In My Mailbox (88)

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

I didn't do an IMM for Christmas weekend so I have two weeks worth of books here. 

Review:

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting (Loved!)

The Secret of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle (Very good read!)

The Travel Book (awesome book!)

Bought:

With trade-in credit 

The Iron Hunt (Hunter Kiss #1) by Marjorie M. Liu (SO good!)

The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funk

The Seeing Stone (Arthur Trilogy #1) by Kevin Crossley Holland

Kiss of Frost (Mythos Academy #2) by Jennifer Estep

Christmas Gift:

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout (SO good!)

Thank you Angela!

Thanks to Angela, Amazon Vine, Harper, and Heather McCorkle for the awesome books!

Saturday Situation- Link Up Your Reviews & Give@ways!

 Saturday Situation is hosted by both Lori at Pure Imagination and myself.  It's a linky for you to link your  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 right side of my blog.  I'll try to keep it up to date to go to the newest Saturday Situation post.

Review: Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep

Touch of Frost (Mythos Academy #1) by Jennifer Estep
Paperback, 350 pgs.
Published July 26th, 2011 by Kensington
Source: Gift

My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy — a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest.
But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why—especially since I should have been the one who died. . .

Starting this book I was a little afraid.  Would it really be original enough?  I had read so many great reviews of this book, but could it still let me down in it's lack of originality?  No way!  Okay, so some parts of it didn't feel so original, but I really feel like the author took her own spin and created something different.

Gwen- Now that is a character I really loved.  I loved her spark, her wit, her snark.  She was just endearing.  We saw her weakness's but we saw her strengths, we watched her grow and I'm sure we'll see loads more growth in the next book.  She was definitely someone I would want to be friends with. 

I loved the tension between Gwen and Logan.  You really feel the sexual frustration between them, they are attracted to each other but there are all these obstacles and the banter between them was delicious.  I seriously can't wait for more of those two and hopefully see the HEAT rise a notch {I suspect we will}. 

Lots of kick butt action and tense moments in this book but the mystery of things also made it impossible to put down.  Twists and turns kept me guessing and never really being able to predict how things may go.  A few times I had a good idea and would only be partly right.

Overall this was a great read.  I'm a huge fan of Gwen and Logan now and am eager to see more of them, but am also anxious to see where things go in the next one.  I've already bought Kiss of Frost (book #2) and can't wait to read it!

4/5 stars

Review: Vestal Virgin by Suzanne Tyrpak

Vestal Virgin by Suzanne Tyrpak
Adult Historical Fiction
Paperback 336 pgs.
Published March 6th, 2011
Source: Author

Suspense in ancient Rome Elissa Rubria Honoria is a Vestal Virgin--priestess of the sacred flame, a visionary, and one of the most powerful women in Rome. Vestals are sacrosanct, sworn to chastity on penalty of death, but the emperor, Nero, holds himself above the law. He pursues Elissa, engaging her in a deadly game of wits and sexuality. Or is Elissa really the pursuer? She stumbles on dark secrets. No longer trusting Roman gods, she follows a new god, Jesus of Nazareth, jeopardizing her life and the future of The Roman Empire.
            *New York Times bestselling author Terry Brooks says,
"A writer of real talent, a promising new voice."
           *  New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen says, "Suzanne Tyrpak weaves a spell that utterly enchants and delights. Her writing is pure magic."          

This book was seriously compelling.  It was impossible to put down yet was so full of tension and an intensity that I often had to set it aside because it was just too much.  I felt like I couldn't handle anymore because these characters are going through so much and this villain, this horrible horrible man, Nero, made me so very furious that I just had to take a break.  I couldn't stand watching the horrible things he did and then watch the naive and young sister of Elissa make mistake after mistake sending events into motion that led to lives lost and even more horrific events to happen.  But every time I picked it back up I was sucked into the story once again and unable to tear my eyes from the pages.

Suzanne is a wonderful writer.  She created a story that was easy to imagine and transported me to ancient Rome where I could see and feel the story as though I was really there.  She created characters that I cared about and felt for and characters that I hated with such a passion that it only elevated the story more for me.  The plot was fast paced and the chapters were short.  It was easy to fly through if you could handle the death, destruction and treachery.  

This book is definitely not for the faint hearted.  The author did not hold back on the murder, the debauchery, the reality of the horrific events that take place.  I felt that it was this that helped make the book feel authentic.  I'm no historian, I don't know the history of the time period, but I do know that this felt right to me, that it felt real.  

4/5 stars

Review: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Middle Grade
Paperback, 377 pgs.
Source: Purchased

After getting expelled from yet another school for yet another clash with mythological monsters only he can see, twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is taken to Camp Half-Blood, where he finally learns the truth about his unique abilities: He is a demigod, half human, half immortal. Even more stunning: His father is the Greek god Poseidon, ruler of the sea, making Percy one of the most powerful demigods alive. There's little time to process this news. All too soon, a cryptic prophecy from the Oracle sends Percy on his first quest, a mission to the Underworld to prevent a war among the gods of Olympus.
This first installment of Rick Riordan's best-selling series is a non-stop thrill-ride and a classic of mythic proportions.

