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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

New Year, New Books

      I went out on a *ahem* short excursion to Barnes & Noble. There I got myself  four new books.

     I'm really excited about these books! I've heard so much about them!


      I saw Beastly by Alex Flinn sitting between two books on the far shelf in the YA section. I decided that I needed it, especially since I really want to see the movie, which I can't do if in stick to my policy of reading the book first.



     
I got An Abundance of Katherines by John Green because I really want to finish my collection of his books. The only one I ended now is Will Grayson, will grayson.




     Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead also applies

Review: Dangerous Dream by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl



      Dangerous Dream by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl is a novella based a few years after the events of Beautiful Creatures. It focuses first on the graduation from high school for Lena, Ethan, Link, and the rest of their class.
      Then we are shot forward to later that day at the pool. Link makes a fatal mistake, and pays for it.
       Finally, we are shown the world from Ridley's perspective. We see what's happening to her and find out about Link.
       For this story, it seems as if the upcoming Dangerous Creatures Series will be a good one. I can't wait, can you?

Rating: 4 Stars (I couldn't figure out where the pool scene took place and I was a bit confused at the end.)
Recommended For: Anyone who has read Beautiful Creatures.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Review: Runes by Ednah Walters


     A few nights ago, I read a book named Runes by Ednah Walters.
     I am a bit sorry to say that I could not put this book down and read until 1 AM finishing the book. I then proceeded to cry and reflect over what had happened for another hour.
     This book is about Lorraine (Raine) Cooper, who's an ordinary sixteen-year-old girl on the swim team and loves hanging out with her best friend, Cora, and plans to get her longtime crush, who's also her neighbor and best friend, Eirik, to ask her out.
       All this changes when she meets her new next-door neighbor, Torin St. James. Torin is quite the looker, and Raine would have a crush if it weren't for Eirik and the fact that Torin is infuriatingly annoying and full of himself.
       Runes is an awesome easy-read, perfect if you want a book that will last only a day or two. Beware, though, the ending of this book is gut-wrenchingly sad. Like, rip-out-your-soul-and-toss-it-into-Tartarus sad. The beginning of the second book, Immortals, is sad also, but it does get better.

Rating: 5 stars (some grammatical errors that I'm willing to overlook because it was such a good book)
Recommended for: Ages 14+

Disclaimer: I received the first book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

A Christmas Stacking the Shelves

      Hey guys! I hope you had an amazing past few days! I sure did!
      Today I wanted to tell you about some of the books I got, sort of like a Stacking the Shelves, which is hosted over at Tynga's Reviews.

The first book I got was Don't Close Your Eyes by Lisa McMann. I saw this in a store a few weeks ago and mentioned to my mom. And for some reason, she remembered.

The next book I got was Teardrop by Lauren Kate, another book I've been meaning to read for a while now.

I also got Life's a Witch by Brittany Geragotelis, which has been recommended to me multiple times.


My aunt, who lives in England, sent me this book for Christmas. It's all about how to write fiction for children and teens. I can't wait to crack it open and begin reading.


     For my birthday last week, I received a signed copy of Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare, complete with a certificate of authenticity.



I hope everyone who celebrates had a Merry Christmas. To everyone else, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Happy Holidays!


       So I'm technically supposed to stop blogging (and reading) until Friday so that I can spend some 'quality time with my family'. But, since I know that won't happen, plan for me maybe taking tomorrow off and I will definitely be back Thursday with a review and a list of some of my Christmas goodies.
       Until then, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and have a Joyful New Year!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Review: The Phoenix Fallacy Book I: Janus by Jon Sourbeer




      This book is set in a dystopian society ruled by the different corporations, whose names are based around different mythologies. The main character of this story, Janus, has lived in the slums of the Cerberus Corporation all his life. One day, he is summoned to the too level of the corporation by his mother's employer, Overlord Middleton. She tells Janus that he is being sold and will become a Mercenary. At first, this puts Janus and his mother up in arms, but once Janus had gone, he realized that becoming a merc wasn't a bad thing.
       In the flying city of Valhalla, Janus trains hard alongside his fellow cadets, training to become a full-fledged merc, or an adept, as they call themselves.
       I really enjoyed this book, more than I though I was going to. I can't wait to get my hands on the second book in the trilogy, The Phoenix Fallacy Book II: Norm, which came out on Friday.
       Jon Sourbeer came to speak to my class about his book and what it means to self-publish on Thursday. He's a truly amazing man. My friend and I also had the chance to stay after everyone else left to speak with him one on one. We talked about our favorite times to write and some of the books we find inspirational. Find him at his website
       I think everyone should go get this book, especially since the first is only $2.99 on  Amazon right now!
This is the map of where the corporations are located.


