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 book related 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: Masquerade by Cambria Hebert

Masquerade (Heven and Hell #1) by Cambria Hebert

Young Adult Paranormal

ebook also availabe in paperback, 360 pgs.

Published Dec. 2011 by Otherworld Publications

Source: Author *for Review*

Before. Everything was so much better Before. I wasn’t haunted by nightmares, my place at school was secure and my face was flawless. Now, I’m a freak and everything has changed. The worst part is that I can’t remember the night I was sentenced to the shadows. The memory has been stolen from me and I just can’t shake the feeling that someone, something is out there -watching.

Just when I think I have my life handled, Sam, with his intimidating golden stare and shiver inducing voice, makes me realize that I don’t know anything. He makes me see that my scars don’t matter. That they never mattered. I can’t help but fall for him, completely unknowing that he knows exactly how I got this way. Not knowing he was involved.

***

Heven has no idea how closely death stalks her. She has no idea what I have done to keep her alive. I fear the day she learns my secrets, finds out what I really am. But even then I cannot stop, I vow to make things right. Finally her hunter will be hunted, Heaven and Hell, faith and sin will battle, and we will be victorious. But first, Heven must learn to be what she never imagined. I know her strength is there – I feel it. If we are to overcome all odds, she must push past her flaws - her frailties - to become much more.

Okay so I tend to be hesitant in reading self published and small press releases but I'm happy to give them a try on recommendation.  And this book was definitely in the good category though I did have a few issues.  The editing was pretty good though I found a few mistakes but it wasn't anything that took away from the story, it was easy to overlook.  

The author definitely created a unique story line.  I loved all the twists and turns and was super eager for answers and loved when even when I thought that that was it, there weren't any more surprises, then BAM, MAJOR surprise and twist in the story.  That was great!  You honestly have no clue what could really happen when you start reading this one.  Oh, you might think you know- but I promise you, you don't!

I loved the whole thing with Heven having such a low self esteem because of a horrible scar and finding her self worth wasn't in her beauty.  I think I felt that sometimes she was being a bit overboard with thinking she's so ugly, but I'm not a teenager anymore and so I think that all emotions are just more as a teen and so maybe it's not really so far fetched that it was so hard for her.

Heven is a good character.  I liked her for the most part.  I loved that as obstacles were thrown in her path she found strength to be able to overcome them.  She has some major issues with her mother and I love how she found the strength to stand up to her.    I also liked Sam.  I thought he was a nice guy and a perfect boyfriend. 

My issues didn't come so much from the characters, but more from the romance itself.  It happened too fast for me and so I think I just never really felt that initial vibe between them.  Because of this I felt slight annoyance at all their lovey dovey stuff and just wasn't loving all that.  Edit: I do know that as a teen when you fall in love it's incredibly intense and sometimes all you have to do is see someone to feel that intense feeling.  I'm definitely not putting down the author for this, it was just hard for me as an adult to connect with that.

Overall I really did enjoy reading the book.  Maybe it didn't completely wow me, but I did love all the awesome surprises and twists.  I love not really knowing what's coming next.  And I will definitely continue the series as I really want to know what comes next!

I recommend this one to older YA readers and adults.  There's no sex but lots of heavy kissing and some cursing.  It's not very bad content, but it just feels like an older read to me.  

3.5/5 stars

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

Masquerade Read-Along Week Four Chapters 24-31

Hi guys!  Today is week four of the read- along for Masquerade by Cambria Hebert.  

I'm a co-host for the read-along for Masquerade by Cambria Hebert for the month of April. This is the final week and I hope you've all had a blast so far! This week is hosted by hosted by Veronica at Mostly Reviews so be sure to stop by to add your link to the linky!

About the book:

Before. Everything was so much better Before. I wasn’t haunted by nightmares, my place at school was secure and my face was flawless. Now, I’m a freak and everything has changed. The worst part is that I can’t remember the night I was sentenced to the shadows. The memory has been stolen from me and I just can’t shake the feeling that someone, something is out there -watching.

Just when I think I have my life handled, Sam, with his intimidating golden stare and shiver inducing voice, makes me realize that I don’t know anything. He makes me see that my scars don’t matter. That they never mattered. I can’t help but fall for him, completely unknowing that he knows exactly how I got this way. Not knowing he was involved.

***

Heven has no idea how closely death stalks her. She has no idea what I have done to keep her alive. I fear the day she learns my secrets, finds out what I really am. But even then I cannot stop, I vow to make things right. Finally her hunter will be hunted, Heaven and Hell, faith and sin will battle, and we will be victorious. But first, Heven must learn to be what she never imagined. I know her strength is there – I feel it. If we are to overcome all odds, she must push past her flaws - her frailties - to become much more.

Masquerade Read Along ; April 1-April 28

Read Along Schedule

April 5th – Chapters 1-8 – hosted by Stephanie at Five Alarm book Reviews
April 12th – Chapters 8-16 – hosted by Candace at Candace’s Book Blog (That's here!)
April 19th- Chapters 16-24 –hosted by Heidi at Rainy Day Ramblings
April 26th Chapters 24-31 – hosted by Veronica at Mostly Reviews
May 3rd – Announcement of Giveaway Winners – hosted by the author – http://www.cambriahebert.com

April 26th – Veronica at Mostly Reviews

Chapters 24-31

Final 5 discussion questions

1. Heven develops a new “supernatural power”. She remarks that it isn’t that exciting of a power. Is this a power you would like to have? 
It would be hard to get use to, that's for sure!  But it would be nice to have an idea of what people are feeling so I think it would be nice to have.