I finally found time to fit this one in!  Well, I didn't really find the time but I fit it in anyway ;)

I've really been enjoying middle grade fantasy.  This one is more a mythology based urban fantasy, but it was still an excellent read!  I was able to find myself connecting with the characters, loving the different personalities and enthralled by the plot.

Percy is a character that I really loved.  He's caring and will do anything for those he loves and cares about, but he's not some wimp, he speaks up for what he believes in and doesn't let people push him around.  He's maybe a little too brave at times, but I never found myself really irritated with him like I sometimes get with characters that are so brave they make horrible decisions. 

The plot was a bit slow for me in the beginning, I was anxious for it to move along already.  But it was important to get to know Percy just a bit before his whole life changes.  To get why he the way he is, to see him through the journey from the very beginning.  Around page 50 the events in the story take off and it's quite fast paced with one event after another taking place and not much down time in between the different things.  And I was never able to predict where things would go, I was surprised with each and every revelation and eager to discover the truth of it all. 

Overall this was a highly enjoyable ride but I'm quite certain the series will only get better and better.  If you haven't picked it up yet I definitely recommend you do!

4/5 stars

2012 YA Contemporary Challenge

I'm not very good at keeping up with challenges.  I likely complete them, I just don't keep track very well.  But I've decided to do the YA Contemporary Challenge hosted by Reading Angel and Katie's Book Blog for 2012. 

There are different levels that you can choose to challenge yourself in:

Level 1: 5+ books
Level 2: 10+ books
Level 3: 15+ books


Rules:
You can read any contemporary YA novel that is published between January 1, 2012 and December 30, 2012 but you must read them in 2012! (All formats accepted: paperback, ARC, e-book)

I'm going to go for Level 3. There are lots of YA contemporary releases that I'm dying to read! Here are a few that I'm anxious to read:

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour
The Miseducation of Cameron Post
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin
Thou Shalt Not Road Trip by Antony John
Supergirl Mixtapes by Meagan Brothers
In Honor by Jessi Kirby
A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger
Isla and the Happily Every After by Stephanie Perkins





Are you doing the challenge? Feel free to let me know some that you're looking forward to reading or link me to your own list.

Review: Hallowed (Unearthly #2) by Cynthia Hand

Young Adult
Hardcover, 416 pgs.
Published January 17th, 2012 by HarperCollins
Source: Publisher

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning. 

Many of you already know that Unearthly is my favorite angel book I've read so far.  It still is but Hallowed did not disappoint!  I think if I had read them closer together I may have found myself a bit disappointed in some plot twists, but as it was I ended up feeling pretty happy with how the story progressed!

The first bit of the book felt a bit slow and I found myself wishing the story would take off already.  And then it did and I did not put the book down after that!  There were plenty of twists and turns and while a few things were easy enough to see coming because of hints most of the things totally surprised me!  Part of that may have been because it's been a year since I read the first one though...


I mostly really like Clara.  She occasionally does things that annoy me but I can see her starting to mature and grow as a character.  I think that this book was just the beginning of some realizations for her and in the next one she'll grow even more.  


Christian really grew on me in this book.  I don't think I really loved him after Unearthly, but I'm starting to love him.  I really don't want to get into too much about him or Tucker though because I don't want to spoil anything for you guys!  


I really really love this series and I highly recommend it if you haven't already picked it up.  I cruised through this book like it was nothing and am dying for #3!  There's a mystery left in this one and I can't wait to solve it!


5/5 stars


Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.
I read an ARC of this book and the final version may vary.

Review: Acquainted With the Night by Piper Maitland

Adult
Paperback, 539 pgs.
Published November 29th, 2011 by Berkley
Source: Publisher

The pages of history are written in the blood of the undead…
A woman’s quest for the truth…
A medieval icon that holds the clues…
An ancient book with the power to shake Christianity—and humanity itself…

Caroline Clifford’s bland life as a London tour guide flips upside down when her beloved uncle is brutally murdered at a Bulgarian archeological site. While traveling to recover his remains, she meets a man who corresponded with her uncle. Jude Barrett is a biochemist on a mission—to eradicate the world of vampires…
At first, Caro is dismissive of Jude’s beliefs, but she can’t ignore the signs around her—the human bites on her uncle, the strange men following her, the anguished cries after sundown. Strange anagrams on her uncle’s passport lead her and Jude to a cliff-top monastery in Greece, where a shattering revelation connects a relic Caro inherited from her parents to an age-old text on immortality—and an enigmatic prophecy that pits the forces of darkness and light in a showdown that could destroy them all…

Acquainted with evil…

I haven't read a book like this in in ages and it was nice to read something different.  I actually really enjoyed the book and found myself flying through the pages.  Parts of the book were very intense and extremely well done.  Other parts I didn't really love and found myself picking it apart a bit.  

The book I can think of that I most recently read that was at all similar was The Historian {the book is  actually described as a mixture of a Dan Brown thriller and an Anne Rice Vampire Chronicle book}.  The Historian had some drawn out and more boring parts that this book didn't have {this one moved along much faster} and really they are quite different from each other, just a bit of a similar feel as Caroline flees for her life and to discover the truth.  She is armed with a secret message in code and has to put pieces together.  