Rating: 4.5 Stars
Recommended for: ages 12+

Friday, December 20, 2013

Godsland Series By Brian Rathbone Book Tour: Review and Giveaway


Welcome to my stop on the Godsland series blog tour!  This is a YA epic/high fantasy adventure series by Brian Rathbone.  The tour consists of reviews of all of the books and the audiobook, as well as guest posts, interviews and more. Be sure to check out the tour page with all the tour information and additional tour stops.
The books in the Godsland series:
Call of the Herald (Book One) - FREE
Inherited Danger (Book Two)- FREE
Dragon Ore (Book Three)
You can also find it in one bind up called The Dawning of Power Trilogy Omnibus.

Find the full list of titles and links at http://brianrathbone.com/ As this is only the first trilogy in the World of Godsland series.






Godsland Book One - Call of the Herald
243 pages 
Echoes of the ancients' power are distant memories, tattered and faded by the passage of eons, but that is about to change. A new dawn has arrived. Latent abilities, harbored in mankind's deepest fibers, wait to be unleashed. Ancient evils awaken, and old fears ignite the fires of war. When a Catrin Volker, a teenage horse trainer, inadvertently fulfills the prophecy of the destroyer, she becomes the most feared and hunted persoon all of Godsland. With the help of her friends, she must convince the world that she wants only peace.
Review: 

       I had very high expectations for this book, and it met all of them! I received this book about a week ago, so I had to put down the novel I was reading in order to finish Call of the Herald in time for today's review. Luckily- well, not luckily, but it kinda worked in my favor- I was sick and got to stay in bed all day and read.
       This book started off a bit slow, and it took me a few chapters to get into it, but once I did, there were no regrets. It also took me a little while to get used to the foreign names of the people and places. Again, no regrets there.
        In the beginning, we hear about a prophecy that had been made years before the book was set. Then we skip ahead a few hundred years into what is supposed to be present time.
        We meet the main character, Catrin, right away. She's depicted as a mostly average girl for
where she lives, although she seems a bit shy, shown in the way she is unwilling to partake in some of her friend and cousin's pranks.
        Catrin fullfils the ancient prophecy without realizing it. Suddenly, she's gone from a young supporting character in someone else's story to a feared, yet revered, legend.
        Now she must go from the timid girl she was to the strong, independent girl she is now, all while trying to prove that she is a benevolent force.
        Although this process was fairly quick, it wasn't quick enough for me to become annoyed.
        I think this is a great book and that everyone should read it, especially since the first two books are free right now.

Rating: 4 stars
Recommended for: anyone who can follow the storyline without getting discouraged.

Disclaimer: I received the omnibus of these books for free in exchange for an honest review.




Godsland Book Two - Inherited Danger 
276 pages
Leaving her homeland behind, Catrin Volker goes in search of knowledge and peace, unaware that she will face the greatest evil her world has ever known.




 







Godsland Book Three- Dragon Ore
268 pages
Dragon Ore is the exciting conclusion of The Dawning of Power trilogy. Clinging to life, Catrin Volker struggles to regain her strength as her foes go in search of even greater power. Ancient enemies threaten and forgotten alliances emerge.









Brian Rathbone started out as a professional racehorse trainer, but he later transformed himself into a network engineer, programmer, and, more recently, rural broadband specialist. One thing that never changed was Brian's love of reading fantasy fiction. For years he would think of story lines for his own stories as a way to keep from dreaming about writing code. When the time came that Brian could concentrate on writing, The World of Godsland became real.

Author Sites:
WebsiteTwitter | Facebook | GoodReads | Trailer | Free Web Game Feral Dragons | Free Web Game Grumpy Dragons
 

Books can be found at: GoodReads |
Amazon 


 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Cover Reveal: The Fault In Our Stars Movie Poster Edition

       So last night they released The Fault In Our Stars movie poster. And I, being the crazy fangirl that I am, immediately began crying. Especially when I saw the description.

"One Sick Love Story"




       How evil is that. (And yes, I do understand both meanings.)
       At school today, my best friends and I sobbed over the beautiful photo and the pose and one of my friends even noticed that if you look at the photo sideways, Hazel and Augustus' heads look a bit like the clouds from the book cover.
       The movie comes out on June 6, 2014. Frankly, I can't wait! Can you? Did you like the book? Did you cry? Sound off in the comments!

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: True Love's First Kiss

Only for a limited time, True Loves First Kiss by Heidi Garrett is only .99 cents for kindle!  True Loves First Kiss is the bind up of Nandana's Mark, The Flower of Isbelline and The Dragon Carnivale.  This series is YA  (ages 14+) Fantasy/High Fantasy/Fairytale Fantasy and is a total of 681 pages.
 