2. Which character do you think makes the biggest internal change throughout the course of this book?
I guess I think Heven has.  She's gone from being completely depressed to finding love and finding out a lot of secrets about herself and the universe and she's accepted things.  And even though she had a bit of a freak out once she's handled everything else remarkably well. 


3. Who is your favorite character and why?
I'm thinking maybe Sam is.  I'm not for sure though... I like that he's overcome what's thrown in his path even when he really had no one at his side. 


4. When the book ends the reader has an idea of what the next book will involve. Do you think the book ended in the appropriate place?
I think I'm satisfied with the ending... to be honest it's been a couple weeks since I finished it now and I'm not remembering any problems I had anyway...


5. Do you have any predictions for the next book in the series, Charade?
I think Heven's grandmother is going to surprise us somehow and reveal she's something more then just her grandmother.  But that's all I'm thinking for now.



May 3rd. - Prize pack giveaways. http://www.cambriahebert.com

Prize Packs:

The giveaway will be open to all who participate in the read along each week. There will be a Grand Prize and a Runner up prize pack.

Grand Prize:
A signed paperback copy of Masquerade
A PDF ARC of Charade (Heven and Hell #2)
An Ecopy of Between (A Heven and Hell novella due out in April)
Two signed Bookmarks
A Bubble Tea pack to include everything you need to make and enjoy your own bubble tea. (tea mix, colored tapioca pearls, fat straws and a drinking cup)
Necklace with Masquerade mini book charm made by Southwest Sky Jewelry

Runner Up:
A signed Bookmark
A sticker of the Masquerade cover
A copy of Between (A Heven and Hell Novella)
A $10 Amazon gift card

Links to buy Masquerade:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Review: Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Hardcover, 320 pgs.

Published April 24th, 2012 by Harper Collins

Source:  Amazon Vine

Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her.

 
I wasn't sure how much I'd like this one but I was quite surprised how much I did like it. The first half was only okay but I really liked the second half a lot.

To me this was first and foremost a dystopian. People keep pointing out the steampunk and gothic (which I really didn't get) and to me it was light on the steampunk elements but it added a bit of a different feel to the story which was kind of nice.

There's a love triangle in this book but I actually kind of liked it.  Each boy had good and bad things about them (though one was almost all good) and the twists thrown in made me unsure about which one she should be with. 

I didn't love Araby. I didn't dislike her but I didn't feel a real connection to her either. And so much of the story felt that way as well. Like I wasn't real connected to what was happening and quite often felt like things moved a bit abruptly.  But in the last half or so I started to get in the groove of things or something. I wasn't able to look away and I loved the way the story went. I found I was really loving what was happening. I mean yes, its horrific and scary but I was enthralled. The last quarter would be 5 stars for me just for the story but because of the issues I had before that I'm giving this one 3.5 stars. Its hard though cause I feel so happy with the book, I just have to remind myself of the struggles I had before that point.

I recommend this one mainly to fans of dystopia.  It had a distinct dystopic feel to me and if you go in knowing that then I think you would really enjoy it.  It's definitely a darker kind of read with lots of death and destruction but that's what dystopians are all about, right?  

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

Review: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Hardcover, 504 pgs.

Published April 24th, 2012 by Harlequin Teen

Source: Gift

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

I'm not a fan of this cover (though it is growing on me) and I wasn't super eager to read about vampires.  Now I do love a good dystopian, but the whole vampire thing had me forgetting about that aspect of it.  But the fact that it's Julie Kagawa and I know she's a genius, had me eager to read it.  Once I started hearing how good it was I was absolutely dying to pick it up.  And the second I did I was loving it.  Right from the first sentence I was drawn into this dark and terrifying dystopian world where vampires rule.  

The characters were awesome, the story was awesome, it all completely blew me away.  And as you'll probably see millions of reviews on this book I think maybe I'll just gush like a maniac.  I loved the twists and turns and not knowing what could happen, what decisions Allison would make.  I was surprised again and again. 

I saw in other reviews that people thought there was too much info and not enough action.  I disagree.  I thought it was a perfect balance.  I never felt bored at all.  It's a chunk of a book (504 pages) but if I had had the time I would have read it in one sitting.  It was absolutely incredible!  To me this book makes the EPIC status.  I very very highly recommend to lovers of dystopia, vampires and epic story telling.  And I think Julie has me even craving more vampires books...

Review: The Impossible Cube by Steven Harper

The Impossible Cube (Clockwork Empire #2) by Steven Harper

Mass Market Paperback, 380 pgs.

Published May 1st, 2012 by Roc

Source: Publisher

In an age where fantastic inventions of steam and brass have elevated Britain and China into mighty empires, Alice Michaels faces a future of technological terrors…

Once, Gavin Ennock sailed the skies on airships and enchanted listeners with his fiddle music. Now, the clockwork plague consumes his intellect, enabling him to conceive and construct scientific wonders—while driving him quite mad. Distressed by her beloved’s unfortunate condition, Alice Michaels sought a cure rumored to be inside the Doomsday Vault—and brought the wrath of the British Empire down on them.