The book isn't predictable in any way.  I never could figure out the twists and started to be super paranoid cause it was often hard to know who was really the good guy and who was the bad.  I had my eyes glued to the pages through the majority of the book eager to learn more and see where things went.  This was probably the best part of the book, discovering new things as Caro did and being surprised over and over again with the twists thrown in.


I did think parts of the book weren't really realistic.  I didn't think it was realistic that a billionaire who was concerned for his reputation and company would hire such messy 'people' who didn't seem to have any sort of reason to follow his instructions and all went on crazy killing sprees just for fun and didn't even bother trying to keep people alive per the billionaire's instructions.  And yes, we see some of those 'messy' bits so this book does have some gore. 


I didn't feel like I had a real connection with the characters, but this was more of a plot driven novel, not so character driven.  It wasn't a huge issue but if I had felt more of a connection it would have made this book much better.  I thought the way the romance played out wasn't real realistic and it moved forward much faster then I would have thought.  There's a bit of a reason for this, but still- it wasn't really to my liking.  I also didn't like some things that Jude did later in the book that made me like him less.  Now it's not that I didn't like the characters, I just didn't feel a real connection to them.  


The book ends on a bit of cliffhanger after a very intense and extremely twisty ending.  My press release does say that it's the first in series and it definitely leaves lots left for the next novels.  


I enjoyed this book quite a lot though I had a few issues.  I'm still anxious to see where things go in the future books and am eagerly anticipating them.  I recommend this book to those who enjoy a bit of a thriller with a twisted and crazy plot with some paranormal thrown in.  This book is suited for adults only.


3.5/5 stars


Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher for review purposes.  I was not paid or influenced in any way.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Saturday Situation- Link Up Your Reviews & Give@ways! 12/24

 Saturday Situation is hosted by both Lori at Pure Imagination and myself.  It's a linky for you to link your  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 right side of my blog.  I'll try to keep it up to date to go to the newest Saturday Situation post.

Happy Blogoversary To Me!

As of December 8th I have had my blog for three years!  But I've only blogged steadily for two years, so it's not really three years...  I started blogging right before my baby was born {he's almost three now!} and so I took a year off almost right away.  But still, two years of steady book reviews and bookish news isn't so bad!  I'm pretty proud of myself for sticking with it.  But really, it's not been hard because I love it so much!  I love reading, I love talking about what I read, I love 'hanging out' with all the bookish people I've 'met' online.  You're all so amazing and it's because of you that my blog has been so successful.  Seriously, a HUGE thank you to all of you readers!

Some stats for you guys-
I've had 212,662 pageviews
I've posted 1,108 posts
I've done 172 giveaways (probably a few more cause I suck at tagging)
I've reviewed 193 young adult books

I would normally have a ginormous giveaway as thanks but it's a tight year for money so I took my stack of books I was going to giveaway and I donated them.  Some went to the Juvenile Detention Center, some went to a High School Library and some went to the shelter.  This year I just couldn't afford to mail them.  But I'm pretty happy with my donations because I know I've made a bunch of people really really happy and it makes it so worth it! {I've started a new giveaway stack though so hopefully before long I'll be able to do a massive giveaway.}

Anyway, it's been another great year and I hope the year to come is just as great as the last one!  I hope you'll all continue to stop by to read my blog and leave the wonderful comments that make my day!

Happy Holiday's everyone!  Hope you have a wonderful rest of the year and Happy New Year as well!

Wrapping up 2011 Readathon! Updated!

Updates Below! 
Okay so it's been such a busy time I totally forgot about this Readathon!  Well, I didn't totally forget, I was just thinking it was next week... But apparently it starts today (the 22nd).  

This End of Year Readathon is hosted by Jessie at Remarkable Reads. I believe it lasts through the end of the year but my computer is being funky & won't load that page for me...  Or let me grab the image.  Sorry!

So today (Day 1), even though I forgot about the readathon I have read a lot.  

I read 100 pgs. of Acquainted With the Night by Piper Maitland and finished it up.

I started, and am 300 pages into, Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep. {Update: Finished}

Update {December 26th, AM}:

Read Magic in the Blood by Devon Monk

Currently reading The Lightning Thief (finished)

Update: {December 27th (afternoon)}
Finished The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Finished Vestal Virgin by Suzanne Tyrpak (pgs 195-332 read during readathon)

Update (Dec. 29th, evening):
Read Tempest by Julie Cross

Read The Iron Hunt by Marjorie M. Liu

Currently reading A Stroke of Midnight by Laurell K. Hamilton and Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

A couple books I've started but need to finish are 
The Iron Duke and Vestal Virgin.

Others I'm putting on the list but aren't sure which I'll read are:
Acquainted With the Night 

Tempest by Julie Cross

Eye of the Tempest by Nicole Peeler

Magic in the Blood by Devon Monk

Armed and Magical by Lisa Shearin
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
The Iron Hunt by Marjorie M. Liu
A Stroke of Midnight by Laurell K. Hamilton
Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I REALLY want to get some series books read and my adult series books are out of control!  I SO need to try to get some read.  I'm behind on my YA ones as well but it's hard to know which ones I may pick up.  I'm a mood reader so it's hard to say what might strike my fancy. 

