Saturday, June 29, 2013

Weekly Book Haul #29


For Review:
Infinityglass - Myra McEntire
Across the Star-Swept Sea - Diana Peterfreund
Resist - Sarah Crossan

Hey guys!
Awesome new galleys this week!
I am so excited to get started on these.
I have a lot of reading to get caught up on!

What new books did you get this week?


**This post was inspired by In My Mailbox by TheStorySiren, in order to share books received each week.**

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Review: The Kobo Aura HD e-Reader

Kobo Aura HD
by Kobo
Website
/ Twitter

I recently had the opportunity to review the Kobo Aura HD reader, thanks to the wonderful people at Kobo! After using the device extensively, I finally feel ready to share my thoughts on the e-reader with you.

I am an extensive reader, and I read both physical books, as well as a few devices I read on. I have a Nook, Sony Reader, Kindle Fire HD, iPad and iPad mini.  A lot of the books that I read on these devices are usually e-Arcs from publishers, although I do purchase e-books from time to time.

One of the things I love most about the Aura is the simplicity of it. Yes, it can surf the web and even shop at the Kobo store. However, being an ADD poster-child with the attention span of a gnat, I find it refreshing to know that I can get on the Aura and do exactly what I want to do, read. I’m not distracted by apps and other sparkly things that grab my attention on the other devices. I LOVE this because I do have such a short attention span, it keeps me on track.

Besides the iPads and Kindle Fire’s that I have, the Aura is the first e-reader that I have had the pleasure of using that has a backlight.  I didn’t know what to expect from this, as sometimes the lighting on my other devices gives me terrible eye strain. However, the light on the Aura is very soft, and is adjustable for any time of day. I did not experience any eye strain while reading with the device.The screen on the Aura is very clear, and the HD makes the text sharp and readable.  I also love that I can take it outside, which I do a lot in the summertime, and there is no glare on the screen, unlike a few of my other devices. The shape of the device is also really well designed. The curved back feels just perfect when holding it in my hands.

The only con that I had with the Aura, was trying to read a PDF file galley on it. The type was really small, and I wasn’t able to zoom in and scroll at the same time. This is only a problem with PDF’s; it works beautifully with my EPUB books.

Overall, I really enjoyed reviewing this reader. While it’s been a while since I have had a standard e-reader, I found it very refreshing to read on. If you are looking for a simple reader to read your books on, this device is for you!

Happy Reading!

Do you have an e-reader? What kind do you have, and what are your thoughts on it??


Kobo Aura HD


Features:

Crisper. Bigger. Gorgeous.
ClarityScreen+ takes E Ink to the next level, making Kobo Aura HD the highest resolution* eReader at 1440 x 1080 and 265 dpi, with the most paper-like† E Ink display. The durable 6.8” reading surface is approximately 30% larger than other eReaders. Built-in ComfortLight is the most evenly lit front-light for a completely comfortable reading experience.

Feels like a book in your hand.
The back of Kobo Aura HD is elegantly designed to fit comfortably in your hand, like the spine of a physical book.

Never run out of reading material.
4 GB of built-in memory allows you to carry a library of up to 3,000 eBooks with you wherever you go. Store even more eBooks with a Micro SD card. With Wi Fi access to over millions of eBooks, your reading list can grow longer than ever before.

Tech Specs
  • 6.8" Custom WXGA+ Pearl E Ink Screen
  • ClarityScreen+: 265 dpi, 1440 x 1080 resolution
  • ComfortLight: Built-in front-light technology with coating for durability and even light distribution
  • Length: 175.7 millimeters, Width: 128.3 millimeters, Edge depth: 7 millimeters, Max Depth: 11.7 millimeters, Weight: 240g
  • 1 GHZ - 25% faster processor than other leading eReaders
  • 4 GB – Option to expand up to 32 GB with a Micro SD card
  • Wi Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Micro USB
  • Up to 2 months **
  • Espresso, Ivory, Onyx
(Features from Kobo.com)

Visit Kobo today for more information!


Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #109 - Cruel Beauty by Rosamind Hodge

Cruel Beauty
by Rosamind Hodge

Publication Date: January 28th 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen / Balzer & Bray



Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom—all because of a reckless bargain her father struck. And since birth, she has been training to kill him.

Betrayed by her family yet bound to obey, Nyx rails against her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, she abandons everything she’s ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, disarm him, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle—a shifting maze of magical rooms—enthralls her. As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. But even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, could she refuse her duty to kill him?

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny. (Goodreads)
OHHHHHHHHHHH!

I love fairy tale retellings!
Especially of Beauty and the Beast!

I am really excited to check this out. :)

What are you Waiting for this week???

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

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Top Ten Books I've Read So Far In 2013


Top Ten Books I've Read So Far In 2013



Divergent - Veronica Roth
Requiem - Lauren Oliver
Unravel Me - Tahereh Mafi
Goddess - Josephine Angelini

Dance of the Red Death - Bethany Griffin
Clockwork Princess - Cassandra Clare
Of Triton - Anna Banks
The Girl with the Iron Touch - Kady Cross

Walking Disaster - Jamie McGuire
The Edge of Never - J.A. Redmerski

Hey guys!
Joining in on the fun!
I haven't had a chance to read a lot so far this year,
but here are a few of my favorites!

What are Your Top Ten Books of 2013??

Monday, June 24, 2013

Review: Of Triton by Anna Banks

Of Triton
(Of Poseidon #2)
by Anna Banks

Publication Date: May 28th 2013
Publisher: Macmillan / Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 246
ISBN: 9781250003331

Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Goodreads

In this sequel to OF POSEIDON, Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she’s a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm below. Syrena law states that all Half- Breeds should be put to death.

As if that’s not bad enough, her mother’s reappearance among the Syrena turns the two kingdoms—Poseidon and Triton—against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen’s request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? Or should she risk it all and reveal herself—and her Gift—to save a people she’s never known? (Goodreads)
Of Triton picks up right after the massive cliffhanger that we were left with in Of Poseidon. I really enjoyed reading Of Poseidon last year, so of course I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Of Triton to see what was going on with my favorite characters from the book. The book definitely did not disappoint!

Just like the first book, I absolutely love the main character, Emma. She is funny and smart, and strong willed as well. The relationship between Emma and Galen is absolutely adorable.  While there was some strain on the relationship this time around, you could tell that Emma and Galen really cared for each other, even more than anything else. I love that about them.

We get to see a lot of the characters from the first book in this story again as well. Rayna and Toraf are still along for the ride, but they aren’t butting heads quite as much as in the previous book. We get a lot more information on Emma’s mom, which was really insightful, because I found her to be really mysterious in the previous book. We also get to meet Galen’s brother, Grom. I didn’t think I would, but I really liked Grom. Getting to see part of his world was really interesting.

The story is told through both Emma and Galen’s point of view. I enjoyed reading the story from both of their perspectives. I definitely feel like I got more information this way. The storyline for the novel was very well written, and I enjoyed reading about the underwater world, where a good chunk of the story took place.  The ending of the book is not a cliffhanger like in the previous book, but it is a little bittersweet. There is one thing in particular that happens towards the end of the book that is really sad.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I enjoy the whole series, so far! I can’t wait to get my hands on the 3rd book in the series, of Neptune, due in 2014!

Happy Reading!

Books in this Series:



Of Poseidon | Of Triton

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Weekly Book Haul #28


Bought:
Burn for Burn - Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian
Keeping the Moon - Sarah Dessen
That Summer - Sarah Dessen

For Review:
Bang - Lisa McMann
The Truth About You & Me - Amanda Grace


Hey guys!

Lots of awesome books this week.
I found Burn for Burn at the bookstore for $5!
And I'm adding two more Sarah Dessen books to my collection.
I just love the covers!

I am super excited to read Bang and The Truth About You & Me.
I LOOOOOOVE Lisa McMann!
I can't wait to get started!

That's all for me.
What new books did you get this week?

