Friday, August 31

Eye Candy: XXXII

During the week I spot different book covers that catch my eye for one reason or another. I keep track of them all here on my weekly Eye Candy post. Most of the books featured here I have not bothered to read the synopsis for. Just plain old fashioned cover envy or not in some cases. There are the occasional covers that catch the eye but not in I want to read that book more of a oh my goodness what were they thinking.

Sweet:
Sacred
Elana K. Arnold
I want to be this girl standing in this amazing place. She must have the most spectacular view, so very healing and peaceful. 


The Mayfair Moon
J. A. Redmerski
They had me with the moon, pose, and the prospect of werewolves. A bonus with all that swirly mist in the background. I have a weakness for a little mist.





 
Uprising
Jessica Therrien
She has a serious Mona Lisa face. If you look long enough you can see so many things. Impassive, defiant, sad, who know what else. She is messing with my mind. I do really like the bubble thing and the red eyes.











Borderline:
Falling to Ash
Karen Mahoney
Her hair gives me the creeps. That and that no matter how hard I try I can't quite figure out where her body is and where the beige nothingness begins. But other than those I like this cover.



Lullaby
Amanda Hocking
First thought: Wow, I want to be on that vacation. Looks amazing.
Then I started to wonder what was with the yellow feathers. On further examination the waves in the front started to look very odd maybe even a bit backwards. This sort of ruined the whole look for me.






Sour:
Timeless
Michelle Madow
My first thought: What is that on her face? UGH!!!
Couldn't they have placed the mast strings just a bit differently so it didn't look like she had drawn a magic marker mustache on her face?


Wide Awake
Shelly Crane
Oh my goodness can they make this any more yellow? Very unappealing not to mention an eye sore. Plus I can't help but feel she is sleeping upside down. It bugs me.






What do you think about the covers?
Like it, love it, or could do without it? 

Thursday, August 30

Enchanted Ivy: Book Review

Enchanted Ivy

Margaret K. McElderry Books
October 12th 2010
Young Adult | Fantasy | Paranormal

Official Blurb - 
What Lily Carter wants most in the world is to attend Princeton University just like her grandfather. When she finally visits the campus, Grandpa surprises her: She has been selected to take the top-secret Legacy Test. Passing means automatic acceptance to Princeton. Sweet!

Lily's test is to find the Ivy Key. But what is she looking for? Where does she start? As she searches, Lily is joined by Tye, a cute college boy with orange and black hair who says he's her guard. That's weird. But things get seriously strange when a gargoyle talks to her. He tells her that there are two Princetons—the ordinary one and a magical one—and the Key opens the gate between them. But there are more secrets that surround Lily. Worse secrets.

When Lily enters the magical Princeton, she uncovers old betrayals and new dangers, and a chance at her dream becomes a fight for her life. Soon Lily is caught in a power struggle between two worlds, with her family at its center. In a place where Knights slay monsters, boys are were-tigers, and dragons might be out for blood, Lily will need all of her ingenuity and courage—and a little magic—to unite the worlds and unlock the secrets of her past and her future.

This book is a very odd combination of characters and settings. On one side you have a very realistic side which consists of Princeton and a whole bunch of alumni. The other side consists of every fictional creature you can imagine. The two worlds are held together tenuously by a gate and lively gargoyles. It wouldn't seem that all these character types would get along together and perhaps they don't. Yet somehow these three different types of stories and characters are woven together in such a way as to be believable and mildly entertaining.

The character that was hardest for me to accept was the young man with naturally orange and black tiger striped hair. He just didn't strike me as attractive but more an extreme oddity right off the pages of some fantasy book. Once his identity as a were-tiger is revealed it makes more sense but still wasn't perfect. He is just meant to be an odd character that does really odd things. In the end the best I could do is accept him as the type of boy an eccentric girl could favor. The romance itself is very cutesy, a shallow school girl sort of an affair.

The mix of a factual world and a fictional world somehow works out. This book isn't really deep yet full of mystery and new reveals around each bend. A very nice read that won't take much time or effort.

