Charming Covers [11]

Charming Covers is a feature where I show some covers for upcoming books that have recently been revealed/ I've recently found.
I usually only do 1 cover per post, but there were just so many I had to do more.

The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting

April 17, 2012

  

Yay! I love this series.

I actually don't like this cover as much as the others, but it's still really pretty.  Now I just have to wait until April.


Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
Janurary 24, 2012

Do I really have to say anything about his one? Gorgaous cover!


The Calling by Kelley Armstrong
April 2012

The last book left with such a big cliffhanger, I need this now.
I'm not a huge fan of this cover. I like it, but for whatever reason the girl on it bothers me.

Review: Hourglass

Hourglass

Myra McEntire

Release Date: June 14, 2011

Publisher: Egmont USA

One hour to rewrite the past . . .



For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.


So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.


Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?


Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.

I've been dying to read Hourglass for a long time. The description sounded amazing, and just look at that cover! As if turns out, Hourglass was so much more than I though it was.

This is one of those books where I love all the characters. Thomas, Dru, Michael, Kaleb. I have to say, Emerson wasn't my favorite in the book. I still liked her. With all she's been through, its hard not to feel sympathy towards her. But I don't know, I just had a little trouble connecting with her. That changed, though, as the book went on.

The story...wow. I haven't seen anything like this. There was a lot that I wasn't expecting. And through a bit slow at times, I was always intrigued.

One thing I appreciated about this book was the romance. It was very well-developed. They didn't just jump right into it.

This book was not what I expected at all, and that's what's fantastic about it.

In My Mailbox (65)

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

For Review:

The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle

*Thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley

Ebook Through Library:

A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Eagan

What did you get in your mailbox?

Sketchbook Saturday (2)

Sketchbook Saturday is a meme that I'm going to start where I show some sketches I've done of a book cover. This isn't posted on a weekly basis, but every couple of weeks.

I did Everlasting by Alyson Noel this week.

Everlasting is the sixth and final installment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Ever and Damen have spent centuries facing down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears-all in the hope of being together forever. Now in Everlasting, their destiny is finally within reach.

Will they be united-or torn apart forever? Readers will finally discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion!

Other books featured in this feature:

The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittridge

Waiting on Wednesday: Illuminated

Illuminated by Erica Orloff

Release Date: December 8, 2011

An epic romance full of mysteries that transcend time—fans of Romeo and Juliet and The Time Traveler’s Wife will rejoice!

Some loves are not made to last . . . Like Romeo and Juliet, Heloise and Abelard were doomed from the start, and their romance was destined to pass into history. Yet when sixteen-year-old Callie Martin discovers a diary hidden within an antique book, their story—and hers—takes on another life. For the diary leads Callie to the brilliant and handsome August, who is just as mysterious as the secret the diary hides. Their attraction is undeniable. As the two hunt down the truth behind the diary—and that of Heloise and Abelard’s ancient romance—their romance becomes all-consuming. But Callie knows it can’t last . . . love never does. Will their love that burns as bright as a shooting star flame out, or will these star-crossed lovers be able to defy history?

This one sounds amazing! I can't wait, and the cover is gorgeous!

WoW is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Series I've been Obsessed with...

Over the years I have read many a book. But, out of all the books I've read, there have been only a few books/series that I've actually been obsessed with. And when I say obsessed, I mean obsessed.  Do you know what I mean? When you think about the book/series/characters constantly. Almost every song you hear you can relate to the book/series. Almsot everything you see in your life reminds of the book/series. Well, that's happened to me.

Anyway, here are a few series that I've been obsessed with:

Yes, I'm ashamed to admit it, but about 3 years ago I read this series and was completely obsessed with it. For a very long time. Now, how big these books have gotten and how popular they are have completely ruined the series for me. But, these books are what really got me into reading.

Then I moved on to:

Now, looking back at these books, I realize that they aren't that good. Entertaining, yes. But there definitely are a few flaws. But, for whatever reason, I was completely obsessed with them.

Oh, I still love these books. I had a complete obsession with them (the first 2, obviously because the 3rd hasn't come out yet) for a while. I obsessed over the first book, then even more so when I read the second. I'm not obsessed anymore, but I'm still excited for the third book.

And here are a few series I've had a mini obsession over, and maybe still do.

At the moment, I am not completely obsessed with anything. I didn't even realize this until I realized it, you know?

Anyway, what are some series you've been obsessed with?

Review: Haunting Violet

Haunting Violet
Alyxandra Harvey
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Release Date: June 1, 2011

Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose.



Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?


Haunting violet wasn't quite what I was expecting. I don't know what I was expecting, but not this.


I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would. It's not that I didn't like it, but, for me, there were times that it was really hard to get through. It was slow at times. Overall, though, it was an enjoyable read.

I liked Violet. I felt bad for her with her mother and all. I thought she was a strong character. I also liked watching her relationship with Colin progress. It started off with them just friends who've known each other for ever then turned into something more.

Huanting Violet had an element of mystery to it. This is one thing I enjoyed about the book. Some things I had guessed, some I was surprised by.

Overall, though it was rough going at times, I enjoyed Haunting Violet.

3.5