**This post was inspired by In My Mailbox by TheStorySiren, in order to share books received each week.**

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Waiting On Wednesday #108 - Until It Hurts To Stop by Jennifer R. Hubbard

Until It Hurts To Stop
by Jennifer R. Hubbard

Publication Date: September 12th 2013
Publisher: Viking Juvenile



When you can’t trust anyone, how can you ever feel safe? In seventh grade, Maggie Camden was the class outcast. Every day, the other girls tripped her, pinched her, trapped her in the bathroom, told her she would be better off dead. Four years have passed since then, and Maggie’s tormentors seem to have moved on. The ringleader of them all, Raleigh Barringer, even moved out of town. But Maggie has never stopped watching for attacks, and every laugh still sounds like it’s at her expense. The only time Maggie feels at peace is when she’s hiking up in the mountains with her best friend, Nick. Lately, though, there’s a new sort of tension between the two of them—a tension both dangerous and delicious. But how can Maggie expect anything more out of Nick when all she’s ever been told is that she’s ugly, she’s pathetic, she’s unworthy of love? And how can she ever feel safe, now that Raleigh Barringer is suddenly—terrifyingly—back in town? (Goodreads)

Wow...
Judging by the summary of this book, it sounds like it's going to be a really intense read.
I'm really looking forward to read it!
The cover is gorgeous as well.

What are you Waiting on this week???

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


Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #107 - Crash Into You by Katie McGarry

Crash Into You
(Pushing the Limits #3)
by Katie McGarry

Publication Date: November 26th 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen



From acclaimed author Katie McGarry comes an explosive new tale of a good girl with a reckless streak, a street-smart guy with nothing to lose, and a romance forged in the fast lane

The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life-that's who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers...and she's just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker-a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can't get him out of her mind.

Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look.

But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they'll go to save each other. (Goodreads)
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

I was BEYOND thrilled to see the cover for Crash Into You had been released.
I can't wait to read Isaiah's story!

If you haven't already read Pushing the Limits and Dare You To...
You totally should!
Like, now!
Go ahead, I'll wait.
:)

Whoooo! Hurry November!

What are YOU Waiting for this week??


Books in this series:


Pushing the Limits    |    Dare You To    |    Crash Into You


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

Monday, June 10, 2013

Review: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Princess
(The Infernal Devices #3)
by Cassandra Clare

Publication Date: March 19th 2013
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 568
ISBN: 9781416975908

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy.

Tessa Gray should be happy - aren't all brides happy?
Yet as she prepares for her wedding, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute.
A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to Mortmain, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, the Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. Mortmain needs only one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. And Jem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa's heart, will do anything to save her. (Goodreads)
Clockwork Princess is the third and final novel in the much loved ‘The Infernal Devices’ series. I was so excited to finally get my hands on this book. I wanted to read it as slowly as I could, so that I could savor the moment. Of course, I ended up flying through the pages as quickly as I could, because it was just that good.

As in the previous books, I adore these characters. Tessa is a headstrong, stubborn heroine that can always be counted on to try and save the day. Yes, she is a bit of a martyr, but that’s ok! It just shows exactly how much she cares for everyone. Jem is such a sweet and caring soul, and he nearly broke my heart to pieces in this book. But it is Will, dear sweet Will, who will always be my favorite. For reasons that are SO obvious in this book.  I love the secondary characters as well; Charlotte and Henry, Sophie, Cecily, and the Lightwood brothers. Magnus, as always, is wonderful and mysterious. Even Bridget, who I never could quite figure out, has turned into an all-time favorite of mine!

I thought the book was very well paced; there was never really a dull moment.  There are quite a few shocking moments in the book; one in particular that left me gasping in shock. The ending of the book is one that will make everyone happy, no matter what side of the fence you are on.  While I hate to see the series end, I thought it was wrapped up rather nicely. I’m looking forward to ‘seeing’ a few of my favorite characters again in City of Heavenly Fire.

One thing that I found rather charming about this book is some of the wording throughout the novel. It reminds me of lines that are in the movie version of Pride and Prejudice. If I hadn’t have just watched the movie recently, I totally wouldn’t have noticed. But because of this, I kept picturing Mr. Darcy in some parts! (Yes, it’s weird of me to notice this!)

