Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

First, thank you to HarperTeen for sending me the ARC of this book. I love being able to write these reviews.

There are so many wonderful things to say about Unearthly. At first, I wasn't entirely sure how I was going to feel about it, but the more I read the more I fell in love with this story. I've also had a somewhat difficult time getting my thoughts just right for this, because I want to be able to give this book the justice it deserves.

Clara Gardner has learned that she is an angel blood, a descendant of angel and human parents. For the most part she is your typical teenage girl; only she has wings, the ability to heal fast, and has an otherworldly glow when she's really in tune with the world around her. So, when Clara begins to receive visions of her purpose, the reason she was put on Earth, she is excited to get to work.

The vision doesn't give her all of the details, only bits and pieces, but one thing she does know is there's a boy and he needs her help. Turning her and her families lives upside down, Clara moves to Wyoming and discovers that her quest to fulfill her purpose won't be as easy as she thought.

I thought that I had this story all figured out, but I wasn't pleasantly surprised to find that it didn't go the way that I thought it would. Clara was very much like a regular sixteen year old girl who just happened to have special abilities and I think that made her a little more relatable as a character. She struggled with fitting in among her classmates and figuring out how to get closer to the boy in her visions, Christian Prescott, and you could tell the effect it had on her. Insert Tucker Avery, the twin brother of her friend Wendy, and things definitely don't go the way that Clara had planned.

Her mother, Meg, and friend Angela are two characters that I found myself wondering just what was going on with them. We get introduced to them, sure, but you soon learn there is more going on with them than you're originally led to believe.

The moments between Clara and Christian, when they are together, are natural and sweet. It's clear they have a connection, but just what is that connection. The surprise character though I believe was Tucker. The relationship he developed with Clara was absolutely adorable and he developed more of her human side. I loved the change in Clara's narration when she was with Tucker, it was lighter and happier, as opposed to how she was when trying to figure out Christian.

I feel like I'm giving too much away, maybe I didn't give anything away at all, but one thing that I can say is that I absolutely loved this first book in the Unearthly series and already can't wait for book two. Cynthia Hand's plot was brilliant and the subtle changes in her characters' voice were masterful. If you're looking for something cute and romantic with a hint of mystery, then I highly recommend this book. To find out more information about the author and this series you can check out her website here http://cynthiahandbooks.com/ or follow her on twitter here http://twitter.com/CynthiaHand.

Matched by Ally Condie

I fell in love with this book from the very beginning. Not only is this cover absolutely sensational, but the story line and premise were expertly delivered by Ally Condie. I couldn't put it down.

For Cassia Reyes, her matching banquet was the moment she had been looking forward to her whole life. The night she would find out who the Officials had decided she was best suited to marry and start a family with. And when her match turned out to be her best friend Xander, things couldn't have worked out more perfectly.

That is, until she saw another boys face on the microcard, or information card, she received for Xander. Life as Cassia knew it would never be the same again.

In the dystopian world that Ally created, the government had complete control over the people. The Society came in when things became too overwhelming and took over, taking care of the people and making sure everyone lived long and productive lives. No one complained because they were well provided for; jobs, food, school, matches. What could they possibly long for that they didn't already have?

Cassia never considered questioning the way things were done, until she saw Ky's face instead of Xander's. And then she began to think, to wonder. What if we had more choices?

In a society where, on the surface, everything seemed perfect and taken care of, there was more happening behind the scenes than anyone else knew about. There was a slow build up to Cassia's rebellion, her desire for more freedom, which I thought was just right for her. Being around her match was familiar, she knew what to expect and believed she would always be safe with him. With Ky, her longing to learn more about him, to comfort him, was stronger, opening her eyes to the reality around her.

Their relationship was beautiful and sweet, making the already intricate plot even more fascinating. I found myself cheering them on with each chapter, hoping for more interaction between them.

My only complaint was that the story had to come to an end. I didn't want to say goodbye to Cassia and Ky just yet, and I love Ally Condie for creating such wonderful characters for us to fall for. If you're looking for a love story, I highly recommend Matched. There are two more books in this amazing series, the next one named Crossed, which I can't wait to read.

For more information about Ally Condie and the Matched series you can check out her website here http://www.allysoncondie.com/ or you can follow her on twitter here http://www.twitter.com/allycondie.

Giveaways!

Okay, remember when I reviewed Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton?

Well, her book is coming out in February, and leading up to the big day she's having a giveaway each week. That's right, and it's your opportunity to win either a copy of her book, Angelfire, or of Nightshade this week. You have a chance to win a copy of some amazing books!

If you want to enter here's the link: http://courtney-allison.blogspot.com/2010/12/fear-reaper-giveaways-week-6.html

Cover for City of Fallen Angels

Anyone who reads my reviews can tell how excited I get over book covers. Some absolutely blow me away, while others are just so, so...

Well, the cover that Cassandra Clare posted for the next book in The Mortal Instruments Series, City of Fallen Angels, has me beyond ecstatic! They are beautiful and I'm even more thrilled for this next installment.

Even the banner with all of the cover images so far is breathtaking!

I can't wait for this next book to be released. Her series seems to have some of the best covers in my opinion, which just happens to go along with how fabulous her writing is. Thank you for sharing this with us Cassie!

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Yes, I'm finally getting around to writing my review for this book, so hold on to your seats.

First, one of the reasons I'm writing this now is because I want to make a comparison of sorts between this series and Matched (which I will be writing the review for after this). There's no way that either of these books could be compared, they are both set in different worlds and have completely different premises. But, at the same time they are both about oppression and finding the will to fight back.

