Today a bunch of blogs are revealing the cover for Elizabeth Richard's debut novel Black City. And here is the link to one of those posts:
http://safaripoet.blogspot.com/2012/02/cover-reveal-excerpt-black-city-by.html?showComment=1330541644321#c3403861546268784931
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Oppression: Virtual Launch Party
Yay for Jessica! Today is the virtual launch for her debut novel Oppression. I'm so excited for her and hope that you guys will check it out. Here's the summary about the book and links of where to buy it:
Oppression
(Children of the Gods #1)
There are others like her.
Many of them.
Many of them.
And they have been waiting for her
...for a long time.
Elyse knows what it means to keep a secret. She's been keeping secrets her whole life. Two, actually. First, that she ages five times slower than the average person, so that while she looks eighteen years old, she's closer to eighty. Second, that her blood has a mysterious power to heal. For Elyse, these things don't make her special. They make life dangerous. After the death of her parents, she's been careful to keep her secret as closely guarded as possible. Now, only one other person in the world knows about her age and ability. Or so she thinks. Elyse is not the only one keeping secrets. There are others like her all over the world, descendants of the very people the Greeks considered gods. She is one of them, and they have been waiting for her for a long time. Among so many of her kind, she should not be very remarkable--except for the prophecy. Some believe she will put an end to traditions, safeguarded by violence, which have oppressed her people for centuries. Others are determined to keep her from doing just that. But for Elyse, the game is just beginning--and she's not entirely willing to play by their rules.
$12.99 Paperback
Don't forget to spread the word about this book to your friends and check it out for yourselves!
AND, if that's not enough Jessica is also having a little giveaway which includes:
- A Signed Paperback edition of Oppression
- A lined Oppression notebook
- An Oppression Poster
How Can You Win?
1. Tweet about the release of Oppression using the hashtag #Book1OPPRESSION.
Example: Celebrate the release of Oppression (Children of the Gods #1) by @jessicatherrien #Book1OPPRESSION #YA Available NOW!
Example: Read #Book1OPPRESSION (Children of the Gods #1) by @jessicatherrien today for only .99 cents! http://amzn.to/wBDtn1
2. Facebook - tag @Jessica Therrien (Author) about the release of Oppression.
Example: Celebrate the launch of Oppression (Children of the Gods #1) by @jessicatherrien! The e-book is on sale now for NOOK & Kindle for only .99 cents! http://amzn.to/yidy6C
Example: Spread the word for prizes! Today is the official release of Oppression (Children of the Gods #1) by @jessicatherrien
3. Visit any of the following Virtual Launch Party Host blogs and comment on their Virtual Launch Party posts:
PARTY HOST POSTS
| Jaime Morrow Avery Marsh Marisa Corvisiero |
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Cover Reveal: A Fractured Light
I just saw the cover for A Fractured Light, book 2 in the A Beautiful Dark trilogy by Jocelyn Davies, and it is freaking gorgeous! I can't wait to read it :)
Oh and check out this summary too:
When she wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings, Skye knows something terrible has happened to her. But it's not until she hears Asher, the dark, rebellious angel she fell in love with, that the memories of Devin and his shocking betrayal come flooding back.
*squee* Can't wait!
Oh and check out this summary too:
When she wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings, Skye knows something terrible has happened to her. But it's not until she hears Asher, the dark, rebellious angel she fell in love with, that the memories of Devin and his shocking betrayal come flooding back.
Skye returns home, but with the knowledge of who she really is, nothing can ever be the same. As she tests the limits of her newfound powers, Skye discovers that she's capable of far more than anyone could have imagined. Both the Order and the Rebellion want her for their side as war between the factions looms. She can't forgive the Order for nearly killing her, but something holds her back from embracing the Rebellion.
A Fractured Light picks up right after A Beautiful Dark's shocking cliffhanger ending and is perfect for fans of Lauren Kate's Fallen and Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush saga.
*squee* Can't wait!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen
Scarlet
Scarlet 1
Author: A.C. Gaughen
Pages: 292 pgs
Genre: YA, Historical Fiction, Re-Telling
Release Date: February 14th 2012
Review Source: NetGalley, Walker Books
I can remember falling in love with the story of Robin Hood as a little girl when I used to watch the Disney version. So when I read that this debut was going to be a re-telling, I had to read it. And I'm so glad that I did!
Will Scarlet has secrets. The biggest one of all being that Scarlet is really a girl. Only Robin Hood and his band know her secret, and they'd never tell.