Overall, I love this series. I really, really do. It is one of the first series that made me fall in love with reading again. It will always have a special place in my heart, and on my bookshelf. If you haven’t read this series and The Mortal Instrument series as well, you definitely should check them out!

Happy Reading!


Books in this series:


Clockwork Angel | Clockwork Prince | Clockwork Princess


Saturday, June 8, 2013

Weekly Book Haul #27



Bought:
Elegy - Tara Hudson
The Moon and More - Sarah Dessen

Library:
Crash - Lisa McMann
A Discovery of Witches - Deborah Harkness



Bought:
Along for the Ride | Just Listen | Someone Like You
What Happened to Goodbye | Lock & Key
Sarah Dessen



e-Galley's:
Wild Cards - Simone Elkeles
Where the Stars Still Shine - Trish Doller


Hey Guys!

Lots of new books this week!
I'm so excited to read Elegy and The Moon and More!

I loooooooove the new covers for all of the Sarah Dessen paperbacks.
They are just perfect for this time of year.
I just need a few more to have a complete collection!

Wild Cards and Where the Stars Shine sound really great.
I can't wait to read them!

That's all for me this week.

What new books did YOU get???


**This post was inspired by In My Mailbox by TheStorySiren, in order to share books received each week.**

Friday, June 7, 2013

Review: Linked by Imogen Howson

Linked
(Linked #1)
by Imogen Howson

Publication Date: June 11th, 2013
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 368
ISBN: 9781442446564

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Elissa used to have it all: looks, popularity, and a bright future. But for the last three years, she’s been struggling with terrifying visions, phantom pains, and mysterious bruises that appear out of nowhere.

Finally, she’s promised a cure: minor surgery to burn out the overactive area of her brain. But on the eve of the procedure, she discovers the shocking truth behind her hallucinations: she’s been seeing the world through another girl’s eyes.

Elissa follows her visions, and finds a battered, broken girl on the run. A girl—Lin—who looks exactly like Elissa, down to the matching bruises. The twin sister she never knew existed.

Now, Elissa and Lin are on the run from a government who will stop at nothing to reclaim Lin and protect the dangerous secrets she could expose—secrets that would shake the very foundation of their world.

Riveting, thought-provoking and utterly compelling, Linked will make you question what it really means to be human. (Goodreads)
Linked is a Sci-fi novel about a girl named Elissa, whose life is far from perfect, and is just about to get even worse.  On the run from government agents, with a girl she doesn’t even know, who she must keep safe, her life may never be the same again.

The characters in the story…..  Elissa and Lin, being the teenagers that they are, completely frustrated me at times with some of the decisions that they made, or with how they treated each other. But the story wouldn’t have felt so realistic otherwise! Both girls grew leaps and bounds throughout the novel, by the end of the story, I was super proud of both of them.

The secondary characters that we get to know in the novel are interesting as well, the main being Caden. (Swoon!) Elissa’s mom was selfish, and was just not a character I enjoyed at all, but I loved her father. A few crew members from the ship were great as well. I’m not going to include their names, so that you can meet them yourself.

The storyline for the novel was really engrossing.  There were a few times that the novel was a bit slow, but for the most part, the suspense nearly killed me! I haven’t had a book do that in a really long time, and I enjoyed it! I also loved the descriptions and the world building for the novel. While I’m not much of a sci-fi person, the descriptions helped me picture the world Howson created perfectly.

Overall, I enjoyed Linked SO much more than I expected to! I can’t believe I waited so long to read it. Now, I just need to get my hands on the next book, Shattered, set to release in 2014!

Happy Reading!


Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #106 - Infinite by Jodi Meadows

Infinite
(Newsoul #3)
by Jodi Meadows

Publication Date: 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen / Katherine Tegen Books



DESTRUCTION
The Year of Souls begins with an earthquake—an alarming rumble from deep within the earth—and it’s only the first of greater dangers to come. The Range caldera is preparing to erupt. Ana knows that as Soul Night approaches, everything near Heart will be at risk.

FLIGHT
Ana’s exile is frightening, but it may also be fortuitous, especially if she can convince her friends to flee Heart and Range with her. They’ll go north, seeking answers and allies to stop Janan’s ascension. And with any luck, the newsouls will be safe from harm’s reach.