True Love’s First Kiss:

~ Books 1-3 of this five-book series in a single digital bundle ~

Half-Faeries and mortals. Black magic and genocide. Coming of age and coming into power.


~ Book 1 - NANDANA’S MARK ~

Melia longs to fly like the fullblood faeries.

Her mortal father plots to bring war to the Enchanted world.

Her faerie mother practice black magic behind closed doors.

Overshadowed by her parent's obsessions, Melia has become an outcast. She seeks aid from the mysterious Illustrator, who makes a strange mark on her forehead. The mark is meant to draw the help of a green-eyed stranger from distant lands. Before he arrives, a tragic accident destroys what's left of Melia’s already fractured family. Her mother is unforgiving. The punishment she metes out will leave her middle daughter torn between guilt and ecstasy—and will complicate her relationship with the green-eyed stranger.


~ Book 2 - THE FLOWER OF ISBELLINE ~

When a false marriage seduces Melia’s sister,

And the keys to power are at risk,

The cost of denying true love will be apocalyptic.

Melia is determined to stop her sister from pursuing their father’s damning legacy.


~ Book 3 - THE DRAGON CARNIVALE ~

In Illialei, a light queen practices black magic.


In Tyrannis, the dragonwitch rises to power.


In the Mortal World, Umbra pursues the halfbloods as vessels of incarnation.

Energies in the Enchanted World are shifting and new alliances are forming; the Battle of Dark and Light has begun. Melia is desperate to make things right with Ryder, the young priest from Idonne, but first she must warn the halfbloods in the Mortal World that Umbra is coming for them--and face the powerful Dragonwitch and her spectacular Dragon Carnivale.
Find it:
Amazon

If you don't have a kindle, download an app to read on any device here.


 About the Author:

In her life and in her writing, Heidi Garrett is fascinated by thresholds and borders between: human and divine, ego and Self, conscious and unconscious, reality and imagination.

Confronted daily with situations where the most superficial aspects of life are valued, she's obsessed with going deeper.

Whenever she's lost her way, fairy tales and fantastical stories have restored her faith.

Whether you've picked up The Queen of the Realm of Faerie series, or a story in her Once Upon a Time Today collection of contemporary fairytale retellings, these stories feature female characters who must draw from their deepest selves to win.

Heidi was born in Texas, and in an attempt to reside in as many cities in that state as she could, made it to Houston, Lubbock, Austin, and El Paso.  She now lives in Eastern Washington state with her husband, their two cats, her laptop, and her Kindle.

Being from the South, she often contemplates the magic of snow and hopes to remind readers that:
Once upon a time, you lived in an enchanted world...

 Find the author:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads


We'd love your help to spread the word,  and for convenience we've put together some tweets or facebook posts for you.

What’s in a kiss? $0.99 Sale! TrueLove’s First Kiss #amreading #highfantasy #fairytale #quest #romance http://ow.ly/riRkB

$0.99 Sale! Half-Faeries & mortals. Black magic & genocide. Coming of age & coming into power. #TrueLovesFirstKiss http://ow.ly/riRkB

Half-Human, Half-Fae Protagonist Struggles Against the Dark #TrueLovesFirstKiss $0.99 Sale! http://ow.ly/riRkB

$0.99 Sale! TrueLove’s First Kiss #highfantasy #fairytale #compilation #KCD #KindleCountdownDeal http://ow.ly/riRkB

Melia longs to fly like the fullblood faeries… TrueLove’s First Kiss $0.99 #amreading #YA #fantasy #quest #romance http://ow.ly/riRkB

GIVEAWAY: 


a Rafflecopter giveaway   

This has been put together by CBB Book Promotions.

 

Friday, December 13, 2013

Cover reveal and Giveaway: The Underworld King by Ranjit More


Today we're excited to bring to you the cover reveal for the fantasy novel,  The Underworld King by Ranjit More. While this is an adult fantasy, it is appropriate for YA readers.



Book Description:
60,000 miles below the surface of the earth thrives a kingdom inhabited by daityas – giant, fanged beings of the night who sometimes travel to the surface above and eat humans in the hearts of grim forests. Their four-armed king, Drumila, faces a new peril, and this time it is advancing upon him not from the heavens, where his eternal enemies reside, but from the darkest depths of creation. The naagas –giant, flame-breathing serpents– are traveling towards the capital of daityas, intent upon reducing them to ashes, and Drumila must do everything in his power to thwart them. For no matter how strongly he detests his subjects' lifestyle and nature, it is his duty to protect them as king.



 Moved by Drumila's plight, the powerful sage, Shukracharya, swims down into the underworld upon the back of his giant crocodile and convinces his disciple-king to migrate to the surface of the earth.