As they struggle to help the people of Nottingham against the horrible Sheriff, things get a whole lot worse. A ruthless thief taker, Lord Gisbourne, shows up and he will stop at nothing to get the Hood and his band of followers. The closer he gets, the more danger they all find themselves in. Including Scarlet...
There were so many things about this book that I absolutely loved. The cover for one is gorgeous with her bright eyes and freckles. It was amazingly done. And for another it was about Robin Hood! A.C. gave this famous tale her own twist and made it even more fascinating to read.
Scarlet was a strong character and think that's what really drew me in. She was selfless and clever and snarky. Oh and she could handle herself with a knife better than any man. I just couldn't help but like her. And the relationship she had with Robin was probably my favorite. Even though I found myself wanting to scream at her. It's difficult to remember that we're the readers and see more than the characters themselves do.
I really enjoyed this story and am hoping that there will be more to follow. There really wasn't a cliffhanger, but there's certainly room for the story to continue. *crosses fingers* *hint hint* But either way I plan on checking out more from this author in the future!
To learn more about the author you can check out her website http://www.acgaughen.com/ or follow her on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/acgaughen.
Scarlet 1
Author: A.C. Gaughen
Pages: 292 pgs
Genre: YA, Historical Fiction, Re-Telling
Release Date: February 14th 2012
Review Source: NetGalley, Walker Books
I can remember falling in love with the story of Robin Hood as a little girl when I used to watch the Disney version. So when I read that this debut was going to be a re-telling, I had to read it. And I'm so glad that I did!
Will Scarlet has secrets. The biggest one of all being that Scarlet is really a girl. Only Robin Hood and his band know her secret, and they'd never tell.
As they struggle to help the people of Nottingham against the horrible Sheriff, things get a whole lot worse. A ruthless thief taker, Lord Gisbourne, shows up and he will stop at nothing to get the Hood and his band of followers. The closer he gets, the more danger they all find themselves in. Including Scarlet...
There were so many things about this book that I absolutely loved. The cover for one is gorgeous with her bright eyes and freckles. It was amazingly done. And for another it was about Robin Hood! A.C. gave this famous tale her own twist and made it even more fascinating to read.
Scarlet was a strong character and think that's what really drew me in. She was selfless and clever and snarky. Oh and she could handle herself with a knife better than any man. I just couldn't help but like her. And the relationship she had with Robin was probably my favorite. Even though I found myself wanting to scream at her. It's difficult to remember that we're the readers and see more than the characters themselves do.
I really enjoyed this story and am hoping that there will be more to follow. There really wasn't a cliffhanger, but there's certainly room for the story to continue. *crosses fingers* *hint hint* But either way I plan on checking out more from this author in the future!
To learn more about the author you can check out her website http://www.acgaughen.com/ or follow her on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/acgaughen.
This book counts toward the following Challenges:
Book #9 in 100+ Books in a Year
Book #4 in 2012 Debut Author Challenge
Monday, February 20, 2012
The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges
The Gathering Storm
The Katerina Trilogy 1
Author: Robin Bridges
Pages: 386 pgs
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Release Date: January 10 2012
Review Source: NetGalley
Robin Bridges debut was one that I definitely wasn't expecting. The summary had caught my eye and I'd wanted to check it out, but I just wasn't sure how I'd feel about it. Well, I can say that she caught my attention and I want to know more!
Katerina Alexandrovna is a royal debutante in 1888 Russia and with the winter season beginning, she finds herself attending a whirlwind of balls and glamorous invitations while attending her finishing school.
Though the royals believe in magic, none of them could guess the secret Katerina has kept to herself since childhood. She is a necromancer. When her ability is discovered, Katerina is forced to use the power she never wanted in a battle started many years before. The life she always desired seems further and further out of reach, especially when the love she discovers is one she can't have.
I was greatly surprised by this book, and found myself unable to walk away from it. The exciting world Robin gave us with beautiful balls, wintery backdrops, and deep magic within Romanov Russia was one I'd always wanted to read. It was unique and intriguing within a society that we've heard about over the years.
Katerina was a fun character to read about. Even though she enjoyed the balls she went to, getting dressed up, and socializing with her peers, she wanted more out of her life. I loved that she dreamed of going to college, but didn't fight or seem awkward about participating in the events that were expected of her.
This first book ended in a pretty decent place, but there was plenty left open for us to get from the remaining books. I will be continuing this one and am excited to find out what happens with the love interest as well. It wasn't the center of the story, but offered more trouble and intrigue for the future books.