Declared enemies of the Crown, Alice and Gavin have little choice but to flee to China in search of a cure. Accompanying them is Dr. Clef, a mad genius driven to find the greatest and most destructive force the world has ever seen: The Impossible Cube. If Dr. Clef gets his hands on it, the entire universe will face extinction.

And Gavin holds the key to its recreation…

This is the second book in a series but the author posted a brief chapter in the beginning about "The Story So Far" so that those who needed a reminder or who hadn't read the first one knew what was going on.  I really liked this because then there wasn't a ton of back story presented through out the book to remind us and cut down on the parts that might bore those that did remember the previous book quite well.  I hope this is something that authors (and publishers) do more of in the future because I thought it worked well.  

I loved the first book in this series and felt like this was an excellent follow-up.  I'm a huge fan of Steampunk but this is definitely one of my most favorite series of the genre.  I feel like it's completely unique and the Steampunk inventions are completely awesome but the characters are also ones I could connect with and enjoyed reading about.  The action was non stop and putting the book down was rather difficult as it felt like they were in constant peril.  But it was such a fun and crazy ride!   

If you're considering giving Steampunk a try I really feel like The Doomsday Vault was a great book for beginners.  It never felt overwhelming like some Steampunk does with all the fabulous and crazy inventions.  The world wasn't so over the top but yet lent a unique perspective of things.  Somehow the author made zombies something that doesn't seem so hard to imagine without making it a plot point that takes over the story.  The Impossible Cube was a bit heavier in the Steampunk aspect (at least that's how I feel) but never was too heavy for my tastes.  I'm not one that has to understand how everything works though and if I was I may have felt a bit confused because I honestly do not understand all the crazy inventions (like the impossible cube) and how they really work.  

I have to point out that this series may have crossover appeal to more mature YA readers as well.  There's some cursing but honestly there's not really anything in the book that I haven't read in YA books.  And adult fans of historical or alternate history historical as well as Steampunk (of course!) should most definitely give this series a try.

5/5 stars!

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

Saturday Situation- Link Up Your Reviews & Give Aways!

Saturday Situation is hosted by both Lori at Pure Imagination and myself. It's a linky for you to link your book related 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.

April Page Count Contest Week Three

I've done this challenge before but it's been years (it was on shelfari).  I thought it would be fun to participate in one again.  This is hosted by Angela at Reading Angel.  This is already happening for this month but hopefully it's something she'll decide to continue to do.  

 This is for each book I finished between 12:00 AM EST 4-13 and 11:59 PM EST 4-19

I wasn't able to read much over the weekend and then on Wednesday and Thursday went in a bit of a reading slump but I still feel pretty satisfied with what I got read this week.

Surrender (A Haunting Emma Novel #3) by Lee Nichols 4 stars

258 pgs.

The Impossible Cube (Clockwork Empire #2) by Steven Harper 5 stars!

380 pgs

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin 3.5 stars

320 pgs

Silence by Michelle Sagara 3 stars

289 pgs.
Second Helpings by Megan McCafferty 4 stars
349 pgs.

Total= 1,596

Masquerade Read- Along Week Three Chapters 16-24

Hi guys!  Today is week three of the read- along for Masquerade by Cambria Hebert.  

I'm a co-host for the read-along for this awesome read-along and I hope you're joining in!  I've had a hard time with juggling everything in the past few weeks and trying to figure out if I was going to quite blogging or cut back and I've decided I'm drastically cutting back but I'll still post occasionally.  I hope that this week I'll be able to participate more and visit every one of you who is participating.

This week is hosted by Heidi at Rainy Day Ramblings so make sure you stop by and enter yourself into the linky!


About the book:

Before. Everything was so much better Before. I wasn’t haunted by nightmares, my place at school was secure and my face was flawless. Now, I’m a freak and everything has changed. The worst part is that I can’t remember the night I was sentenced to the shadows. The memory has been stolen from me and I just can’t shake the feeling that someone, something is out there -watching.

Just when I think I have my life handled, Sam, with his intimidating golden stare and shiver inducing voice, makes me realize that I don’t know anything. He makes me see that my scars don’t matter. That they never mattered. I can’t help but fall for him, completely unknowing that he knows exactly how I got this way. Not knowing he was involved.

***

Heven has no idea how closely death stalks her. She has no idea what I have done to keep her alive. I fear the day she learns my secrets, finds out what I really am. But even then I cannot stop, I vow to make things right. Finally her hunter will be hunted, Heaven and Hell, faith and sin will battle, and we will be victorious. But first, Heven must learn to be what she never imagined. I know her strength is there – I feel it. If we are to overcome all odds, she must push past her flaws - her frailties - to become much more.

Masquerade Read Along ; April 1-April 28

Read Along Schedule

April 5th – Chapters 1-8 – hosted by Stephanie at Five Alarm book Reviews
April 12th – Chapters 8-16 – hosted by Candace at Candace’s Book Blog (That's here!)
April 19th- Chapters 16-24 –hosted by Heidi at Rainy Day Ramblings
April 26th Chapters 24-31 – hosted by Veronica at Mostly Reviews
May 3rd – Announcement of Giveaway Winners – hosted by the author – http://www.cambriahebert.com

April 19th – Heidi at Rainy Day Ramblings

Chapters 16-24

5 Discussion Questions

1. Heven’s mother has definite ideas about Heven and her scars – what they mean – and their relationship is strained. Do you think their relationship can be saved? 
I don't know.  I don't think I could ever forgive someone for saying something like that.  But when it's your mother... well, that would be hard.  