What follows is an epic exodus to the world above and a strange encounter with a beautiful girl thereupon. Nandini seems to be human, but all signs point towards her having descended from the heavens, the least of which are a delicate waist and long eyes extending up to her ears. But is this a trick of the gods? Drumila will find out soon enough, when the battle begins.

THE UNDERWORLD KING is the tale of the emperor of Paataal, the Hindu underworld, and the goddess of Svarg, the Hindu heaven, and their quest for endless power, lust and each other's destruction.

Here's an excerpt for your enjoyment:

A sage called Shukracharya emerged from the limpid waters of a lake upon the back of a giant, green crocodile. Swiftly had they shot through the reservoir, the sage and the crocodile, like a divine shaft released by Shambhu[1] from the underworld, and had arrived on the banks of the lake, which lay within a myterious island. Yet, it was early, as far as their fixed arrivals at the secret site were concerned, for the sun-globe was still visible in the sky and had yet to redden the earthly firmament.
Churning the life airs[2] within his body, Shukracharya heated the surface of his skin and dried off the water running over it. Then he got down from the crocodile upon the golden sands of the bank and surveyed the forest around him. 

A thousand times over had he seen these woods, which were the residence of his beloved deity, Nataraj, Who produced blazing fires from His third eye and scorched the cosmos until it became devoid of life and matter. Fanning those flames with His destructive dance, Nataraj then destroyed the twelve worlds and their denizens at the end of every divine millenium, and created the worlds anew.

A thrill ran across Shukracharya’s body as he recalled his Lord’s destructive activities, which, although terrific and frightening to most living beings, were necessary for the balance of nature. It produced in him a great desire to see the white Lord immediately, but alas, it was not possible. There were rules to be followed, regulations to be observed, in the divine jungle of Shiva-Shankara. Shukracharya controlled the urge, and turned the other way, for Nataraj didn’t expect his services for one and a half muhurt[3] yet. 

Of course, idols normally didn’t expect anything, seeing as how they were made of gold, stone, wood or jewels (Shukra’s idol was made of jewels) but this particular statue managed to express such things nevertheless, and more. Shukra believed it was due to the divine mystic power of the forest-island than any miraculous result of his own devotion, but he was glad about it either way. Only, whenever Damstra, the crocodile, accompanied him to His sacred grove, did the deity remain lifeless. Otherwise He talked and laughed with Shukra in the most astonishing way.

Since he had time to spend, Shukracharya looked in the direction of south, where he hoped to find something that would occupy him. As though in response, a cool breeze imbrued with many sweet fragrances blew from the direction, beckoning him. 

‘I can smell the scent of the champaka flower in there somewhere,’ he thought, as the fragrances passed him by. ‘And even a hint of bilva!’ Both trees were exceedingly dear to Nataraja; with their flowers and leaves finding extensive use in His worship.
 ‘If not, he thought, at least I’ll get some fresh flowers to tuck in my hair.’
Like most divine sages, Shukracharya had matted hair upon his head, tied in a manner that resembled a large beehive. Due to swimming so rapidly through the waters of the lake, all the flowers and leaves had washed away from it.

Shukracharya turned to his crocodile. “Damstra,” he said, “stay here.” 

The crocodile nodded his heavy, green head but Shukra continued to look upon him. “Last time I saw you, you were holding one of the reptiles from the forest in your mouth.” He narrowed his eyes. “It looked like you were about to swallow the poor creature. May I ask why? At the time I had some important matter pressing on my mind, and I didn’t say anything to you. But now that I remember, I demand to know the meaning of such behavior.” 

The giant crocodile tossed his scaly head as though shaking it in denial. “I never was going to eat it, maharaj[4],” he said in a heavy voice, looking grumpily at the spot where this event had occurred. “But the crocodiles took me to be an ordinary reptile like themselves and came to challenge me. I had to expand my body and display my strength. Would you rather me sit still and do nothing? Your mount?”

“Of course not,” Shukra said at once. “You must defend yourself and your self-respect at all times… I only ask that you don’t kill anything here, on this sacred island.”

“Of course, maharaj,” Damstra said. “I won’t.”

“Very well. Rest awhile.”

Damstra then nodded and began to lumber away lazily on his four, bent legs.

Shukracharya gripped his golden stick firmly and began to walk towards the southern forest, treading upon fine gravel in his wooden sandals. He passed palash trees laden with startling red flowers and groves of kadamb trees, which lent a sweet fragrance to the air, and caused fat bumblebees to buzz lazily around his matted hair.

He must’ve walked for a long time, because when he turned back, the lake, the crocodile and the forest had disappeared from view. As he looked around he only saw tiny shrubs and standing plants growing in large clusters here and there. It was a most wonderful thing. 

