December 31, 2010

2010 Top Fives: YA Books

We have finally reached the conclusion of my 2010 YA Top Fives List. Previously I have listed my Top Fives in YA Girls, YA Guys, YA Couples, and YA Love Triangles. Now for the big one, my Top Five 2010 YA Books:

Siren
5. Siren by Tricia Rayburn (Review) Siren's, first loves, and facing your worst fears in the hope of keeping your loved one's safe. Great writing, and my first siren story. I was hooked!



4. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (Review) Utter devestation in the midst of an all-out war. Katniss (my heroine) uses her status to fight to save the world she once wanted. Bloody and brutal, but the reality is what makes this series fantastic. 

3. The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong (Review) Supernatural abilities galore within the Otherworld. In my mind, anything Armstrong writes is awesome, her first YA series does not hold back. 

2. The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa (Review) Romance, adventure, and Fey. Three of my favorite things. Love love love this series!

1. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (Review) Trouble-making witch just trying to fit in, does anything but. Hilarious and charming, I have high hopes for this series!

That's it for my Top Fives of 2010, be sure to comment with your Top Five Books of 2010 below!

Flip This Zombie (Jesse Petersen) Review

SPOILER ALERT: If you have not read Married With Zombies, there may be spoilers ahead!

Flip this Zombie
Publisher: Orbit (January 1, 2011)
Mass Market Paperback: 272 Pages
Series: Living with the Dead #2
Genre: Adult Humor/Horror
Book from Publisher*

From Goodreads. The Zombie Apocalypse has been good to Sarah and David. Their marriage is better than ever. They communicate well, share responsibilities, and now, they're starting a business. ZombieBusters-for all your zombie extermination needs.

There are lots of zombies and that means lots of customers...Except one of them doesn't want the zombies dead, he wants them alive and ready for experimentation. Mad scientists make for difficult clients and this time, Sarah and David might have bitten off more than they can chew.

Review
FLIP THIS ZOMBIE, by Jesse Petersen, is the second book in the Living With The Dead Series. In the last book, Sarah and David discovered that zombies were taking over the entire West Coast. Now they are working as freelance zombie hunters. They come across a scientist who wants to find a cure but nothing about this man is as it seems.

My favorite zombie-hunting couple is back! This time they have taken their talents and are using them to their advantage. They set up residency in a survivor camp and by day they hunt zombies for supplies. They soon run into a scientist who wants the couple to bring back live zombies for experimentation. After accepting this offer, they run into The Kid, a smart-mouthed twelve year old, and they all work together for The Cure.

Just when they thought their relationship issues were over, they are soon brought out again by Kevin, the scientist. David and Sarah both have differing ideas on what his motives are and soon they are at each others throats. I loved how The Kid added to the tension. He was adorable and at the same time, a major brat.

Petersen definitely has thought long and hard about zombie hunting. Her descriptions of fighting and capturing the zombies are extremely inventive. Once again, this book proved to be another masterpiece in this series. I found myself laughing way too hard at times and also pulling for this couple to survive. I can't wait for the next book, Eat Slay Love.


Check out Jesse Peterson's Website, Blog, Twitter, and Facebook 

*FTC Disclosure: I received this ARC from the publisher. I do not receive payment of any kind in exchange for a review. I do not receive monetary compensation from any book links in my review.

December 30, 2010

2010 Top Fives: YA Couples

Here are my Top Five 2010 YA Couples:

5. Zoey and Doug from Forget You (Jennifer Echols. Review). Hate turning to love is one of my favorite beginnings to epic relationships. Zoey forgets what happened the night of her car crash and Doug does everything to remind her of what they had that one night. How adorable is that?

4. Teagan and Garreth from Angel Star (Jennifer Murgia. Review). These two balance each other well and the fact that Garreth shows her the path of understanding is breathtaking. Plus who wouldn't want an angel for a boyfriend?

3. Tessa and Will from Clockwork Angel (Cassandra Clare. Review). Still up in the air but their connection was undeniable.

2. Grace and Sam from Linger (Maggie Stiefvater. Review). Ahh Grace and Sam, epitome of epic teenage love. Their relationship has had many bumps in the road but in the end, my bet is that they will make it through no matter what.

1. Chloe and Derek from The Reckoning (Kelley Armstrong. Review). My bet is always on the unlikely pair. Starting their friendship on slated terms, which grew into respect, and then devotion to keeping each other safe makes these two my 2010 Top YA Couple.

Share your Top Five YA Couples in the comments!

Married with Zombies (Jesse Petersen) Review

Married with Zombies (Living with the Dead, #1)
Publisher: Orbit (September 1, 2010)
Paperback: 320 Pages
Series: Living With The Dead #1
Genre: Adult Humor/Horror
Book from Publisher*
From Goodreads. A heartwarming tale of terror in the middle of the zombie apocalypse.

Meet Sarah and David.
Once upon a time they met and fell in love. But now they're on the verge of divorce and going to couples' counseling. On a routine trip to their counselor, they notice a few odd things - the lack of cars on the highway, the missing security guard, and the fact that their counselor, Dr. Kelly, is ripping out her previous client's throat.