For Katniss Everdeen, her world has always been about survival; finding enough food to trade for other things to keep her family from going hungry, hunting with her best friend Gale, keeping her family together after her father passes away. She has always been the protector of her family.

So when her little sisters name is called in the drawing for the annual Hunger Games, it's no surprise that Katniss volunteers to go in her place. She puts her life on the line to keep her sister safe and to possibly provide more for her District.

The Hunger Games is a riveting story that shows just what people are willing to do to survive. Before I had gotten to the point where the actual competition began, I stopped, afraid that it would remind me of Lord of the Flies (a book that I personally didn't enjoy reading in high school). But, I was surprised and pleased to discover that it was vastly different and so much more engaging.

I loved the characters that Katniss found herself surrounded by leading up to the games, her view of how unjust it all seemed, and just how clueless she was to the effect she had on her teammate Peeta and her best friend Gale.

At times this story was difficult to get through and others I couldn't put the book down. It was beautifully crafted and engaging, terrifying and yet encouraging. Suzanne Collins created something beyond words with this first book and I know the rest of the series is just as masterful.

Mailbox Surprises

So, this week was a pretty nice week for me. I got some great books in that I can't wait to get started on. First, Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead was released this week, the last book in her Vampire Academy series.

I fell in love with this series from the beginning. Her unique take on the vampire world was wonderfully thought out and the main character, Rose Hathaway, is one tough chick. She's sarcastic and smart and very too the point, I love her. Even though it's sad that this series is coming to an end, I know that Richelle will give it the ending it deserves (plus she's doing a spin off series with the characters from the Vampire Academy world *squee*).

Matched by Ally Condie came in the mail for me over the weekend and I couldn't wait to get started on this book. It's a dystopian series, but definitely different than say the Hunger Games (which was a fantastic book by the way, just a different society and dynamic set up).

This cover is brilliant and I've already fallen in love with this book. There's so much about it that just draws you in and I know the rest of it is going to be even better (can't wait for books 2 and 3)!

The second book in Laura Kreitzer's Timeless series also arrived in the mail for me this week and I am so excited to get started on it.

Not only is Laura a fantastic story teller, but her characters are also fascinating and so much fun to read. I hated reaching the end of Shadow of the Sun and can't wait to read the next step in Gabriella's journey.

Lastly, I got a few ARCs in from HarperTeen that I've been itching to get my hands on, so thank you guys for passing them on to me and giving me the chance to read them.

 

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand sounded so cute from the summary (and apparently I'm on an angels kick right now, so why not). I know this one will be great!

 

Delirium by Lauren Oliver is another dystopian type of story that sounded so intriguing, I couldn't not want to read it. The cure for falling in love. Yep, I definitely can't wait to read this one.

 

And Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr. Okay, I had the privilege of meeting Melissa at the Chicks Kick It Tour and she is quite possibly the sweetest person on the planet. She was so encouraging and adorable, it's a joy to be able to read this book in her Faeries series (Wickedly Lovely is the first). 

Books I Can't Wait to Read

Okay, so lately there have been more and more books coming out that are just fabulous. It's so nice to be able to go to a store and not be able to choose which book I want to get because they all sound so intriguing. When I was growing up things definitely weren't that way.

And, since the holidays are coming up, I figured it would be kind of fun to talk about the books we can't wait to read. Whether they haven't been released yet, or your just waiting for your copy to come in, I want to know what you're excited to read.

For me, I'm going crazy for the next book in the Nightshade series:

I fell in love with the first book. The characters, storyline, even the premise were all superbly done. And when I reached the end of Nightshade, I just sat there going "This can't be the end! Not yet!" So yeah, I really can't wait for this next book.

Another one I'm really excited to start is Soul Stalker:

I just recently finished the first book, Shadow of the Sun, and was amazed at how wonderful it was. Not only are the covers jaw-droppingly gorgeous, but the writing and tale are beyond words. I'm just itching to get my copy of Soul Stalker in the mail.

A book that was just released Tuesday that I'm waiting for is Matched:

The cover alone is breathtaking and the description drew me in even further. I've heard nothing but good things about this book and am most definitely excited to get my hands on it.

What books are you dying to read? Let me know.

Shadow of the Sun by Laura Kreitzer

First of all, I absolutely love the cover for this book! It is insanely beautiful and just amazing. This is what first drew me in to look at this series and I can certainly say that I was not disappointed. I wasn't really sure about the story when I first started it, but the more I read the more I wanted to keep reading. Putting it down to go to bed was nearly impossible, I was so in to it.

Laura Kreitzer not only came up with a unique take on angels, but is also a fabulous story teller.

Gabriella Moretti worked as a supernatural specialist in a lab, trying to prove or disprove different paranormal mysteries. One day a case comes into her office that she can't even begin to figure out how to solve, and she ends up on a journey she never would have imagined. With three regenerated bodies that show up in her lab, Gabriella learns that there are angels, but not like the stories you've always heard. I pictured them like Greek gods sitting on Mount Olympus (which happen to be my favorite myths).

So much happens in this book and I don't want to give any of it away. Gabriella is a wonderful character, strong and independent, and she handles the new world she's thrust into rather well. Along the way she's gains the help of Joseph, and FBI agent, and the three angels.

Andrew, one of the three angels, protects Gabriella as they try to free the others and figure out just what it is that's going on around them. With Dreams of the past haunting her, and new powers surfacing that she never knew she had, a whole new journey is opened up for Gabriella and her friends.

Prophecies and lies, angels and shadows, there's so much more than any of them could have ever imagined.

I absolutely fell in love with this book and the characters, Andrew especially. Once I found myself nearing the end I kept trying to drag it out until I could get the next book in the series, Soul Stalker. But hopefully I should be getting that soon, too. This story was wonderfully told, leaving the reader anxious to find out just where it all leads.