Where trees had been at least a yojan[5] tall near the lake, now appeared to be of the mere size of his thumb... If he wanted, Shukra could’ve uprooted a tree with his two fingers by exerting only a bit of force, but he restrained himself. 

‘What strange wonder is this?’ he thought. ‘Everything is so small!’

Shukra looked closer and was astonished even further. Verily, surrounding him on all sides, were hills and mountains…growing to the height of his waist!

He could have sat upon them like a throne, or beat them to crumbling rocks with his stick.
There was no mistaking it. 

Shukracharya had entered the dimension of the humans. 


The Underworld King is now available for purchase for only .99 cents for a limited time! (Regular price: $3.99)


Find the author:
Giveaway:
The author is generously giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky person!
(INT)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This cover reveal was organized and put together by CBB Book Promotions.
 

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday



The One by Keira Cass

I read the first two books in the trilogy, The Selection and The Elite, in early October. I don't know how I've survived this long without reading the final book.
The first two books were so amazingly good that I finished them within twenty-four hours.
I think everyone needs to read these books!

Find it on Goodreads!

-Kayla

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: The Wolf's Cry by Natalie Crown

 I'm excited to reveal the cover of The Wolf's Cry by Natalie Crown. This is a YA Fantasy/Alternate World book that releases January 2014. This is the first book in the The Semei Trilogy.

O

She is his weakness.
And she will ruin everything.

Kammy Helseth's idea of adventure never amounted to more than getting a boat across to the mainland and finally escaping to London. That was until she stumbled through the mouth of the forest into a world beneath our own, the world of the Semei.

Her only wish is to find her way home but when Jamie, her best friend, is taken into this new world of shapeshifters and Crystals she has no choice but to stand up to her fear and to remain beneath the surface. Hunted by Bagor, King of Alashdial, and those that are loyal to him, Kammy finds herself in the company of a group of outlaws led by Jad, a Prince with a bitter past and a similarly bitter demeanour.

They overcome age-old prejudice to find a way to work together. But Bagor knows a secret about the Crystals that threatens to change everything. Kammy and Jad must find a way to thwart the king and to save Jamie, but that is just the beginning. For Kammy is in possession of a Key and the fate of countless lives, both human and Semei, may rest in her hands.
Find the book:



About the Author:
I grew up in a village called Swilland, in the countryside of Suffolk, England. There wasn't much around, other than farms and fields, but for the most part I loved it, and I still do. I’m a passionate person by nature. I don’t just LIKE things, I LOVE things. Whether it’s a book, a film, or a sports team. Once I decide to enjoy something, I enjoy it to the MAX.

I’m a terrible cook. I prioritise essential social media work over keeping my flat tidy, because I know best. I

Onto my love of reading and, consequently, writing - it was my dad that played a big role in encouraging me to read. He didn't push me towards books necessarily; he simply read a lot himself. Then I would pick up his books and read them after him. I was reading high and epic fantasy from a very young age. I guess that might explain why I have always loved adventure stories with magic and intrigue and princes and princesses in.

I was aware that I wanted to ‘be a writer’ from a very young age. I was convinced I would be the first best seller that hadn't reached double figures in age yet! I wrote about the Danshees, furry creatures that lived through a mirror. I wrote about a Sand Bottle that transported a boy into a world of magic. I wrote about a sick girl finding a music boy that healed her, but transported her back in time. (Wow, I always have loved alternate universes…)

When I was eight I wrote my first novel called The Land of No Return. Despite the title, I am determined to return to it one day. I feel like I owe it to my past self. So, as you can see, I have always been writing. There have been times when I have gone weeks without scratching down a word. Then there are days where I churn out multiple chapters and only my body’s silly desire for sleep and/or food can stop me.

I write because I enjoy it. I write fantasy because I enjoy it. I try my hardest to put something of myself into my writing. I like to think my characters have depth, I like to think that my fantasy worlds reflect upon the real world in some way. You guys will be the judge of that but even if you don't agree I know that I at least try and I can do no more than that.

These days I live in North London and I love it. I work full time and London is a hectic city. Juggling work, writing and a social life is tough but nobody is forcing me to do it so I can't complain. The dream is that writing will be my career one day but it doesn't matter if I never quite make it. I love writing too much to ever pack it in.

I am desperate to get a dog. My mum suspects I miss my cats at home more than I miss her. I am a devout Arsenal/Ferrari/Rafael Nadal fan. I get all mad when confronted with a case of social injustice and then I get all mad when people take the fight for social justice too far. I mostly keep those thoughts to myself and simmer with rage. I watch good TV and bad TV, because I can. What I can’t do is enjoy bad books (subjective opinion of course). I just can’t.

Find the author:
Website/BlogTumblr | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


Giveaway:
$40 Amazon Gift Card (INT)
a Rafflecopter giveaway


This cover reveal was organized by CBB Book Promotions.  

