Friday Hops 9/30

Follow Friday! #30

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends!

Q. What book that hasn't been turned into a movie (yet) would you most like to see make it to the big screen, and who would you like cast as your favorite character?

A. The one book I would LOVE to see made into a movie is The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer! I love that book so very much, and it would definitely make a great movie. :)

Not sure who I would picture as the cast... I definitely need to do a re-read so I can visualize! lol!


Book Blogger Hop #28

Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy-For-Books.com. It's a great way to meet new people and friends around the blogworld!

Q. “In honor of Banned Books Week, what is your favorite “banned or frequently challenged book”?”

Click here for 2010-11 list in PDF format. You can also click HERE to view past years and choose from any of those titles!

A. I could not pick just one favorite. I love these books, and hate that they are banned!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Pearson

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Thanks for stopping by everyone! Please leave a comment with your link so I can follow you back!

Review: Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Fury
by Elizabeth Miles
Publication Date: August 30th, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9781442422247

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository

Sometimes sorry isn't enough....

It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...

Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.

On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.

Em and Chase have been chosen. (Goodreads)

I found Fury to be a really interesting read. It definitely wasn’t what I expected.

The story is told from the point of view of the two main characters, Em and Chase. I had a really hard time connecting with these characters. I found them to be extremely selfish. Chase bothered me the most of all, he was a really disturbed young man. To be honest, the only character I really actually liked was Em’s neighbor, J.D. I thought he was kind and sweet, and would have loved for him to have a bigger part of the story. The Furies were downright disturbing. Some of the things they did to the characters were really creepy. But I also found them to be interesting and mysterious at the same time.

I found the plot to be really engrossing. However, a lot of things confused me. For instance, one thing I really didn’t understand about was the punishment that Em received from the Furies. Yes, I can see how Chase would have deserved it, but I don’t feel that what Em did was bad enough to be punished as severely as she was. I felt that Zach is the one that deserved the punishment, he was quite a creep.

Overall, this book left me with mixed emotions. I thought it was an intense read, and I was completely hooked on the story, but it also left me feeling very confused. I am looking forward to the next book to see where the author is going to go with the story.

Waiting on Wednesday #34

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

The Springsweet
(The Vespertine #2)
by Saundra Mitchell
Publication Date: April 17th, 2012

It’s a long way from Baltimore to Oklahoma Territory. But Zora Stewart will go any distance to put the tragic events of her sixteenth summer behind her. So this city girl heads to the tiny frontier town of West Glory to help her young widowed aunt keep her homestead going.

When another Baltimorean shows up in West Glory, Zora couldn’t be more surprised. Theo de la Croix made the long trip out west hoping to court Zora, whom he has long admired from afar.

But Zora has developed an attraction to a rather less respectable fellow: Emerson Birch, a rough-mannered young "sooner" whose fertile land is coveted.

As Zora begins to suspect that there may be more than luck behind Emerson’s good land, she discovers an extraordinary, astonishing power of her own: the ability to sense water under the parched earth. When her aunt hires her out as a "springsweet" to advise other settlers where to dig their wells, Zora feels the burden of holding the key to something so essential to survival in this unforgiving land.

Even more, she finds herself longing for love the way the prairie thirsts for water. Maybe, in the wildness of the territories, Zora can finally move beyond simply surviving and start living. (Goodreads)

Why am I Waiting On this book??

I read The Vespertine earlier this year, and really, really enjoyed it. I can't wait to dive back into the story to see what's going to happen with Amelia. I'm curious as to see if Nathaniel is going to be in the The Sweetspring... I don't see him mentioned in the synopsis. Hmmmm.... :)

Sooooooooo......

What are you waiting on this week???

Review: Dark Eden by Patrick Carmen

Dark Eden
by Patrick Carmen
Publication Date: November 1st, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336
ISBN: 9780062009708

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository

Fifteen-year-old Will Besting is sent by his doctor to Fort Eden, an institution meant to help patients suffering from crippling phobias. Once there, Will and six other teenagers take turns in mysterious fear chambers and confront their worst nightmares—with the help of the group facilitator, Rainsford, an enigmatic guide. When the patients emerge from the chamber, they feel emboldened by the previous night's experiences. But each person soon discovers strange, unexplained aches and pains. . . . What is really happening to the seven teens trapped in this dark Eden?