The Timeless series is one that I highly recommend if you're looking for adventure, romance, and mystery. To learn more about Laura Kreitzer, the Timeless series, and the other series she's working on you can check out her website at: http://www.laurakreitzer.com or you can follow her on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/LauraKreitzer.

Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

If you haven't read Beautiful Creatures, this review will contain a few spoilers from that book.

These ladies did it again, another fabulous book for the Caster Chronicles that I just absolutely loved. Kami and Margi have such fluid writing, you'd think that these books were written by one person instead of two, which I think only adds to the stories.

Beautiful Darkness picks up a couple of months after Beautiful Creatures ended, taking us right to the funeral of Macon Ravenwood. From that moment I knew that this book was going to be difficult to get through. We all know how difficult it is to move on from the death of a loved one, and the struggle that Lena goes through is wonderfully portrayed. She was desperately trying to find her own way, struggling with her love for Ethan and the powers she can barely control.

Ethan was doing everything he could to hold them together, to keep their relationship from falling apart. In the midst of all that, new characters were introduced and Ethan found himself being pulled further and further into the Caster world. With Ridley, Lena's Dark Caster cousin, and her friend John spending more time with Lena, Ethan goes to Marianne and her research assitant, Liv, to do what he can to help Lena. He's seeing visions of Macon's past, and learning just how many secrets Gatlin has.

Unlike the first book, we get a better look into the Caster world and just how entrenched it is around Gatlin and the rest of the world. And Ethan finds out just how much of a connection he has to that world. With Caster tunnels, Caster pets, crazy aunts, and Southern traditions, the beautiful world that Kami and Margi created comes to life in a new and exciting way in this second installment.

And just like from the first book, I loved that it's told from Ethan's perspective. I'm always a fan of reading something from a male perspective, there's something fascinating about it. Add to the fact that we're also getting to see this world from a mortal's point of view on top of that and it makes it even better. I just think that was a smart move on both of their parts to do that. 

Just as they proved in Beautiful Creatures, not everything is as it seems in Gatlin County. There are even more questions left to be answered now and more to look forward to. So I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the next two books in the Caster Chronicles, thank you Kami and Margi for sharing this books with us and putting so much time and effort into them.

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

This debut novel was wonderfully written and impossible to put down. Courtney Moulton created a fascinating world and a unique take on angels and demons that I really enjoyed.

Ellie Monroe was a normal girl. She had close friends, loved to go to parties, and dreamed of going to college. Sure she had intense nightmares of battling reapers every night, but those were just dreams, right?

The day before her seventeenth birthday Ellie ran into Will, a boy that looked to be no older than twenty and was someone that she seemed to have a connection with. It wasn't until the night of her birthday that she realized just how much of a connection there really was.

He was her guardian, her protector, and she... she was the Preliator. It was her job to battle reapers and protect the lives of humans from being stolen and sent to Hell.

Quite a story, huh? Well it's just as difficult for Ellie to believe and takes even more for her to fully accept what Will tells her. They've traveled together for centuries, their bond only growing stronger over time, but things are different this time.

One of the things I really appreciate about this story was that it jumped right into the action instead of slowly building up to it for a few chapters. Ellie is a strong character, sarcastic and beautiful, and she's a typical seventeen year old girl, just wanting to hang out with her friends and be normal. With Will by her side she can do anything.

With each new chapter I found it difficult to put the book down so that I could get some sleep. I loved the relationship between Ellie and Will and wanted to learn more about their past and adventures that they had been through. Courtney Allison Moulton's use of dark imagery with the reapers and fights, mixed with the light banter of Ellie's relationship with Will was perfectly done. The story was dark and scary, but Will added a sense of hope from the doom.

I definitely can't wait for the next two books in the series and recommend you check them out. To learn more about Courtney and the Angelfire series, you can't check out her website here: http://www.courtneyallisonmoulton.com or follow her on twitter here: http://twitter.com/CAMoulton.

Blood Promise and Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

If you haven't read any of the books in The Vampire Academy Series then this review will contain some spoilers for you. Please read carefully.

 Richelle Mead has created such a fabulous world with the Vampire Academy Series. A little background in case you haven't read the other's in this series. They are all of Russian descent, and there are vampires called Moroi and half-vampires called dhampir's. They are all mortal, but have slightly longer lives than humans. The only vampire's in this world that are immortal are Strigoi who are the most dangerous.

The main character, Rose Hathaway, is a dhampir and is training to be a guardian for her best friend, Lissa Dragomir, who is one of the Moroi royals. Dhampir's are protectors for the Moroi and fight the Strigoi to keep them safe. Rose's mentor, Dimitri, helped her train when she and Lissa returned to their school after running away. But, in the end, their relationship formed into something more.

In Blood Promise, Rose leaves her school of St. Vladimir's and Lissa behind in search of Dimitri. Watching him being bitten by the Strigoi had been devastating for her, especially now that everyone thinks he is dead. Rose knows better, and wants to journey to his home country of Siberia to help set him free.

Along the way Rose comes into contact with an Alchemist, Dimitri family, and Abe Mazur, a man who ends up being a thorn in her side no matter what she does. Before Rose takes the final steps to search Dimitri out, she also meets another shadow-kissed pair that teach her more about the bond and connection she shares with Lissa.

This book was heart breaking and beautiful. At times it was difficult for me, but I wanted to know what happened next. The world that Richelle Mead has created is unique and refreshing, a wonderful take on the life of vampire's. Instead of this tale being told from the perspective of a Moroi, as you would expect, we get to read it from Rose, a guardian who can be right in the thick of the action.