I'll update here when I get the chance.  Everyone participating, I wish you luck!

Now that Christmas is over I should be able to get much more read! 

Book Review: Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala

Hi guys!  So today I'm FINALLY {I read it a few months ago} posting my review of this absolutely AMAZING book!  {Seriously.  AMAZING!}  Now I have lots of important links at the bottom.  Not only can you {and you should!} follow Holly on all her networks, you can also enter to win a copy {ends Jan. 3rd, release day}, get a downloadable FREE preview and check out the tour info where there are more giveaways and goodies.  I very highly recommend you click them all and THEN, feel free to preorder the book! {I receive no proceeds through those links, but please, order it anyway!}  I hope you all give this book a try because I think you'll love it!

Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala

Scheduled to be published January 3rd, 2012 by HarperTeen

Reading Level: Young Adult

Source: Author

Joy Delamere is suffocating...
From asthma, which has nearly claimed her life. From her parents, who will do anything to keep that from happening. From delectably dangerous Asher, who is smothering her from the inside out.
Joy can take his words—tender words, cruel words—until the night they go too far.
Now, Joy will leave everything behind to find the one who has offered his help, a homeless boy called Creed. She will become someone else. She will learn to survive. She will breathe…if only she can get to Creed before it’s too late.
Set against the gritty backdrop of Seattle’s streets and a cast of characters with secrets of their own, Holly Cupala’s powerful new novel explores the subtleties of abuse, the meaning of love, and how far a girl will go to discover her own strength.

 You ever read a book and think that this is 'your' book?  A book that you can connect with on so many levels it's like the author took it straight out of your head?   That was this book for me.  There are a few other contemporaries I feel this way about, Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert and I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder.  These books are different from each other, but if they were smooshed together it would be my book.  Perfectly.

There were so many things I connected with in this book.  I 'got' the main character, Joy, and understood her actions and decisions.  I've been in an abusive relationship, I had overprotective parents and I lived on the streets.  My story is not really anything like Joy's.  Not really.  My abusive boyfriend was different, my parents were overprotective for religious reasons and I lived on the streets after I'd moved out and well, my situation was different.  And my experience on the streets was different because it wasn't Seattle.  But still, I connected, truly connected with everything in this book.  I've spent lots of time in Seattle and some of it was with the homeless teens and in the areas they run.  So the territory was familiar to me.

There was so much in this book I loved.  I loved the characters, the setting, the story line and situations.  The writing was phenomenal (of course!) and I thought everything was just beautiful.  It was heart breaking, heart wrenching, painful and real.  It was real.  It was all so freaking real.  I appreciate that in a book.

I loved Holly's first book, Tell Me a Secret, but I loved this one even more.  Holly isn't afraid to get to the nitty gritty and keep the truth real.  I mean honestly, she walks a line that some would be afraid of.  The street life ain't pretty.  The situations are tough and scary and the things those teens do for money isn't something that most any parent would want their child to do.  But that's how it is, and kudo's to Holly for writing about it. I don't think I've read a book that really took place on the streets.  Where we really see the life of a homeless teen.  So this was something different and refreshing for me.

I couldn't recommend this book any more highly.  Honestly, this is one of my most favorite contemporaries of the year.  Either in first or second place, it's up at the top though.  Seriously LOVED it.

Links:

Holly's Website
Don't Breathe a Word Website
Holly on Twitter
Holly on Facebook
Preview the book for Free! 
Enter to win your own copy on Goodreads! (ends Jan. 3rd.)

Purchase the Book:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
IndieBound

Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are my own.  I was not paid or influenced in any way.

Review: The Secret of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle

The Secret of Spruce Knoll: A Channeler Novel by Heather McCorkle
Young Adult
Paperback, 328 pgs.
Published November 15th, 2011 by Compass Press
Source: Author

Following the tragic death of her parents, Eren Donovan moves to Spruce Knoll to live with an aunt she’s never met. Little does Eren know the entire town of Spruce Knoll is filled with “channelers”—a magical group of people who immigrated to the small Colorado town when they were driven out of their own lands.

Channelers are tied to the fate of the world. As the world slowly dies, so do they—and they alone have the power to stop the destruction of Earth. Soon, Eren learns she not only lives among them, but she is one. When she meets local boy Aiden, his charm convinces her that being a channeler may not be all bad though.

As Eren and Aiden’s relationship develops, so too does a mystery in Spruce Knoll. The town holds many secrets—and many dangers. It soon becomes apparent that the untimely death of Eren’s parents was no accident and that her life might be in danger too. Only time will tell if Eren can embrace her unwanted power and protect the only family she has left.

It seems like I've been a little down on paranormal type young adult books lately.  So much of it just starts to feel like the same ol' same ol' and while each book tends to have some unique aspect it's still hard for me to feel like I really love the book.  So I was a bit worried that this might end up being another so-so read.  But guess what?!  It wasn't!  Yeah, I wasn't completely blown away, but I did really like it. 


The book kind of sets off with a bang and sets up a mystery we look to solve through the novel.  The book didn't feel like a mystery though and the answers came pretty easily.  I think maybe the author could have made it a bit more mysterious and not given away so many details, but really it worked fine as it was as the 'mystery' wasn't really the focus of the book. 