Patrick Carman's Dark Eden is a provocative exploration of fear, betrayal, memory, and— ultimately—immortality. (Goodreads)

Dark Eden is as engrossing as it is suspenseful, and it will have you guessing up until the end. The story revolves around a group of 7 teens, all which have crippling phobias. Together, they are sent to a rehabilitation center by their therapist, in an attempt to help them face their fears.

We read the story from Will’s point of view. I found will to be a very interesting character. I was really able to connect with his character because we have a phobia in common, although mine is not quite to the extent that his is. I enjoyed reading the book through his eyes.

The secondary characters were quite interesting as well. The other teens were well developed; I really enjoyed them, and would have enjoyed reading more about them. Each teen had a distinct phobia that set them apart, and I found them all to be interesting. There were a few characters in the book that were really mysterious to me. They are the ones that you will love to hate, mostly Rainsford.

While the book was a bit slow in some parts, for me, it was just building the suspense. I just had to know what was going to happen! The book was still very quick paced, and I had it finished in just a few hours time. Toward the end of the book is where we see most of the action, and it was definitely an ending I wasn’t expecting.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. It was definitely a lot different from a lot of the books I have been reading lately, and it was a really nice change of pace.

Check out this awesome book trailer!

Review: A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

A Beautiful Dark
by Jocelyn Davies
Publication Date: September 27th, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9780061990656

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository

On the night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites—like fire and ice—Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye’s life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move—only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.

In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can’t help falling for, and Devin, who she can’t stay away from, the consequences of Skye’s choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.

A Beautiful Dark is the first book in a captivating trilogy by debut author Jocelyn Davies. (Goodreads)

A Beautiful Dark was definitely not what I was expecting after reading the synopsis. It was, however, a book that I really enjoyed reading!
Skye is the main character in the story. I found her to be a very likeable character. She was very smart, and very responsible. She’s definitely a girl that you can trust. When she finds out that her life isn’t what it seems, she doesn’t act all crazy and freak out. She takes it in stride and rolls with it. In the end, we find out just what she’s capable of, and it’s pretty impressive.

Asher and Devin are the new guys at school, and they both seem to have an intense attraction to Skye. I really liked Asher’s character. He was funny and a little bit on the snarky side. He really seemed to be into Skye, although you can tell at times he’s resisting. I enjoyed reading about the times they were together. Devin on the other hand, I found to be a bit too mysterious. I wasn’t able to connect with his character much, but he did have his moments a few times. I’m definitely Team Asher.

I really enjoyed the secondary characters, mainly Cassie and Dan. They were such great friends! Skye’s aunt Jo was a really good character as well, I just wish she had been around more.

I really liked the plot of the book; I thought the author presented it in quite an interesting way. The book was definitely quick paced, and it does have a cliffhanger ending that will leave you wanting more! There is a love triangle in the book, and it really didn’t work very well for me in this book. I’m assuming that’

Overall, I really enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected to. It was a fun, intense read. I can’t wait to add it to my collection!

In My {Huge-ish} Mailbox #33

** In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free. **

For Review:
Dark Eden - Patrick Carman
(Courtesy Harper Collins!)

Bought:
Forgotten - Cat Patrick
Matched - Ally Condie
Enthralled - Various Authors

All of the above books I have already read, but didn't have in my collection yet. My local Books-A-Million is going out of sale, and I managed to snag all these books for between 2-4 dollars a piece after all the discounts!

Anna and the French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins
Crescendo - Becca Fitzpatrick
Blood Promise - Richelle Mead
Clockwork Angel - Cassandra Clare
Shade - Jeri Smith Ready
White Cat - Holly Black

Library Books:

My library got in lots of great new books that I haven't read yet! I definitely went a little overboard, but snagged some great ones!

The Near Witch - Victoria Schwab
Bad Taste in Boys - Carrie Harris
Steel - Carrie Vaughn
The Iron Witch - Karen Mahoney
Blood Magic - Tessa Gratton
The Faerie Ring - Kiki Hamilton


Lots of great books in my mailbox this week! As I mentioned above, my local Books-A-Million is closing, and the they had lots of books on sale this week. I really lucked out with the clearance books, they were so cheap! I'm really looking forward to reading all my new books and library books! :)

What's in your mailbox this week???