I found myself fighting back tears through the majority of this book, wondering just how much more she could possibly take. Just when you think you know what's going to happen, Richelle pulls the rug out from under you to reveal there's so much more to the story.

And then came Spirit Bound, the fifth book in this amazing series. It's graduation time for the students at St. Vladimir's. The dhampir's are eager for their guardian assignments and the Moroi are anxious for their places among their peers.

Rose is concerned about not getting assigned to Lissa and is attempting a dangerous mission to find out if Strigoi can be healed. Not only does she endanger herself, Lissa, fellow guardian Eddie, and Rose's boyfriend Adrian, but she also lets a dangerous Moroi criminal loose.

This next installment in the Vampire Academy series was just as difficult to read as Blood Promise, leaving just as many questions unanswered.

With Dimitri back and new age laws coming into effect for dhampir's training to be guardians, things are really beginning to heat up in the vampire world. Richelle does an amazing job of showing the emotional turmoil that Rose and her friends are going through, ripping your heart out along with them. So much happens in this next installment, and I don't want to give it away. Just prepare yourself for an incredible journey.

I can hardly wait for Last Sacrifice, the final book in this series, to be released and there isn't that much longer for that. For more information on Richelle Mead and the other books she's written, you can check it out here: http://www.richellemead.com or you can follow her on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/richellemead.

Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

In Kimberly Derting's The Body Finder, we learn all about how Violet Ambrose's talent works, the intensity of the call, and about her relationship with Jay Heaton. Well, in this fabulous sequel, we're taken on a whole new journey with Violet that will take her on a path that she's not really ready for.

Desires of the Dead picks up a couple of months after the ending of The Body Finder. And just as I had fallen in love with the cuteness that was Violet and Jay's relationship before, we get even more of it in the sequel. But, as they grow closer, new feelings arise: including jealousy and lust.

And when Violet unexpectedly comes across the body of a small boy that she's incapable of reaching, she calls the police in hopes of keeping her good deed quiet. Once an FBI agent begins calling her, requesting to meet up, Violet realizes that she wasn't as careful as she thought.

New problems also arise as Violet discovers someone is stalking her, warning her to tread carefully. A dead cat left at near her car, a scary note, and tons of unanswered phone calls are just the beginning as Violet tries to figure out who is after her. But the more she searches, the further behind she leaves everyone else, keeping these important moments to herself. I found it interesting and very in character that Violet kept her family and friends in the dark, as best she could, about what she was dealing with. After everything that had happened in The Body Finder, she didn't want them to worry needlessly and tried to handle everything on her own, keeping secrets from those she loved the most.

Kim Derting did an amazing job in bringing a new level to Violet and her special talent. Not only did she have to learn how to balance her relationships and fears, but she also had decide when and who to open to about what she could do. This story is intriguing and gut wrenching, reminding of how wonderful and awful it was to be a teenager.

If you're looking for a story that has mystery and intrigue, love and loss, forgiveness and answers, then I highly recommend Desires of the Dead. The call of the dead is just to strong for Violet Ambrose to ignore, but what about the rest of her life?

Fallen and Torment by Lauren Kate

The cover is what first pulled me in to want to read this book. The tale alone that picture tells is absolutely phenomenal. And then the prologue was enough to seal the deal for me, I knew that I wanted to figure out just what this whole book was about.

Lucinda Price, or Luce, starts out being enrolled at Sword & Cross, a boarding school for troubled teens, as a last resort. Yet, it becomes very apparent that Luce isn't like the others. If anything, it seemed like she had been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

She doesn't really remember what happened. Only that there was a fire that killed the first boy she had liked and Shadows, the same Shadows that have haunted her for her entire life. What really happened? That's the question everyone has been asking her, but she doesn't know.

When Luce finally meets Daniel, everything else changes. She wants to understand why the shadows are chasing her, but more than that she wants to figure out why he seems to hate her so much. They've only just met right?

Lauren Kate builds a fantastic tale with Fallen, bringing in a wonderful cast of characters that help set the stage for Luce and Daniel's story. She never could have imagined falling in love so deeply, and with a fallen angel no less. Luce also learns there's more to her than she realized. Something that's a danger to her.

Again the cover is what first pulled me in, absolutely beautiful. I also love that the Prologues and Epilogues are in Daniels points-of-view.

The sequel to Fallen, Torment, picks up right where the first left. Luce finally knows the truth about Daniel, but he's not telling her everything. There is still so much that Luce doesn't understand and she's willing to find out from anyone who will tell her.

In order to protect Luce, Daniel takes her to Shoreline, a boarding school for Nephilim. Along the way he only gives her parts of the story, hoping to satisfy her curiosity for the time being, but Daniel should have known better.

Each new bit that she learns, Luce only wants to find out more. Her curiosity is piqued, and with a chance to better understand why Daniel chose her, why wouldn't she take it.

Again Lauren Kate lays a beautiful foundation for her characters, answering some questions, but leaving more left. Luce is growing into her own, wanting to figure things out for herself instead of blinding following the others along for once. I loved the "backbone" Luce seemed to grow in this book and definitely wanted to see more.

Yet at the same time I felt for Daniel. All he wanted was to protect her, for fear of losing her again. Luce is the love of his life, the one person he risked everything for.

The ending of Torment left me begging for more and I honestly can't wait for "Passion", the third book in the series to come out. There's only so much I can say in these reviews without giving away the entire plot, I want to leave that up to you guys. And I can honestly say that if there is one series that you won't want to put down, it is the Fallen series.