I liked Eren right away but I was afraid I was going to get annoyed because she wasn't aware of Channelers and I was just waiting for her denial and her flip out {been there, saw that}.  Fortunately it all was pretty fast and we could move onto the story {I might have wished it went a bit different, but I didn't cringe too much cause it was really just a couple pages}.  And she actually ended up being pretty sensible through the rest of the book.  I get annoyed with all these girls that think they are just going to run in and save the day and really it's just a stupid move.  And while Eren still made some decisions that made me concerned she knew what she was up against and didn't think for a second she could beat them with her powers and was usually prepared with a plan and backup. 

The town kind of made me cringe at first.  Yes, I admit it.  It just didn't seem realistic and just a bit cheesy or something that there's this whole town that made up of all channelers and these different society's.  But somehow the author made it work and it ended up not really bothering me after the initial introduction.  It actually ended up having a pretty interesting backstory and I'm curious and anxious to learn more about it.  


The power these people have is actually very fascinating.  I'm not sure I fully understand how it works but their power comes from the earth.  The earth needs to be healthy and free of toxins or they get sick.  I loved that aspect because this entire town is green.  Like really green.  They recycle everything, they ride bikes or walk and they don't drive.  While the book never focuses on this it is mentioned the different things they do because Eren is just learning about it all herself.  


The romance is pretty great!  The two of them spend time getting to know each other before anything romantic develops between them and Aiden isn't a 'bad boy'.  He has a bit of a temper and is protective of her but he's very cautious and concerned about hurting her.  He's all about protecting everyone else and while he doesn't have the best situation himself he never complains about it or tries to change anything. 


The writing, the characters, the plot, it was all fantastic!  I read the book in two sittings and the second half was pretty intense and hard to put down.  If you like young adult paranormal type reads I definitely recommend you pick this one up! 


4/5 stars.


Disclosure: I received a copy free of charge from the author for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

Find the author:

Blog

Buy links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix- Yes, I finally read it!

So for those of you who don't know- Lori from Pure Imagination challenged me to read the HP books last January {yes, January almost a year ago} and I agreed to the first three in January and the rest through the rest of the year.  I read the first three in January and then the fourth in April and then apparently I just couldn't seem to find time for this one!  But recently Lori kind of reminded me that I really should keep reading them so I pretty much started it right away.  And I really think it's the size that kept me from picking it up.  Seriously, almost 900 pages is a bit intimidating.  And I knew it would take me like four days {yes, that's a long time for me!} to read it. 

{This is my first time reading the series and I haven't even watched the movies!  It's all brand new to me!}

Once I started reading it all hesitation went away.  I was completely sucked into the story and felt like I was traveling home to visit old friends.  I'm kind of getting why people love these books so much. 

This one definitely kept me riveted even though it was darker since Harry was experiencing lots of doubts and was pretty depressed through most of the book.  It was all those horrible things happening that made me so so angry and I just wanted to see all those horrible stupid people go down!  I wanted to see them all realize they were wrong, Harry was right- SO THERE YOU STUPID KNOW-IT-ALLS!!!!!

I didn't cry.  I don't know how I managed but even though something horrible happens I did not cry.  And seriously, it's a miracle.  I'm pretty sure it's because I was reading in a room full of people and there were lots of distractions and I wasn't quite fully immersed in the book when the super sad thing happened.  I'm not sure if it's good or bad but I think maybe it's good.  I just hate that feeling and having it a bit numbed by distractions kept me from bawling my eyeballs out.

Once I started reading this book I realized {again} how amazing J.K. Rowlings ability is to create such amazing characters that most certainly POP but also a world and a story line that are totally mind blowing.  I know you all know that already... but just wanted you to know- I agree!

I'm tempted to pick the next one up right now, but I have a couple review books I really must read first... but I'm thinking it might be really soon!  Which means I ought to be working on getting my hands on the seventh book...

I want to give a big hug to Lori and to Angela {and loads of random people everywhere} who convinced I MUST read these books.  I'm so glad I didn't miss out! 

Review: Fallen Grace by Mary Hooper

Young Adult
Hardcover, 320 pgs
Published Feb. 1st, 2011 by Bloomsbury
Source: Borrowed

Grace Parkes has just had to do a terrible thing. Having given birth to an illegitimate child, she has travelled to the famed Brookwood Cemetery to place her small infant's body in a rich lady's coffin. Following the advice of a kindly midwife, this is the only way that Grace can think of to give something at least to the little baby who died at birth, and to avoid the ignominy of a pauper's grave. Distraught and weeping, Grace meets two people at the cemetery: Mrs Emmeline Unwin and Mr James Solent. These two characters will have a profound affect upon Grace's life. But Grace doesn't know that yet. For now, she has to suppress her grief and get on with the business of living: scraping together enough pennies selling watercress for rent and food; looking after her older sister, who is incapable of caring for herself; thwarting the manipulative and conscience-free Unwin family, who are as capable of running a lucrative funeral business as they are of defrauding a young woman of her fortune. A stunning evocation of life in Victorian London, with vivid and accurate depictions, ranging from the deprivation that the truly poor suffered to the unthinking luxuries enjoyed by the rich: all bound up with a pacy and thrilling plot, as Grace races to unravel the fraud about to be perpetrated against her and her sister. 