2. Sam tells Heven about how he came to be living on his own, how his parents kicked him out after he became what he is. He doesn’t seem angry though, he seems to accept it. Would you be angry? Do you think he should be?
Yes.  I would be very angry.  But I think it shows strength of character that he's able to kind of let it go and doesn't constantly rehash it.


3. During these chapters, Heven and Sam visit the Inbetween and meet Airis (aka The Hope). Were you surprised by this series of events? Do you think a place like the InBetween really exists?
WOW!  This was a total surprise!  Pretty sure my jaw hit the floor at this revelation!  As for whether it really exists, I have no clue and my opinions on this change weekly.


4. When Heven’s scars are no longer a part of her and she says “she no longer recognizes herself” – do you think that the absence of her scar will change her once more?
I think the memory of them has changed her and she'll never go back to how she was.  I think she'll remember what it was like to feel deformed for the rest of her life. 


5. Gran is very accepting of Heven and of Sam. Do you think that she understands more – knows more than she lets on about Heven’s life or do you think her love is just unconditional?

I think she knows more and isn't letting on.  I have a feeling she's going to play a big role in the future, but maybe I'm wrong.  I do think her love is unconditional as well though.

Prize Packs:

The giveaway will be open to all who participate in the read along each week. There will be a Grand Prize and a Runner up prize pack.

Grand Prize:
A signed paperback copy of Masquerade
A PDF ARC of Charade (Heven and Hell #2)
An Ecopy of Between (A Heven and Hell novella due out in April)
Two signed Bookmarks
A Bubble Tea pack to include everything you need to make and enjoy your own bubble tea. (tea mix, colored tapioca pearls, fat straws and a drinking cup)
Necklace with Masquerade mini book charm made by Southwest Sky Jewelry

Runner Up:
A signed Bookmark
A sticker of the Masquerade cover
A copy of Between (A Heven and Hell Novella)
A $10 Amazon gift card

Links to buy Masquerade:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Review: The Taken by Vicki Pettersson

 

The Taken (Celestial Blues #1) by Vicki Pettersson

Paperback, 400 pgs.

Expected Publication June12th, 2012 by Harper Voyager

 He’s a fallen angel. She’s a rockabilly reporter. Together they must solve a deadly string of murders plaguing the mortal and the immortal worlds.

Griffin Shaw used to be a PI, but that was over fifty years ago when gumshoes hoofed the streets . . . and he was still alive. Now he’s a Centurion, an angel who assists other murdered souls through their journey to the afterlife. But while Shaw might be an angel … he’s no saint. Haunted by the mysterious events surrounding his own death, he seizes a chance to wreak some vengeance when he witnesses a deadly attack on journalist Katherine “Kit” Craig.

Joining forces, the unlikely avengers take to the streets, hunting a killer whose trail of bodies stretches across Las Vegas and into an immortal netherworld. It is a dangerous trek that lead them into the darkest corners of Sin City and into the heart of an evil conspiracy extending beyond the lights of the Strip that could destory them both.

But destruction isn’t the only threat Griffin faces. The closer he gets to Kit, the more he finds himself bewitched by her mortal charms. Can he resist falling under her spell? And does he want to?

This one was a bit slow at times but I enjoyed the storyline and the characters were good though they didn't quite WOW me. I loved the rockabilly aspect (that's people who live like they live in the 50's) and it added a bit of uniqueness to the story. Overall it was an enjoyable read and I will definitely continue the series to see where things go.
3/5 stars
Disclosure:  This book was provided for review purposes, all opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid or influenced in any way.

Review: Fated by Alyson Noel

Fated (Soul Seekers #1) by Alyson Noel

Hardcover, 368 pgs.

Expected Publication: May 22nd, 2012 by St. Martins Press

Source: Publisher

The first book in a magnificent new series about a girl who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead by #1 New York Times bestselling author Alyson Noël.

Lately strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, and glowing people appear out of nowhere. Worried that Daire is having a nervous breakdown, her mother packs her off to stay in the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico with a grandmother she’s never met.

There she crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes who she’s encountered before...but only in her dreams. And she’ll get to know her grandmother—a woman who recognizes Daire’s bizarre episodes for what they are. A call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, one who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead. Her grandmother immediately begins teaching her to harness her powers—but it’s an art that must be mastered quickly. Because Dace’s brother is an evil shape-shifter who’s out to steal her powers. Now Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and find out if Dace is one guy she’s meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she’s destined to destroy.

I think that Alyson Noel came up with a very creative and unique story.  I love the plot and think it's such a fabulous idea.  And while I did like the book, it wasn't all smooth going for me.  The first quarter felt like it moved along at a snails pace.  And my biggest problem was Daire, I honestly did not like her at all.  But a little before the halfway mark things started coming together.  The pace got better (though it still wasn't fast, but it was faster) and Daire grew as a character and continued to grow through the remainder of the book.