Content:
Language: Mild



Wednesday, August 29

Waiting on Wednesday: Tiger's Destiny

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Tiger's Destiny
Colleen Houck
Publication Date: September 4th 2012


From Goodreads




With three of the goddess Durga's quests behind them, only one prophecy now stands in the way of Kelsey, Ren, and Kishan breaking the tiger's curse. But the trio's greatest challenge awaits them: A life-endangering pursuit in search of Durga's final gift, the Rope of Fire, on the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal.  It's a race against time--and the evil sorcerer Lokesh--in this eagerly anticipated fourth volume in the bestselling Tiger's Curse series, which pits good against evil, tests the bonds of love and loyalty, and finally reveals the tigers' true destinies once and for all. A smart  phone tag code on the back cover links readers to the series website.
I have been waiting for this book for what seem like forever. Basically since I finished Tiger's Quest. I loved how that ended and the small tidbit from Tiger's Voyage was stunning. I snatched up a copy of Tiger's Voyage without a second thought. In this case though I purposely didn't read it. I wanted to wait until Tiger's Destiny was released. That way I would be able to read two in a row. It has been a long hard wait and I am super excited for my long weekend alone with these two Tiger books. I really wish I could attend the release party for this one.

Tuesday, August 28

Squeaky Books Birthday Bash: Shadowcry Giveaway


I'm hosting a contest as part of
Enna Isilee's Birthday Bash 2012
Presented by Squeaky Books

From August 22nd until September 22nd Enna Isilee at Squeaky Books is having a HUGE bash to celebrate her birthday! There’s a giveaway nearly EVERY DAY, tons of author interviews, and guest posts from some YA book bloggers. This will be my second year hosting a giveaway!

I get to give away a copy of Shadowcry by Jenna Burtenshaw! Entering is simple, just fill out the rafflecopter. THIS GIVEAWAY IS OPEN INTERNATIONALLY! You have until September 21st at 11:59pm EST to enter. All winners will be announced on Enna Isilee's birthday (September 22nd) on Enna Isilee's blog (Squeaky Books). And today, Ennalee interviewed Jenna Burtenshaw at Squeaky Books. You should totally go check it out.

Without further ado, enter to win! Click below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Black Heart: Book Review

Black Heart
Margaret K. McElderry
February 22nd 2011
Young Adult | Fantasy
Official Blurb - 
Cassel Sharpe knows he’s been used as an assassin, but he’s trying to put all that behind him. He’s trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He’s trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he’s trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he’s been raised to believe the government is the enemy.

But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob, and new secrets coming to light, the line between what’s right and what’s wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what’s a con and what’s truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet—this time on love.

Finally we get to see a solid glimpse of criminal lifestyle. Dangerous, seductive, and fragile. Cassel lives always on the edge of the knife. So far things haven't worked out really well for him. In this book we feel not only the ever present possibility of capture but the moments of triumph. Since every moment is fraught with danger the tender moments are all the sweeter. So tender they break your heart with absolute joy and terror that they won't last.

The best part of this book is watching Cassel finally grow into his own skin. No longer will he stand by and let himself be used and played by everyone. Great lengths are achieved and he finds value and confidence. He finds that life isn't black and white. We are complex and each choice we make sways our path. It was nice to see both sides tempting him. Yet it isn't a one or other situation more of a what it takes to gain my own future and success. He can be both cold and warm hearted.

There is such a wealth of stellar quotes and funny lines. Some very raw and deep emotional moments. The kind that leave you feeling that they were more dream or nightmare than reality.

Such a close call for Cassel in this book. It is made all the more intense by the sheer genius of the con and the remote possibility of happiness.

Good close to the trilogy. Definitely follow this trilogy to the very end and you won't regret it. We get action, intrigue, and the perfect spritz of happiness. Almost enough to convince one to join the life.

Content:
Language: Moderate
Sexual: Moderate
Violence: Moderate

Moment Divine:
"How mad at me are you?", I ask. "I mean, exactly how mad--like on a scale of one to ten, where one is kicking my ass and ten is a shark tank?"