For more information about the series and author you can check out her website and blog at: http://www.laurenkatebooks.net/ or follow her on twitter at: http://twitter.com/laurenkatebooks

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

From the moment I read the summary of this book I was sucked in and finally being able to read the book was just the same. Sophie Jordan has created a master piece that I can't wait to learn more about.

In this first installment we mean Jacinda. She is a descendant of dragons called a draki and a novelty even among her kind. She was one of the few fire breathers left. One afternoon, she and her best friend sneak out to fly during the day and are nearly captured by hunter's. Jacinda actually comes face to face to with one, a boy about her age who, surprisingly lets her go.

When the rest of her pride, and mother find out, Jacinda and her twin sister are taken away during the middle of the night to live amongst the humans. This is where I feel the books summary lacked a little, which is even better as a reader because I wasn't expecting the turn the story took.

Not only is Jacinda's mother unable manifest, or to change from her human form into her draki, but her twin sister was never able to. She is an outsider in her family and among her new human peers, fighting to keep the only part of herself that's ever made sense to her. And when she comes face to face with the hunter, Will, that could have killed her, Jacinda has to fight the feelings she feels toward him as well.

In my opinion, Sophie Jordan hit the mark with this story, her first foray into Young Adult, and can only go higher. Not only was the storyline intriguing and wonderfully thought out, but her descriptions really made Jacinda come to life. As a fire breather she has to not only fight her base instincts to manifest into her draki form, but to blow fire and smoke at the most inappropriate of times.

The connection between Jacinda and her hunter are what really bring this to life for me as well. He's the one thing that allows her to hold on to her draki and she doesn't know why. All of her instincts tell her to fight it and to stay away from him, but what happens when she can't anymore? And when it becomes apparent that the life she left behind with her pride is catching up with her, Jacinda will have some even more difficult decisions to make.

Even though it hasn't been that long since this book first came out, I already can't wait for the second book in the series to be released. Uncovering more about the draki and the beautiful relationship between Jacinda and Will is what awaits us!

So, if this books catches your interest and you want to learn more about it and Sophie Jordan you can check out her website at: http://www.sophiejordan.net/ and follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/SoVerySophie

Blogiversary Giveaway

Babbling Flow's Blogiversary is this month and she's celebrating with a fabulous giveaway! So stop on over and see if there are any books you'd like to when. Also, you get 20 extra entries if you send people to follow her blog, so if you decide to please let me know with a comment on this post so I add them to my form as well.

Contest ends October 31st! Good luck to everyone and here's the link: http://babblingflow.blogspot.com/2010/10/blogiversary-arc-giveaway.html

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Crescendo picks up right where Hush, Hush left off and brings you on even more emotional roller coaster than before. Some questions are answered, but more are brought up and you are left wondering what could possibly happen now.

Nora and Patch have grown closer together, but as with any budding relationship, that first fight can be a doozy, and the close bond they once shared is broken. Patch begins spending more time with Nora's nemesis Marcie, and she finds herself thrown together with the new guy in town Scott.

Each new encounter brings trouble and heartache, especially now that Nora has learned about the Nephilim and her connection to them. And as she starts seeing the ghost of her father again, she starts to wonder if she's really going crazy. Dreams and memories, fights and sacrifices, secrets and betrayal, this sequel has it all and so much more. I found myself relating to Nora's desperation to protect those she loves and wanting what she can't have.

Becca Fitzpatrick does an absolutely amazing job of expanding the world she's created and really delving into the difficult emotions that they were experiencing. Relationships aren't always easy, especially when you're dating an angel.

This next installment in the Hush, Hush series was enthralling, I couldn't put it down. The ending is a true cliffhanger in which I couldn't believe that the story was actually over, it just didn't seem right that it should end there. But, like any author worth her salt, Becca Fitzpatrick set her fans and future readers up to want to continue this journey with Nora and Patch. And hopefully Tempest, the third book in this series, will answer all of our questions and more. This was definitely my favorite book so far and I have no doubt the next one will be even better.

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

 I can't say enough good things about this book. First and foremost, it was not at all how I expected it to be, and that made it even better. Kiersten White weaved a great tale, and created some pretty amazing characters that I can't wait to read more about.

Evie is special, she can see through the glamours that paranormals show and is the only one in the world who can do it. Her days consist of bagging and tagging dangerous paranormals for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, when all she really wants is to have a normal life. How can your life be normal when you travel by fairy paths and your expected to bring in werewolves, vampires, and even hags.


She has an astounding whit and is very much a teenage girl that loves pink and dreams of being asked to prom by the perfect guy. Only difference is that she carries a taser with her, is best friends with a mermaid, Lish, and had even been involved with a fairy, Reth. And Reth doesn't seem to know how to take no for an answer, he still continues to come after her and is doing something to her than none of them can explain. He's literally heating her up.

When Lend, a shape-shifter about Evie's age, breaks into IPCA, everything that Evie thought she knew is turned completely upside down. Not only is the Agency she's worked for and lived at not what she thought it was, but neither is she. There's more to her special ability than anyone could have imagined and there are very people she can trust.

Kiersten White did a phenomenal job with this story and I for one can't wait to find out what else happens. It's not your typical high school romance story, or your typical paranormal story either, but that's what makes it even better. I couldn't put it down and I expect with will you. For more information on Paranormalcy and the other books in this wonderful series check out her website: http://www.kierstenwhite.com/, blog:
http://kierstenwrites.blogspot.com/, or follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/kierstenwhite

Shiver and Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

When I first set out to write this review, I kept hitting a roadblock when trying to express just what it is that I love about this series and its characters. In my head I know exactly why, but trying to put it into words has proven to somewhat difficult.

Maggie Stiefvater took a legend that we've all become accustomed to (from other books and some badly done reenactments done in Hollywood) and made it her own.