The description of this book is actually quite good so I'm not going to do any recap {I guess I usually don't anyway...}.  I love a good historical fiction and I'm finding I really enjoy the young adult ones the most because they are lighter reads {time wise anyway}.  And I really enjoyed this one!

The author does a brilliant job on the descriptions of everything.  I was able to really feel, see and experience London.  That's what I love in a good HF, you can really feel like you're experiencing history.  This is a compelling story though and is done very well!


I really loved Grace and felt for her for everything she had to go through.  She was fairly trusting but yet she was still cautious.  She was very caring about others and you could really see her kindness show through.  But she has to suffer through one thing after another and I was amazed at how she kept her head up and trudged on doing what had to be done to survive.  


While there are lots of horrible things that happen in the book I never really felt like it was terribly depressing.  And I cruised through the book very quickly because I was so eager to figure out the mystery {lots of clues are laid out so it's easy to guess but I really wanted to know it ALL} and see that everything turned out okay.  Plus I wanted to watch the bad guys fall {like, for REAL}.  So it really took no time at all to read this book.  


If you enjoy historical fiction I definitely recommend you pick this one up!  Brilliant writing, fantastic characters and a compelling story!


4/5 stars

In My Mailbox (87)

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

I'm not buying any books because of the holidays {and no money...} but I still got a few!

Review:

I got another awesome surprise package from Penguin {urban fantasy books from Roc and ACE}.  It's always awesome to get these! 

Raven Cursed (Jane Yellowrock #4) by Faith Hunter {out Jan. 3rd, 2012}

The Mortal Bone (Hunter Kiss #4) by Marjorie M. Liu {out Dec. 27th, 2011}

The Bitter Seed of Magic (Spellcrackers.com #3) by Suzanne McLeod

The Bride Wore Black Leather (Nightside #12) by Simon R. Green {out Jan. 3rd, 2012}

Won:

Karma by Cathy Ostlere (ARC) from Marcie at To Read or Not To Read {Thank you Marcie!}

Gift:

Eye of the Tempest (Jane True #4) by Nicole Peeler from Alexa at Pages of Forbidden Love {Thank you Alexa!}

Thank you to the awesome folks at Penguin {well, a specific person especially, you know who you are!} and Marcie and Alexa as well!

So what was in your mailbox?  Link me below and I'll check it out on Monday or Tuesday!

Saturday Situation- Link Up Your Reviews & Giveaways!

 Saturday Situation is hosted by both Lori at Pure Imagination and myself.  It's a linky for you to link your  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 right side of my blog.  I'll try to keep it up to date to go to the newest Saturday Situation post.

Tour: The Secret of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle & Giveaway Info!

A special edition of Heather McCorkle’s The Secret Of Spruce Knoll is releasing from Compass Press this month and she’s doing a special tour to go along with it. The special part, a percentage of the proceeds from every special edition sold (in every format) between its release date and 12-12-2012, will go toward Heather’s favorite charity that protects endangered species. Her goal is to make at least $10,000 for the charity.

Of course there are prizes during the tour which goes from December 1st through the 17th. Prizes include a symbolic endangered species adoption of the winner’s choice (a $50 donation by Heather to the charity for the endangered species of the winner’s choice, and cute stuffed animal for the winner!), signed copies of her novels and great swag. For full details, and to enter, go here.

For the tour Heather has asked each blog host to pick their favorite endangered species and she will tell us a fun or interesting fact about that animal. I picked the orca cause they've long been a favorite of mine.

Despite their nickname of killer whale, orcas are actually the largest of the dolphin family. They have to consume 5% of their body weight in food a day. It may not sound like a lot but when you consider that they weigh several tons, that's a lot of food. Declining food source is one of the main reasons they are threatened.

Buy links for the books:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble


I haven't yet had a chance to read the book because of Post Office issues but it's on it's way to me and I'm very excited to read it and share my thoughts with all of you!

Following the tragic death of her parents, Eren Donovan moves to Spruce Knoll to live with an aunt she’s never met. Little does Eren know the entire town of Spruce Knoll is filled with “channelers”—a magical group of people who immigrated to the small Colorado town when they were driven out of their own lands.

Channelers are tied to the fate of the world. As the world slowly dies, so do they—and they alone have the power to stop the destruction of Earth. Soon, Eren learns she not only lives among them, but she is one. When she meets local boy Aiden, his charm convinces her that being a channeler may not be all bad though.

As Eren and Aiden’s relationship develops, so too does a mystery in Spruce Knoll. The town holds many secrets—and many dangers. It soon becomes apparent that the untimely death of Eren’s parents was no accident and that her life might be in danger too. Only time will tell if Eren can embrace her unwanted power and protect the only family she has left.

Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover, 370 pgs.
Published January 24th, 2012 by Balzer + Bray
Source: Publisher

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

This ended up being a pretty decent read even though I went into it a little afraid.  I've since seen lots of positive reviews, but at the time I hadn't heard a whole lot about it.  And while I did enjoy the book it still had some things that I didn't love.


