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Saturday, July 31, 2010

In My Mailbox (35)

We have Kristi at The Story Siren to thank for hosting IMMB every week.

Traded with Natalie with Mindul Musings:
Impulse by Ellen Hopkins- Three teens who have attempted suicide meet in a psychiatric hospital, battle their demons, and begin to heal.

The handsome son of wealthy parents, Connor has everything anyone could want-except his family's love and affection. Jailed for years after killing his mother's child-molesting boyfriend, Tony is confused about his sexuality. Manic-depressive Vanessa cuts herself. All three stories intertwine in a brutally honest story about pain and resilience









Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles- A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.


When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.




Bought:
Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead- Rose Hathaway knows it is forbidden to love another guardian. Her best friend, Lissa-the last Dragomir princess-must always come first. Unfortunately, when it comes to gorgeous Dimitri Belikov, some rules are meant to be broken...

But since making her first Strigoi kills, Rose hasn't been feeling right. Something dark has begun to grow in her mind, and ghostly shadows warn of a terrible evil drawing nearer to the Academy's iron gates. And now that Lissa and Rose's sworn enemy, Victor Dashkov, is on trial for his freedom, tensions in the Moroi world are higher than ever.
Lying to Lissa about Dimitri is one thing but suddenly there's way more than friendship at stake. The immortal undead are on the prowl, and they want vengeance for the lives that Rose has stolen. In a heart-stopping battle to rival her worst nightmare, Rose will have to choose between life, love, and the two people who matter most..but will her choice mean that only one can survive?


Blood Promise by Richelle Mead-How far will Rose go to keep her promise?

The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir’s Academy was the deadliest ever in the school’s history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them. . . including Dimitri.

He’d rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa—the one she has sworn to protect no matter what—and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?(




Friday, July 30, 2010

Review: The Extraordinary Secrets of April May and June

The Extraordinary Secrets of April May and June
Robin Benway
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: August 3, 2010
rating 8/10

Three sisters share a magical, unshakeable bond in this witty high-concept novel from the critically acclaimed author of Audrey, Wait! Around the time of their parents’ divorce, sisters April, May, and June recover special powers from childhood—powers that come in handy navigating the hell that is high school. Powers that help them cope with the hardest year of their lives. But could they have a greater purpose?



April, the oldest and a bit of a worrier, can see the future. Middle-child May can literally disappear. And baby June reads minds—everyone’s but her own. When April gets a vision of disaster, the girls come together to save the day and reconcile their strained family. They realize that no matter what happens, powers or no powers, they’ll always have each other.

Because there’s one thing stronger than magic: sisterhood.

This was such a cute novel that I really enjoyed! A tale about three sisters who discover that they have magical powers. What the book is really about, though, is the bond April, May and June have as sisters.

The three sisters couldn't be more different from each other. April is the studious, responsible one. One of her biggest responsibilities is watching out for her two younger sisters. May is just trying to get through her parents divorce. Turning to alcohol and invisibility (her power) to help her. And June. Little June. Being the youngest of the three is not always easy. She's just trying to fit in at her new high school. But she never fails with her perkiness and up beat personality.

Switching between points of view, you see their story play out along with the power of their sisterhood. It was a bit cheesy at times. Still, it was incredibly cute and an enjoyable read.

Monday, July 26, 2010

The Huge TBR Readathon Wrap Up


Here's what I finished during the Huge TBR Readathon hosted by Kristen at Bookworming in the 21st Century:

Lies by Michael Grant
The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
The Juliet Club by suzanne Harper
Dark Flame by Alyson Noel
Demon Princess: Reign Check by Michelle Rowan
Sea by Heidi R. Kling
The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller

All in all, it was a pretty good week. I probably could have done more but I still got a lot acomplished.
Thanks, Kristen, for hosting this!

Review: Dark Flame

Dark Flame
Alyson Noel
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: June 22, 2010
rating 7/10

At the start of this mesmerizing new installment of the Immortals series, Ever is helping her friend Haven transition into life as an immortal. But with Haven drunk on her new powers and carelessly putting them all at risk, their friendship becomes more and more strained. At the same time, Ever delves deeper into magick in order to get control over her enemy Roman and free Damen from his power. But when the spell she casts on Roman backfires, she’s bound to her deadliest enemy. Frantic to reverse the spell the moment the moon enters a new phase, she finds her efforts are fruitless—there’s a strange, foreign pulse coursing through her, one that propels her toward Roman. Desperate to break free of this terrible curse before Damen or the twins can discover what she’s done, she turns to Jude and delves deeper and deeper into dark magick, ultimately risking everything she knows and loves—including Damen.