I loved the story idea but sometimes it felt jumbled to me and I think maybe I could have used a bit more background or world building.  It's the first in a series though so I can overlook that aspect as I'm sure we'll continue to learn much more.  I also thought maybe a bit more character development of the side characters would have been nice but I'm sure we'll learn more about them in the future as well.

I think this story could have turned out epic but it just had a few too many snags for my liking.  I think that I'll probably continue the series because perhaps things have been paved for a more put together story in the future books.  I say give this one a try if it sounds like something you'd enjoy, and even if you don't love it I think it's still a worthwhile read.

3/5 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.

Saturday Situation & Candace's Update on 'stuff'

Saturday Situation is hosted by both Lori at Pure Imagination and myself. It's a linky for you to link your book related 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.

This week you need to head to Pure Imagination to link up as I decided I would still host kind of late and she couldn't grab the codes for me in time. Instead of using my own codes and them not being the same I figured you guys could just head over there instead.

Candace's Update:

As many of you know I've been cutting back on blogging.  Actually the plan was to take a break or stop completely.   It's been a few weeks and I've been working through my review books and posting the reviews as I finish them.  I've come to realize that I really do need to figure out something because blogging takes up more of my life then I thought.  There was so much I wasn't thinking about, like the constant emails and the having to jump on the computer at all hours because I just remembered I needed to add something or email someone or do something related to blogging.  

My blog has always been important to me.  And I think perhaps it's been too important.  I stress about everything being perfect, about posting everyday, about my reviews being good enough, about having the right content on the right days, etc.  And while I loved having a schedule and knew what I wanted when, it was one more thing to worry about.  

Now I haven't even mentioned the relief I've felt as the review books have slowed down. Like any reviewer checking the mail each day and listening for the UPS truck was part of my routine and source of considerable excitement.  But along with it came more stress because the books just pile up and the push to read them gets to be one more thing to deal with.  While I still have some coming in from publishers (due to being on lists mostly) they have really slowed down.  And I've managed to read a few books I have owned for years and have been dying to read for all those years.  Now that feels good.  

I miss getting all those books in the mail and the excitement that comes with it but I have friends that send me books to read so it's not stopped (nor is going to) completely.  Thank you awesome friends!  I may also still get titles for review occasionally and I am a reviewer for other places as well (like amazon vine, librarything, etc).

I've worked on building my blog for years and I'm not wanting to let it go completely.  I have devoted readers and I'd love to keep you all around.  I'm not sure what the future holds for Candace's Book Blog but I think I'll continue to host Saturday Situation with Lori.  I'm also thinking I'll do posts with mini reviews.  I might have several listed with just one short paragraph of thoughts to go with each.  I'm not sure quite yet.  I do still have books for review so I will definitely have some reviews going up still but they won't be in normal Candace fashion, they will be short and sweet.  Well, maybe not always sweet. ;) And I don't plan to post everyday.

I'm still working on things and figuring out what will work but I don't want to be gone completely.  I just want to not have to stress about things, I don't want to have to write posts everyday or spend hours editing my own reviews.  I don't want to have to get on the computer everyday just to keep up.  So things might vary a bit around here but I hope you'll stick by!

Go HERE to link up your reviews and giveaways (or to find some).

 

April Page Count Contest Week Two

I've done this challenge before but it's been years (it was on shelfari).  I thought it would be fun to participate in one again.  This is hosted by Angela at Reading Angel.  This is already happening for this month but hopefully it's something she'll decide to continue to do.  

This week is going much better then last (I didn't post last week because of Spring Break, but I read only two books.  Or only finished two anyway.)

This week:

Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg (4 stars) 278 pgs. (ARC)

The Taken (Celestial Blues #1) by Vicki Pettersson (3 stars) 417 pgs (ARC)

Thumped (Bumped #2) by Megan McCafferty (4 stars) 290 pgs. (ARC)
Fated by Alyson Noel (3 stars) 368 pgs. (ARC)
Social Suicide by Gemma Halliday (5 stars) 277 pgs. (ARC)
Glimmer by Phoebe Kitanidis (4.5 stars) 344 pgs (ARC)
The Changelings by Elle Casey (3 stars) 275 pgs.
Total Pages: 2,249
Woo hoo!  I think I did good!

Masquerade Read-Along Week Two Chapters 8-16

Hi guys!  Today is week two of the read- along for Masquerade by Cambria Hebert. 


About the book:

Before. Everything was so much better Before. I wasn’t haunted by nightmares, my place at school was secure and my face was flawless. Now, I’m a freak and everything has changed. The worst part is that I can’t remember the night I was sentenced to the shadows. The memory has been stolen from me and I just can’t shake the feeling that someone, something is out there -watching.

Just when I think I have my life handled, Sam, with his intimidating golden stare and shiver inducing voice, makes me realize that I don’t know anything. He makes me see that my scars don’t matter. That they never mattered. I can’t help but fall for him, completely unknowing that he knows exactly how I got this way. Not knowing he was involved.

***

Heven has no idea how closely death stalks her. She has no idea what I have done to keep her alive. I fear the day she learns my secrets, finds out what I really am. But even then I cannot stop, I vow to make things right. Finally her hunter will be hunted, Heaven and Hell, faith and sin will battle, and we will be victorious. But first, Heven must learn to be what she never imagined. I know her strength is there – I feel it. If we are to overcome all odds, she must push past her flaws - her frailties - to become much more.