When I started the book I initially felt like I must have missed the first one {even though I knew this was the first...} because it jumps in right away.  What the author did was weave what I would normally say was two books into one and I loved it that way.  We get what could have been the first book in the series in little snippets as Nikki looks back. So we find out the whole story, we just don't know it all at first.  And while it could have ended up being really confusing or even made the story feel choppy it didn't.  I felt the transition back was smooth and I never felt at all confused.  Total win on the way it was done!


I thought the story was creative and unique.  Yes, mythology is popular right now and not a new idea anymore, but this story was completely different from anything else.  I thought it was a very awesome idea and the author pulled it off very well.  


Nikki was an okay character but for some reason I never really loved her.  I didn't dislike her or anything, but she never really wow'ed me.  I'm not sure why that was, she didn't 'pop' for me.  Nothing really stood out about her.  She was selfless, she only thought about others, she's finding her way and she's progressing as a character, and there's not really anything bad to say about her, I just didn't love her.


Cole does a good job of being a bad guy that we can't help but love.  I felt the frustration and anger and hatred at him when he was doing bad things and screwing Nikki over, but then he'd do things that seemed sweet and showed he was human {well, not really human} and I couldn't help but feel for him a bit.  So I was properly confused in my feelings for him.  


The other characters did a good job in their roles.  I liked Jack and he was a sweet guy and all that but for some reason I'm not really finding a lot to say about him.  Mostly because I don't want to reveal too much... 


Overall it was creative style, a unique story and was a fairly quick read.  I never felt bored with it, but I never felt a strong compulsion to pick it up and continue reading it either.  The characters seemed just a bit lacking though it's hard to pinpoint what it was exactly.  I still recommend you give it a try though, lots of people are loving it!


3.5/5


Disclosure: I received an ARC of the book for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.  
The final version may vary slightly from the ARC I read.

Review of a Gorgeous Book: Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar

Young Adult (more mature readers)
Paperback, 274 pgs.
Published June 29th, 2009 by Penguin (Australia only)
Source: Borrowed (Thank you Ashley!)

Carly has dropped out of uni to spend her days surfing and her nights working as a cook in a Manly café. Surfing is the one thing she loves doing … and the only thing that helps her stop thinking about what happened two years ago at schoolies week.

And then Carly meets Ryan, a local at the break, fresh out of jail. When Ryan learns the truth, Carly has to decide. Will she let the past bury her? Or can she let go of her anger and shame, and find the courage to be happy?

  


I suck.  You know why?  Because I wasn't able to write up a review as soon as I finished the book and now the vivid details that were stuck in my head all weekend are now fading.  Not that I ever had words to accurately describe this book in the first place...

Kirsty Eagar is genius in her character development.  I felt like I knew every single character in the book personally because she had an ability to describe them in a way that I totally connected with.  And when I say every character, I mean, every. single. character.  Yes, even the ones that appeared for only one scene, people she randomly saw.  Carly's interactions with people and her assessments of them even before she spoke with them was highly entertaining as well. 

This wasn't exactly an easy subject matter to read about, a girl dealing with the after effects of a rape, but the author peppered the book with lighter things.  Like a boy (a younger teen) that Carly meets while surfing.  He's quirky and weird and very funny.  He wasn't around a ton but he definitely added a lighter tone to those bits of the book.  Somehow I never felt the book was weighed down with negativity even though Carly is definitely going through a lot and trying to find a way to get through everything.  And some thoughts and actions were very dark and I felt scared for her, wanted to help her. 

Carly is a surfer, it's what gets her through each and every day.  I'm not familiar with surf terms or anything and I never once really felt lost.  I guess even when the terminology was used it didn't really feel important that I know all the details.  So those that do surf do get the terminology but those who don't really shouldn't get hung up on that.  And I loved the slang through out the whole book.  It does take place in Australia so of course all the words they use are used in the book. 

The romance... I liked Ryan but I didn't really love him until later in the book, as the story progressed and we saw his actions where Carly was concerned.  And my doubts of him quickly fled. I was very surprised at how quickly their relationship progressed but I kind of 'got it'.  You know?  I felt like Carly really wanted to be normal and just do what a normal girl would do.

Carly is out of high school and on her own and Ryan is in his 20's.  So this definitely was different from most YA I read.  There was far more description for the sexual stuff and it was fine for me but I want you to be aware that the descriptions are there.  It's not like a romance novel descriptions, but we do know everything that is going on when it comes to sex.  There's also a bit of language in the book but it's not something that really stood out to me so I guess it must not have been too bad.  It was also mostly in slang as well. 

This book was absolutely gorgeous, with descriptions of everything so well done that I felt like I was in Australia and even on the waves and seeing and feeling what Carly felt.  If you can get your hands on this book I highly suggest you do so because it is totally and utterly amazing.

5/5 stars

Review: Instructions For a Broken Heart by Kim Culbertson

Young Adult
Paperback, 304 pgs.
Published May 1st, 2011 by Sourcebooks Fire
Purchased

Three days before her drama club's trip to Italy, Jessa Gardner discovers her boyfriend in the costume barn with another girl. Jessa is left with a care package from her best friend titled "Top Twenty Reasons He's a Slimy Jerk Bastard," instructing her to do one un-Jessa-like thing each day of the trip. At turns hilarious and heartwrenching, Instructions for a Broken Heart paints a magical Italy in which Jessa learns she must figure out life-and romance-for herself.