This story, this series really, is about so much more than werewolves and the way she writes it, you almost find yourself wondering if it could actually happen.

Shiver is about hope and love, loneliness and longing, heat and shivering.

Two of her main characters, Grace Brisbane and Sam Roth, are two halves of a whole that seemed to have been waiting for each other their entire lives. Grace is the girl who was bitten by wolves that lived in the woods behind her parents house and miraculously never shifted into one of them. Sam wasn't so lucky. He spent his life raised by them, forming a new family when his no longer accepted him. He is the wolf she used to see outside her bedroom window with the beautiful yellow eyes, and she's the girl that he longed to be near. After the death of one of the local boys in Mercy Falls, Sam and Grace find themselves thrust together by impossible circumstances and do everything that they can to keep them together.

The other main character, the thing they have to fight against throughout the story, is the cold. Each bout of shivers brings him one step closer to that horrible shift, the change he can't bear to go through.   Not only is the first installment of this series incredibly enthralling, it's also beautifully written. There's no other way of describing Maggie Stiefvater's writing than to say it's lyrical. Her prose his fluid and smooth, bringing to life the world that she's created. I found myself wanting to fight off the cold and hold Sam in arms right along with Grace.

And in her second installment, Linger, she picks up right where Shiver left off. Only this time things are a little bit different, and there's a new wolf to contend with. Cole.

If Shiver was about hope, then I think Linger was about acceptance. Written in just as a beautiful a lyrical style as the first book, Maggie Stiefvater continues Grace and Sam's journey to understand themselves. Sam tries to come to grips with the reality that he is no longer a wolf and Grace deals with a cold, that turns out to be so much more.

She's always been the strong one, so assured and in control. Now that Sam has to be the one, especially not knowing Beck's fate, he's even more lost than before.

With Grace's absentee parents trying to step up to the plate and learning that there's more to Cole than any of them originally thought, Linger takes you on an even more emotional journey than you could have imagined. The ending leaves you breathless and wondering just what's going to happen next. Now I find myself longing for the final book, Forever, in this incredible series.

Waiting isn't going to be easy, but I know that I'll be in good company as other fan's wait in anticipation. If you're looking for a beautiful love story, one that's about so much more than fantasy and destiny, then I highly recommend Shiver and Linger. You won't be able to put them down.

To learn more about Maggie Stiefvater and her writing you can check out her website : http://www.maggiestiefvater.com/ her blogs: http://maggiestiefvater.blogspot.com/, http://m-stiefvater.livejournal.com/ and the Shiver microsite: http://www.maggiestiefvater.com/shiver/

Oh, and as a little treat I thought I'd post a couple of pictures from the book tour that Maggie did to promote Linger.

Mailbox Surprises and New Reads

So on Friday and Monday I was very pleased and surprised to find advanced copies of a couple of books in my mailbox. I hadn't been expecting them, but was so glad to get them anyways.

The first one was the second book in Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush series "Crescendo"!

And then the second one was the sequel for The Body Finders by Kimberly Derting "Desires of the Dead"!

Both of these books look absolutely fabulous and I cannot wait to read them and post my reviews. I fell in love with how sweet and thrilling The Body Finder and am sure that the sequel will be just as wonderful. So, keep your eyes open for those reviews.

Also, while I was in the bookstore today I found a few that I had on my to-read list and decided to flip through them to see if I still really wanted to. After a few minutes I confirmed that each one of them was definitely a must read for me. Not only that, but I found myself wanting to leave with all three of them. It was difficult, but I held myself back from getting all of them for the time being.

The first one that I can't wait to start was Firelight by Sophie Jordan. And in just the first few pages I was completely hooked.

The next book was Halo by Alexandra Adornetto. The author may only be eighteen, but she writes well beyond her years.

And the book that I left with was Nevermore by Kelly Creagh. It's a little strange, a little dark, a little Edgar Allen Poe. Yeah, I'm definitely reading it!

Oh, and next week (the 28th) Torment by Lauren Kate is being released. It's the sequel to her book Fallen, there are two more books to follow in this amazing series.

Smart Chicks Kick It Tour

As most of you know the Smart Chicks Kick It Tour is well underway and they are making their way through the U.S., promoting their awesome books and helping to inspire women to follow their dreams. I was fortunate enough to attend one of the stops in Texas with my sister and couldn't be more thrilled that I was able to go.

In Houston the fabulous ladies that attended included:

• Melissa Marr
• Kelly Armstrong
• Alyson Noel
• Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
• Holly Black
• Sarah Rees Brennan
• Cassandra Clare

These ladies did everything that they could to make the even exciting and fun for everyone. From offering wonderful prizes to answer crowd questions, they kept us laughing and thrilled to learn just a little bit more about our favorite authors.

Since this was also a book signing, I was able to get some signed, including one for my sis.

Being able to attend this even was absolutely thrilling for me, each of these ladies were so amazing and kind for doing it.

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Absolutely fabulous!

I fell in love with this book from the very beginning and it's not difficult to figure out why. Not only is the cover art for this debut novel breathtaking, but the story itself is intriguing and wonderfully researched.

Calla Tor is an alpha for the Nightshade pack, Guardians, she leads her young pack and is the perfect warrior for the Keepers they are sworn to fight for. Everything is planned and provided for them, including who they'll mate with, and when Calla unthinkingly saves a human from a bear attack, she sets things in motion that were probably better left unknown.

With her union to Ren, the alpha for the young Bane pack, coming up soon, she can't afford to have any distractions. And that's what Shay Doran is, the human that she saved. And to her disappointment (and pleasure) he ends up being the one the Keepers ask Calla to protect from their enemies the Searchers.