CHOICE
The oldsouls might have forgotten the choice they made to give themselves limitless lifetimes, but Ana knows the true cost of reincarnation. What she doesn’t know is whether she’ll have the chance to finish this one sweet life with Sam, especially if she returns to Heart to stop Janan once and for all.
With gorgeous romance and thrilling action, the final book in the Incarnate trilogy offers a brilliant conclusion to the compelling questions of this fascinating world, where one new girl is the key to the lives of millions. (Goodreads)


Look at that!
Another GORGEOUS cover to this awesome series!
Jodi Meadows has an amazing way with words. I can't wait to get this book!

What are you Waiting on this week?

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

Monday, June 3, 2013

Review: Dance of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Dance of the Red Death
(Masque of the Red Death #2)
by Bethany Griffin

Publication Date: June 11th, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen / Greenwillow Books
Pages: 336
ISBN: 9780062107824

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Bethany Griffin continues the journey of Araby Worth in Dance of the Red Death—the sequel to her teen novel Masque of the Red Death.

In Dance of the Red Death, Araby’s world is in shambles—betrayal, death, disease, and evil forces surround her. She has no one to trust. But she finds herself and discovers that she will fight for the people she loves, and for her city.

Her revenge will take place at the menacing masked ball, though it could destroy her and everyone she loves…or it could turn her into a hero.

With a nod to Edgar Allan Poe, Bethany Griffin concludes her tragic and mysterious Red Death series with a heroine that young adult readers will never forget. (Goodreads)
Dance of the Red Death picks up right where Masque of the Red Death leaves off. Araby and crew have just escaped from the chaos and horror that have occurred in the city. After getting their bearings, they decide that it’s up to them to track down a cure for the terrible Red Death, and to take the city back from the evil Prince Prospero and Reverend Malcontent.

It was nice to see that Araby was a completely different person in this novel. No longer was she the girl that hung back and followed everyone else. No, this time around she was the leader who took matters into her own hands. Even though Araby has been through hell, I am proud of her for standing up for herself and taking matters into her own hands. 

After the events that happened between Will and Araby in the last book, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Will this time around. He did manage to surprise me into forgiving him. Elliott is still as confusing and mysterious as ever, and he had me guessing up to the end on what was really going on inside that head of his. April, Araby’s best friend, has to be my most favorite character in the series. Even through all of the horror, she tried to keep everything as upbeat as she could. I could go on and on about the characters in the series, but you will just have to read it for yourself to find out more!

What really sets this series apart for me is the uniqueness of the storyline. It’s not often I read a book that has such a dark story—from the world-building all the way to the characters. I found that I enjoyed it more than I expected to, with both novels.  This second book seemed to move a bit slower than the first, but it still held my attention. The ending with a little bit anti-climatic for me, I expected more to happen, but I can see why the author went the route that she took. I do feel like I was left hanging about a few things, and I still have questions that I would like to see answered about some things that seemed to be written off as afterthoughts. I was also surprised to see that this is only a 2 book series, as I expected this to be a trilogy. Nothing wrong with that at all, it just caught me by surprise.

Also, I must give kudos to whoever designed the covers for these novels. They are absolutely gorgeous!

Overall, while I had some issues with the book, I still thought that it was a good ending to the series. If you really like the dark novels with even darker characters, this is the book for you!

Happy Reading!

Books in this series:

 

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Weekly Book Haul #26


Bought:
Of Triton - Anna Banks
Goddess - Josephine Angelini
The Elite - Kiera Cass
School Spirits - Rachel Hawkins

e-Galley's:
Tumble & Fall -  Alexandra Coutts
Dance of the Red Death - Beth Griffin


Hi all!
It's been too long since I've done a book haul post,
and I'm not quite sure what all I have gotten in the past few weeks...
So I'm just posting what I can remember.
::sigh::

I've already read Goddess and Dance of the Red Death,
they were both fantastic.
I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the books!

What new books did YOU get this week?
Leave a link so I can check out your book haul!



**This post was inspired by In My Mailbox by TheStorySiren, in order to share books received each week.**