If you'd like to learn more about the author you can check out her website http://www.robinbridges.com/ or follow her on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/robinbridges.
The Katerina Trilogy 1
Author: Robin Bridges
Pages: 386 pgs
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Release Date: January 10 2012
Review Source: NetGalley
Robin Bridges debut was one that I definitely wasn't expecting. The summary had caught my eye and I'd wanted to check it out, but I just wasn't sure how I'd feel about it. Well, I can say that she caught my attention and I want to know more!
Katerina Alexandrovna is a royal debutante in 1888 Russia and with the winter season beginning, she finds herself attending a whirlwind of balls and glamorous invitations while attending her finishing school.
Though the royals believe in magic, none of them could guess the secret Katerina has kept to herself since childhood. She is a necromancer. When her ability is discovered, Katerina is forced to use the power she never wanted in a battle started many years before. The life she always desired seems further and further out of reach, especially when the love she discovers is one she can't have.
I was greatly surprised by this book, and found myself unable to walk away from it. The exciting world Robin gave us with beautiful balls, wintery backdrops, and deep magic within Romanov Russia was one I'd always wanted to read. It was unique and intriguing within a society that we've heard about over the years.
Katerina was a fun character to read about. Even though she enjoyed the balls she went to, getting dressed up, and socializing with her peers, she wanted more out of her life. I loved that she dreamed of going to college, but didn't fight or seem awkward about participating in the events that were expected of her.
This first book ended in a pretty decent place, but there was plenty left open for us to get from the remaining books. I will be continuing this one and am excited to find out what happens with the love interest as well. It wasn't the center of the story, but offered more trouble and intrigue for the future books.
If you'd like to learn more about the author you can check out her website http://www.robinbridges.com/ or follow her on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/robinbridges.
This book counts toward the following Challenges:
Book 8 in 100+ Books in a Year
Book 3 in 2012 Debut Author Challenge
Friday, February 17, 2012
Friday Finds and New Reads
Friday Finds and New Reads
This is where I talk about new books that really stand out to me or sound unique, and what new books I have to read or will be getting soon.
Hello again, everyone! I hope you all had a fabulous week and are ready for the weekend. Me, I'm so excited for Saturday because the Dark Days of Winter Tour is passing through Houston and I get to go with my sister. Plus, the Breathless Reads Tour will be here on Tuesday, so I'm stoked. Hopefully I can put up posts for both for you guys!
Anyways, lets get started on this weeks Finds. First off, I'm sure you guys have noticed that I'm a pretty big fan of Maggie Stiefvater. Shiver will forever be one of my absolute favorites. Well, I found out pretty recently that she has a whole new series coming out and that's our first book today, The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater:
Summary: Filled with mystery, romance, and the supernatural, The Raven Boys
introduces readers to Richard “Dick” Campbell Gansey, III and Blue
Sargent. Gansey has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but
he’s looking for much more than that. He is on the hunt to find
Glendower, a vanished Welsh king. Legend has it that the first person to
find him will be granted a wish—either by seeing him open his eyes, or
by cutting out his heart.
Blue Sargent, the
daughter of the town psychic in Henrietta, Virginia, has been told for
as long as she can remember that if she ever kisses her true love, he
will die. But she is too practical to believe in things like true love.
Her policy is to stay away from the rich boys at the prestigious
Aglionby Academy. The boys there—known as Raven Boys—can only mean
trouble. When Gansey and his Raven Boy friends come into her life, Blue
realizes how true this is. She never thought her fortune would be a
problem. But she was wrong.
Not only is the cover for this beautiful, but the summary sounds absolutely amazing. Maggie has such an amazing talent to write with such raw emotion and draw her readers into a world that could almost seem real. I will definitely be starting this new series of her. Legends, Welsh kings, wishes... sounds like me kind of story.
Next up we have Unremembered by Jessica Brody:
Summary: The only thing worse than forgetting her past...is remembering it.
When Freedom Airlines Flight 121 went down over the Pacific Ocean, no one ever expected to find survivors. Which is why the sixteen-year-old girl discovered floating among the wreckage—alive—is making headlines across the globe.
Although her body is miraculously unharmed, she has no memories of boarding the plane. She has no memories of her life before the crash. She has no memories…period.
No one knows how she survived. No one knows why she wasn’t on the passenger manifest. And no one can explain why her DNA and fingerprints can’t be found in a single database in the world.
Nicknamed “Violet” by the hospital staff because of the unusual color of her intoxicatingly beautiful eyes, the young girl has only two things that connect her to her past: a strange black tattoo on the inside of her left wrist, and an empty locket with a mysterious engraving on the back.