Meet the Zombies.
Now, Sarah and David are fighting for survival in the middle of the zombie apocalypse. But, just because there are zombies, doesn't mean your other problems go away. If the zombies don't eat their brains, they might just kill each other.

Review
MARRIED WITH ZOMBIES, by Jesse Petersen, is a hilarious story about a couple who is on the verge of a divorce but have to work through their issues in the midst of a zombie apocalypse.

Sarah and David are hilarious together. It is easy to see that they belong together, even when they think they don't. When they discover that their city has been overrun by the Undead, they put down their differences (for now) and work together to survive. I liked how Petersen incorporated zombie movies and books into the couple's strategy for survival. This is definitely a book you would want during a zombie takeover!

I have to say that I am terrified of zombies, and if this book was not hysterical I probably would have had killer nightmares. The journey to get to David's sister seemed to take forever when it was just a matter of days. The obstacles they overcame were frightening and at the same time comical. This pair was truly made for zombie hunting and I would definitely want them on my side!

Check out Jesse Peterson's Website, Blog, Twitter, and Facebook 

*FTC Disclosure: I received this ARC from the publisher. I do not receive payment of any kind in exchange for a review. I do not receive monetary compensation from any book links in my review.

December 29, 2010

2010 Top Fives: Love Trianges

Love triangles make up a lot of the relationship drama in YA Books. You may think that a couple is happy together until someone steps in and stirs up some trouble. I will refer to the series as a whole when creating my Top Five Love Triangles because the tension tends to last, making me an anxious reader and hungry for the next book. Also, this is my creative space and I will be expressing my Team. Be sure to put your Top Five 2010 YA Love Triangles in the comments along with your Team.

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5. Laurel, Tamani, David from Wings Series (Aprilynne Pike. Spells Review). Half-fey Laurel, Faerie Tamani, and Human David complete this triangle. At this point, Laurel wants to hold onto her humanity as much as she can but Tamani's devotion to her and the pull of the unknown Avalon make her second guess everything she has ever known. Who will she ultimately choose? My bet is on Tamani!

4. Schuyler, Jack, Oliver from Blue Bloods Series (Melissa de la Cruz. Misguided Angel Review). Half-Blue Blood Schuyler, Blue Blood Jack and Human Oliver crowd this triangle. Schuyler and Oliver have been best friends since they were children, but she is drawn to the rich and mysterious Jack Force. Complications between both these relationship ensue but Schyuler can't seem to let go of Jack even though Oliver means the world to her. Team Jack!

3. Meghan, Ash, and Puck from The Iron Fey Series (Julie Kagawa. The Iron Daughter Review). Meghan is half-Summer Fey, Ash is Winter Fey, and Puck is Summer Fey. Puck is her best friend and has been for a long time. When Meghan discovers where she comes from, she immediately falls for the worst person for her to fall for, Ash. Fey custom says that Summer and Winter can never be together, but Meghans fights for her heart even though she has the ability to be swayed back to her best friend. Goooo Team Ash!

2. Frannie, Luc, Gabe from Personal Demons (Lisa Desrochers. Personal Demons Review). Human Frannie, Demon Luc, and Angel Gabe connect the dots of this paranormal teen romance. Frannie is hot for Luc's darkness, but also basks in Gabe's light. She is confused about which one to choose and who to let go of. My dibs are on the hot hot hot Lucifer.

1. Katniss, Peeta, Gale from The Hunger Games Series (Suzanne Collins. Mockingjay Review). Katniss and Gale are best friends out of necessity. Katniss and Peeta fight for their lives in the Hunger Games sponsored by The Capitol. Gale and Peeta are both in love with Katniss but her struggle just to survive in her chaotic world keeps her an arms-length away from both. I have been Team Peeta since the beginning, and I think Suzanne Collins wrapped up this love triangle very well in Mockingjay. These relationships are not cut and dry. The world that these teens live in creates adults at a very young age and survival of the fittest is the only way to live. But for Katniss to find love even at the darkest of times was absolutely breathtaking, naming this my Top YA Love Triangle.

Giveaway: Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings (Hélène Boudreau)

Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings

From Goodreads. Freak of nature takes on a whole new meaning...

If she hadn't been so clueless, she might have seen it coming. But really, who expects to get into a relaxing bathtub after a stressful day of shopping for tankinis and come out with scales and a tail?

Most. Embarrassing. Moment. Ever.

Jade soon discovers she inherited her mermaid tendencies from her mom. But if Mom was a mermaid, how did she drown?

Jade is determined to find out. So how does a plus-size, aqua-phobic mer-girl go about doing that exactly? And how will Jade ever be able to explain her secret to her best friend, Cori, and to her crush, Luke?

This summer is about to get a lot more interesting...





December 28, 2010

Winner!! (Entice by Carrie Jones)

The winner of a copy of Entice by Carrie Jones is

Khyla

Congrats!!!

Real Live Boyfriends (E. Lockhart) Review

Real Live Boyfriends: Yes. Boyfriends, plural. If my life weren't complicated, I wouldn't be Ruby Oliver
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (December 28, 2010)
Hardcover: 240 Pages
Series: Ruby Oliver #4
Genre: YA Contemporary
Book from James at Book Chic Club, part of his 1-ARC Tour
From Goodreads. Ruby Oliver is in love. Or it would be love, if Noel, her real live boyfriend, would call her back. But Noel seems to have turned into a pod-robot lobotomy patient, and Ruby can’t figure out why.