Why did I even read this one? I have no idea. I'm not too happy with the series. I liked the first one, honestly I did, but I hated the second and third. And all because of stupid, stupid Ever. Okay, maybe not all because of her, but she does really annoy me. The plot and other characters have something to do with my disliking the series, too.


So why did I continue reading a series I don't like? I don't know. Maybe it's because I want to know if Ever and Damon ever get it on (I mean really, how long can that go on?). But seriously, I just want the series to end so I can figure out what actually happens.

On to the review of Dark Flame...
I'm actually glad I pick it up. I enjoyed it a little more than the last one (but not by much). Ever wasn't as stupid(thought she does have her moments) and I actually didn't want to break her neck every second. I know, I was shocked, too!

By the way, the whole Jude thing... getting on my nerves. It's supposed to be a love triangle, but does anyone believe that she's ever actually going to choose him Damon? Maybe Noel will put a twist in the future but I'm not seeing it.

So, if you haven't given up on this series by now, I guess you can keep going to see if the rest are any better. This one has given me hope! Just hang in there with me and we'll get through this!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

The Huge TBR Readathon Update


Here's an update on how my readathon is going!
The Huge TBR Readathon is hosted by Kristen at Bookworming in the 21st Century. 

So here's what I accomplished so far:
  • Lies by Michael Grant
  • The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
  • The Juliet Club by Suzanne Harper
  • Dark Flame by Alyson Noel
  • Demon Princess: Reign Check by Michelle Rowan
  • Sea by Heidi R. Kling
  • and I'm about half way through The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller, and I will finish tonight.
It's not bad, but not as far as I wanted to get through my TBR pile, but its pretty good. I hope to finish at least a couple tomarrow since it will be the last day.
Also, I was going to do the review-a-thon, too, which was supposed to be yeterday (Friday), but I ended up babysitting all day and didn't get a chance to go online. So, I decided that on Monday (after the readathon is over) I'll do my own little review-a-thon type of thing, and hopefully I'll get a lot done

Hope everyone who joined in on this is getting a lot done, too!
Happy reading everyone : )

In My Mailbox (34)

We have Kristi at The Story Siren to thank for hosting In My Mailbox each week.



Won:
Legacy by Cayla Kluber
Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead (now I only have to read the first 4)
Hearts at Steak by Alexandra Harvey
Ash by Malinda Lo
The Returners by Gemma Malley
Give Up the Ghost by megan Crewe
And some swag!





For Review:
The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller (which I love so far)

Bought:
Sea by Heidi R. Kling (If you notice in the picture the actual book is missing; I just have the cover. I don't have the book with me at the moment)

Library:
Demon Princess: Reign Check by Michelle Rowan
Twenty Boy Summer by Sara Ockler
Identical by Ellen Hopkins



Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday: The Thirteenth Chime


The Thirteenth Chime by Emma Michaels

No one knew of its existence until it was removed from the attic upstairs.

In a beautiful house that overlooks the sea, an antique clock has the power to change the course of their lives.

The power the clock resonates will not only force Destiny and ex-boyfriend David on a journey into the depths of one man's mind long dead, but into the mind of a man filled with hatred and bent on revenge.

With the only clues to the nature of the clock having disappeared into the sea, Destiny and David must retrace the steps the man had taken into the darkness, before they fall prey to the trap he had set in motion over half a century ago.
Hatred never dies.
 
The Thirteenth Chime looks good and creepy, and a like a good mystery!
What really turned me on to this books is the cover. It's kind of creepy and I like how in the eye it's like a clock.

Monday, July 19, 2010

The Huge TBR Readathon

This is a little last minute since the readathon started today, but I'm going to join anyway. I litterally just found out about this about 30 seconds ago, but I made a pact with myself that the next readothon that comes up I would join. And I am! So here it goes!


The Huge TBR Readathon Take 2 is hosted by Kristen from Bookworming in the 21st Century. It goes from today,  Monday July 19 to Sunday July 25. On Friday, therewill also be a review-a-thon that I will be participating in since there are a million and one (not really) books that I need to review. So this all is actually very convientient for me!

Here's a list of books I plan on reading:
finish The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
The Juliet Club by Suzanne Harper
Dark Flame by Allison Noel
finish Vampire Academy
The Princess and the Snowbird by Mette Ivie Harrison
Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson

There are a ton more but I don't have any in front of me right now so I'll let you know later!

To everyone else who is participating, good luck to all, and wish me luck too :)

Its Monday! What are You Reading? 4

We have Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books to thank for hosting It's Monday! What are You Reading?