Crippled by a world she doesn’t know, plagued by abilities she doesn’t understand, and haunted by a looming threat she can’t remember, Violet struggles to piece together her forgotten past and discover who she really is. But with every clue only comes more questions. And she’s running out of time to answer them.
Her only hope is a strangely alluring boy who claims to know her from before the crash. Who claims they were in love. But can she really trust him? And will he be able to protect her from the people who have been making her forget?
From popular young adult author, Jessica Brody comes a mesmerizing and suspenseful new series, set in a world where science knows no boundaries, memories are manipulated, and true love can never be forgotten.
When Freedom Airlines Flight 121 went down over the Pacific Ocean, no one ever expected to find survivors. Which is why the sixteen-year-old girl discovered floating among the wreckage—alive—is making headlines across the globe.
Although her body is miraculously unharmed, she has no memories of boarding the plane. She has no memories of her life before the crash. She has no memories…period.
No one knows how she survived. No one knows why she wasn’t on the passenger manifest. And no one can explain why her DNA and fingerprints can’t be found in a single database in the world.
Nicknamed “Violet” by the hospital staff because of the unusual color of her intoxicatingly beautiful eyes, the young girl has only two things that connect her to her past: a strange black tattoo on the inside of her left wrist, and an empty locket with a mysterious engraving on the back.
Crippled by a world she doesn’t know, plagued by abilities she doesn’t understand, and haunted by a looming threat she can’t remember, Violet struggles to piece together her forgotten past and discover who she really is. But with every clue only comes more questions. And she’s running out of time to answer them.
Her only hope is a strangely alluring boy who claims to know her from before the crash. Who claims they were in love. But can she really trust him? And will he be able to protect her from the people who have been making her forget?
From popular young adult author, Jessica Brody comes a mesmerizing and suspenseful new series, set in a world where science knows no boundaries, memories are manipulated, and true love can never be forgotten.
There was just something about this that pulled me in from the moment I read the summary. It sounds fascinating and heartbreaking and fresh. I can't wait to check out this new series!
What new and exciting finds have you guys found lately, maybe I'll pick one from you guys and feature it on the next post *hint hint*
And now we have some new reads that I've gotten:
And next up on my to-read list once I finish Embrace by Jessica Shirvington and The Selection by Kiera Cass is:
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting
Glimmer by Phoebe Kitanidis
Next up for review:
The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges
Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen
Arcadia Awakens by Kai Meyer
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Shatter Me
Shatter Me 1
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Pages: 338 pgs
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Science-Fiction
Release Date: November 15th 2011
Review Source: Purchased
This was one debut from 2011 that I could not wait to get my hands on. The hype surrounding it was huge, and at first I worried that maybe I wouldn't feel the same way. But that couldn't have been further from the truth!
Juliette's touch is fatal, which is why the Reestablishment has locked her up. After spending 264 days without any human, she gets a new cellmate. A boy.
But this isn't just any boy. And from the moment he enters her world, everything changes for Juliette. The Reestablishment is trying to maintain order, and Juliette is their hope to do that. She has a choice: let them use her, or fight back.
I honestly could not put this book down. I probably could have finished it all in one sitting, but I wanted to take my time with it. Tahereh's prose was amazing and perfect for this story. It just seemed to highlight the struggle that Juliette was going through, unique just like her character.
The storyline was definitely not what I was expecting and that only made me love it more. I had no idea where it was headed and couldn't wait to discover what was happening along with Juliette. While there are still questions about what's happening, there wasn't a huge cliffhanger at the end which made me happy. There's only so many of those that I can take.
Juliette was also such a strong character. Yes, she struggled with who she was and what her fatal touch meant, but she never let it change her as a person. She had her morals and I loved that she never wanted those to change, no matter what she could do. She was brazen and beautiful and strong. Oh, oh, and Adam! Can I just say that I'm now swooning majorly over him. Definitely one of my favorite guys of YA.
I cannot wait for book 2, Unravel Me, and highly recommend this series. Tahereh completely won me over with her writing and amazing story. Now I'm just going to have to sit here and twiddle my thumbs as we wait for Shatter Me's sequel (which I have no doubt will be totally worth it).
For more information on this author you can check out her website http://www.taherehmafi.com/ or follow her on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/taherehmafi.