Monday, August 27

Pile Denial: 1



Much of this idea comes from inspiration from:
IMM: Hosted by The Story Siren
My Reading Pile: Hosted by [Fikt]shun


Ever heard talk about the stages of grief and recovery?

Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance

I have never felt those were mutually exclusive stages. Or maybe that is just one more symptom of denial. Regardless I feel this can be applied to my relationship with books. Not grief but these stages and my current TBR pile situation.

I am in denial.

It is ugly but it is nevertheless the state of things.

Here I will document my struggle with my book obsession. Behold my denial in all of its glory.

Pile Escalation:
Net Galley:
Eve and Adam by Katherine Applegate
Hey, it has been proven a long time ago that woman can't avoid the apple. I just had to get my hands on this one when I heard it was on Net Galley.

Email:

Library:
Grimalkin the Witch Assassin by Joseph Delaney
Thankfully it was only one book this week. I stayed out of the young adult section but this one was hanging out on the new shelf in juvenile. I am a sucker for this series.

Purchased:

Traded:


Yet there is some hope. I am trying to fight back and recover. Behold my tiny victories over the pile.

Pile Reduction:
Given Away:

Traded:
Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

Read:
Not Your Average Fairy Tale by Chantele Sedgewick

DNF:

Bans:
No eyes or hands on the library bookshelves
I go to the library at least once every week. I will make the utmost effort to not go into the young adult section. I can't seem to help myself grabbing something that catches my eyes.

Limit number of reviews being accepted
I am trying very hard to be extra picky. That should make a difference in the number, hopefully.

Limit number of books being purchased
Luckily money is needed elsewhere so this shouldn't be hard. I may wish all I want but I will have to wait for now.

Any recovery is slow going. I can only read so fast and here is where things are getting slowed down.

Bottleneck Effect:
Reading:
Frost by Wendy Desol
The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa
Alchemy by K. J. Wignall

Here are the numbers of books hanging out on my TBR pile.

Pile Truth:
Books: 44
eBooks: 28

Egads.
I keep wanting to do the math and see just how long it would take me to read this entire pile. But fear of the results has kept me from doing just that. But hey, I don't have a problem. *wink, wink*

How about you? Are you in denial?

Share in the comments or even in a post, just don't forget to leave a link, and help me feel a little better.

Obsession Confession: Buying Books

I LOVE BOOKS!
(I am sure this is the first you have heard of it.)

Yep, I am addicted to reading and hoarding books. The latter I didn't find out until this last winter and spring when everything got really ugly. Up until that point I primarily was a regular patron at the library. One of the few places where I was actually known on sight. That is a big deal since I am almost a hermit. I never had a balance problem with books. The formula was working for me. Library > Borrow Books > Read Books > Return (Repeat) I remember thinking how can these other bloggers have so many books on their shelves that aren't being read, what a travesty. I guess I never listened to my mother. How many times, child, must I tell you to be careful what you say. It may come back to haunt you. Yes mother, you were right. I am now in the same position as those I once boggled at. It all started when I had extra Christmas money and a pile of books that I was tired of wishing the library would put on the shelves. Unfortunately buying one pile of books made it so much easier to buy more on my next celebration. After that I didn't even bother having an excuse to buy them, I just did
The more the merrier.

So where is the real problem, you ask. I kept reading; everything should have evened out. Nope, not so much. Most importantly, I discovered a huge discrepancy. If I borrow from the library I make my best effort to have that book read by the time it is due. If I get a book for review I make my best effort to have it read by publication or agreed upon date. So that meant all those books had this priority. What priority do I place on the books I buy? Yeah, umm. . . oops. I wanted those books so desperately I forked out my own green to get my grubby paws on them. Then once they crossed my threshold I promptly placed them on the shelf. I guess those poor books are much like my husband. When dating you put forth all sorts of efforts to snag that catch. You jump through hoops and perform the impossible. But once you have that catch you start to place priority elsewhere. I mean it isn't like he is going anywhere. I got my brand on his finger and my name on his checkbook. Likewise with my books. Once I have them on my shelf I tell myself there isn't any rush since they aren't going anywhere. There is no competition for their time, they are mine.