Read Last Week:
Endless Summer by Jennifer Echols
Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs
Linger by Maggie Steifvator

Currently Reading:
The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
Lies by Michael Grant

Planning on Reading Next:
The Juliet Club by Suzanne Harper
Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson
The Princess and the Snowbird by Mette Ivie Harrison

Saturday, July 17, 2010

In My Mailbox (33)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren each week.

Since I haven't done IMMB in a few weeks, these are books that I've gotten since the last one I did.
Library:

Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs
Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson
Lies by Michael Grant
The Juliet Club Suzanne Harper

Bought:

Endless Summer by Jennifer Echols
Linger by Maggie Steifvator

Borrowed:

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

ARC Tours:

Freefall by Mindi Scott

Thats what I got this week. What did you get?

Freefall by Mindi Scott

Freefall
Mindi Scott
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: October 5, 2010
rating 10/10

How do you come back from the point of no return?



Seth McCoy was the last person to see his best friend Isaac alive, and the first to find him dead. It was just another night, just another party, just another time where Isaac drank too much and passed out on the lawn. Only this time, Isaac didn’t wake up.


Convinced that his own actions led to his friend’s death, Seth is torn between turning his life around . . . or losing himself completely.


Then he meets Rosetta: so beautiful and so different from everything and everyone he's ever known. But Rosetta has secrets of her own, and Seth will soon realize he isn’t the only one who needs saving . . .

I really enjoyed Freefall from the first sentence to the last. From when I first read the description, I was really excited to read it and had high expectations. Mindi Scott did not disappoint in the least.

I was really drawn by Seth's character. Freefall is about his journey after finding his best friend Isaac dead. Seth gradually starts getting on with his life. He starts doing things to move on like joining a new band falling in love. He came so far from the begginning. He was very realistic and relatable. He was sweet and you can't help but to feel for him every second of the book.

Seth and Rosetta's relationship was perfect. I'm not talking about a perfect relationship. No, I mean it is perfectly realistic and relatable. they argued, they laughed, they cried. There was lust, but more importantly there was love. They helped each other through and through. They were both a great deal damaged and hurt, and they helped each other heal.

Freefall is a story of grief. A story of death. A story of hurt and heartache and friendship. But most of all, it's a story of love and healing. A beautiful and haunting debut that should not be missed.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Contest Update+Apologies+A very late Blogoversery

So, if you haven't noticed I haven't post anything for a long time. I might have done a quick, random post here and there, but over all I've been absent lately. I don't really have a reason for this, other then I've been pretty busy and haven't had internet for a while now. So, there a few things I need to make up for, and I'll try to deep this post quick and sweet, so bare with me.

Contest update:
I'm changing the end date to Friday, July 30. I just need some more time to get more organized and everything, so I'm really sorry about that.

Also, my first blogoversery passed and I wasn't even around to celebrate! I was pretty mad at myself for that. My blogoversery was on July 7! Yay! 
I'm very pround of how far everything has come since last year, and I'm hoping I'll grow a lot more in the next year. I don't just mean more followers, but I'm hoping to grow as a reviewer and blogger as well. I know I've sure come a long ways since July 2009.


So (do you realize how many times I say so? Jeesh, how annoying!) I'd like to apologize for not being around very much, and I promise I'm back. I've got a lot of catching up to do.

I'll stop there. I feel like every time I do a long post no one really reads it all. Like they get bored or something half way through. Is this true? Oh, well. Anyone still reading this I'm greatly appreciative.

So (there it is again : ) ) I really will stop now.
Is everyone having a fantastic summer?

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday: Personal Demons


Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers

Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She's spent years keeping everyone at a distance—even her closest friends—and it seems her senior year will be more of the same...until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can't seem to stay away from him. What she doesn't know is that Luc works in Acquisitions—for Hell—and she possesses a unique skill set that has the King of Hell tingling with anticipation. All Luc has to do is get her to sin, and he’s as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn’t stand a chance.


Unfortunately for Luc, Heaven has other plans, and the angel, Gabe, is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that Luc doesn’t get what he came for. And it isn't long before they find themselves fighting for more than just her soul.

But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay…for all of them.


This definitely looks interesting, and I can't wait to read it!
What are you waiting on this lovely Wenesday?

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Funny Stories

So hey there. Yeah. My friends started a blog about all of the stories that we have experienced. Trust me, the tings that happen to us you wil not believe for example: fan blades nearly decapictating us because of a pillow and a fight over wether or not you can scream while exploding, and of course the average crazy movie-going experience. Yes, this kind of stuff really happens to us all the time. There are many, many Something epic happens at every birthday party.

So anyway. Yeah. You should go there cuz its funny. to do so, click here.


And you thought you were bad ass.  : )