Shatter Me 1
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Pages: 338 pgs
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Science-Fiction
Release Date: November 15th 2011
Review Source: Purchased
This was one debut from 2011 that I could not wait to get my hands on. The hype surrounding it was huge, and at first I worried that maybe I wouldn't feel the same way. But that couldn't have been further from the truth!
Juliette's touch is fatal, which is why the Reestablishment has locked her up. After spending 264 days without any human, she gets a new cellmate. A boy.
But this isn't just any boy. And from the moment he enters her world, everything changes for Juliette. The Reestablishment is trying to maintain order, and Juliette is their hope to do that. She has a choice: let them use her, or fight back.
I honestly could not put this book down. I probably could have finished it all in one sitting, but I wanted to take my time with it. Tahereh's prose was amazing and perfect for this story. It just seemed to highlight the struggle that Juliette was going through, unique just like her character.
The storyline was definitely not what I was expecting and that only made me love it more. I had no idea where it was headed and couldn't wait to discover what was happening along with Juliette. While there are still questions about what's happening, there wasn't a huge cliffhanger at the end which made me happy. There's only so many of those that I can take.
Juliette was also such a strong character. Yes, she struggled with who she was and what her fatal touch meant, but she never let it change her as a person. She had her morals and I loved that she never wanted those to change, no matter what she could do. She was brazen and beautiful and strong. Oh, oh, and Adam! Can I just say that I'm now swooning majorly over him. Definitely one of my favorite guys of YA.
I cannot wait for book 2, Unravel Me, and highly recommend this series. Tahereh completely won me over with her writing and amazing story. Now I'm just going to have to sit here and twiddle my thumbs as we wait for Shatter Me's sequel (which I have no doubt will be totally worth it).
For more information on this author you can check out her website http://www.taherehmafi.com/ or follow her on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/taherehmafi.
This book counts toward the following Challenges:
Book 6 in 100+ Books in a Year
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
The Pledge by Kimberly Derting
The Pledge
The Pledge 1
Author: Kimberly Derting
Pages: 323 pgs
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Science-Fiction
Release Date: November 15th 2011
Review Source: Purchased
I have been a huge fan of Kim Derting ever since I first read her debut novel The Body Finder, which is a part of a series. Her writing in that was sweet and beautiful and I couldn't wait to get my hands on her newest work. This book did not let me down.
Seventeen year old Charlaina lives in the country of Ludania, where the classes of people are divided by the languages that they speak. A universal language unites them, but their class languages are what separate them.
Charlie has a secret though. She can understand them all. Hiding her talent becomes even more difficult when she encounters a guy using a language that she's never heard before. The dangers in Ludania are beginning to escalate and with the reigning Queen in search of her heir, no one is safe.
From the very beginning of this book I was hooked. The dystopian world that Kim created was dark and depressing and beautifully done, her unique version of the Holocaust. Everything from the harshness of the society and public executions to the underground clubs and parties just helped to emphasize what they were dealing with.
What I was not expecting, but still rather enjoyed, was the sci-fi elements she used as well. Not overly done, but perfect for the world she had given us. Even some of the other characters were quite unexpected and gave me a new appreciation for them in the story. Not everything was as it seemed and I loved.
I can happily say that I can't wait for the next book in this trilogy. The ending to The Pledge has set up the next books for some pretty interesting things to come and I can't to find out what else Kim Derting has in store!
The Pledge 1
Author: Kimberly Derting
Pages: 323 pgs
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Science-Fiction
Release Date: November 15th 2011
Review Source: Purchased
I have been a huge fan of Kim Derting ever since I first read her debut novel The Body Finder, which is a part of a series. Her writing in that was sweet and beautiful and I couldn't wait to get my hands on her newest work. This book did not let me down.
Seventeen year old Charlaina lives in the country of Ludania, where the classes of people are divided by the languages that they speak. A universal language unites them, but their class languages are what separate them.
Charlie has a secret though. She can understand them all. Hiding her talent becomes even more difficult when she encounters a guy using a language that she's never heard before. The dangers in Ludania are beginning to escalate and with the reigning Queen in search of her heir, no one is safe.
From the very beginning of this book I was hooked. The dystopian world that Kim created was dark and depressing and beautifully done, her unique version of the Holocaust. Everything from the harshness of the society and public executions to the underground clubs and parties just helped to emphasize what they were dealing with.
What I was not expecting, but still rather enjoyed, was the sci-fi elements she used as well. Not overly done, but perfect for the world she had given us. Even some of the other characters were quite unexpected and gave me a new appreciation for them in the story. Not everything was as it seemed and I loved.