Masquerade Read Along ; April 1-April 28

Read Along Schedule

April 5th – Chapters 1-8 – hosted by Stephanie at Five Alarm book Reviews
April 12th – Chapters 8-16 – hosted by Candace at Candace’s Book Blog (That's here!)
April 19th- Chapters 16-24 –hosted by Heidi at Rainy Day Ramblings
April 26th Chapters 24-31 – hosted by Veronica at Mostly Reviews
May 3rd – Announcement of Giveaway Winners – hosted by the author – http://www.cambriahebert.com


April 12th – Candace at Candace’s book blog 
Chapters 8-16 
5 discussion questions:

1. Sam is admittedly drawn to Heven before they even meet. Why do think this is?
I'm not sure about this yet, I guess it's just a vibe he gets from her or something?


2. In an earlier chapter The Hope states that Sam must prove himself. During these chapters Sam does some things – bad things – (covering up murder, fighting, hiding a body, etc.) all to protect Heven and his true identity. Do you think he was right to do these things?
I don't really understand how it's protecting her other then the fact it would scare Heven really bad and make her re-live her 'incident'.  So I guess I'm not quite sure yet if he's doing the right thing by hiding it.  However the police would just end up getting hurt themselves (or it's likely anyway) so I guess he may be protecting more then just Heven in covering things up.


3. In chapter twelve Kimber says some thing’s to Heven that make the reader wonder about their friendship. Do you think there is any truth Kimber’s drunken confessions? If so where do you think Heven and Kimber’s friendship goes from here?
I don't know.  I was so furious at Kimber and I think Kimber was speaking her true feelings.  And my anger makes me want to tell Heven to just give Kimber the cold shoulder for awhile.  But Kimber was there for her when no one else was (even though it was Heven's fault for that as well).  So I'm torn about what I think.



4. Heven is changing, becoming more confident. Do you think that after something like this (her accident and disfigurement) happens to someone that she can ever go back to the person she was before? Do you think she will want to?
I think even if she gains her confidence back she'll always remember how she felt and she'll have more compassion towards people.  So no, she'll never be the person she was before, she'll be a better person.



5. Toward the end of these set of chapters, Heven finds out Sam’s secret, who he really is. She has a strong reaction. Do you think you would react the same way? Why or why not?
NO!  I felt like she WAY overreacted!  But he never should have 'shown' her.  He should have told her and given her a little time before she saw him change.  But I guess he got all the scary right out there right away.
I think I would have known I could trust him and I would have waited to hear what he had to say.  And if she hadn't been so upset and listened better maybe he wouldn't have been so fast to show her and if he had been still I wouldn't have bolted like she did.




Prize Packs:

The giveaway will be open to all who participate in the read along each week. There will be a Grand Prize and a Runner up prize pack.

Grand Prize:
A signed paperback copy of Masquerade
A PDF ARC of Charade (Heven and Hell #2)
An Ecopy of Between (A Heven and Hell novella due out in April)
Two signed Bookmarks
A Bubble Tea pack to include everything you need to make and enjoy your own bubble tea. (tea mix, colored tapioca pearls, fat straws and a drinking cup)
Necklace with Masquerade mini book charm made by Southwest Sky Jewelry

Runner Up:
A signed Bookmark
A sticker of the Masquerade cover
A copy of Between (A Heven and Hell Novella)
A $10 Amazon gift card

Links to buy Masquerade:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Mini Reviews: Thumped by Megan McCafferty & The Last Echo by @KimberlyDerting

Thumped (Bumped #2) by Megan McCafferty

Hardcover, 304 pgs.

Expected publication April 24th, 2012 by Balzer + Bray

Source: Gift

THE CONCLUSION TO ONE OF THE MOST TALKED-ABOUT NOVELS OF LAST YEAR

It’s been thirty-five weeks since twin sisters Harmony and Melody went their separate ways. And now their story has become irresistible: twins separated at birth, each due to deliver twins…on the same day!

Married to Ram and living in Goodside, Harmony spends her time trying to fit back into the community she once believed in. But she can’t forget about Jondoe, the guy she fell for under the strangest of circumstances.

To her adoring fans, Melody has achieved everything: a major contract and a coupling with the hottest bump prospect around. But this image is costing her the one guy she really wants.

The girls’ every move is analyzed by millions of fans eagerly counting down to “Double Double Due Date.” They’re two of the most powerful teen girls on the planet, and they could do only one thing to make them even more famous:

Tell the truth.

Hilarious and sarcastic THUMPED was a fantastic follow up to BUMPED. In BUMPED I had to overcome the strange slang and the extreme world presented. In THUMPED I was prepared and I think enjoyed it more for that reason. While these books are certainly not for everyone, I personally enjoy them quite a lot.  

 The issues and complications are unique but make you think.  While I may roll my eyes and get the giggles I'm also thinking how easy our world could become this.  How ridiculous us human beings can be and how we can so easily forget our own humanity.

4/5 stars

 The Last Echo (The Body Finder #3) by Kimberly Derting

Hardcover, 358 pgs.