Sometimes the books on my shelf get lucky (and sometimes even my husband does). If there is a contest that involves reading one of them, they get a break. For example, If I Die sat on my shelf for a year and then a recent event helped free it. The only other way off the pile is if I have to read the first before reviewing the sequel.

Not so Defiant now are you?
I desperately want Defiance. I have put forth quite a bit of effort, for me, to get my hands on an early copy. Nada. So now I am putting together a book order because I just have to have it. Meanwhile there is this creeping fear at the back of my mind that warns Defiance is in for some serious shelf time. Why would I do that to something I want so desperately? But it gets so much worse. When I wait for these books and then finally break down and purchase them I can't imagine not ever reading them. How could my desire for them ever wane? And yet that is exactly what happens to those poor bundles of pretty paper. The reasons I was so excited for them start to dim little by little. Until pop, I no longer remember why I wanted them so badly. All the current titles are vying for my attention. There seems to be only so much room in my brain for book desire. It is ugly.


Ever see Toy Story 3 when the toys get upset they aren't being played with? What if my books are talking and plotting up there on the shelf? What if they decide to take more drastic measures? That new book shelf they ordered might not be for their comfort so much as for my capture. "You aren't going anywhere until we are all read," entoned the shelved books maliciously.
Book Cave or Book Slave?

It turns out it isn't a good thing, if you are a book, to be bought by me. Currently it is an exile to the shelves with little chance for probation. I am afraid to admit that I might even be tempted to give away some of these books. UNREAD!

Oh please, NO! What have I done! How can I break this vicious habit and give these books the attention and priority they deserve? 

Friday, August 24

Eye Candy: XXXI

During the week I spot different book covers that catch my eye for one reason or another. I keep track of them all here on my weekly Eye Candy post. Most of the books featured here I have not bothered to read the synopsis for. Just plain old fashioned cover envy or not in some cases. There are the occasional covers that catch the eye but not in I want to read that book more of a oh my goodness what were they thinking.

Sweet:

Flutter
Melissa Andrea
Dare I hope for another dragon book like Firelight? Those eyes really have a strong resemblance.

Iridescent
Carol Oates
I think it is the color scheme I like about this one. Or maybe her pose seems dramatic in some way. Perhaps it is just plain hair envy, very pretty.
Nobody
Jennifer Lynn Barnes
007 anyone? The monochromatic scheme with a hint of blue is very attention grabbing.

Thief Prince
Cheree Alsop
That window scene is very enchanting. I just want to put a comfy chair there and make it my new reading nook. Also, I can just imagine some really cute first kiss moment at this window.


The Summer Prince
Alaya Dawn Johnson
The word prince caught my eye as well at the radioactive arm tattoo. The green mist makes me think of the sweat spraying off a football player after a heavy game. Maybe in her case it is some type of magical pheromone.













Sour:


Wicked Kiss
Michelle Rowen
Whoa, far too much bright pink! I am still looking forward to this book but the cover didn't sell it.



The Different Girl
Gordan Dahlquist
Neon yellow hair, yikes!



What do you think about the covers?
Like it, love it, or could do without it? 
 

Thursday, August 23

Redemption: Book Review

Redemption 

Hearts of Stone #1

Flux
September 8th 2012
Young Adult | Fantasy
Gargoyle

Official Blurb -
Guillaume: For five hundred years I've existed as a gargoyle. Perched atop an old Montreal church, I've watched idly as humanity wanders by. With the witch Marguerite gone, there is no one left to protect, nothing to care about. I never planned to feel again. But then a girl released me from my stone restraints, allowing me to return as a seventeen-year-old human boy. I must find out all I can about this girl's power . . .

Aude: Getting attacked twice in as many days is strange in itself, but even stranger is the intriguing guy I keep running into. There's something so familiar about him, like a primal drum rhythm from my dreams. But spending time together only raises more questions--about my heritage, a native Mohawk prophecy . . . and an unearthly magic threatening our city..