I can happily say that I can't wait for the next book in this trilogy. The ending to The Pledge has set up the next books for some pretty interesting things to come and I can't to find out what else Kim Derting has in store!
This book counts toward the following Challenges:
Book 5 in 100+ Books in a Year
Monday, February 13, 2012
Forsaken Harbor Blog Tour: Guest Post
Today we are joined by the fabulous Laura Kreitzer. The latest book in her series the Summer Chronicles, Forsaken Harbor, comes out this month. Laura graciously agreed to give us a little more incite in the elusive Secret Clock Society. I hope you all enjoy:
The Secret Clock Society is a group of scientists who have been creating and experimenting on projects for years, all in the hopes of one day traveling time and creating their own world sans current government influence and interference. The creation of this group started during the talks of witches and magic in the late 1600s, and ever since they have been doing everything in their power to find a way scientifically--once called "magic"--to travel time.
I'm not even sure where the initial idea of this group came from, to be honest. When I first started writing Phantom Universe,
the name of this group wasn't formed. I called them the society, and
after much deliberation on this secret society that created Summer, the
name--as obvious as it is--came to me.
Creating the Secret Clock Society all started with a
"what if" question. That's how most of my stories and creations begin.
This one started with: what if there was a group of scientists who
wanted to travel time? What if they discovered the only way to travel
time was through a sentient, biological creature, otherwise known as a
human? What if that isn't all they want? What if they also want to start
their own society? From there I had to answer these many "what if"
questions (and there were a lot of them), and then the ideas
continuously flowed. On top of their want to travel time, they have a
myriad of other experiments, projects, and social experiments so they
could one day create the perfect manipulated and mutated society. Their
role in the Summer Chronicles is barely the tip of the proverbial
iceberg.
Summer Waverly, a time traveler and the Society's
creation, is the main focus in the Summer Chronicles. Her story,
however, is more interesting than the circumstances of her creation.
When she was four, her creator and mother discovered that the Society
planned to terminate Summer after realizing they made a disastrous error
in their initial calculations for time traveling. Summer's mum takes
Summer and runs, but the Society is ready. They hire human traffickers
to abduct Summer and bring her back to them. Only the traffickers get
greedy and ask for more money. When the Society refuses, Summer is then
whipped into silence and sold to the captain of a modern day pirate ship
called the Cosmos. She remains silent for twelve years.
The internal struggle of learning to let people in
again and eventually learning to talk becomes a major plot point in this
series for Summer. The psychological aspects of her character was
something I researched thoroughly, and I also spoke with a few people
who'd delete with extreme PTSD and professionals about a 16 year old
girl overcoming silence that's been a constant in her life for twelve
years. Summer endures triumphs and setbacks, and she learns to trust
again. As small as some of these steps seem, they are monumental for
her.
During this series, we see two wars waging: the
internal one and the outside influence of the Society who is trying to
find and capture Summer. I hope that my readers will see beyond the
science fiction and into the souls of the characters I created, be it
Summer or the Secret Clock Society. As this series continues to unfold,
those reading will eventually see how one tiny slave girl can turn into a
confident and powerful adversary to the Secret Clock Society.
Thanks for having me on your blog. :)
Thank you Laura! And please be sure to check back everyone for my review of Forsaken Harbor to come.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
Delirium 2
Author: Lauren Oliver
Pages: 375 pgs
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Release Date: February 28th 2012
Review Source: Loan
I was lucky enough to have a fellow blogger friend let me borrow her copy of Pandemonium, and I'm so glad that I got a chance to read it. Delirium was fantastic, and this next installment was even more intense and frustrating.
Lena isn't who she once was. The loss of Alex and entering the Wilds on her own has transformed her. Lena fights with the Resistance to bring back a world where love isn't feared.
But Lena's latest mission turns into more than she ever would have imagined. She struggles not only for survival, but also against feelings for someone not very different from how she used to be. Can Lena open up to someone else amidst the fight for more?
Just like the first book, I was hooked into this story from the very beginning. Though the tone for Pandemonium was completely different than in Delirium, it wasn't any less enthralling. Lena went from a girl struggling to accept the feelings she was experiencing to fighting to preserve them and I loved it.
Her world in Portland was dull and constricted. So the freedom in the Wilds was something great to read, even though their lives were even more dangerous. Lauren did a phenomenal job in adding a new dimension to this story, adding growth and change to her main character that her readers will like and understand.
And, hopefully as you can tell, I don't want to give anything away. Especially after the ending, which you can just imagine after reading Delirium. There's so much that takes place, and yet so many questions still left to be answered. I for one can't wait for Requiem and the resolution to this amazing trilogy!