Monday, December 9, 2013

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs Review


       I just finished this book around an hour ago and couldn't even wait my standard three or more hours of dwelling on the story before writing a review it was so amazing!
The saddest thing about reading this book was that I had started it in the beginning of October. October! That was two months ago! It's not my fault, though, I had lost the book and I just found it about a week ago.
       Okay. Maybe it was my fault.
       On Friday(?) I was going through a box of finished books (we just moved) and found my copy on the very bottom of the box. I think I slapped myself with it for being so stupid.
Anyways, I finished the book I was reading at that moment and then started where I had left off in Miss Peregrine's.

Review Time!

       I found the story line of this book so impeccably spotless and it flowed so well that I couldn't put it down (until I lost my book.) The characters were flawed just enough to be believable and they became my friends. I didn't want them to leave me (but they did.... When I lost their book...)
       Ransom did an AMAZING job at creating a perfectly unique story unlike any I've ever heard of before. A lot of his characters had grown up in the early 1900s and and writing about that sometimes proves difficult as that period of time is so far removed from us. I think he did an excellent job at it. (Not that I'm a good judge. I have only lived in this recent time, after all.)
        The climax kept me on the edge of my seat- Err, bed- the entire time! I recommend reading Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children the second you can! Or now. Now's good.

Rating: 4.5 Stars
Recommended for: Ages 12+

Saturday, November 30, 2013

I'M BACK

       Sorry I haven't been posting anything recently. After I read Allegiant (Review and rant coming soon) and got past my PTSD over the ending, I decided that I needed a break from all the Dystopian books I've been reading lately and go back to the good 'ole stuff. That basically means that I've been rereading some of my favorite series' and classics for school (We're reading The Taming of the Shrew by Shakespeare right now).
       I've pretty much gotten past that phase and I'm going to read Ms. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children as soon as I finish rereading Opal by Jennifer Armentrout. (I did a review on the first one, Obsidian. Check it out!)
       My TBR Shelf is piling up. I think I may have passed 10 books now that I haven't-but-must-read-soon. It's probably not good that my birthday's coming up on the 16th and I know for a fact that I'm getting A TON of books!
       Anyways, thanks for understanding. I love you guys!

-Kayla

       By the way, my friend sent me the picture at the top when she saw I wasn't updating. I promised her that I would use it.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Sentinel by Jennifer Armentrout Book Tour


Hosted by Stuck In Books

Book summary for Apollyon

Fate isn’t something to mess with… and now, neither is Alex.

Alex has always feared two things: losing herself in the Awakening and being placed on the Elixir. But love has always been stronger than Fate, and Aiden St. Delphi is willing to make war on the gods—and Alex herself—to bring her back.

The gods have killed thousands and could destroy entire cities in their quest to stop Seth from taking Alex’s power and becoming the all-powerful God Killer. But breaking Alex’s connection to Seth isn’t the only problem. There are a few pesky little loopholes in the whole “an Apollyon can’t be killed” theory, and the only person who might know how to stop the destruction has been dead for centuries.

Finding their way past the barriers that guard the Underworld, searching for one soul among countless millions, and then somehow returning will be hard enough. Alex might be able to keep Seth from becoming the God Killer… or she might become the God Killer herself.

Buy the book:


# 1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout Lives in West Virginia. 

All the rumors you heard about her state aren’t true.

Well, mostly. When she's not hard at work writing, she spends her time, reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write.

She is the author of the Covenant Series (Spencer Hill Press), the Lux Series (Entangled Teen), Don't Look Back (Disney/Hyperion) and a yet untitled novel (Disney/Hyperion), and new YA paranormal series with Harlequin Teen.

Jennifer also writes New Adult and Adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn. The Gamble Brothers Series (Tempting the Best Man/Tempting the Player) and Wait for You. Under her pen name, she is published with Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.


Conn

Friday, October 18, 2013

Author Bio: John Theo, Jr.


       John Theo, Jr. has numerous published articles on arts, culture and sports figures. He holds an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Pine Manor College in Chestnut Hill, MA. During the day John serves as Vice President of Operations for Blue Sky Holdings, which owns many commercial fitness clubs. John is also an adjunct professor at Endicott College in Beverly, MA, where he teaches screenwriting. John's Book, The Grotto Under The Tree, has been released by Astraea Press.

Find the author: Website 

Blog Tour Review and Guest Post: The Grotto Under the Tree by John A. Theo Jr.