Liesl & Po Book Trailer!

LIESL & PO, the middle-grade debut by New York Times and international bestselling author Lauren Oliver, will be available everywhere on Tuesday October 4th!

Lauren Oliver captivated readers with her groundbreaking first novel, BEFORE I FALL and her followup DELIRIUM was made an instant bestseller by teens the world over. Filled with intricate and beautiful illustrations from rising star Kei Acedera, LIESL & PO is an unforgettable Dickensian tale of ghosts and magic, friendship and homecoming.

Liesl & Po

by Lauren Oliver

Liesl’s cruel stepmother, Augusta, keeps her locked in her attic bedroom. Lonely and grieving for her recently deceased father, Liesl is surprised one evening by Po, a ghost who suddenly materializes in her room. The two become fast friends, and it is because of Po that Liesl is able to escape from her attic room and embark on a journey to bury her father’s ashes beside those of her mother. However, because of a mix-up at the undertaker’s, the box that Liesl carries does not contain her father’s ashes. Instead, it contains the most powerful magic in the world. And the alchemist who created that magic desperately wants it back.

Official Website | Author Website

Praise for Liesl & Po:

"With nods to Dahl, Dickens, the Grimms, and even Burnett, the author has made something truly original."

Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Classic fairy tale elements weave throughout this spirited, old-fashioned adventure. [Liesl & Po] testifies to the power of friendship and generosity to conquer greed and depression."

Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"With her third book, Lauren Oliver (Before I Fall; Delirium) creates another highly original world, this one for middle-grade readers."

Shelf Awareness

Check out My Review for Liesl and Po!

Review: Spirit Storm by E.J. Stevens

Spirit Storm
(Spirit Guide #2)
by E.J. Stevens
Publication Date: January 1st, 2011
Publisher: Sacred Oaks Press
Pages: 210
ISBN: 9780984247530

Where to Buy:
Barnes & Noble | Amazon

"Let the spirits guide you, but never let them take you."

Spirits of the Dead are coming...

Yuki is about to face an army of lost souls on Samhain, the night of Halloween, when the spirits of the dead roam free. Yuki will need all the help she can get from her friends, but will Calvin be there for her when she needs him the most?(Goodreads)

Spirit Storm is the second book in the Spirit Guide series by E.J. Stevens. In Spirit Storm, Yuki is trying to figure out a way to survive the Samhain, which is a night where all the ghost spirits roam about. Yuki and her friends must figure out a way to keep the spirits from driving Yuki crazy, literally! This series is so much fun! I’ve really enjoyed reading it.

I really love the characters in the book. Yuki is so great; she’s one of those really likable characters that you just have to love. Her relationship with Cal is so cute. Cal is a great boyfriend as well. (Love him!) Yuki’s BFF, Emma, is a great character as well. I love everything that she stands for. Simon, Cal’s right hand man, is growing on me more and more every time I read about him. I’m a little curious as to what will happen with him in the next book.

The book was very fast paced, and the storyline was very interesting. I always learn something new when reading one of E.J.’s books, and I really enjoy that so much.

Overall, this is a great series to check out. If you want a quick, enjoyable read, you should definitely check out this series. I’m really looking forward to starting the 3rd book in the series, Legend of Witchtrot Road, really soon!

Happy Reading!

Review & Giveaway: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Lola and the Boy Next Door
by Stephanie Perkins
Publication Date: September 29th, 2011
Publisher: Penguin Group
Pages:338
ISBN: 9780525423287

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door. (Goodreads)

I was so very excited to read ‘Lola and the Boy Next Door’. I had read ‘Anna and the French Kiss’ a few months ago, and had really loved it, so I was hoping that Lola was just as good. I have to say, this book was amazing. If it’s even possible, I love this more than I loved Anna. (IS that even possible??)

Lola is our main character. I really loved Lola. She’s funny, spunky and quite a snazzy dresser. She is like no other character I have ever read about. Lola is not perfect; she makes mistakes and bad decisions, just like everyone else. I definitely loved her more and more throughout the book, as we find out more about her.