Pandemonium is a heart-stopping thrill ride that I hope you all enjoy as much as I did!
This book counts toward the following Challenges:
Book 4 in 100+ Books in a Year
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Destined by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast
Destined
House of Night 9
Author: P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast
Pages: 325 pgs
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal
Release Date: October 25th 2011
Review Source: St. Martin's Press
Warning: This review will contain spoilers if you haven't read the first 8 books in this series. Proceed with caution.
I first started reading this series a few years ago, during my last year of college. There was something about that just sucked me in, and this latest installment has just ensured that statement. I definitely want to know where this is all going.
Returning to the House of Night, Zoe has her Guardian Warrior Stark and the Red Fledgings to help her stand against Neferet. But that's easier said than done when no one seems to realize that Neferet isn't who they all thought she was and tension is mounting at the school.
Not only has Rephaim been given the gift of humanity during the night time, but Neferet has decided to hire humans to work at the House of Night along with the vampyres. Any hope for peace is quickly destroyed; and the strange teenage boy that Neferet has with her seems oddly familiar to Zoe...
The first thing I want to say is... finally! Destined is the book I've been waiting for as far as getting some answers. The story has been awesome so far, but I was getting anxious for something to happen and we finally get a little bit in this book. Not a lot mind you, but enough that I can't wait for the next one.
Zoe and all of her friends have grown so much since the first book and I've loved watching this journey. They are all what have made this series so enthralling and they go through some major changes in Destined. Even Kalona, big bad immortal and Rephaim's father, completely surprised me in the end. When I finished I just sat there and kept thinking: Seriously! Are you kidding me?
I still don't know just what it is about this series that I absolutely can't not read it, but it's gotten my attention and I am beyond anxious to find out what's in store for the House of Night next!
House of Night 9
Author: P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast
Pages: 325 pgs
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal
Release Date: October 25th 2011
Review Source: St. Martin's Press
Warning: This review will contain spoilers if you haven't read the first 8 books in this series. Proceed with caution.
I first started reading this series a few years ago, during my last year of college. There was something about that just sucked me in, and this latest installment has just ensured that statement. I definitely want to know where this is all going.
Returning to the House of Night, Zoe has her Guardian Warrior Stark and the Red Fledgings to help her stand against Neferet. But that's easier said than done when no one seems to realize that Neferet isn't who they all thought she was and tension is mounting at the school.
Not only has Rephaim been given the gift of humanity during the night time, but Neferet has decided to hire humans to work at the House of Night along with the vampyres. Any hope for peace is quickly destroyed; and the strange teenage boy that Neferet has with her seems oddly familiar to Zoe...
The first thing I want to say is... finally! Destined is the book I've been waiting for as far as getting some answers. The story has been awesome so far, but I was getting anxious for something to happen and we finally get a little bit in this book. Not a lot mind you, but enough that I can't wait for the next one.
Zoe and all of her friends have grown so much since the first book and I've loved watching this journey. They are all what have made this series so enthralling and they go through some major changes in Destined. Even Kalona, big bad immortal and Rephaim's father, completely surprised me in the end. When I finished I just sat there and kept thinking: Seriously! Are you kidding me?
I still don't know just what it is about this series that I absolutely can't not read it, but it's gotten my attention and I am beyond anxious to find out what's in store for the House of Night next!
This book counts toward the following Challenges:
Book 3 in 100+ Books in a Year
Friday, February 3, 2012
Friday Finds and New Reads
Friday Finds and New Reads
This is where I talk about new books that really stand out to me or sound unique, and what new books I have to read or will be getting soon.
Hello my lovely readers! I hope everyone's had a good week and are up to finding out about some pretty interesting books out there. So let's get started!
First up we have Gilt by Katherine Longshore:
Summary: In the Tudor age,
ambition, power and charismatic allure are essential and Catherine
Howard has plenty of all three. Not to mention her loyal best friend,
Kitty Tylney, to help cover her tracks. Kitty, the abandoned youngest
daughter of minor aristocracy, owes everything to Cat – where she is,
what she is, even who she is. Friend, flirt, and self-proclaimed Queen
of Misrule, Cat reigns supreme in a loyal court of girls under the
none-too-watchful eye of the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk.
When Cat worms her way into the heart of Henry VIII and becomes Queen of England, Kitty is thrown into the intoxicating Tudor Court. It’s a world of glittering jewels and elegant costumes, of gossip and deception. As the Queen’s right-hand-woman, Kitty goes from the girl nobody noticed to being caught between two men – the object of her affection and the object of her desire.