Expected Publication: April 17th, 2012 by Harper

Source: Publisher

 In the end, all that's left is an echo...
Violet kept her morbid ability to sense dead bodies a secret from everyone except her family and her childhood-best-friend-turned-boyfriend, Jay Heaton. That is until forensic psychologist Sara Priest discovered Violet's talent and invited her to use her gift to track down murderers. Now, as she works with an eclectic group of individuals—including mysterious and dangerously attractive Rafe—it's Violet's job to help those who have been murdered by bringing their killers to justice. When Violet discovers the body of a college girl killed by "the girlfriend collector" she is determined to solve the case. But now the serial killer is on the lookout for a new "relationship" and Violet may have caught his eye....

Kimberly Derting really stepped it up a notch for this one! I loved the others but this one was even better! The creep factor was up and I loved the direction this one took.

The characters are absolutely fantastic!  I think I'm liking Violet more and more.  Sometimes she makes some rash decisions but I think she's getting smarter now.  I also loved that there was some complications with the relationship with Violet and Jay but yet it didn't become a cliche or something we've all seen before.  I think it worked well.  

I'm really loving the turn that the books are taking and I love that the killers chapters were more frequent (at least they felt more frequent) and that we were able to get in his head quite a lot more.  It made this book unputdownable, for sure!  And I also enjoyed that this book had a few more branches, it wasn't just one story line, it had other things going on as well which upped the danger factor by several notches.  

This one ended perfect because we get a bit of a shock, but it's not quite a cliffhanger.  I'm anxious for more, but not DYING.  I thought it worked out just right.  

This is a series I mostly definitely recommend!

5/5 stars

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

Review: Darkness Calls (Hunter Kiss #2) by Marjorie M. Liu

Darkness Calls (Hunter Kiss #2) by Marjorie M. Liu
Adult Urban Fantasy
Mass Market Paperback, 303 pgs.
Published June 30th, 2009 by Ace
Source: Purchased

Demon hunter Maxine Kiss, inked with living tattoos, is on a mission to rescue the man she loves from a bloodthirsty army. To save him, Maxine has only one choice: to lose control-and release her own powers of darkness.

Yikes!  So many crazy emotions come from this one.  Some good and some bad and all very strong!  I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster while reading it and it wasn't all good...

 I like Maxine.  I like her strong backbone, her strength that she fears she's losing or doesn't have enough of.  I love that even when a voice tells her to not grow close to anyone she doesn't listen.  She needs people and I don't think she'd survive on her own.  Although, she always has her faithful companions,  the 'boys'.  The 'boys' are tattoos when it's daylight and they are little dragon like things at night.  They are her protection.  They are her best friends. They are everything to her.  And they are the best part of the story.  Zee is the only one that can talk but they are all smart as in they understand language and all that.  They are like steel when on Maxine's body.  She can be hit by a bus and not be harmed.  When they are off her body at night they are fast and they can protect her from nearly everything.  They can eat anything (knives, guns, etc). 

Grant is Maxine's boyfriend.  In the first book he wasn't as important but he was there and I saw the love they had for each other.  In this book we see much more.  We find out more about Grant and his power and who he is.  And he's pretty freaking amazing.  I love that he's just part of her, there's no struggle in their relationship other then Maxine being afraid she's going to get him killed cause she's a target for demons and other such things.  Grant is also different as in he's not some kick ass dude.  He's of a gentle nature and all about saving everyone he can.  He's got a bum leg and walks with a cane.  He's a great character, I seriously love him.

The romance wasn't a focus in the story, it just was.  They love each other and every time they were together we really feel the connection.  There isn't any sex or anything.  But just the gentle kisses when they feel like they are going to drop dead or thought they had lost the other, etc were perfect.  I really liked how it was done in a way that made it not a focus but yet so important.

This book takes place all over the world.  Lots of traveling through space and landing in weird places. Home is Seattle, but they spend very little time there in this book.

It has constant action with no break.  Incredibly stressful and they are nearly killed over and over again.  Weird and twisted and extremely twisted things after them.  Very gruesome and gory scenes.   It was so constant as far as the action goes that it was actually too much.  I needed things to slow down a bit.  It seemed like every page Maxine nearly dies.  


The book was very dark.  I like there to be some lightness, some humor thrown in my urban fantasy,  and this doesn't have that.  Zee and the other boys (her tattoos, protection, etc) did put a smile on my face a few times as they are just adorable (even though they are suppose to be really scary, their mannerisms just made me smile) but other then that there wasn't anything to lighten things up.  Well, I guess the love between Maxine and Grant lightens it a bit, but not enough.  


 I have a lot of mixed emotions about this book.  I really love the world building and concept.  I like the characters and the plot is good but I really wish it was just a bit lighter and the action was toned down a bit.  I love, love, love Zee and the other boys though.  Overall it was a good read, I think I'll just take a bit of a break before I pick the next one up.


3/5 stars

Masquerade Read-Along Week One Chapters 1-8

Hi guys!  Today is the first day of the read- along for Masquerade by Cambria Hebert.  If you would like to sign up it's not too late!  Just go HERE and add yourself into the linky! 

I'm co-hosting a read-along for Masquerade by Cambria Hebert for the month of April. This is going to be a total blast and I hope that you'll all sign up! There's going to be prizes (see more below) and we're going to have loads of fun discussing this awesome book! It's only $2.99 for the ebook and Cambria will give an ebook away to each tenth person who signs up!