Monotone
Ever listened to someone read who is insufferably monotone? They just drone on and on and suddenly nothing seems important. You are even considering throwing yourself off a cliff to escape? Well, that was the situation for me with this book. It makes sense considering the character's situation. Guillaume is out of touch with humanity and emotions. He has no feelings and hardly any interest in anything. It just isn't easy to read. Aude is very much the opposite. She is constantly worried her many outbursts are proof that she is crazy. It is hard to get a good read on her. Also, I couldn't find any interest in her passion with her band Lucid Pill.
Following the emotion highs and non-existent lows rides a prophecy. I strongly feel I am currently on the outs with anything prophecy related. Vague portents of world altering stuff just isn't cutting it now. So after 138 pages I called it quits. I think there is some potential to this story but I just couldn't muster enough interest in the characters or their plights to continue.

Unfinished

Wednesday, August 22

Waiting on Wednesday: The Dark Light

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

The Dark Light
Sara Walsh
Publication Date: August 28th


From Goodreads




Mia is torn between two guys—and two worlds—in this epic, romantic fantasy.Mysterious lights have flickered above Crownsville for as long as Mia can remember. And as far as she’s concerned, that’s about the only interesting thing to happen in her small town.

That is, until Sol arrives. Mia’s not one to fall for just any guy, but she can’t get Sol—or the brilliant tattoo on his back—out of her mind.

Then Mia’s brother goes missing, and Mia’s convinced that Sol knows more than he’s sharing. But getting closer to Sol means reevaluating everything Mia once believed to be true. Because Sol’s not who Mia thought he was—and neither is she.
Such a hot cover!

Tuesday, August 21

Haven: Book Review

Haven

Simon Pulse
February 22nd 2011
Young Adult | Fantasy
Vampire

Official Blurb - 
Violet McKenna thought she was crazy when she had a vivid vision of her dad’s murder—but when her premonition came true, her life fell apart. Then she found a new school: Winterhaven. There, Violet fits right in. All the students have special “gifts” like her own, and she quickly finds a close group of friends. But Violet’s attraction to an alluring boy becomes problematic when intense visions of his death start to haunt her. In her premonitions, the secret he is unwilling to share begins to reveal itself—and the unbelievable becomes reality. To Violet’s horror, she learns that their destinies are intertwined in a critical—and deadly—way.

I went into this book blind. It made for a very interesting read that way. Every time something would happen I was able to theorize about where it would all end up. I imagined up all sorts of possibilities. When some very poignant signs began to manifest I shrugged them off. They didn't fit with my vision of a group of gifted kids that are being manipulated and used for nefarious purposes.

There is this section after a big reveal where Violet is conducting a Q&A that made my eyes roll. It felt so Twilight. Not only that but Violet goes from being terrified one moment to stupid brave the next. She should get whiplash from that sort of quick transitioning. Either that or she has some chemical imbalances.

I liked the perspective we are given on living forever. It isn't that glorious being stuck as a hormonally charged teenager for eternity. Though I know several women who try to claim just that, they stop aging at 29. They might be just the type to be tempted by immortality if you don't age. It also probably explains why females are more likely to spread their taint. If they love being 29 forever why shouldn't everyone else? Not only that but women are such needy creatures that they need more than one man to keep up, especially if you live forever.

A light odd read that strongly reminded me of Twilight at certain points. Interesting and worth the time. There are a lot of questions that are left unexplored and the ending was rather abrupt. Most of the book is slogging through everyday life and presto there are bad guys all over.

Content:
Language: Moderate
Sexual: Mild


Monday, August 20

Bout of Books: Wrap Up

Bout of Books Read-a-Thon

Finale-

Goals:
READ!!!
Join in the Twitter fun

My book list:
(Absolutely must get read)
Poison Princess by Kresley Cole
Velveteen by Daniel Marks

Books on the Fringe:
(They are just hanging out around the edges hoping to be read) 
Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
Daughter of the Flames by Zoe Marriott
Shadows Cast by Stars by Catherine Knutsson
Not Your Average Fairy Tale by Chantele Sedgewick
The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa 

I was trying to aim for finishing three books during the entire read-a-thon. Sadly I only finished two and they were both toward the beginning of the week. I am about three fourths through Shadows Cast by Stars.