But the atmosphere of the court turns from dazzling to deadly, and Kitty is forced to learn the difference between trust and loyalty, love and lust, secrets and treason. And to accept the consequences when some lessons are learned too late.
When Cat worms her way into the heart of Henry VIII and becomes Queen of England, Kitty is thrown into the intoxicating Tudor Court. It’s a world of glittering jewels and elegant costumes, of gossip and deception. As the Queen’s right-hand-woman, Kitty goes from the girl nobody noticed to being caught between two men – the object of her affection and the object of her desire.
But the atmosphere of the court turns from dazzling to deadly, and Kitty is forced to learn the difference between trust and loyalty, love and lust, secrets and treason. And to accept the consequences when some lessons are learned too late.
Now, I know this isn't one that I normally post, but I couldn't not mention this one. Not only is it historical fiction, which I seem to be loving right now, but it also hits a little close to home for me with Henry VIII. Let's just say I'm a distant, DISTANT cousin of the Tudors...
Next up we have Winter Falls by Nicole Maggi:
Summary: Alessia Jacobs is a
normal sixteen-year-old, dying to get out of her small Maine town.
Things start to perk up when a new family comes to town, complete with a
super-hot and mysterious son, Jonah. But just as she begins to crush on
him, Alessia’s world is turned upside down. She has visions of
transforming into an otherworldly falcon, and soon learns that she is a
part of the Benandanti, an ancient cult of warriors who have the unique
power to separate their souls from their bodies. In this transformed
state, their souls take on the form of magnificent animals.
Little did Alessia know that her small boring town is actually the site of an epic struggle between the Benandanti and their enemy, the Malandanti. Both sides are fighting to gain control of a powerful magic in the forest that surrounds the town. As Alessia is drawn deeper and deeper into the Benandanti’s mission, and her relationship with Jonah intensifies, her life spins out of control. Unable to maintain the balance between her two identities, everything begins to fall apart and her two worlds collide with devastating consequences.
Little did Alessia know that her small boring town is actually the site of an epic struggle between the Benandanti and their enemy, the Malandanti. Both sides are fighting to gain control of a powerful magic in the forest that surrounds the town. As Alessia is drawn deeper and deeper into the Benandanti’s mission, and her relationship with Jonah intensifies, her life spins out of control. Unable to maintain the balance between her two identities, everything begins to fall apart and her two worlds collide with devastating consequences.
I can't remember if I've mentioned this one before, but with this new summary it sounds even more exciting than before. I absolutely love legends and myths, as you all know, so this one using a legend that I haven't heard of definitely intrigues me. I can't wait to read this!
And now for some New Reads:
Born Wicked Blog Tour: Top Ten List
Today we are joined by Jessica Spotswood, author of debut novel Born Wicked. She's given us some of her favorite quotes and I hope you all enjoy!
Top Ten favorite quotes/lines from books:
2. “I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant.” – PERSUASION
3. "The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.” – NORTHANGER ABBEY
4. “Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”
-- TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
5. “It is better to be alone, she figures, than to be with someone who can’t see who you are. It is better to lead than to follow. It is better to speak up than to stay silent. It is better to open doors than to shut them on people.
She will not be simple and sweet. She will not be what people tell her to be. That Bunny Rabbit is dead.” – THE DISREPUTABLE HISTORY OF FRANKIE LANDAU-BANKS
6. “I've confessed to everything and I'd like to be hanged. Now, if you please.
I don't mean to be difficult, but I can't bear to tell my story. I can't relive those memories—the touch of the Dead Hand, the smell of eel, the gulp and swallow of the swamp. How can you possibly think me innocent? Don't let my face fool you; it tells the worst lies. A girl can have the face of an angel but have a horrid sort of heart.” – CHIME
7. “Miss Barry was a kindred spirit after all," Anne confided to Marilla, "You wouldn't think so to look at her, but she is. . . Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” – ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
8. “It is our choices, Harry, that show us what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” – HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS
9. “The story goes that even after the Return they tried to keep the roller coasters going. They said it reminded them of the before time.” – THE DEAD-TOSSED WAVES
10. “The wind on the moors is a tricky thing.” – THE NEAR WITCH
Thank you Jessica! I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the tour and be sure to check out Born Wicked. I for one can't wait to check it out and meet Jessica on the Breathless Reads Tour when they pass through Texas *squee*
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