But the boy that steals the show is definitely Cricket. Oh My Goodness, I Love Cricket. He is tall and gawky, shy and awkward, romantic and swoon-worthy. Yes, he’s all of those things, wrapped in one little ball of perfection. I seriously love their relationship. The times in the book when they are together are the BEST! Cricket has earned a position as one of my favorite male characters EVER.

I love almost all of the secondary characters in the book, especially Lola’s parents, her best friend, Lindsay, even Cricket’s sister, Calliope. I love that we see some of the characters from ‘Anna and the French Kiss’ in Lola. I have missed these characters, and I was so glad to see them again! (I’m not going to spoil it and tell you who.) The one character that I didn’t care for was Lola’s boyfriend, Max. I saw straight through him from the beginning of the book, and knew he was going to be a problem.

The story was very creative and well paced. I literally flew through this book, and read it in just one day. This made me a bit sad, because I didn’t want it to be over quite so soon. The ending of the book was so very wonderful. It left me smiling and sighing. I loved the ending!

Ms. Perkins has such an amazing, wonderful, extraordinary writing style. I love it. The characters and the stories she creates are fantastic. I also love that she has a way of getting messages across about certain subjects. For instance, that it’s ok to be different; that not everyone, if anyone, is perfect. She’s definitely becoming one of my all time favorite authors, and I am looking forward to reading more of her work.

Overall, I love this book. It’s so amazing, and wonderful and perfect. I could go on and on. I just hope that everyone loves it just as much as I did. I can’t wait to buy a finished copy to add to my collection.

Happy Reading!!

Lola is another of my most favorite reads of the year, and because of that, I'm going to giveaway a copy of it as well!
What are you waiting for? Enter now for a chance to win this awesome book!

Giveaway Rules: 

• US and International (As long as TheBookDepository ships to your area.)
• One entry per person
• Must be 13 or older
• Giveaway ends September 28th, 2011
• Winner will be chosen via Random.org, and will be contacted via email
• If the winner doesn't respond within 24 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
• By signing up for this giveaway, you agree to the terms listed above.

This giveaway has ended. Thanks for entering!

Waiting on Wednesday #33

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

Dark Eyes
by William Richter
Publication Date: March 15th, 2012
Publisher: Razorbill

Get ready for the vigilante girl detective of the next generation.

Wally was adopted from a Russian orphanage as a child and grew up in a wealthy New York City family. At fifteen, her obsessive need to rebel led her to life on the streets.

Now the sixteen-year-old is beautiful and hardened, and she's just stumbled across the possibility of discovering who she really is. She'll stop at nothing to find her birth mother before Klesko—her darkeyed father—finds her. Because Klesko will stop at nothing to reclaim the fortune Wally's mother stole from him long ago. Even if that means murdering his own blood. But Wally's had her own killer training, and she's hungry for justice.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo for teens, this debut thriller introduces our next big series heroine! (Goodreads)

Why am I Waiting on this book???

It sounds really amazing. I haven't had the chance to read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but I have heard good things about it. If this is similar, it should make for an awesome read. :)

What are you WoWing for this week? Leave a link so I can check it out!

Review: Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

Cold Kiss
by Amy Garvey
Publication Date: September 20th, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336
ISBN: 9780061996221

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository

When her boyfriend, Danny, is killed in a car accident, Wren can’t imagine living without him. Wild with grief, she uses the untamed powers she’s inherited to bring him back. But the Danny who returns is just a shell of the boy she once loved.

Wren has spent four months keeping Danny hidden, while her life slowly unravels around her. Then Gabriel DeMarnes transfers to her school and somehow, inexplicably, he can sense her secret. Wren finds herself drawn to Gabriel, who is so much more alive than the ghost of the boy she loved. But Wren can’t turn her back on Danny or the choice she made for him—and she realizes she must find a way to make things right, even if it means breaking her own heart.

Amy Garvey’s transcendent teen debut is perfect for fans of Shiver and Beautiful Creatures. Wren’s unforgettable voice and story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned. (Goodreads)

Cold Kiss was not at all what I expected. This is an emotionally intense book about love, loss and finally, letting go.

The main character in the story is Wren. I thought Wren was a very interesting character. The author did a really good job of describing Wren’s emotions to us. Losing one you love, especially your first love, is extremely difficult. Wren also has these ‘powers’ that she inherited from the women in her family. After a few days of mourning, Wren decides to use these powers to bring her boyfriend, Danny, back to life. While I enjoyed reading the back-story about their relationship before his car accident, the interactions Wren had with Danny after she brought him back were just downright creepy. I kept waiting for him to do something sinister, but he really never did.