This is a story of duty and responsibility, of following your heart and falling in love, of secrets and betrayal. Andrea Cremer does an absolutely amazing job of describing the world she's created; everything from the shifts between wolf and human, the hierarchy of Keepers, Searchers, and Guardians, even the contrast between Calla's feelings toward Ren and Shay. There's so much more going on then Calla or the other guardians know, and Andrea Cremer goes into just enough detail to leave you wanting to know more.

I was so disappointed when I got to the last page and realized that I had reached the end of of this amazing book and found myself wishing that Wolfsbane (Book 2) was already out. I can't say enough good things about this book, and I don't want to give anything away, but if you're looking for a unique tale about magic and wolves then this would be it. For more information on the release of Nightshade, Andrea Cremer, and any other tid bits you can check out her website: http://www.andreacremer.com/ and her blog:
http://blurredhistory.blogspot.com/

New Moon Giveaway

Once upon a Twilight blog is having an awesome giveaway for reaching 500 followers! A signed hardcover copy of New Moon! I don't know about you, but mine paperback copy is falling apart and I would be beyond ecstatic to get not only a hardcover, but one signed by the fabulous Stephenie Meyer at that.

So, stop by the blog at fill out the form to enter the contest. You have until September 26th to do so. The link is on the sidebar.

White Cat by Holly Black

The world that Holly Black created with The Curse Workers Series is both dark and mysterious, a fantastic read that leaves you wondering what's going to happen next.

Everyone knows that there are curse workers, they could be anyone anywhere, all they need is a sliver of skin... And because of that everyone wears thick leather gloves, at all times. Cassel Sharpe has always been careful of that, so who could have possibly worked him, especially since he isn't a curse worker himself, unlike the rest of his family. So when he wakes up on the ledge of the roof to his dormitory, he knows something has gone really wrong.

Cassel may not be a worker, but he's no stranger to picking out "marks" and pulling cons on those around him, the way his mother taught him. And since he killed his best friend, Lila, a few years earlier that's all he thinks that he can do.

There's only so much I can say without giving away what happens in the story, and you definitely want to figure it out for yourself. In this story of betrayal, mobsters, and magic, Cassel has quite a few mysteries to uncover, including who the white cat is that keeps showing up in his dreams. He doesn't know who he can trust and what he'll uncover, but he definitely wants to make things right.

I don't really know what else I can say except that I absolutely loved this first installment of The Curse Workers series and can't wait for more. Cassel Sharpe is a superbly complex character, set to drift through life doing mostly small time cons, but as he begins to uncover the truth behind things he had always thought to be true he realizes things have to change. He has definitely become one of my favorite male characters in a story and I can't wait to find out what else happens.

To learn more about Holly Black and her other works check out her website: http://www.blackholly.com/
or her blog: http://blackholly.livejournal.com/139571.html for her updates.

Babling Flow ARCs Contest

Yes, I know that I've already written a post on some of the fabulous ARCs that are up for grabs, but I thought I'd talk about it just a little bit more. Including Beautiful Darkness and Nightshade, some of the other books that are being offered include:

Rot & Ruin:

A teenager grows up in a post-apocalypic, zombie-infested America in Jonathan Maberry's Rot & Ruin.

Jane:

Forced to drop out of an esteemed East Coast college after the sudden death of her parents, Jane Moore takes a nanny job at Thornfield Park, the estate of Nico Rathburn, an iconic rock star on the brink of a huge comeback. Practical and independent, Jane reluctantly becomes entranced by her magnetic and brooding employer, and finds herself in the midst of a forbidden romance. But there's a mystery at Thornfield, and Jane's much-envied relationship with Nico is tested by a torturous secret from his past.

and The Winds of Heaven:

Clementine thinks her cousin Fan is everything that she could never be: beautiful, imaginative, wild. The girls promise to be best friends and sisters after the summer is over, but Clementine’s life in the city is different from Fan’s life in dusty Lake Conapaira. And Fan is looking for something, though neither she nor Clementine understands what it is.        
If you don't get a chance to check these and the other books being offered by the contest early, be sure to purchase them when they are released. They are all bound to be incredible.

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

When I first picked up this book I wasn't really sure what to expect, but once I started reading I just couldn't stop. The chemistry between Nora and Patch practically drips off of the pages and with each chapter you're left wondering just what is going on.

Nora and Patch first meet when they are randomly paired as lab partners and she is instantly faced with his standoffish behavior. He's beautiful and terrifying, yet Nora can't help being drawn to him. And after their first encounter Nora finds her life in danger when her car is slammed into on the way home. It's unexplainable and scary, leaving her afraid to say anything and then unable to remember what happened.

Vee, Nora's best friend, is also trying to get her a "life" by pushing her to hand out with Elliot, the new guy at school. But each encounter with these new guys in Nora's life seem to result in something bad happening to her; an attack in her home, or on Vee. Living all alone with her mother in an out of the way farmhouse seems to be the perfect setting for these incidents to occur, as well.

So, the question is, who is after her and why?

Becca Fitzpatrick's world of fallen angels and humans is how I would have always pictured them; dark and brooding, dangerous and sexy, angry and terrifying. She weaves a fascinating tale, integrating angel mythology/history with everyday life as we know it.

Only a little bit of the story is revealed in this first book, including Nora's background, but there is one question still left unanswered by the end.

What really happened the night that her dad was held at gun point, and subsequently murdered? It's mentioned early on, but not really explored in depth. And now that the sequel's, Crescendo, release is around the corner, I have a feeling that and more will be revealed.