Not only is her romantic life a shambles:
Her dad is eating nothing but Cheetos,
Her mother’s got a piglet head in the refrigerator,
Hutch has gone to Paris to play baguette air guitar,
Gideon shows up shirtless,
And the pygmy goat Robespierre is no help whatsoever.

Will Ruby ever control her panic attacks?
Will she ever understand boys?
Will she ever stop making lists?
(No to that last one.)

Roo has lost most of her friends. She’s lost her true love, more than once. She’s lost her grandmother, her job, her reputation, and possibly her mind. But she’s never lost her sense of humor. The Ruby Oliver books are the record of her survival.

Review
REAL LIFE BOYFRIENDS, by E. Lockhart, is the fourth book in the Ruby Oliver series. I hate to admit when I signed up for this tour I had no idea that it was the fourth book in a series. I usually don't like to read books out of series but I was very interested in this book from the synopsis so I decided to jump out of my comfort zone. Although I am sure there was more background that I was missing out on, I admit that I absolutely loved this book.

Ruby's voice is absolutely charming and lovable. I love her sense of humor and her mature outlook on life. Although these characters were new to me, I fell in love with them almost immediately. I loved Ruby and Noel together and I was upset when they had relationship troubles after his trip to New York. The realization of what tore them apart was heart-shattering and I was anxious to see if at least their friendship would remain intact.

Overall, this seems like a great series. I am very excited to get caught up on the other books. But in the end, I would definitely recommend this book.


Check out E. Lockhart's Website, Blog, Twitter

2010 Top Fives: YA Guys

Yesterday was my list of Top Five 2010 YA Girls, and I thought that was hard to narrow down. My Top Five 2010 YA Guys was even harder. Many of these leading men were gorgeous, brave, sometimes 'bad', but absolutely perfect in my mind.

5. Will from Clockwork Angel (Cassandra Clare. Review). Hottie McShadowhunter with hidden issues. Who doesn't love a rebel badboy?

4. Ash from The Iron Daughter (Julie Kagawa. Review). Ahh another bad boy from the wrong side of Fey. Dark and brooding is always a winner for me.

3. Cal from Hex Hall (Rachel Hawkins. Review). A very small role in this book but the resident handsome groundskeeper set him apart from the rest and I am excited to see where this series takes him.

2. Luc from Personal Demons (Lisa Desrochers. Review) Hottie from Hell! Luc encompasses everything negative yet his connection with Frannie seems to cool my blazing heart for him.

1. Peeta from Mockingjay (Suzanne Collins. Review). Poor Peeta. Tortured and brain-washed to hate the girl he loves. His resiliance and rugged good looks make him my top YA Guy of 2010.

Be sure to put your Top Five 2010 YA Guys in the comments!

Guest Post: Hélène Boudreau (Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings)

Today I am pleased to host Hélène Boudreau author of Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings. In lieu of the upcoming new year, she has decided to share some of her 2011 Reading Resolutions.

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I’m a writer, yes, but I’m definitely a reader first. I read to escape into a story, I read to learn and I read to be entertained.

In 2010, I was introduced to a lot of new-to-me authors. I was wow’ed by the spare, engaging writing of Rebecca Stead in WHEN YOU REACH ME and blown away by the phenomenon which is THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins, not to mention the honest writing of Natalie Standiford’s HOW TO SAY GOODBYE IN ROBOT.

Looking back on 2010, I can honestly say that I did a LOT of reading but I have so many books left unread and genres, which I have yet to explore. So, in that spirit, instead of the ‘lose 10 lbs’ New Year’s Resolution I usually make, this year I thought it might be fun to draft up a couple of ‘Reading Resolutions’.

So …in 2011 I would like to:

1. Read an adapted fairy tale

In 2010, I really enjoyed A CURSE DARK AS GOLD by Elizabeth Bunce which is retelling of Rumpelstiltskin and PLAIN KATE by Erin Bow, which draws heavily from Russian folklore. This year, I’m looking forward to Joanna Karaplis’ FRACTURED: HAPPY NEVER AFTER? and will be on the look-out for more fairy tale adaptations to explore.

2. Read a steampunk novel

To be honest, I’m not entirely clear on what steampunk actually is. It sounds cool, though, so I think I’ll start with Arthur Slade’s THE HUNCHBACK ASSIGNMENTS. What are some other not-to-be-missed steampunk novels out there?

3. Read a graphic novel

I have never read a graphic novel. I need some serious help here. Suggestions?

4. Read an e-book

I’ve only ever read one electronic book, which was UGLIES by Scott Westerfeld but I read it on my computer screen. This year I’d really like the whole experience of reading an e-book on an actual e-reader.

5. Listen to more audio book series

I listen to a lot of audio books while training for half-marathons (walking marathons NOT running) because audio books are a great way to stay motivated. I can always walk an extra mile to get to the end of the chapter or to find out what happens next. This past year, I listened to the whole HARRY POTTER series on audio, plus about a dozen other stand-alone titles. I’m partway through THE HUNGER GAMES trilogy by Suzanne Collins at the moment (I’ve already read all three books but enjoy them even more on audio) and would love to start up another series once I’m done.