I may not have accomplished all I wished to but I did have fun. Won't be long before I am participating in another read-a-thon.

Conjure: Cover Reveal and Giveaway

Today I am glad to take part in the cover reveal for Conjure by Lea Nolan!

So, without further adieu, I give you CONJURE!

Entangled Publishing
October 16th 2012








Emma Guthrie expects this summer to be like any other in the South Carolina Lowcountry--hot and steamy with plenty of beach time alongside her best friend and secret crush, Cooper Beaumont, and Emma’s ever-present twin brother, Jack. But then a mysterious eighteenth-century message in a bottle surfaces, revealing a hidden pirate bounty. Lured by the adventure, the trio discovers the treasure and unwittingly unleashes an ancient Gullah curse that attacks Jack with the wicked flesh-eating Creep and promises to steal Cooper’s soul on his approaching sixteenth birthday.

When a strange girl appears, bent on revenge; demon dogs become a threat; and Jack turns into a walking skeleton; Emma has no choice but to learn hoodoo magic to undo the hex, all before summer—and her friends--are lost forever.


Pre-order
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Find it on Goodreads

Find Lea: Twitter | Website
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blogger Confessions: Book Opinions


Question: 

Have you ever loved a book that you know is not a great literary gem? Maybe it's filled with spelling errors, tired cliches, and is utterly cheestastic but you loved it anyway.
How do you handle that as a blogger who is used to critical thinking and analysis? Do you pretend you never read the book - never to be reviewed or added to your Goodreads shelf :-)?

Do you write a review but maybe apologize and make excuses as to why you enjoyed it or are you bold and proud of any book you enjoyed?


Conversely - have you read a classic, that is considered a literary gem but you just didn't get it? Are you embarrassed to admit that or do you review it anyway?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Never in my wildest dream would I ever think of myself as capable of "critical thinking and analysis."  Who me? No you must be mistaken. I am a very ordinary person who likes to read and then talk about my feelings about what I read. Mostly I talk about the characters or how the book ends. I don't have critical thinking and analysis in my repertoire, that or a quirky personality. Which is why publishers aren't damaging my mailman's back. So I haven't ever come across the scenario of liking something others don't. There is Twilight but that was before the movies ruined everything.

When it comes to classics, I am usually blind to their merits. I just don't get it. Why do people like to read these long boring drawn out miserable stories? Granted I haven't read them all, hardly any in fact. I do enjoy a clean historical romance, Jane Austen or Charlotte Bronte. I haven't had the opportunity to review any classics since I have been absolutely flooded with YA books to read.

But I will say there is one set of books I don't bother to review. Perhaps I am afraid of what others will think. Or maybe it is because I would give most of their category horrible ratings. I read a TON of children's picture books. Every night I read to my child and I never bother to add them all to my goodreads or even review them. I don't imagine anyone would care what I think. Not only that but there is a real sad lack of quality stories. Whatever happened to the good books I remember reading as a child?

Anyway, thanks for the topic.

Saturday, August 18

IMM and My Reading Pile: 27

IMM: Hosted by The Story Siren
My Reading Pile: Hosted by [Fikt]shun


In the Mail:


Net Galley:

Alchemy by K. J. Wignall












Library:
Destined by Aprilynne Pike
 


Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting


On a side note: When I checked these two out at the library the librarian asked if I had read the others in the series. She was holding Destined at the time. "Yes," I replied. She then went on to mention her unhappiness with the book and how she felt the story would never end. I told her I was sure that Destined was the last of the story as I had heard it from the author in person. She then seemed to realize she wasn't holding the book she was referring to. So now I am left to wonder was she talking about Desires of the Dead or was she referring to an entirely different series?

In the Reading Pile:
This week I took a detour from my regularly scheduled reading and participated in bout of books. So my reading choices were a bit more erratic. Obviously I didn't get around to much of what I planned to read last week as it is back again.







Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

It is back again. I am beginning to think I should just give it away.