Blog Tour hosted by Candace's Book Blog

Book Description:
       Follow two young heroes, Sebastian and Sara, as they mistakenly descend into a mystical land where elves, mermaids, gnomes and other mythological creatures live. The two discover they have stumbled into an ancient battle between these fair folk and evil creatures called the Kylo. Their guide on this journey is Capri, an elf lord who is on a quest to find his lost tribe. The Kylo chase the children and Capri in his flying galleon north into the Arctic Circle where they find the most unlikely ally. During the final battle the children learn about sacrifice, love and ultimately forgiveness.



The Grotto Under the Tree Review

        The Grotto Under the Tree is a fast-paced middle grade novel. It's filled with action and adventure.
        The two main characters, Sara and Sebastian, are true friends who would do anything for each other. Together they go on a journey with the mysterious Capri. They meet mermaids and elves and kylo, all stuff that never in their wildest dreams they could have thought up.
        I really liked Sara and Sebastian. They were friends of the best kind. Sara would do anything for Sebastian, including going on a wild journey up north. And Sebastian would do the same for her.

Rating: 4.5 Stars
Recommended for: 9-13



Guest Post


       This original cover was something a friend did for me a long time ago when I first released Grotto. I have since refined the story, and it was subsequently picked up by  Astraea Press who did the phenomenal job on the current cover. I just love everything about the new cover. From the colors to the setting. The staff at Astraea Press exceeded my expectations.






Giveaway





Saturday, October 12, 2013

A Transition from The Lightning Thief to House of Hades **Warning: Spoilery**

        So since Tuesday I have been alternating between reading The Lightning Thief to my brother and The House of Hades to myself. It's made me realize how far Percy and Annabeth have come and the development of their characters. Percy goes from this naive little kid who doesn't believe in monsters to this broken sixteen-year-old who barely bats an eye when it comes to killing one of them. And then their's Annabeth who is so totally enraptured with Percy in TLT though she would never admit it. But by HoH she is openly showing her feelings and holding Percy's hand and comforting him. And Percy's returning the affection.
        
Rachel Dare has come far as well. She's no longer the fourteen-year-old girl with the silly crush on Percy. She is now the Oracle of Delphi, frightening, yet lovable and human. (Although she still has her blue plastic hairbrush.)

        Nico is definitely not the same person he was before. He's no longer the geeky tag-a-long with a love of Mythomagic. He admits that he never was in love with Annabeth and instead had always loved Percy. In admitting that he made himself stronger and secured a place on the team.
        
You don't see Grover that much in this book, but in the short amount of time he is there you can tell he's different. He's not the satyr who couldn't fit in anymore. He is now head of the council and he has friends who care about him.
        
Even the newer characters have changed in the last four books. Jason is no longer this untouchable guy. He's more down to earth (no pun intended) and his leadership qualities have improved. Piper isn't the Damsel in Distress anymore. She can take care of herself.

        Hazel has finally seen her true potential and her part in the quest. She's accepted that she is the daughter of Pluto and all it entails. Frank isn't the cuddly bear of a guy he was in SoP. He's completely learned to use his gifts and has grown up.

        Even Leo is different. He still cracks bad jokes and lightens the mood, but he no longer thinks of himself as the dreaded 'seventh wheel'. And he's found love.
         This strong character development is what has secured Rick Riordan on the list of beloved authors for years to come. It is what has kept readers, children and adults alike, coming back for more. And it's what helps Percy and the gang survive their many adventures.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Waiting On Wednesday


Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm showcasing Allegiant, the last book in the Divergent Trilogy. It comes out on October 22, just twenty days away!


Are you as excited for Allegiant as I am? Tell me in the comments!

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan


       I just finished reading this book about an hour ago, and it was AMAZING! It has an awesome storyline and all the characters were very well rounded. It was almost like listening to real people talk at times.
       Throughout the book I would fall in love with the different characters and the writing style. Sarah did an amazing job at creating her own.
       And then, of course, I loved the fact that the story was set in England. Which in case you didn't know, is my favorite country.
       In this book the main character, Kami Glass, can speak to a boy through her mind. But then the Lynburns move back into town. They own most of the place and live in a giant manor overlooking everyone.
       Kami wants to become a reporter and find out what's up with the mysterious Lynburns. So she tries to interview one of the teenage boys.
       That's when she realizes that this boy is the same one who has been in her head all her life.
       I recommend you go pick this book up right now, especially since the second book, Untold, just came out this past week.