6. Read more humor

Gotta love a book that makes you laugh out loud. Rhonda Stapleton’s STUPID CUPID did that for me in 2010. In 2011, I’m looking forward to reading FAT VAMPIRE by Adam Rex and FOOD, GIRLS AND OTHER THINGS I CAN’T HAVE by Allen Zadoff. Any other LOL book suggestions?

There are SO many great books coming out this year, plus so many more on my To Be Read pile that I’m sure I’ll be kept quite busy. Still, though, I need a bit of help rounding out my list (suggestions, pls?).

So…does anyone else want to play? What are YOUR ‘2011 Reading Resolutions’?

Please share!


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Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings
Hélène Boudreau is the author of REAL MERMAIDS DON’T WEAR TOE RINGS. She’s never spotted a real mermaid in the wild but thinks they are just as plausible as seahorses, flying fish and electric eels.

In a fun promotion for the holidays, Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky is offering signed Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings bookplates with proof of purchase. More info HERE.

*You can find Hélène on Twitter, Facebook and on her Website.

December 27, 2010

2010 Top Fives: YA Girls

This year was a fantastic year for Young Adult books. This week I will be posting my 2010 YA Top Fives in the following categories:

YA Girls
YA Guys
YA Couples
YA Love Triangles
Best YA Books

5. Vanessa from Siren (Tricia Rayburn. Review). Vanessa is a great character. She is a siren (awesome in itself) and lives to protect those she loves even if it means getting over everything she fears.

4. Mimi from Misguided Angel (Melissa de la Cruz. Review). My favorite vampire to hate became one of my favorite female characters. In the first Blue Bloods books, she was nasty and selfish, but this book showed a turning point in her attitude. She is more grown up now and while her not so great qualities still exist, I now understand her more and think she is fantastic.

3. Tessa from Clockwork Angel (Cassandra Clare. Review). Tessa is a proper female of her time but she is also strong-willed. Thrown into a world that she never imagined, she is fights for those she loves and begins to love another.

2. Meghan from The Iron Daughter (Julie Kagawa. Review). Meghan is half-fey and in this book she is getting to know that side of herself. She is intelligent and sticks to her guns no matter what situation she finds herself in.

1. Sophie from Hex Hall (Rachel Hawkins. Review). Sophie arrives at Hectate Hall because she causes trouble in the human world. Her sass and cleverness continues to cause her trouble and even stir up a forbidden romance.

Feel free to share your own Top Five YA Girls List in the comments.

Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings (Hélène Boudreau) Review

Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Paperback: 206 pages
Genre: Juvenile Fiction, Fantasy
Book from Publisher*
From Goodreads.

Freak of nature takes on a whole new meaning...


If she hadn't been so clueless, she might have seen it coming. But really, who expects to get into a relaxing bathtub after a stressful day of shopping for tankinis and come out with scales and a tail?

Most. Embarrassing. Moment. Ever.

Jade soon discovers she inherited her mermaid tendencies from her mom. But if Mom was a mermaid, how did she drown?

Jade is determined to find out. So how does a plus-size, aqua-phobic mer-girl go about doing that exactly? And how will Jade ever be able to explain her secret to her best friend, Cori, and to her crush, Luke?

This summer is about to get a lot more interesting...

Review
REAL MERMAIDS DON'T WEAR TOE RINGS, by Hélène Boudreau, is an absolutely charming book. I went out of my comfort zone reading a lower YA book, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I sat down to start the book and finished it about two hours later!

I think one of the reasons I was not phased by it being a lower YA age group was because Jade was so wise for her fourteen years. She had issues with her self-confidence and was still dealing with the drowning death of her mother, but her 'voice' was well articulated, strong, and often comical. Each step of the way, Boudreau unraveled a new possibility or barrier for Jade to make her way through. I was surprised at where the book took me and I enjoyed every minute.

Adults and children alike will enjoy this book. Boudreau created her own myth about mermaids and by the end of the book I wanted to believe in them too. Jade is definitely relatable to everyone. She is a dreamer that wants to believe there is something more out there, and just needs the simple things in life to be happy.


For more info, check out Hélène Boudreau's Website, Blog, and Twitter

*FTC Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher. I do not receive payment of any kind in exchange for a review. I do not receive monetary compensation from any book links in my review.

Blog Tour: Entice (Carrie Jones) Review

Entice (Need, #3)
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books (December 7, 2010)
Hardcover: 288 pages
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Series: Need #3
Book from Publisher*

From Goodreads. Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever. But that’s not quite how things have worked out.

For starters, well, Nick is dead. Supposedly, he’s been taken to a mythic place for warriors known as Valhalla, so Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. But it’s taking time, and meanwhile a group of evil pixies is devastating Bedford, with more teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys need all the warriors they can find. But how to get to Valhalla?

And even if Zara and her friends discover the way, there’s that other small problem: Zara’s been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to go with her? Especially since she hasn’t just turned… She’s Astley’s queen.

Review
ENTICE, by Carrie Jones, continues the story of Zara, newly-turned Pixie Queen, and her quest to save her supposedly-dead boyfriend.

I was extremely excited to get this book. I really like this series and I could not wait to see if Astley fulfilled his promise to Zara to get Nick back for her. But after reading it, I have to say I was disappointed. If it wasn't for me liking the first two books, I would have probably stopped reading the whole series. But, alas since there is another book to come, I finished it and I'm actually glad I did.

I felt this book just filled the gap between books until the final conclusion can be reached. There was a lot of fluff and general wandering around to avoid getting to where Zara needed to be. Also, I thought Issie was off my annoying radar, but at this point she is back on. Her ramblings just aren't cute to me and I really could do without.

But besides that, there were things I did enjoy. Astley for one. I adore Astley. He consistently puts Zara's needs above all others and he has a good heart. He only wants his Queen to be happy and if that means putting his pixies or anyone else in danger, so be it. The last 1/4 of the book was where the meat of the story was and that made it extremely worth it for me. There was heart-pumping action and the story really stepped it up. All of that lead to a pretty awesome cliffhanger and I am definitely looking forward to the next book.



*FTC Disclosure: I received this ARC from the publisher. I do not receive payment of any kind in exchange for a review. I do not receive monetary compensation from any book links in my review.

My Reviews of the Need Series

Check out some awesome links below:

Carrie Jones website, Twitter, Facebook
Bloomsbury Teen Facebook Page
NeedPixies Facebook Page
Dream Cast contest 
(upload your favorite actors and actresses and you could win a FLIP video camera!)


Entice Trailer:





December 26, 2010

Book Trailer & Release Date: My Soul To Steal (Rachel Vincent)

Check out the trailer for My Soul To Steal by Rachel Vincent. The official release date was set for January 1, 2011 but I just found out that the actual shelf date is today!

Check out my Review HERE and then go out and buy it, you won't be disappointed!!

December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all have a lovely Christmas. I hope you enjoy time with your loved ones and get everything on your wishlist.

 I will be offline for the remainder of the weekend due to visiting with family and the like. Have a great day and I will see you next week!

Here the ending from one of my favorite Christmas Specials  (I do not own this clip):


December 24, 2010

My Soul To Steal (Rachel Vincent) Review

SPOILER ALERT: If you have not read the previous books in the Soul Screamers Series there may be minor spoilers ahead.

My Soul to Steal (Soul Screamers, #4)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen (January 1, 2011)
eBook: 352 pages
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Series: Soul Screamers #4
Book from Netgalley*

From Goodreads. Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can't just pretend nothing happened. But "complicated" doesn't even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.

See, Sabine isn't just an ordinary girl. She's a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people's fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives.

And Sabine isn't above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.

Review
MY SOUL TO STEAL, by Rachel Vincent, is definitely my favorite of the series so far. Each of these books steps up the action and danger and this one was no different. From the last book we left Kaylee and Nash broken up because of his addiction to the Netherworld drug, frost. This book begins after they have been apart for a few weeks and it had been torture for the both of them. But just as they begin talking again, Sabine steps into the picture.

I initially read about Sabine from the short story, Fearless, from the anthology Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love (Review). She was dating Nash two years prior to My Soul To Take. Sabine gives Kaylee a run for her money and complicates the delicate nature of her and Nash's relationship that is currently in shambles. These two are at each others throats the entire time. It was simultaneously comedic and sometimes sad. Each of these girls appeals to a different part of Nash and I was having a hard time figuring out who he needed more. But that aside, I am and will always be a Kaylee/Nash shipper.

Kaylee was definitely the strongest I have ever seen her. She did not give into the pressure that Sabine was dishing out. There were times I wanted her to get over what happened but when I put myself in her position, I could see where the trust issues between her and Nash created a barrier. And Sabine's ability to exploit fears was not helpful at all.

While I was distracted with Nash, Kaylee, and Sabine, I was missing out on the disasters that were slowing snowballing during the book. The climactic 'fight' was definitely full of chaos and crazy action.

Vincent has definitely done it again with this book. Her ability to create a legitimate love triangle and still keep up the pacing of a story filled with action and suspense is why this series is one of my favorites.



Reviews of Soul Screamer's Books:
My Soul To Lose (novella)

For more info, check out Rachel Vincent's Website, Blog, Twitter, and Facebook

*FTC Disclosure: I received this egalley from NetGalley. I do not receive payment of any kind in exchange for a review. I do not receive monetary compensation from any book links in my review.

Winner! (Sarah Ockler Giveaway)

Congrats to

 Ammy

 she has won a copy of Fixing Delilah from my Sarah Ockler giveaway

December 23, 2010

Dead Beautiful (Yvonne Woon) Audiobook Review

Dead Beautiful | [Yvonne Woon]
Publisher: Audible, Inc (Original Release: Hyperion, September 21, 2010)
Format: Audiobook
Narrated by Caitlin Davies
Length: 12 hrs and 38 mins
From Audible.com. After Renee Winters discovers her parents lying dead in California’s Redwood Forest in what appears to be a strange double murder, her grandfather sends her off to Gottfried Academy in Maine, a remote and mysterious high school dedicated to philosophy, “crude sciences,” and Latin: the Language of the Dead. It’s here she meets Dante, a dark and elusive student to whom she feels inexplicably drawn.

As they get to know each other better, Dante can’t seem to control his attraction either, and their desires gradually deepen into a complex and dangerous romance. Dangerous because Dante is hiding a frightening secret. A secret so terrible, it has him fearing for Renee’s life.

Dante’s not the only one with secrets, though. Turns out Gottfried Academy has a few of its own… Like, how come students keep disappearing? Why are the prefect-like Monitors creeping around campus during the night? And what exactly are the Headmistress and Professors really up to? Renee is determined to find out why.

Review
DEAD BEAUTIFUL, by Yvonne Woon, is quite the unexpected treasure. We get to know very little about Renee Winters before she discovers the dead bodies of her parents in the woods. Under the guardianship of her estranged grandfather, she is brought to Maine to attend Gottfried Academy. There Renee is faced with attending a different kind of curriculum, a gossipy roommate, and a mysterious boy who she is unexplainably attracted to.

The curriculum at Gottfried was intriguing to say the least. Latin, a supposedly, dead language was brought back to life and some of the students even spoke it regularly. Horticulture class was interesting as well. A lot of the students were desperate to get into that class and Renee wondered why. She was extremely good at it, which put her on a higher pedestal even though it was not what everyone had made it out to be. I liked how Woon made Gottfried Academy a character in itself. She structured the school for a purpose that I was desperate to understand and when the secrets were unraveled I was extremely impressed with the thought and creativity that went into it.

I appreciated the relationship between Renee and Eleanor, her roommate. Several times Woon referenced the differing friendship between Annie, Renee's best friend in California, and Eleanor. It was refreshing to not have a competitive relationship between these friends, as most YA books seem to thrive on. These two were able to tell each other everything without fear of sounding crazy and that really impressed me.

Then there was the mysterious Dante. The way the rest of the female student body spoke of him made me wary of his almost instant connection with Renee. I knew there was something supernatural going on and I was anxious for it to be revealed. Their romantic relationship was very sweet and they definitely walked a thin line together against Gottfried's strict rules. Although Dante was charming, protective, and intelligent, the idea that he was hiding something always nagged at me.

It was a pleasant surprise to read a paranormal book that was a stand-alone. It seems that all I have been reading now are books in series that leave me wanting more. At the end of the book I felt complete even though it stayed in my mind long after.

My only problem with the actual book was the length. There were times that I felt the story lost its pacing in the middle but as soon as it picked up again I was hooked.

In terms of it being an audiobook, I thought it was okay. Caitlin Davies definitely has a great voice for narration. She is very articulate and her voices show great character separation. After about five hours of her voice though I was begging her to pick up the pace. She drew out her female voices a little too much and made them sound sing-songy. I have a feeling if the book was shorter then that wouldn't have bothered me as much.

Overall this was a great book. It incorporated many philosophical ideas about the dead that I found very interesting and a love story that reaches deep down into the heart.

 

For more info, check out Yvonne Woon's Website

December 21, 2010

2010 Best Blogger Award



Hey followers! I am up for Best New Blog at Mindful Musings. Check it out and if you really love my site, please vote for me!

Thanks a bunch!! :)

VOTE HERE

** Also, just by voting you are entered into a giveaway to win a book from Mindful Musings! (This includes international folks!)

The Lost Saint (Bree Despain) Review


The Lost Saint (The Dark Divine, #2)
Publisher: EgmontUSA (December 28, 2010)
Hardcover: 384 pages
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Series: The Dark Divine #2
Book from Publisher*
From Goodreads. Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected with the werewolf curse while trying to save him, and lost her beloved brother in the process.

Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot, a newcomer to town. But as the two grow closer, Grace’s relationship with Daniel is put in danger — in more ways than one.

Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace begins to give into the wolf inside of her — not realizing that an enemy has returned and a deadly trap is about to be sprung.

Review
THE LOST SAINT, by Bree Despain, was a fantastic addition to the series. This book explores the relationship between Grace and Daniel in the wake of Jude's disappearance. Tensions run high with their relationship and the Grace's constant battle between body and wolf.

Despain wasted no time in the continuation of the story. She jumped right into the chaos that was Grace's life after she save Daniel and was cursed herself. Grace's generous and loving nature was put to the test in learning to balance body and wolf. But within their small town was threat of danger and Grace wanted to use her superpowers to fight for good when everyone told her not to. At that point, Talbot is introduced.

Talbot is a very interesting character. His appearance is a bit too convenient and I found myself falling for him but at the same time, wary of whose side he was playing on. He was good competition for Daniel and it surprised me at the end which side he was really on.

Even with the seed of doubt planted in Grace's mind, I know that Daniel and Grace have to be together. They are created from the same mold and both are willing to sacrifice everything to keep each other safe. Their relationship is anything but perfect but they stand to be one of my top YA couples.

Despain brought some serious action into this book and I found myself wishing each scene would bring Grace to her full superpower potential. I felt the anticipation and thrill that came along with each villain that crossed her path. And the big battle scene at the end kept my heart thumping with anxiety for the outcome.

Overall, great book, great series. I gave TDD 5 stars and I will definitely give this book no less. Despain left me with a massive cliffhanger and I will patiently wait for the next book to quench my Grace/Daniel thirst.



My Review of The Dark Divine (The Dark Divine #1)
For more info, check out Bree Despain's Website, Blog, Twitter, and Facebook

*FTC Disclosure: I received this ARC from the publisher. I do not receive payment of any kind in exchange for a review. I do not receive monetary compensation from any book links in my review.

December 20, 2010

Out for Blood (Alyxandra Harvey) Giveaway

Out for Blood

From Goodreads. Hunter Wild is the youngest in a long line of elite vampire hunters, a legacy that is both a blessing and a curse at the secret Helios-Ra Academy, where she excels at just about everything. Thanks to her friendship with Kieran Black, Hunter receives a special invitation to attend the coronation of Helena Drake, and for the first time, she sees the difference between vampires that must be hunted and vampires that can become friends—or even more. When students at the academy fall victim to a mysterious illness, Hunter suspects they are under attack from within. She will need someone she can trust to help her save the future of Helios-Ra . . . help that shockingly comes in the form of Quinn Drake, a drop-dead gorgeous vampire. Who said senior year would be easy?



December 17, 2010

Winner TLS & Nail Polish

The Winner of TLS ARC and Nail Polish is

Heather

Congrats!!


Thank you all for entering, I had over 125 entries, the most I have ever had for a giveaway! :)

Holiday Book Guide: Adult Edition

Here are just a few adult books I enjoyed this year. If your book buddy likes...

...Vampires and Romance

Insatiable, by Meg Cabot, is my first 'Cabot' book but I can honestly say I was very pleased. A mixture of vampires, humor, and sexiness (when is there not with the vamps?) will make any holiday bright. Check out my review.

...Chick-lit

The US release of I Heart New York, by Lindsey Kelk, took me by surprise. I loved the English humor mixed with my love for NYC. If you have ever broken up with someone and wanted to run away, this is the book that will take you on that journey. Check out my review.

...Supernatural Romance

Two books that were all sorts of steamy and supernatural were Tales of the Otherworld (Kelley Armstrong) and the 2010 paperback release of The Missing (Shiloh Walker).

Tales of the Otherworld: Beginnings Review
The Missing Review

...Paranormal Chick-lit

Maybe This Time, by Jennifer Crusie, was a ghostly and romantic read. Check out my Review

Waking The Witch (Kelley Armstrong) Audiobook Review

Waking the Witch: Women of the Otherworld, Book 11 | [Kelley Armstrong]
Publisher: Penguin Audiobooks (August 6, 2010)
Format: Audiobook
Length: 8h 50m
Narrated by Johanna Parker
Genre: Adult Paranormal
Series: Women of the Otherworld #11
From Goodreads. The orphaned daughter of a sorcerer and a half-demon, Savannah is a terrifyingly powerful young witch who has never been able to resist the chance to throw her magical weight around. But at 21 she knows she needs to grow up and prove to her guardians, Paige and Lucas, that she can be a responsible member of their supernatural detective agency. So she jumps at the chance to fly solo, investigating the mysterious deaths of three young women in a nearby factory town as a favor to one of the agency's associates. At first glance, the murders look garden-variety human, but on closer inspection signs point to otherworldly stakes.

Soon Savannah is in over her head. She's run off the road and nearly killed, haunted by a mystery stalker, and freaked out when the brother of one of the dead women is murdered when he tries to investigate the crime. To complicate things, something weird is happening to her powers. Pitted against shamans, demons, a voodoo-inflected cult and garden-variety goons, Savannah has to fight to ensure her first case isn't her last. And she also has to ask for help, perhaps the hardest lesson she's ever had to learn.

Review
WAKING THE WITCH, by Kelley Armstrong, is the eleventh book in the Women of the Otherworld series. I really love this series. I have only read a few books (and some out of order) but that is the beauty of this series. You can read the books out of order ( I usually choose the book by character ) and not be totally confused.

We first met Savannah in Stolen (WoO#2) as a young girl. In this book, she is twenty-one and ready to start her own cases as a Private Investigator at Paige and Lucas's firm. She is sassy, clever, and full of life and I absolutely love her. Savannah was asked to help with a murder case while Paige and Lucas were on vacation. Soon enough she is whisked away to a town in the middle of nowhere and mysterious events occur all around her. With her powers on the fritz she is challenged but manages to push through.

This book was fast-paced and kept me going back and forth on who I thought was the villain. Surprises popped up in every dark corner and I was left dizzy with awe. Armstrong has really done it again in this book and I am excited that Savannah's story will continue for the next two books.

Audiobook-wise, Parker did an excellent job narrating this book. She is extremely talented and she really made Savannah come alive. I hope to hear more from her in the future.

Overall, great book, fans of the series will definitely love it!


For more info on Kelley Armstrong check out her website and Twitter

Reviews from Women of the Otherworld Series

December 16, 2010

Winner TMAS Magnets

The Winner of the TMAS Magnets (designed by Holly Cupala) is

Andrea

Congrats!!

2010 Virtual Advent


I am very pleased to be participating in the 2010 Virtual Advent Tour hosted by Kailana from The Written World and Marg from Adventures of an Intrepid Reader .

Today I would like to share my most cherished Christmas memory, and that is of the wonderful television specials that had made my Christmas's as a child so magical.


The 1987 TV special was always a favorite of mine.  The normal characters of Garfield, Odie, and Jon were joined by Jon's family. I loved the Grandma and her infinite wisdom. Definitely a classic. 


The 1969 version of Frosty the Snowman always made me shed a tear or two as a child. I loved Frosty and was devastated when the selfish magician locked him in a greenhouse! But with all childhood stories comes a happy ending and Frosty joined me again each Christmas, year after year. Also, this movie contributes to one of my favorite phrases, "No ticket, no ride!'


The 1964 Burl Ives version is a classic with a capital "C". This lovable reindeer and his misfit friends battle snowstorms and Abominable Snowmen in the hopes of being a Christmas hero. Absolutely fabulous and definitely is a Christmas season favorite. 


Ah, the Grinch. Green (with envy) and a despicable creature that looms over Whoville. The 1966 classic is a must-see each year for me. Another year round phrase that is pulled from this movie is, "Stink, Stank, Stunk!". Can you tell how much I love Christmas movies? 

December 15, 2010

Holiday Book Guide: YA Contemporary Edition

Here are some YA contemporary books I enjoyed this year. If your book buddy likes...

...Saving the World

The Cinderella Society, by Kay Cassidy, is a fantastic story about fighting the good fight. Check out my Review.

...Getting back at the Mean Girl
She's So Dead To Us, by Kieran Scott, is a great riches to rags story that makes the 'mean girl' take a closer look at her past choices. Check out my Review

...College
The Ivy
The Ivy, by Lauren Kunze with Rina Onur, is about a young girl who is trying to forget her summer before college and really fit in at an Ivy League school. Check out my Review

...Moving on 


Twenty Boy Summer
Twenty Boy Summer, by Sarah Ockler, is a phenomenal story of losing a loved one and having the strength to move on after he has gone. This book is absolutely beautiful. Check out my Review.

...Teenage Love
Forget you, by Jennifer Echols, is a quintessential book about teenage love. It is romantic and steamy, definitely a must-read. Check out my Review.

December 14, 2010

Holiday Gift Guide: YA Paranormal Edition

Here are some YA paranormal books that I enjoyed this year. If your book loving friend likes...

...Angels and Demons

Crescendo (Hush, Hush, #2)  


Crescendo is the second book in the Hush, Hush series by Becca Fitzpatrick. It is fast-paced and extremely action-y. And who doesn't love a rebel angel. Check out my Review.

Talk about rebels...Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers is about a hot (hot! hot!) demon and angel fighting over the mysterious powers of what seems like a simple human girl. But oh boy are they wrong. Check out my Review.

...Birds and babies


Stork by Wendy Delsol, was truly an unexpected treasure. Delsol weaved an amazing tale full of mystery, suspense, and romance. Check out my Review

...Fire


Arson by Estevan Vega is an excellent story of a boy who is anything but normal. His ability to start fire from his mind was truly a wonder to read. Check out my Review.

...Edgar Allen Poe


Nevermore by Kelley Creagh is probably one of my top books this year in YA Paranormal. It is very long but so extremely detailed and the story is expertly weaved to keep me wanting more. Check out my Review.

Entice (Carrie Jones) Giveaway

Entice (Need, #3)
From Goodreads. Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever. But that’s not quite how things have worked out.

For starters, well, Nick is dead. Supposedly, he’s been taken to a mythic place for warriors known as Valhalla, so Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. But it’s taking time, and meanwhile a group of evil pixies is devastating Bedford, with more teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys need all the warriors they can find. But how to get to Valhalla?

And even if Zara and her friends discover the way, there’s that other small problem: Zara’s been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to go with her? Especially since she hasn’t just turned… She’s Astley’s queen.


December 13, 2010

Holiday Gift Guide: YA Fantasy Edition

I have been scouring the web to find the best books for my bookish friends so I thought I would return the favor. Since there were so many great releases this year I am going to split up my Holiday Book Gift Guide into several posts.

There were a lot of really great YA books released this year. Here are just a few that I enjoyed and perhaps a fantasy loving friend would enjoy as well.

If they like....





...Fey, then The Iron King series, by Julie Kagawa, is a great choice. In 2010, the second book in the series, The Iron Daughter, was released. This is one of my favorite series to date, check out my review, along with a review of the first book in the series, The Iron King.








...Vampires, then I've got two great series' to check out...

This year, the fifth book in the Blue Bloods series, by Melissa de la Cruz, Misguided Angel was released. Also, the second book in The Drake Chronicles Series, by Alyxandra Harvey, Blood Feud was released. Both of these books have unique histories of vampires and are set in modern times. Be sure to check out my reviews:

Blood Feud (The Drake Chronicles, #2)
                            Misguided Angel                             Blood Feud



Siren


...Mermaids

I recommend Siren, by Tricia Rayburn. This book has amazing characters and an added element of mystery that I absolutely fell in love with. Check out my Review.











...Schmexy Shadow Hunters



Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare is full of steampunk awesomeness. Check out my Review











...Mish-mash of Paranormal Creatures

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong is the third book in the Darkest Powers Series. This book is action-packed and wraps up the end of the series with a bang. Check out my Review. (Reviews of the first two books in the series, The Summoning and The Awakening)

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins is the start of a phenomenal new series about a witch in a school full of supernatural rejects. It is hilarious and I think you will enjoy it as much as I did. Check out my Review.

 


What were some of your favorite YA fantasy books this year?

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