Friday, August 17

Eye Candy: XXX

The Impossibility of Tomorrow
Avery Williams

 I like the glowing infinity sign behind the title. The title is also really nice as well.













Thorns
Kate Avery Ellison

I love how bitterly cold this looks, almost hopelessly so.
My Sister's Reaper
Dorothy Dreyer

No, no don't run up the stairs! Why do they always run in the wrong direction? This cover looks very thrilling.

Bout of Books Read-a-Thon: Day 4

Bout of Books Read-a-Thon

Day Four-

Goals:
READ!!!
Join in the Twitter fun

My book list:
(Absolutely must get read)
Poison Princess by Kresley Cole
Velveteen by Daniel Marks

Books on the Fringe:
(They are just hanging out around the edges hoping to be read) 
Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger
Daughter of the Flames by Zoe Marriott
Shadows Cast by Stars by Catherine Knutsson
Not Your Average Fairy Tale by Chantele Sedgewick
The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa 

Day three was harsh for me. I lingered too long on the computer and had a busy night so reading was more of a dream. Yesterday wasn't much better. I stayed off the computer for the most part hoping I would be able to read more. It sort of worked. I managed to finish Daughter of the Flames but wasn't really satisfied by it. I moved onto Shadows Cast by Stars and was able to read 45 pages. Still a lightweight day for a read-a-thon. I am trying not to give into despair. Maybe the winds will change and I will find more time to read in these last days.

Bout of Books: Most Looking Forward To

Bout of Books Read-a-Thon
Mini Challenge hosted by Pages of Forbidden Love


Today’s challenge envolves answering two simple questions on your blog and then linking it in the Rafflecopter form in order to be entered in for the giveaway!

The Challenge Questions:

1~ What book are you most looking forward to based on summary alone? Feel free to show off the summary!

2~ What book are you most looking forward to based on cover art alone? Feel free to show off the beautiful cover art!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inbetween
Tara A. Fuller 

Since the car crash that took her father’s life three years ago, Emma’s life has been a freaky — and unending — lesson in caution. Surviving “accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option.

It’s not easy being dead, especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn’t let her die before, and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the only thing he has left…his soul.

Defiance
C.J. Redwine


Thursday, August 16

Article 5: Book Review

Article 5
Kristen Simmons
Tor Teen
January 31st 2012
Young Adult | Dystopian | Romance

Official Blurb -


New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren't always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it's hard for her to forget that people weren't always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It's hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings—the only boy Ember has ever loved.
This book really is more of a romance than anything else. This isn't necessarily a bad thing unless you are opposed to romance being the main staple of a book. As far as all things unrelated to romance there isn't much. Only a handful of days pass during the whole book. They aren't boring days but very action packed. Most of them are full of close calls. In fact the moments without romantic elements are really extreme. I almost put the book down I was so horrified by the cruelty of this world. Ember gets punished simply for being alive. Those who are in control are malicious and take pleasure in inflicting pain on others. Thankfully just as the violence was going to go too far the character is in a different situation with a bit more freedom. The rest of the book is emotional fodder that provides for characters that can really draw your attention. No matter how horrified I was by the cruelty on the pages I just had to know what would happen to the main characters. The memory replay was a really nice touch for this story. It was a great way to get familiar with the delicate intricacies of the characters. Ember also became so much more real as she would compare current moments with those of the past and try to find her way between the two. She had such a hard time discerning her way at times because she was so caught up in believing that the past was the only way it could be.

Miscommunication is the drill for this romance. Ember and Chase are so lost in their own minds they can't see what is so obvious in front of them. Yet even with their troubles they are great characters. There is a point near the end that I was severely disappointed with Ember. She gets a bit too careless and cruel.

To wrap it up, I would say this book is a mix of Jane Eyre, Persuasion, and a splash of dystopian. Once you get past the concentrated violence at the beginning of the book it is very hard to put the book down. Not even the sense of impending doom will break your need to turn another page. Hard to read yet even harder to forget. It will haunt you until you finish.

Content:
Sexual: Mild
Violence: Heavy
Swearing: Mild