Gabriel is the new boy at school, and he seems to have an instant attraction to Wren. I found Gabriel’s character to be very interesting as well. I thought for sure we would see a love triangle going on between Wren, Gabriel and Danny, but I never really got the impression of one. Wren was definitely pulled to both boys, but it was more in a way as she was letting go of Danny, and growing toward Gabriel.

I found the book to be well paced. It held my attention pretty well, despite the fact that there was not a lot of action going on in the book. The plot was very creative; I do believe this is the first book I’ve read having to do with a girlfriend bringing her boyfriend back to life, and dealing with the consequences of it.

Overall, I found Cold Kiss to be a really interesting read. I did have a few questions at the end of the book about things that were left unresolved, so I’m wondering if this will maybe be a series. I would definitely like to know what will happen to Wren next, especially with her powers.

Happy Reading!

Review & Giveaway: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
(Mara Dyer #1)
by Michelle Hodkin
Publication Date: September 27th, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Pages: 450
ISBN: 9781442421769
Source: Publisher

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.
It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.
There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.
She's wrong. (Goodreads)

 

I was so very excited to get my hands on a copy of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. I had heard so many great things about the book; I couldn’t wait to get started on it. Let me tell you, this book does not disappoint. It was pretty awesome.

I love the main character, Mara. She’s quite an interesting girl, and she’s been through a lot. She spends much of the book confused about what is going on in her life. She’s a rollercoaster of emotions, and we go through them right along with her. I really connected with Mara, even through all her confusion, and I cared about her as well.

Noah Shaw has definitely earned a place in my ‘most swoon-worthy’ category. At first, I could not figure him out, but the more I read about him, the more I loved him. He has so many different sides to himself, and that really makes him unique. He is just awesome. I think he and Mara are a great couple, and I really loved their relationship.

I really enjoyed the secondary characters as well. Mara’s brothers, Daniel and Joseph, were very developed characters, as are Mara’s parents. This was a family that actually cared about each other. I wish we had seen Noah’s sister and mother more in the book. There were a few ‘villainy’ type characters in the book, but we don’t see a whole lot of interaction with them. There are a few characters I wanted to know more about, mostly Mara’s friend Rachel.

This book was extremely well written, I was totally engrossed. My attention was held from the very beginning of the book. The end of the book is a cliffhanger, and had me yelling, “Are you Kidding Me?” But it is one of those amazing endings that just leave you wanting more. Oh and I must rave about the book’s cover. I love it, it’s so mysterious.

Overall; I really, really loved this book. It was an amazing read, and I can’t wait to purchase my own copy, so I can read it over and over again. I’m also extremely glad to hear that there will be a book two, even though I know it’s going to be a long wait until we get to read it.

Happy Reading!

I loved The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer so much, I want to share the love with someone else!

Enter below for a chance to win a copy of Mara Dyer!

Givaway Rules: 

• US and International (As long as TheBookDepository ships to your area.)
• One entry per person
• Must be 13 or older
• Giveaway ends September 26th, 2011
• Winner will be chosen via Random.org, and will be contacted via email
• If the winner doesn't respond within 24 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
• By signing up for this giveaway, you agree to the terms listed above.

Good luck!

This giveaway has ended! Come back soon for more awesome giveaways. :)

In My Mailbox #32

** In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free. **

From Publishers:
Everneath - Brodi Ashton
Sweet Venom - Tera Lynn Childs (My Review)
*Courtesy HarperCollins Publishers!*

Library:
Hourglass - Myra McEntire

Three great books in my mailbox this week!

I was pleasantly surprised to find a copy of Everneath in my mailbox this afternoon! (Thanks HarperCollins, you rock!) I'm really excited to start it. That cover is gorgeous!

I got Sweet Venom in my mailbox earlier this week! You can read my review Here. It's definitely a awesome start the the series!

Our library is FINALLY starting to get in new books, most of which I have already read.... But I was able to snag a copy of Hourglass, and I'm so excited to start it! I've heard so many good things about the book.


That's what I got in my mailbox this week. What did you get in yours?? Leave a link so I can come check it out!