This was just a so-so book for me.  It was cute and had a great setting but there wasn't really any wow factor in it.  Fortunately it was a fast read and it kept my interest fairly well.  

First of all, I had thought this book would have more romance, but it didn't.  It really was what the title says "Instructions for a Broken Heart".   And while at the end there's romance I never really felt anything between the two people that were suppose to be developing feelings for each other on this trip.  There wasn't really any hints that anything at all was felt between them.  I realize that we're seeing Jessa's side of things and she's pretty hung up on her ex, but I wish there was something at least that made me feel a real vibe between them.  


Jessa was okay, but only okay.  She was a bit whiny and had a hard time moving on.  I understand her situation and I tried to put myself back in my own teenage broken heart but I still felt like she needed more personality or something.  But she wasn't bad and I didn't dislike her, I just wanted more from her.  


To be honest the characters that stood out the most to me were minor ones.  Like the kids from the other school and the teachers with them {they all toured Italy together} and the tour guide, Francesca.  Tyler, Jessa's friend, was pretty cool.  He was a great friend and really was helpful in trying to get her to move on and not do stupid things.


The setting was great!  I've always wanted to visit Italy and I think the author did a good job in describing things but I kind of feel like Jessa's moping maybe ruined it just a bit.  I think more romance thrown in would have set the scenes better for me, but that's not really what this book was about.  


Overall it was an okay book.  There wasn't really any wow factors but I still enjoyed it anyway.  Don't go into it expecting a romance, this is more about mending a broken heart, and maybe you'll enjoy it more then I did.


3/5 stars

Review: Dreamland by Alyson Noel

Dreamland (Riley Bloom #3)
Middle Grade
Paperback, 210 pgs.
published Sept. 13th, 2011 by Square Fish
Received from publisher for review

Riley’s finding that the afterlife can be a lonely place when all you do is focus on work. So she goes to the place where dreams happen, hoping to find a way to contact her sister, Ever. She meets the director, who tells her about the two ways to send dreams. As a Dream Jumper, a person can jump into a dreamer’s dream, share a message, and participate. As a Dreamweaver, an entire dream can be created in a studio and sent to the dreamer. But Dreamweaving was outlawed decades ago, and the studio was boarded up. Thinking it’s her only way to reach out to her sister, Riley goes in search of the old studio. There she finds a ghost boy, who’s been creating and sending nightmares to people for years. In order to stop him and reach out to Ever, Riley is going to have to confront and overcome her own fears.

I've really been enjoying this series.  It's funny cause I don't feel a strong urge to read them when they come but when I do pick them up I love them!  And this one I think I may have liked more because Riley is changing and growing up.  I think it'll be more obvious in the next one but she's coming to the realization in this one and I thought it played out well.  And the story felt new to me (there's no same ol' same ol' in this series!) which is great!  I liked seeing that Riley is real and doesn't always get things her way. 

Riley is very headstrong and not very afraid.  She is able to overcome her fears very well because of her strong determination.  I like that about her even though at times I want to slap her.  I think because Riley realizes this though that I can deal with it and not want to throw the book.  Riley is just Riley and I can't help but love her!

This was another fast read (less then 2 hours) and I devoured it in one setting.  I'm really liking how the series is progressing and am anxious to see where things go in the next one!  

4/5 stars 


Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

In My Mailbox (86) - First IMM in Nearly a Month!

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

I've been on vacation for almost a month and just got back home this week.  That means I have loads of books to share! 

Bought:

Before I went on vacation I went to Sci-Fi Authorfest and I bought

Courts of the Fey (Anthology)

and it's signed by three of the authors, Lilith Saintcrow, J.A. Pitts and Mary Robinette Kowal

Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal *signed*

Heart of Steel (A Novel of the Iron Seas #2) by Meljean Brook *signed*

Got some swag like magnets, character cards, etc as well.  

Not from Sci-Fi Fest but also bought is Legend by Marie Lu

 

Review:

Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin (March 2012)

 

Cinder by  Marissa Meyer (AMAZING!) (Jan. 2012)

The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges (Jan. 2012)

The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour (Feb. 2012)

Acquainted With the Night by Piper Maitland

The Cross (Vampire Federation #2) by Sean McCabe

Left Hand Magic (A Novel of Golgotham #2) by Nancy A. Collins

Thanks goes to Putnam, Amazon Vine, LibraryThing, and Penguin (ACE, ROC, BERKLEY, NAL)

Borrowed:

Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar (Totally AMAZING!)

Borrowed from Ashley at Bookaholics Anonymous

HUGE Thank You!

Won:

The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff

Won this from Jessica at A Great Read

Thank You Jessica!  I'm so excited for this one!

Gifted:

For my Christmas Gift from Lori at Pure Imagination I got

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare!  (Collectors First Edition)

Thank You Lori!  You know I'm super excited for this one!

So what was in your mailbox?

I don't get on the computer over the weekend but on Monday & Tuesday I'll try to visit as many of you as I can!