Rating: 4.5 stars
Recommended for: 13+

Stacking the Shelves



       Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviewswhere we showcase all the books we got that week.
       This week I am happy to announce that I took a trip to Barnes & Nobles and came back with a medium-sized haul.
       The books I got were:

1. The Selection by Keira Cass


2. Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan





3. Paper Towns by John Green



Saturday, September 28, 2013

The Dead Boys by Royce Buckingham



       My younger brother brought this book home one night and I decided it had a fairly good storyline.
       So I took it from him.
       I read the book that night and returned it to him before he even noticed it was gone.
       This middle-grade book was chock full of adventure and evil, murderous trees.... And dead boys.
       When twelve-year-old Teddy moves with his mother to a town in the middle of Nowhere, Washington, he is bombarded with strange hallucinations and a very irrational fear of the old sycamore tree next door.
       Now Teddy has to figure out whether or not he's insane and find the new friends he keeps making.... And losing.
       I think any middle-schooler looking for a quick and easy read will find The Dead Boys very enjoyable.

Rating: 3.5 stars
Recommended for: 10+


Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Waiting On Wednesday



Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm featuring House of Hades by Rick Riordan, which comes out twelve days from now.

At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy's instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea's forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?

They have no choice. If the demigods don't succeed, Gaea's armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.


Tuesday, September 24, 2013

This weeks to-read list... A day late.

This weeks to-read list... A day late.

1. The Dead Boys by Royce Buckingham
Summary (from inside cover)

       There's a dark side to Teddy's new town...

       When Teddy Mathews moves to Richland, his main concern is making new friends. But something is not right about this quiet desert town: All the boys he meets seem to vanish before his eyes, while the imposing shadows of the giant tree outside his house appear to be hiding more than darkness.

       With the branches of the massive sycamore scratching at his window, Teddy's life becomes a waking nightmare that no one else believes. Can Teddy escape the tree's terrifying grasp and solve the mystery of the missing boys before he becomes the next boy to disappear?*


2. **


*The Dead Boys is the only book I have down for this week because it is the only one I know I will finish and not get distracted.

**Looking for Alaska has been removed from this list at this point in time because I am extremely mad at my friend for telling me what happens. :)

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Existence by Abbi Glines

Existence by Abbi Glines

       After much begging from one of my friends to read this book, I finally did. And now, I wish she had told me about it sooner!
       I immediately fell in love with the main character, Pagan Moore. The author did an amazing job at creating a well-rounded character.
       And then, of course, there's the mysterious soul who keeps following her and can talk, which has never happened before with any of the other souls she's seen throughout her life. I had a crush on him within the first fifty pages.
       But, so did Pagan.
       Pagan knows she shouldn't fall for him because he is, well, dead. So she finds solace in her boyfriend, Leif.
       But when she walks into school one day and sees that her soul is the famous Dank Walker, lead singer in the band Cold Soul, all heck breaks loose.
       I loved this book and the fact that it's written in the same way as Jennifer Armentrout, another author I love. As soon as I read the first book, I had to read the second, Predestined.
       And then the third, Ceaseless.
       I didn't want this series to end, and I cried when it did. (Come to think about it, I cried A LOT in this series.)
       No matter how many tears I shed, there was always two laughs to go with each.
       I recommend you pick up this book right away. Go. Shoo. Stop reading this!

Rating: 4.5
Recommended for: 14+ for language



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Monday, September 16, 2013

This week's to-read list

This week's to-read list

Ha ha. Very funny. I know I didn't finish my list. Again. I'm beginning to think I shouldn't make a list, especially since I have a one track mind that thinks, 'gotta finish this book. Okay. Done. Next on the list is.... Oooohhh, shiny cover! First page, hmmm interesting. Lovable MC, hot love interest. I think I'm gonna like living between these pages. No, stop reading. Finish other book. Can't now. Too immersed.'
And that is what happens in my head, if there is any possible way to understand any of that.
Anyways, this week's list consists of:

1. Existence by Abbi Glines
Summary (from Goodreads)

What happens when you're stalked by Death? You fall in love with him, of course.

Pagan Moore doesn't cheat Death, but instead, falls in love with him.

Seventeen year old Pagan Moore has seen souls her entire life. Once she realized the strangers she often saw walking through walls were not visible to anyone else, she started ignoring them. If she didn't let them know she could see them, then they left her alone. Until she stepped out of her car the first day of school and saw an incredibly sexy guy lounging on a picnic table, watching her with an amused smirk on his face. Problem is, she knows he's dead.

Not only does he not go away when she ignores him, but he does something none of the others have ever done. He speaks. Pagan is fascinated by the soul. What she doesn't realize is that her appointed time to die is drawing near and the wickedly beautiful soul she is falling in love with is not a soul at all.

He is Death and he's about to break all the rules.

2. Looking For Alaska by John Green (it's back!)
Summary (from back cover)

Alaska Young. Gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, screwed up - and utterly fascinating. Miles Halter could not be more in love with her. But when tragedy strikes, Miles discovers the value and the pain of living and loving unconditionally.


And two is the winning number. Again. I would add more, as I have over 200 to-reads on Goodreads, but I can't plan ahead.

Sometimes I really think I have ADHD.