Happy Reading!!

Review: The Girl of Fire and Thorns

The Girl of Fire and Thorns
(Fire and Thorns #1)
by Rae Carson
Publication Date: September 20th, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 432
ISBN: 9780062026484

Where to Buy:
B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one.

But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will.

Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

And he’s not the only one who needs her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do. (Goodreads)

The Girl of Fire and Thorns was a fascinating read for me. I didn’t really know what to expect going into the book, as the synopsis is a bit vague. The book was not what I expected, but I definitely enjoyed reading it!

I have to talk about the main character first. Elisa is such an amazing character. She’s a princess, but she’s definitely not your average princess. She’s overweight, a bit naïve, and very insecure about herself. She’s also the bearer of the Godstone, which she knows very little about. That all changes when she’s married away to the handsome King Alejandro, and moves away to live with him in his palace.

Elisa is such a great character. While I had my doubts about her in the beginning of the book, she managed to completely take me by surprise. Elisa becomes a completely different person as we follow her on an unimaginable journey throughout the book. I loved watching her grow, and become more confident with herself, seeing her survive all that she has been through, and also seeing her discover why she was chosen as the bearer of the Godstone.
There were a lot of secondary characters in the book, and I felt they were extremely well written. Quite a few of them grew on me more and more throughout the book.

The plot for this story was very unique. The story literally sucked me in, and I was completely engrossed in the story. The first half of the book is a bit slow; it was mainly just building up background for the story. There was a lot more action in the second half of the book than I actually expected. There were a couple of parts toward the end of the book that I was really surprised about, the author definitely didn’t hold back on this story.

Overall, this was a really great read. This is definitely going to be one of my favorite books of the year. I can’t wait to add it to my collection.

Happy Reading!

Dark Days Fall '11

A new Dark Days tour is heading our way this fall! Check out five new books from authors Claudia Gray, Kiersten White, Anna Carey, Jocelyn Davies and Amy Garvey. Lots of romance, suspense, and of course, a touch of darkness in these wonderful new YA Books. Won't you check them out??

• SUPERNATURALLY by Kiersten White (released 7/26/2011)
• FATEFUL by Claudia Gray (released 9/13/2011)
• COLD KISS by Amy Garvey (on-sale 9/20/2011)
• A BEAUTIFUL DARK by Jocelyn Davies (on-sale 9/27/2011)
• EVE by Anna Carey (on-sale 10/4/2011)
  

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Become a DARK DAYS insider! Download DARK DAYS digital essentials, including chapter excerpts, countdown widgets, and an eBook sampler from the official fan kit:
http://www.harperteen.com/feature/darkdays/fall/

Dark Days Tour Schedule:

DARK DAYS authors will be traveling to Lynnwood, Huntington Beach, Highlands Ranch, Boulder, and Naperville meeting fans and signing copies of their brand new books. Check below to see which authors will be hitting the road and a full tour schedule!

Wednesday, October 12th @ 7:00 PM
Barnes & Noble  19401 Alderwood Mall Parkway,  Lynnwood, WA
with Claudia Gray (FATEFUL), Kiersten White (SUPERNATURALLY), Amy Garvey (COLD KISS) and Anna Carey (EVE)

Thursday, October 13th @ 7:00 PM
Barnes & Noble | 7881 Edinger Avenue |Huntington Beach, CA 92647
with Claudia Gray (FATEFUL), Kiersten White (SUPERNATURALLY), Amy Garvey (COLD KISS) and Anna Carey (EVE)

Friday, October 14th @ 7:00 PM
Tattered Cover | 9315 Dorchester Street | Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
with Claudia Gray (FATEFUL), Kiersten White (SUPERNATURALLY), Amy Garvey (COLD KISS) and Jocelyn Davies (A BEAUTIFUL DARK)

Saturday, October 15th @ 1:00 PM
Barnes & Noble | 2999 Pearl Street | Boulder, CO
with Claudia Gray (FATEFUL), Kiersten White (SUPERNATURALLY), Amy Garvey (COLD KISS) and Jocelyn Davies (A BEAUTIFUL DARK)

Sunday, October 16th @ 2:00 PM
Anderson’s | 123 West Jefferson | Naperville, IL
with Claudia Gray (FATEFUL), Kiersten White (SUPERNATURALLY), Amy Garvey (COLD KISS) and Jocelyn Davies (A BEAUTIFUL DARK)*LIVESTREAM EVENT

About the Books:

Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.