I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for something different to read, once you get started you won't be able to put it down. To learn more about the books and Becca Fitzpatrick you can check out her site and even subscribe for email alerts on news updates: http://www.beccafitzpatrick.com/ and you can also follow her on twitter: @becfitzpatrick.

Reading Teen Casters Contest

With the next book in the Caster Chronicles coming out next month, there are quite a few contests going on for the chance to read an advance copy of Beautiful Darkness. I fell in love with Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl's first book and can't wait to read the next ones.

This contest is over at Reading Teen and all you have to do to enter is write a comment. They are not only offering a SIGNED copy of Beautiful Darkness, but also swag including a signed poster and other such memorabilia. The link to the contest is on the side of this blog.

Contest ends October 11th!

Thanks and good luck!

Angel Fest Contest

Yes, that's right, another contest and there are some awesome books being offered to the winners. Torment, the sequel to Fallen by Lauren Kate, and Crescendo, the sequel to Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. If you are interested in any of these books then stop by and check it out:http: http://koreenclemens.com/2010/09/01/angel-fest/


The deadline to entry is September 15th at 11:59 Mountain Time. It's really easy to enter!

More ARC Contests!

There is a rather huge ARC contest going on right now which includes advanced copies of Beautiful Darkness, Nightshade, The Unidentified, and many others. You have to work a little for your entry, but it will be totally worth it in the end if you get the ARC's that you wanted. And it is also open internationally!

So, if you would like to try check out the contest and enter here: http://babblingflow.blogspot.com/2010/08/arcs-arcs-arcs.html

Currently Reading

It seems sort of strange to mention what books I'm currently reading because I'm always going back and forth between certain ones. I'll get into a certain mood and start one book and then change my mind and go back to a different one. How I keep up with the different plots and where I left off on the last one, I'll never understand.

Right now I'm going back and forth between two. Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead:

Here's the story description for the latest Vampire Academy book: After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa Dragomir. It's graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives outside of the Academy’s cold iron gates to finally begin. But even with the intrigue and excitement of court life looming, Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri. He's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance, and now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her...forever.

But Rose can't forget what she learned on her journey—whispers of a magic too impossible and terrifying to comprehend. A magic inextricably tied to Lissa that could hold the answer to all of Rose's prayers, but not without devastating consequences. No Rose will have to decide what—and who—matters most to her. In the end, is true love really worth the price?

Fall in love with Rose and Dimitri all over again in Spirit Bound, the eagerly awaited fifth novel in Richelle Mead's enthralling Vampire Academy series.

And Linger by Maggie Steifvater:

Here's the description for her latest installment of The Wolves of Mercy Falls Series: In Maggie Stiefvater’s Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past…and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabel, who already lost her brother to the wolves…and is nonetheless drawn to Cole. At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love–the light and the dark, the warm and the cold–in a way you will never forget.

Both series have managed to capture my attention for completely different reasons. In the Vampire Academy Series, Richelle Mead has taken a unique look into the vampire world and has created relationships between the main characters that are beautiful and strong. And, then there's The Wolves of Mercy Falls Series. It is so much more than just werewolves. It is first love and yearning, family and home, trust and hope.

I can't even fully describe how much I've enjoyed these books so far, but I want to save that for the reviews that will be coming your way. And speaking for reviews I have a few that will be coming your way soon. First will be Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, White Cat by Holly Black, Blood Promise by Richelle Mead, and Shiver by Maggie Steifvater. These are one's that I've been wanting to write for awhile, but haven't had the opportunity to so yet.

And I've been trying to talk myself into finishing Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins so that I can read Catching Fire and Mockingjay. I'm going to admit that part of my hesitancy stems from the year I had to read Lord of the Flies in high school. That book scarred me and I've been afraid to read anything else like it, and I've been worried that HG is similar in that regard. We'll just have to wait and see I guess.

Beautiful Moon Giveaway

Okay, I just posted a review for the fabulous Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl and now I found a contest for the 2nd book in this series: Beautiful Darkness. The other book being given away as well is Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin.

I'm incredibly excited for these books and I hope you are, too. If you would like a chance to win these ARC's, then check out the contest details at: http://www.pageturnersblog.com/2010/08/beautiful-moon-giveaway.html and enter. The Giveaway ends August 25th.

There's also a button and link for the contest in my side bar.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Okay, when I first began reading this book I fell in love with the fact that is was based in the South. Being a Southern girl born and raised, it made my day. Then, the further I delved into the story, the more I fell in love with the characters and the plot.

Ethan Wate is just like every other sixteen year old boy in the town of Gatlin. He's on the basketball team, has the right friends, he's one of them. Only, he's not. Ethan has been waiting for something, anything, to happen since his mother passed away and the answer to that may be just around the corner when Lena Duchannes moves to town.

They have both been dreaming about each other, neither knowing who the other is until a random encounter during a torrential downpour. And the dream always ends the same, they lose their grip on each other and Lena disappears. What does it all mean?

The pace is slow and steady, revealing a little more with each chapter. Including a big secret that Lena, her Uncle Macon, and others around Gatlin have been keeping for years. A secret that could endanger both Lena and Ethan. One of the few clues you get early on is a count down of numbers that she keeps on her hand, each day she marks off another day that's passed.

I absolutely adore Ethan and his constant devotion to Lena. The more he learns the more it draws him to her, and vice versa. They are connected in a way that can't e explained and is too beautiful to pass up.

Kami and Margaret weave a beautiful tale of love and betrayal, hope and desperation, fantasy and southern tradition. This is such a wonderfully written and engaging story and I for one can't wait to find out what happens next. If you want to learn more about this fantastic series you can go here: http://beautifulcreaturesthebook.com/ This site also has information on contests, interviews, and links to the author's blogs.