Note:  Some of you know that I'll be taking a break from blogging indefinitely.  I already committed to this read-along before that decision was made and so I'm still posting for it.  But you may not be seeing many more reviews because as soon as my posts run out I'll be done.  I'll still see you around the bookosphere though and you can find me on goodreads!

About the book:

Before. Everything was so much better Before. I wasn’t haunted by nightmares, my place at school was secure and my face was flawless. Now, I’m a freak and everything has changed. The worst part is that I can’t remember the night I was sentenced to the shadows. The memory has been stolen from me and I just can’t shake the feeling that someone, something is out there -watching.

Just when I think I have my life handled, Sam, with his intimidating golden stare and shiver inducing voice, makes me realize that I don’t know anything. He makes me see that my scars don’t matter. That they never mattered. I can’t help but fall for him, completely unknowing that he knows exactly how I got this way. Not knowing he was involved.

***

Heven has no idea how closely death stalks her. She has no idea what I have done to keep her alive. I fear the day she learns my secrets, finds out what I really am. But even then I cannot stop, I vow to make things right. Finally her hunter will be hunted, Heaven and Hell, faith and sin will battle, and we will be victorious. But first, Heven must learn to be what she never imagined. I know her strength is there – I feel it. If we are to overcome all odds, she must push past her flaws - her frailties - to become much more.

Masquerade Read Along ; April 1-April 28

Read Along Schedule

April 5th – Chapters 1-8 – hosted by Stephanie at Five Alarm book Reviews
April 12th – Chapters 8-16 – hosted by Candace at Candace’s Book Blog (That's here!)
April 19th- Chapters 16-24 –hosted by Heidi at Rainy Day Ramblings
April 26th Chapters 24-31 – hosted by Veronica at Mostly Reviews
May 3rd – Announcement of Giveaway Winners – hosted by the author – http://www.cambriahebert.com


April 5th – Stephanie at Five Alarm Book Reviews

Chapters 1-8

5 discussion questions:

1. If you were disfigured like Heven (by some sort of accident) do you think you would have reacted the same way as her? (loss of self confidence, hiding yourself, etc)

It's so hard to say but I suppose at least to some extent I would.  It's just like on fat days (or fatter days) I don't really care about dressing nice or putting on makeup.  

2. Do you think that Kimber’s plan for revenge against Cole (for kissing another girl) is a good idea?

No way!  It was frustrating watching her kind of sabotage things for herself.  At least that's how it felt, she was just screwing things up even more.

3. In the beginning chapters, Heven is very drawn to Sam but won’t admit it due to her own insecurities. Kimber begins to “date” Sam… do you think that Heven should have spoken up? Do think Kimber should have seen Heven’s real feelings?

I think Kimber should have seen Heven's real feelings but I think Heven is so use to hiding that it's second nature to her.  And Heven feels she has no chance at all with him so I guess I understand why she wouldn't have admitted it or spoken up.

4. Masquerade is broken in four separate POV’s: Heven, Sam, The Hate and The Hope. Do you think having multiple POV’s adds depth to the story? Why or why not?

I feel like we get to know them better and their objectives, or true feelings.  I think the short bits of The Hate and The Hope works well but has me dying of curiosity for more!  

5. A great source of strength for Heven is her grandmother. Who do you think yours is/would be?

I suppose my mom is but we are so different so I think sometimes it's hard for me to tell her everything.  Other times I don't hold back and feel comfortable telling her everything.  So I'm not sure if it's because of our rocky past (I was a horrible teenager) or just our differences (she's super religious like Heven's mom), I'm not sure.   

Next Weeks Questions:

April 12th – Candace at Candace’s book blog 

Chapters 8-16 
5 discussion questions:

1. Sam is admittedly drawn to Heven before they even meet. Why do think this is? 

2. In an earlier chapter The Hope states that Sam must prove himself. During these chapters Sam does some things – bad things – (covering up murder, fighting, hiding a body, etc.) all to protect Heven and his true identity. Do you think he was right to do these things?

3. In chapter twelve Kimber says some thing’s to Heven that make the reader wonder about their friendship. Do you think there is any truth Kimber’s drunken confessions? If so where do you think Heven and Kimber’s friendship goes from here?

4. Heven is changing, becoming more confident. Do you think that after something like this (her accident and disfigurement) happens to someone that she can ever go back to the person she was before? Do you think she will want to?

5. Toward the end of these set of chapters, Heven finds out Sam’s secret, who he really is. She has a strong reaction. Do you think you would react the same way? Why or why not?

Prize Packs:

The giveaway will be open to all who participate in the read along each week. There will be a Grand Prize and a Runner up prize pack.

Grand Prize:
A signed paperback copy of Masquerade
A PDF ARC of Charade (Heven and Hell #2)
An Ecopy of Between (A Heven and Hell novella due out in April)
Two signed Bookmarks
A Bubble Tea pack to include everything you need to make and enjoy your own bubble tea. (tea mix, colored tapioca pearls, fat straws and a drinking cup)
Necklace with Masquerade mini book charm made by Southwest Sky Jewelry

Runner Up:
A signed Bookmark
A sticker of the Masquerade cover
A copy of Between (A Heven and Hell Novella)
A $10 Amazon gift card

Links to buy Masquerade:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble