TGIF (1)

TGIF is a super fun weekly Meme created by Ginger over at http://www.greadsbooks.com/
Check it out and take part in the fun!

The question this week?

Most Popular: What blog post has gotten the most 

comments/activity on your blog this year?

Well...

My most popular post was definitely my Author Interview with Jodi Meadows + Incarnate Giveaway

Giveaways are truly a goldmine for getting your blog more attention!

Some other popular posts were:

• My most popular review was surprisingly Firelight by Sophie Jordan! I was sure it would have been Daughter of Smoke and Bones or Shatter Me. This was in fact a nice surprise.
• My most popular "Take a Minute" (where I hash out, blurt out and analyze a random thought) was my "I Take a Minute and... talk about hope" post. I am happy about this one and it made me decide to make this feature a weekly thing. There are a few things in the works with that idea... Should I maybe make it a meme with set questions so my followers will participate? (leave your comments/suggestions/idea below please)

Well that was my TGIF! What about you?

Bookish: BOX of BOOKS - Huge INTERNATIONAL Giveaway!

Bookish: BOX of BOOKS - Huge INTERNATIONAL Giveaway!: Win 16 books!

I Take a Minute and... Debate Switching to Wordpress

With so many fellow bloggers quitting Blogger and joining Wordpress, I have been wondering if I should move on as well.

I have created an account and I will be trying it out.

HOWEVER!

I have worked incredibly hard to get where i am today with 107 followers and I am asking for YOUR help. Please comment below and tell me, should I decide to move on to Wordpress, that you will follow by either email or a Wordpress account.


I appreciate it very much!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

{Review} The Secret Circle by L.J. Smith

The Initiation and The Captive, Part I (The Secret Circle #1-2)
by L.J. Smith

Published: August 1st 2008
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 0316134023 (ISBN13: 9780316134026)
Pages: 396
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought myself
Shelfability: Read if you have time/Borrow
Rating: 2.5 Stars

The circle's power has lured her home
Forced to move from sunny California to gloomy New England, Cassie longs for her old life. Even so, she feels a strange kinship to a terrifying group of teens who seem to rule her school. Initiated into the coven of witches that's controlled New Salem for hundreds of years, she's drawn into the Secret Circle, a thrill that's both intoxicating and deadly. But when she falls for the mysterious and intriguing Adam, Cassie must choose whether to resist temptation or risk dark forces to get what she wants—even if it means that one wrong move could ultimately destroy her.

My Thoughts:
I'm not one to write negative book reviews. Ever. But as it has been pointed out to me, I can't simply write reviews on books I liked and bypass those I didn't enjoy. Now, if I finished a book, it's because it was good enough to finish. So this review isn't all that negative.
Reading The Secret Circle felt like a chore to me. I wanted to read this book when I heard it would be made into a tv show on the CW. And since I enjoyed The Vampire Diaries (I need to update myself on the series (book not tv)) I assumed this would read easily as well. It didn't.
The characters (even Cassie) fell totally flat for me and the plot felt like a wet blanket (don't ask me where the comparison came from, that's all I could think of). However I loved that it was a little darker than your regular YA. The writing was good also.
There isn't much more I can say save that I like the show better than the book. 
I hope you all liked it more than I did.

Cover Reveal: Embrace by Jessica Shervington

Here's a brand new cover for a highly anticipated book!! Embrace by Jessica Shervington! Coming March 1st 2012

I slowly opened my eyes. The sun speared its first bright rays of golden orange into the sky and I leapt from the cliff, with the sorrowful knowledge that no matter what the outcome, at least part of me would die that day...

Violet Eden is dreading her seventeenth birthday dinner. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. The one bright spot is that Lincoln will be there. Sexy, mature and aloof, he is Violet’s idea of perfection. But why does he seem so reluctant to be anything more than a friend?

After he gives her the world’s most incredible kiss – and then abandons her on her front doorstep – Violet is determined to get some answers. But nothing could have prepared her for Lincoln’s explanation: he is Grigori – part angel and part human – and Violet is his eternal partner.

Without warning, Violet’s world is turned upside down. She never believed in God, let alone angels. But there’s no denying the strange changes in her body ... and her feelings for Lincoln. Suddenly, she can’t stand to be around him. Luckily, Phoenix, an exiled angel, has come into her life. He’s intense and enigmatic, but at least he never lied to her.

As Violet gets caught up in an ancient battle between dark and light, she must choose her path. The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity...

What are your thoughts?

I Take a Minute... and talk about hope

This is something I wanted to share with you all.
My whole life I've been looking for approval, from myself and my family. Well, since I started (and kept on) blogging consistently I have felt incredibly proud of myself.
However, my family thinks of my blogging and reading and twittering differently. They call it a "distraction", "just for fun", ask me things like: "what good is that going to do for you?" and "do you really think it'll bring you anywhere?".
I won't lie, hearing that hurts. Blogging is something I have always wanted to do and I finally found a subject (and a wonderful community) that I am passionate about enough to be consistent for. It's something that I am PROUD of!
Now I will get to my point, one of the more prominent book bloggers of our community, Bookalicious pam recently announced that her blog recently helped getting her employed as an assistant literary agent.
Reading that gave me the hope that I can achieve my goals, my dreams.

You can find her blog post here. I hope it will inspire you as much as it has inspired me.

{Review} Daughter of Smoke and Bones

Daughter of Smoke and Bones (Daughter of Smoke and Bones #1)
By Laini Taylor
Published: September 27th 2011

Publisher: Little, Brown & CO.
ISBN: 0316134023 (ISBN13: 9780316134026)
Pages: 418
Format: Hardcover
Source: Bought myself
Shelfability: Must read/COVET
Rating: 5 Stars

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.
When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

My Thoughts


UTTERLY COMPELLING AND MINDBLOWINGLY AWESOMAZING!
As I was reading this book, a lot of things were happening around me (hence the 10 days it took me to read it) and Daughter of Smoke and Bones was my refuge. And what a refuge it was. The book transported me with ever word, make that every letter, to a place of silence and peace. I was amazed and intrigued with Karou, who turned out to be one of my favorite heroines ever. Reading this book was a transcendent experience. It's exactly what a book should be. Laini Taylor embodied the very essence of a great novel.
I found myself, laughing, sighing, crying and even weeping many times while reading the book. At some points I'd be literally moving into my book, trying to get closer as if I might be able to actually see the story from my own eyes.
I connected deeply with every character in the book, not only the main ones. Brimstone was definitely one of my favorite character. And what to say of Akiva... Well the book describes him the best way I could; Perfect.
The mystery surrounding the plot of the novel was obviously very well thought out. I am still wondering if it was more plot or character driven since both were so meticulously thought out and created.
The mythology of Chimeara and Seraphim is now one of my favorites. Taylor created not only one but three wonderful worlds: Human, Seraphim and Chimeara. The stories explaining the war and mythology of the 2 latter races we truly awe-inspiring.
This book not only deserves to be on a shelf of it's own but to have it's cover blown out and hanging over my bed.
To write such a great novel, one must be either insane or a genius.


Final verdict: Deserves it's own Shelf

Bella's Tournament is today!

I know many of us voted already and if you are part of #teambella you know that at this moment Janie is kicking her butt! If you want to recognize Bella as a worthy Heroine, please head on over to The Ya-Sisterhood and cast your vote for our beloved Heroine!
GO TEAM BELLA!!!!

Support Bella Tomorrow!

As Bella's advocate (and fan/admirer bordering on stalker), I am reaching out to all my readers in the hope that you can all vote for Bella tomorrow. Not because I want to win as her advocate but because I really think She deserves it. Show your support for this heroine which has (at least for me) confirmed our love of reading.
So please vote for Bella tomorrow at ya-sisterhood.blogspot.com and show Bella some well deserve support!
Thank you!!!

Bella & Melina

Cover Reveal! Onyx by Jennifer Armentrout

Hey guys!
Guess what's coming out in barely three days!?!?
OBSIDIAN by Jennifer Armentrout!

I am so excited to get my hands on this! I haven't read Half-Blood yet but I will get it before the month is over! I have heard many amazing things about it!


Get it:

BookDepository

Amazon

B&N

Now the real treat is here! The cover reveal and the official blurb!

Onyx (Lux#2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

"No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…"

Keep your eyes out for these! 

Happy reading!!!

{Review} Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1) by Tahereh Mafi
Published: November 15th 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 0062085484 (ISBN13: 9780062085481)
Pages: 352

Format: PaperBack Edition
Source: Bought myself
Shelfability: Must read/COVET
Rating: 5 Stars

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.
The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.
The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.
Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior. 

My Review:

INTENSE, VISUALLY POETIC, THOUGHT-PROVOKING, SWEAT PRODUCING, JAW DROPPINGOh boy, what can I say? This could easily be the next Twilight, or City of Bones or Hunger Games. I'll be perfectly honest; the first 10 chapters were a drag to read but like City of Bones, I kept reading and GOLLY was it ever worth it! I am a sucker for superheroes and this was the first book I read that felt "superhero-y". My love for Shatter Me came in 3 stages:

1. OK this is interesting but if it's like that through out the whole book then I don't understand the hype!
2. Hmmm, I like this book! It's original! Still think it's been over-hyped though. It's good but...
3. OMG TOTAL FANGIRL!! I LOVE JULIETTE! INTENSE!

Once I really got into it, once I was completely swallowed by the plot, by Mafi's prose and completely original story, concept and characters, I was hooked. Juliette  is a character to behold, a totally kick-ass heroine. She is good at heart and has been persecuted most of her life but has remained pure throughout. She is powerful and good, but she lives so deeply inside her head. She has a constant struggle within herself. She is indecisive and insecure and that is what makes her relatable.  Adam is kind, loving and courageous. And I love him! Villain wise, Mafi created one of those villains you love to hate but hope they're good underneath it all.  Warner is cruel, and merciless. And I love him. Because he is broken. There is much more to the book than just the plot and characters. There are twists and surprises that will make you re-read the same page at least once over and make you exclaim: "WHOA!WHAT!?" And then there is Mafi's definition of humanity and society. I can't wait to read more about the world Mafi has created!

This book is multi-faceted. It's a diamond. 

Final Nifty Rating: 5 Nifty (Diamond) Stars

{Review} Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Firelight (Firelight #1) by Sophie Jordan
Published: September 7th 2010
Publisher: HarperTeen
ISBN: 0061935085 (ISBN13: 9780061935084)
Pages: 323
Source: Bought myself
Shelfability: Must read/Acquire
Rating: 4 Stars

A hidden truth. Mortal enemies. Doomed love. Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form. Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy. Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

My Review:
I really enjoyed this book, Jordan created a beautiful mythology. I haven't read anything like it before and that's what makes it a must read for me (That and the awe-inducing cover, hmmm purdy!). I loved how diverse the draki are. Although this book did not make my jaw drop down to the floor, it is definitely worth a read. Jacinda is teenager uprooted from her home by her mother for protection. She is daring and will do anything to keep her draki alive in the worst conditions. However, some of her decisions were often self centered and she was very confused and indecisive up until the end. As for some of the other Characters in the book; I truly enjoyed Will, he is my favorite character followed by Jacinda, Tamra came across as superficial and materialistic and Cassian and his father were bordering on physically abusive. I enjoyed the concept and story but I think the characters needed a bit more focused. Nevertheless, I have Vanish and I look forward to reading it.

Final Nifty Rating: 4 Nifty Stars

Bella's Advocate for The Heroine Tourney

I am so happy to announce to you guys that as a pinch hitter for the Heroines' Tourney I finally had my chance to advocate for one of the Nominees. Well I am officially the advocate for Team Bella. It must have been meant to be. There is so much I have to measure up to. But I still don't know if I can do this Legendary Heroine's justice. She is simply bigger than words. I am honored and I hope you will recognize Bella's crucial role in YALit and Join our Coven. Grab a Button and support Bella!

Hash Tag: #TeamBella/ #HEROINETOURNEY

Follow me on Twitter: @prettyniftyrdr

Follow YASisterhod: @YASisterhood

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:)

{Review} XVI by Julia Karr

XVI (XVI #1) by Julia Karr

Published: January 6th 2011

Publisher: Speak (Penguin)
ISBN: 0142417718 (ISBN13: 9780142417713)

Pages: 325
Source: Bought myself
Shelfability: Must read/Acquire
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Some girls can't wait to be sixteen, to be legal. Nina is not one of them. Even though she has no choice in the matter, she knows that so long as her life continues as normal, everything will be okay.

Then, with one brutal strike, Nina's normal is shattered; and she discovers that nothing that she believed about her life is true. But there's one boy who can help--and he just may hold the key to her past. But with the line between attraction and danger as thin as a whisper, one thing is for sure... For Nina, turning sixteen promises to be anything but sweet

My Review:
I was very excited to start reading this book. Not because of the hype (was there some?) but because of the concept. Because just the synopsis was able to make me wonder about myself, our society and the world that awaits us. Nina lives in a nearly completely misogynistic dystopian world where the media and government work hand in hand. And honestly? It's chilling to think of a world where that is reality. Julia Karr wrote a cautionary tale that resonates with the society in which we live. The bottom line is: Don't let others think for you. Respect yourself and your individuality.
The plot was exciting in this book. Neatly paced with just enough to keep you hooked.The characters were diverse in their personalities. The classes and different backgrounds were thoroughly thought out. And there was mystery and adventure and romance! I sped through it and I was happy I did! Totally worth it. Although Nina's bestfriend, Sandy, was ridiculously naive, clueless and with all her "Media" acquired "personality", she turned out plain and annoying to me. Also, how quickly did Nina replace her with Wei!? It was a little too quick and easy for Nina if you ask me.
The concept behind the book is what gives it such a high score. I believe this book should be read in high school.
What I loved:

• The society
• The mystery surrounding Nina's father
• The pacing 
• The action scenes (totally realistic. Nina isn't a martial arts expert and she doesn't "suddenly" become one either.)
• The romance. (I am a sucker)

What I didn't like:

• The cluelessness of some characters
• the useless crushes. (waste of pages)

Final Nifty Rating:

{Review} City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)
Published: March 27th 2007

Publisher: Simon Pulse

ISBN: 1416955070 (ISBN13: 9781416955078)
Pages: 485
Source: Bought myself
Shelfability: Must read/Acquire
Rating: 4 Stars

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder—much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It’s hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing—not even a smear of blood—to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? read more...

My review: 
Simply put, this book was an epic of the likes of Harry Potter. I know how much I risk by making such a comparison. It was honestly very different from the other novels I read recently and it was refreshing. Now, why HP you may ask? Well, it's an adventure, an epic. And that's what it focuses on. The romance really takes a backseat but it's still there and obvious. Every character is fleshed out perfectly. I can almost believe they were actually living in this world.
The dialogue was something else! I laughed out loud (LOL!) many many times while reading this. One thing that was a little irritating was how clueless some characters were. I facepalmed. And I didn't understand (I guessed I missed something) how Clary found out Alec's well, thing-a-majig there. (no spoilers for the rare few who have yet to read this)
All in all, I am SO HAPPY I finally read this! I went and bought City of Ashes and City of Glass right away!

Favorite Character: Jace (witty and sexy and he knows his stuff)
Least Favorite: Alec (self centered, whiny) but it wouldn't be as good without him!

Final Nifty rating: 4 Nifty Stars!

Cover Reveal! Once by Anna Carey

OK correct me if I am a little late on this one but this cover is so pretty I just had to post about it! So here it is, Once by Anna Carey (Eve #2)

I love the purple/blue/pink tones in this cover! It seems to be a trend in 2012 YA covers!

What do you think?

Waiting on Wednesday(6)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by The awesome Jill at Breaking The Spine, where we share books we are most anxious to be be released.
This week is PANDEMONIUM by Lauren Oliver. I am so excited and impatient for this one! After the cliffhanger she left us on I have been raking my brain non-stop trying to figure out what would happen to Lena and Alex.
I might have to pre-order this one!

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare, 

pushing aside thoughts of Alex, 

pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school, 

push, 

push, 

push, 

like Raven taught me to do.

The old life is dead.

But the old Lena is dead too.

I buried her.

I left her beyond a fence,

behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

On a side note about that cover: It is PURDY! But I am disappointed that they didn't go on with the original blue theme, because that is the one I have and my Pandemonium wont match  my Delirium.


What are YOU waiting for?

Top Ten Tuesday(5)

Top Ten Tuesdays: Ten Books I've Read That Were Outside my Comfort Zone
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish . At this link you can find all past and future TTT.The Top Ten books That have been sitting, UNREAD on my shelves are:

1. Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
2. The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross
3. Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel
4. Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier
5. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
6. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
7. A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young
8. Possession by Elana Johnson
9. Angelfire by Courtney A. Moulton
10. Firelight by Sophie Jordan

What do YOU think I should read next!? Please show some love and comment.

Xoxo

About my week

I thought I'd write to just write today. Kind of to share with you guys what I read, heard, bought, cooked, thought. I mean you ARE my readers after all. Why wouldn't I want you guys to get to know me:

What I read:
I finished reading City of Bones by Cassandra Clare for The Scrapbooking Bookworms Team Read. I am very  happy/pleased/content that I have finally read this YA must-read!

I also finished A great dystopian book, XVI by Julia Karr. A review will be up later this week.

What I am reading now:

I haven't Started this one quite yet...










What I would read next (although that changes ALL THE TIME):

• Daughter of Smoke and Bones by Laini Taylor
• Blood Red Road by Moira Young
• Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
• The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

What I cooked:

I had to scrape a bunch of things and I came up with Beef and Meatball Stew! It was OH SO YUMMY! There was (obviously) meatballs, diced beef, celery, turnip, onions and potatoes!

More to come!

I Challenge Myself to the DAC 2012

Will you challenge yourself?

I am participating in the 2012 Debut Author Challenge (DAC) for the first time and I am SUPER! excited.
To find out more, just click on the picture above. This a great way  to have fun and a fantabulastical way to find out about some amazing new debut authors and their first(-born) books which will be released in 2012. I already have a humongous list that I want to read!

There will be a post coming up with my D.A.C. MUST READS!

Stay Tuned and HAPPY READING!

I Take a Minute... What Am I Reading Now?

I recently finished the Team Read for The Scrapbooking Bookworms which was City of Bones by Cassandra Clare.
As usual, it is the hardest thing to chose which book to read next. Then I realized It had been 2 books since (yes, sometimes calculate time in books. HEY! Don't you look at me like that! We ALL do it) I'd read a dystopian book. I decided, after I read The Hunger Games, Delirium and Wither in a row, that I'd read 2 different genres for every Dystopian because if I didn't then I'd be out of them by now!
I decided to start reading:

So far I like it. It's making me scratch my head and crinkle my nose in disgust at how girls are...... OK NO SPOILERS! Wanna know what its about? Then read it!

Love,
Melina

What did YOU Take a Minute for this week? Share your link, I'd love to know more about YOU!

Tell-All Thursday

Tell-All Thursday!


Hello readers and bookworms! Today I want to share with you my own original Meme! I am quite proud of it!

Every Thursday we will have a "tell all" where we mash a bunch of reading related things together!

We will be answering 5 questions Who, What (or whatever else really), Past, Present and Future every week Why! I hope everyone enjoys it!!

1. WHO did you follow that is worth a mention (May it be through Twitter, a blog, tumblr, anything! Make sure you link up the profile and or blog!) ? I followed @BrookeWorm33, I thought her blog was awesome and her Fictional boys crush list is one of the quirkiest things I have ever seen! Find it on her blog: Brooke Reports
2. WHAT is your favorite TV show? There are lots of TV Shows out there. And being a TV fanatic I have many, MANY favorites but the one show I simply CANNOT live without is Grey's Anatomy
3. PAST: What book has been sitting on your shelf (unread) for more than 3 months? Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. I really have to get serious and read this one! It's starting to feel neglected
4. PRESENT: What book are you Reading now? City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. FINALLY! Woohoo!
5. FUTURE:What are the next 2 books you are planning to buy/borrow/trade? The Pledge by Kimberly Derting and Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi!

What do YOU have to tell us all? Leave your linky below, I love to see what my readers/friends are up to!

I want to WIN

Stuck in YA Book is having a BIG Surprise Giveaway! Check it out Here!
Here are some of the books she is giving away!

• Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon
• The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
• Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
• Crossed (Matched #2) by Ally Condie
• The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
• Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
• She's So Dead to Us by Kieran Scott 
• Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

I am pretty excited!

Go and enter the Giveaway!

Waiting on Wednesday(5)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by The awesome Jill at Breaking The Spine, where we share books we are most anxious to be be released. 

This week there are 2 books I am waiting on! And both have a ridiculously gorgeous cover!

First:

For Darkness Shows the Stars

by Diana Peterfreund
Release Date: June 12th, 2012

Generations ago, a genetic experiment gone wrong—the Reduction—decimated humanity, giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.Eighteen-year-old Luddite Elliot North has always known her place in this caste system. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family’s estate over love. (read more @ Goodreads)

Why I want it? 

Well it seems pretty obvious to me. I'd buy it for the cover alone but the story is just dreamy! A love story set in a dystopian/steampunk (?) world is always a must have/read for me. 

Exiled (Connected #1)

by RaShelle Workman

Release Date: November 11th 2011

Stubborn, sixteen-year-old Princess Venus of Kelari wants one thing, to become a Kelvieri, that is, until someone exiles her to Earth, kills her irrihunter and takes her family. 

Now she wants revenge. 

First she’s got to get home. But before she can return to Kelari, the Gods have commanded her to help an arrogant boy named Michael find his soul mate. Only she doesn't know the first thing about love. 

(read more @ Goodreads)

 Why I want it? 

GAH! This cover is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. ! And I love some good romantic sci-fi!I am so excited for this one! Although I have no idea on how to get my hands on a copy of it.

What are YOU waiting for?

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesdays: Ten Books I've Read That Were Outside my Comfort Zone


Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish . At this link you can find all past and future TTT.


Most of my books read out of my comfort Zone were in french so I'll do 5 that I have read and 5 I plan to read. Cool?


Top 5 books I've read Outside my comfort zone:

1. Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar . . .: Understanding Philosophy Through Jokes by Thomas W. Cathcart, Daniel M. Klein: This book I read because my mom wanted me to start reading non-fiction. She thought I wasn't exercising my mind enough with YA. PHOO-EE! I say. But this was pretty good. I now enjoy reading philosophy!
2. You Suck! by Christopher Moore: Still to this day no book has made me laugh out loud (at work nonetheless) more than this one! I bought it without knowing that this was the second in a series so I now have to read the first and third in the series.
3. Clan of The Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel: I was 12 when I first started the series (in french) and it's an ultimate must read in my book. I'm still Ticked off that there isn't another book.
4. The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho: I'm not religious but this book was indeed insipring. I think I was 9 or 10 when I read this. (Thanks to my mom)
5. Animal Farm by George Orwell: I read this in school along with Lord of The Flies (ugh) and this was the only high school book I didn't hate reading.

Top 5 Books I plan To read that are out of my comfort zone:

These are almost all PNR so bear with me.

1. Dark Lover by J.R. Ward: That's right I am getting into this series. I hope I will enjoy this.
2. Ecstasy in Darkness by Gena Showalter: More PNR
3. Dark Fever by Karen Marie Moning: Yup, I'm getting that fan-wagon to!
4. The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan: I always shunned Middle grade books and now i am ridding myself of such prejudices. I WANT ADVENTURE!
5. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan: See above mention.

I hope you guys enjoy it!

Book Review: Evernight by Claudia Gray

Evernight by Claudia Gray
(Evernight #1)
Published: February 10th 2009 by HarperTeen 

(first published May 1st 2008)
Pages: 327
Source: Bought myself
Shelfability: To read/Borrow
Rating: 3.5 Stars

From Goodreads:

Bianca wants to escape.
She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.
Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him.
"I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would."
But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed

My review


I have such differing opinions about this book. When I first started the book I was intrigued, Then annoyed, then shocked, then annoyed again! Bianca first came across as your typical teenager dealing with typical teenage angst. Then she got whiny and kind of pathetic. I get what love at first sight is, I've experienced it. But I never thought, like Bianca did at one point: *open sarcams*"Oh, there was a spark here. I guess we are dating."*end sarcasm* . And then there was kind of an explanation for why that was but it was still slightly infuriating.
Then I got hit in the head with a baseball bat of a twist. I actually closed the book and yelled "What the HELL!?" that's how intense it was. And then a few pages after that and "HOLY CRAP!" There's another one! I was thrown for a loop twice in a matter of a few pages. I still don't know if I liked it or not. 
Bianca came across as very whiny but overall the book was good enough for me to want to keep reading the series and that is a good thing.

Things I liked:

• The story
• The setting- I love the eerie-ness of Evernight Academy
• all the mysteries surrounding Evernight, Mrs. Bethany and Black Cross

Things I didn't like:

• The insta-love. In this book it wasn't very smooth. Kind of annoying.
• How whiny Bianca got... UGH!
• The dramatic (downwards) transformation Lucas went through from the first half of the book (hot and in control) to the second (sad and sappy)

Favorite Character: Patrice/Bianca

Least Favorite Character: Mrs. Bethany/Bianca

200 Twitter Follower Giveaway!

I promised it didn't I? I promised you all a 

GIVEAWAY!

Taking a Minute (1)... I get angry with Chapters

OK so here I am starting a rant I guess. I am angry at Canada's Chapters/Indigo and I am going to take a minute and talk about it. 


I used to (I probably still do but) LOVE spending hours, and I really mean hours as in 8 or around that, at Chapters. I'd grab a coffee, head straight to the Teens section stare at the shelves for a minute and sigh while my heart skipped a beat at the sight of all those books and then I'd go hunting! I would start with a pile of 20 books or so and Read! 8 hours later when it was time to go back home I was a little sad. 


Then I discovered The Story Siren! She is an amazing YA book blogger and if you don't know her you MUST HAVE been living under a rock for quite a while. She inspired me to start my own blog where I could share my newly rekindled passion for reading. And I did!


Then I went through her posts and saw things such as BEA, YALSA etc... So I started looking for similar fairs, or expositions in Canada. And guess what I found!? NOTHING! RIEN! NADA! ZILTCH! Now I have to save money (probably LOTS), get a passport and make my way to NYC because Chapters/Indigo snuffed out the Independent Bookstores in Canada and KILLED (yes, my Chapters is a murderer) BookExpo Canada. I am so very sad. AND ANGRY!

Then I started thinking, what can I do about this? I love my country but WE suck at Independent Bookstore keeping and such...


Should I open an Indie Bookstore?
Protest?
Beg for BEC to be resuscitated?
Occupy Chapters? ( tried to make a funny, I failed)


Can anyone tell me what can be done? Please! For the LOVE OF BOOKS!


*END RANT*


Thank you for reading I appreciate all comments and suggestions. Leave your twitter @ with your comment!

Book Review: Across The Universe by Beth Revis

Across The Universe

 (Across the Universe #1)

by Beth Revis

Publication date: January 11th 2011

Publisher: Razorbill

Pages: 398

ISBN: 1595143971 (ISBN13: 9781595143976)

Rating: 5 (FLABBERGASTED) Stars

Summary (Goodreads):

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone - one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship - tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.Now, Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

My Review 


Across The Universe was an impossible book to put down. I'd be cooking dinner and reading and my pasta turned out over cooked as a result. Bad for the taste buds but good for the book! Now here is what I liked most out of it; THE CHAPTERS. They were perfectly thought out, paced and it was like when you watched a TV show and the scene cuts to another just when you start to get to the edge of your seat. OH WOW! The book had my heart beating to the point that I may or may not have developed heart palpitations as a result. Also, the socio-ethical themes in this book tied my brain in a "WHAT THE HELL" knot. Mind you I love it when my brain gets knotty. The book through me for a (good, very, VERY good) loop. Other than that here's my other likes/dislikes about the book.


What I liked:

• The characters were wonderfully fleshed out. You could relate very well to their personal conflicts. I love being able to connect in such with a character.
• The plot was good and well thought out. The back stories were yummy!
• THE COVER! 'nuff said!

What I didn't like:

• How jealous Elder would get. I'm sorry but a little is cute. He was a tiny bit freaky sometimes.
• How whiny Amy got a few times. 
• There's no third thing. That's that!

A Million Suns, the second installment in the series comes out January 10th 2012

Tell- All Thursday (3)

Tell-All Thursday!


Hello readers and bookworms! Today I want to share with you my own original Meme! I am quite proud of it!


Every Thursday we will have a "tell all" where we mash a bunch of reading related things together!


We will be answering 5 questions Who, What (or whatever else really), Past, Present and Future every week Why! I hope everyone enjoys it!!


This week:

1. WHO did you follow that is worth a mention  (May it be through Twitter, a blog, tumblr, anything! Make sure you link u the profile and or blog!) ? Well here's a book blogger worth mentioning is Megan from BookBrats! You can follow her on Twitter right here: @bookbrats !! She's awesome and very friendly! She is also an aspiring author! Keep an eye out for her!
2. WHAT made you happy today? Why Twitter of course! It's one of the first things I check when I wake up!
3. PAST: What is the last finished? Accross The Universe by Beth Revis! IT WAS WOW!
4. PRESENT: What book are you Reading now? Evernight by Claudia Gray. I can't wait to write a review for that one!
5. FUTURE:What's the Next book or your TBR pile? Well, those alway change so I'll say: Blood Red Road by Moira Young. 

That's my tell all for today! What's yours?

Send me one of your 5W in the comments and one lucky reader will be featured next Thursday!

Waiting on Wednesday: Everneath

Waiting On Wednesday is hosted by 

Breaking The Spine

Waiting on Wednesday is a Meme hosted by Breaking The Spine, where they share a book they're impatiently waiting for! So here is my "Waiting on Wednesday"!

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

This cover is ART! So dreamy! I look at it and I am feeling so many different things! And the story!? An underworld love story and a love triangle? What's not to love? I am excited! 

About the book:

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's..

So what are YOU waiting for this Wedesday?

Author Interview and Giveaway: Jodi Meadows

Jodi Meadows, author of Incarnate has given me the honor of giving my first author interview! She is a 2012 debut author, her YA book, Incarnate, (which I am impossibly giddy and excited for) is set to be released January 31st 2012.


About the book: 
NEWSOUL
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

NOSOUL
Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

HEART
Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all? 


The Interview:



So what do you think of being published in, as you pointed out on twitter, a mere 90 days?
It's exciting! And a little scary. I'd like to say I'm totally cool about the whole thing and I go whole days without thinking about it, but no. I'm not, and I don't. At least once a day I suddenly remember that I have a book coming out, stop whatever I'm doing, and just . . . wow. It's really happening.


What gave you the (I must say great) idea for Incarnate? Where did your inspiration come from?
Inspiration and ideas are tricky things to pin down. I wrote a note about the premise and tucked it away in my "new ideas" file THREE YEARS before I ever started writing INCARNATE. Like most story ideas I have, the seed for INCARNATE came from an especially productive round of the "what if?" game.


I think the cover for your book is drop dead GORGEOUS!  What do you think?
Agreed! I could not be happier with the cover for INCARNATE. The model is perfect, the color treatment is perfect, and the butterfly is perfect. I love everything about it.


We all know you are a debut author, what do you do day to day?
No day is exactly the same. Sometimes I spend all day writing or revising. Other days, I take care of a lot of business emails. Occasionally I have to do tax stuff. (Ew.) Sometimes I write guest posts or answer interview questions. It's all work. 


This will be a trilogy right? Do you have any ideas for another series? (you don't have to tell what the ideas are of course!)
INCARNATE is the first book in a trilogy, yep! I have lots of other ideas for series and standalones. One of the hazards of being a writer is having more ideas than you know what to do with.


Favorite Ice cream flavor?
Chocolate chip cookie dough.


Next three books in your TBR pile!?
I don't have an order I'm reading it. I tend to pick out something based on my mood, or whatever won't cause an avalanche to reach. But a few things on my pile are POSSESS by Gretchen McNeil, EON by Alison Goodman, and LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR by Stephanie Perkins. 


The Giveaway:
I have decided that this book needs all the attention it deserves, so I am hosting a Giveaway of ONE (1) copy to ONE (1) lucky reader! The giveaway starts today and the winner will be announced on Incarnate's realase date, January 31st 2012.
Enter below for your chance to win!!