at Candace's Book Blog.

You will find all kinds of fun goodness, Steampunk style!

I'll have guest posts, book reviews and giveaways.  

On this post I will keep the list of all the Steampunk posts that are going up and will provide the links once they post.  I'm not a Steampunk genius, I just know I enjoy the books I've read and the style.  Luckily I have some great, and much more knowledgeable, bloggers, writers, and authors helping me out.

Mad Scientist, from  Steampunkery and Book Reviews is going to be doing some guest posts and helping out, a lot!  She has a brand new blog that has been crazy successful.  I found her on her first week and knew she had something good!  

Although I will be doing a lot of Steampunk posts in November I will have some non Steampunk posts as well.  You will know it's a Steampunk post by the banner that will be on the top of each one.  It looks like this:

November 1st:

Suzanne Lazear will be gracing us with her presence in the first Steampunk post in November and will be informing us of what, exactly, is Steampunk.
List of Steampunk books with a linky to link to your own reviews.

November 2nd:
I will be introducing Mad Scientist and we shall learn a bit more about her.
Knicker (teaser) Tuesday double feature!

November 3rd:
In Dreams Begin by Skyler White Review
Round One:  Huge Giveaway!

November 4rth:
Incarceron  by Catherine Fisher Review

November 5th:
Little Eclectic Me Giveaway (Necklace)

November 6th and 7th:
Weekend, no Steampunkery

November 8th:
Steamed by Katie MacAlister Review
Steampunk Bookmarks Giveaway!

November 9th:
Knicker (Teaser) Tuesday


November 10th:
Guest Post: Steampunk Conventions List
Review: Boneshaker by Cherie Priest

November 11th:
No Steampunk

November 12:
Steampunkery Friday Fashions

November 13-14th:
No Steampunk for the weekend

November 15th:
Zoe Archer's Guest post and Giveaway of Rebel

November 16th:
Soulless guest Review
Knicker, Teaser Tuesday

November 17th:
Changeless Guest Review

November 19th:
Fashion Friday- Interview with Ghostlove from etsy
Dreadnought Review

November 20-21st:
No Steampunk for the weekend




A bit more I'm working on:

Fridays will be Friday Fashion.  We'll feature Steampunk fashions, giveaways and even some how-to videos on how to make your own.
(Thanks to Mad Scientist for the Friday Fashion and Knicker Tuesday aka Teaser Tuesday)

As the calendar is made I'll post on here.  So although I know I have a lot of books for giveaway, and reviews to post, and guest posts as well, I don't know when I'll be posting them quite yet.

I am still looking for more reviews, more guest posts, and am always looking for more books for giveaway!

If you want to participate or help in some way please email me at

candace_redinger (at)yahoo(dot)com

And of course, please feel free to grab my gorgeous button made by Lori of Pure Imagination (thank you Lori!)

<center><a href="http://www.candacesbookblog.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="SteamPunkery" src="http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac339/Loriimagination/steampunkery/steampunkery2-1.jpg"/></a></center>

Winners! HP Mallory Giveaway and Southwest Sky Giveaway

Winners for the HP Mallory Ebook giveaway are...

Angel from Reading Angel

and....

Ms. Bubu!

Thanks for entering everyone!  If you didn't win you can still pick up her ebooks for super cheap!

The winners were selected by random.org and have been emailed.

The winner for the

     Southwest Sky Jewelery mini book charms is...

Renee G!

She's been emailed and has 48 hours to respond.

Winner was selected by random.org

Thank you everyone who entered!

And thank you Nancy at Southwest Sky for sponsoring it!

Stick around and you may just be seeing more mini book charms for giveaway.

And be sure to check out her etsy, she's got more made up now and they all look great!

Here's some Christmas she has up now:

Be sure to check out my other giveaways listed at the top of my blog also!