But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.

So much for normal.

Add it on Goodreads

In Fateful, eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, overbearing family she works for. Once the ship they’re sailing on reaches the United States, she’ll strike out on her own. Then she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets....

Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves are real and they’re stalking him—and now Tess, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.

Featuring the opulent backdrop of the Titanic, Fateful’s publication is poised to coincide with the 100-year anniversary of the ship’s doomed maiden voyage. It is sure to be a hit among Titanic buffs and fans of paranormal romance alike.

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When her boyfriend, Danny, is killed in a car accident, Wren can’t imagine living without him. Wild with grief, she uses the untamed powers she’s inherited to bring him back. But the Danny who returns is just a shell of the boy she once loved.

Wren has spent four months keeping Danny hidden, while her life slowly unravels around her. Then Gabriel DeMarnes transfers to her school and somehow, inexplicably, he can sense her secret. Wren finds herself drawn to Gabriel, who is so much more alive than the ghost of the boy she loved. But Wren can’t turn her back on Danny or the choice she made for him—and she realizes she must find a way to make things right, even if it means breaking her own heart.

Amy Garvey’s transcendent teen debut is perfect for fans of Shiver and Beautiful Creatures. Wren’s unforgettable voice and story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.

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On the night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites—like fire and ice—Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye’s life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move—only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.

In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can’t help falling for, and Devin, who she can’t stay away from, the consequences of Skye’s choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.

A Beautiful Dark is the first book in a captivating trilogy by debut author Jocelyn Davies.

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The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus—and the vaccine intended to protect against it—wiped out most of the earth’s population. The night before eighteen-year-old Eve’s graduation from her all-girls school she discovers what really happens to new graduates, and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust...and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

 Add it on Goodreads

Happy Reading!

Review: Pregnant Pause by Han Nolan

Pregnant Pause
by Han Nolan
Publication Date: September 19th, 2011
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9780152065706

Where to Buy:
Amazon | The Book Depository

Nobody gets away with telling Eleanor Crowe what to do. But as a pregnant sixteen-year-old, her options are limited: move to Kenya with her missionary parents or marry the baby’s father and work at his family’s summer camp for overweight kids.

Despite her initial reluctance to help out, Elly is surprised that she actually enjoys working with the campers. But a tragedy on the very day her baby is born starts a series of events that overwhelms Elly with unexpected emotions and difficult choices. Somehow, she must turn her usual obstinance in a direction that can ensure a future for herself—and for the new life she has created. (Goodreads)

I really enjoyed reading Pregnant Pause. I didn’t think that I would, because it deals with Teen Pregnancy. With all the sensationalism going on with the subject lately, I just thought I would hate it. I couldn’t be more wrong. I really loved this book!

The main character, Eleanor, is a total brat. She does whatever she has to do to defy her parents. (I remember doing the same thing at that age.) Once she finds out she’s pregnant, her life is completely turned upside down. Her parents are leaving to go overseas, so the only choices she has is to go with them, (which she really doesn’t want to do.), or to marry the baby’s daddy and live and work at his family’s summer camp. In the beginning she thinks that is what she wants, but once it actually happens, she wishes it hadn’t.

It took a while for her to grow on me, but I really liked Elly. Yes, she made some bad choices, but I think overall, all she wanted was for her parents to be there for her. She believed that they cared more about the children overseas than they did about her. I really enjoyed following her on this journey, and seeing her attitude completely turn around. She really cared about the kids that she worked with, and she loved her boyfriend/husband, Lam, even when he was a total jerk and was never around.

Almost the entire last half of the book had me in tears. I can’t imagine going through what Elly went through. It was heartbreaking. I’m glad she was such a strong character though; she fought as hard as she could for what she thought was right. I love that about Elly, she grows into such a strong woman.

This story shows that life doesn’t always turn out the way you think it will. Life is HARD. People change, sometimes in the blink of an eye. And sometimes, you just have to deal with life on your own.

Overall, I loved this book. It’s a really great read, and I can’t wait for the book to be released so I can add it to my collection.

Happy Reading!