Book Review: Hereafter By Tara Hudson

Title: Hereafter
Author: Tara Hudson
Publisher: HarperCollins

Summary: Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.


Review: Wow. Wow Wow. Three words that describe this novel. Hereafter is a beautifully written paranormal romance novel that never left my thoughts for DAYS. Tara Hudsons Ghostly love story is just a really heart breaking, sad and beautiful read that had me feeling every feeling mentioned in the English dictionary.

I love the fact that in this novel the paranormal “Character” isn't male like most Paranormal Romances I have read, and I found this really refreshing and exciting to read. I haven't come across many ghost paranormal romances novels that I have actually liked but I love this one. Why you ask? Well first lets start of with the characters. They are not at all two dimensional they all have the individuality and I can tell Tara has worked hard to make that show. Amelia. She is my favourite character in this novel. She's so strong even though she has to come to terms with her death and the weird things that are happening to her. Then there's Joshua the love interest for Amelia I really enjoyed his character and his lines in this novel “Do you see this beautiful girl in my arms? “Joshua threatened softly” “She's dead, too but I'm certainly touching her arn't I?” swoon indeed. Then there's Eli the evil guy who's come to cause trouble. Tara Hudson has made him wickedly awesome he defiantly will make you want to read on.

One of my favourite scenes that really set the romance in this novel for me was when Amelia and Joshua were in his bedroom. The way they spoke, Held and laughed with each other was really touching. I loved watching there relationship flourish into something beautiful. From the talking to the kissing to declaring their love for each other (kind of). I am sure that everyone that reads this will feel the same as I do. I loved this novel and truly cannot wait for the next instalment. I cannot wait to see what obstacles Amelia has to go through. Here after will be placed on my bookshelf with the books ill never forget. Read this novel and get goosebumps all over!

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Crossroads by Mary Ting: Review and Giveaway!!

Title: Crossroads
Author: Mary Ting
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation

Summary: On the same night of her friend’s tragic death, Claudia Emerson encounters another world, Crossroads, through her dream. There, she learns about a mix breed of angels and humans, who possess supernatural powers. Among those with these powers, lies evil, known as the fallen. Mystified by her ability to enter this place called Crossroads, certain that the fallen will be after her, she is assigned a guardian angel named Michael. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most

Review: I have never read any books about angels before, but after reading this book, I definitely will! Crossroads lets a person's imagination explore a a world where only books can take you. Crossroads is a wonderful Young Adult book that could be categorized as a Paranormal Romance.

Speaking of Paranormal Romance, the two main characters in Crossroads, Claudia and Michael are wonderful! I absolutely fell in love with both these characters. In the beginning you automatically want to dislike Michael, but can't help taking a liking to his personality throughout the book. Claudia is a girl who I believe most teenagers could relate to, besides the fact that she has a special supernatural gift, that even she is unaware she has. Although there were characters that I could not stand due to their greed and lies and pure evilness, Mary did a fantastic job at writing the part of Aden, a  Fallen who is after Claudia.

For  first time, self published author, I was impressed. I loved the way author Mary Ting wrote; she added so much detail into the story that made a reader feel as if they were actually there. The writing was fun but at the same time there were tidbits that were suspenseful and serious. This book is a page turner, unfortunately at the time I was reading I was busy and had to allow myself to read only several chapters at a time, which was very difficult to do! So I recommend having a day or two filled with nothing but reading Crossroads. The ending will have you wanting more!

I would recommend this book to anyone! Crossroads is a fantastic YA book. It goes beyond the cliched paranormal romance and makes a person question the true meaning of love, life and religion. 

GIVEAWAY!!  (US/Canada/International) 

 Mary Ting was nice enough to let Dark Readers do a giveaway of her new book Crossroads. Crossroads is self published by Mary; It will be getting republished later on this year (so keep an eye out for another giveaway!) but we want to let you have the chance of winning a SIGNED, first version of Crossroads, a beautiful Swarovski heart necklace, and a Crossroads bag. 

 Enter to Win: All you need to do is leave a comment on the bottom of this post about the review. Please leave your e-mail address so there is a way that we can contact you if you are the winner! You do need to be a follower of the blog and the Winner will be chosen by Random.org

 Contest will end at 12a EST USA time on July 12, 2011. 

Also, please check out Mary Ting on her Facebook page (HERE) as well as on Twitter @MaryTing   

 

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Waiting On Wednesday

It only seems like yesterday that I wrote my last Waiting On Wednesday, when I was awaiting Lauren Kate's third novel in the Fallen series Passion.

I am currently in the middle of this and it was well worth the wait, the review will follow. 

So, what am I excited for now I hear you say??

Name: Possession

Author: Elana Johnson

Release Date: Already out in US cannot find a UK release so shall be getting from Amazon.

The second book I'm awaiting is another Alyson Noel classic. I haven't read Radiance yet but I know I will be left wanting the second instalment in Shimmer.

Name: Shimmer

Author: Alyson Noel

Release Date: 5th August UK

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In My Mailbox #47

 

(Books to review from Harper Collins)

(ARC for review)

The Name Of The Star By Maureen Johnson: The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

(ARC for review)

Hereafter by Tara Hudson: Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.

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Music Monday

 Music Monday is were every monday we post a song on our blog that we think represents a book we have read.  
 

Lyrics:

Our bodies break
And the blood just spills and spills
But here we sit debating math
It's just a shame
My hand just kills and kills
There's gotta be an end to that
There's gotta be an end to that.

So If you guys have read the book then you pretty much get what I mean and feel when listening to this song. The video is werid but the beat and the lyrics really relate to The Name Of The Star. Everytime I listen to it .. it just reminds me of a someplace scary and werid.

The lyrics do sum up Jack the Ripper in my opinion.

If you guys have read the book what do you think?

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Book Review:The Name Of The Star By Maureen Johnson

Name: The Name Of The Star
Author: Maureen Johnson
Publisher: HarperCollins

Summary: The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Review: “The Name of the star” Hmm where do I begin to describe “The Name of the star”. As a East London girl myself When I first received this novel I was a bit apprehensive about the fact it was set in my area and written by someone who doesn't live here, and maybe they wouldn't of got the places right when describing them BUT Maureen Johnson was spot on.

The way she has made East London an atmospheric spooky place is brilliant! The first line, first sentence and first paragraph had me hooked! Everything is so detailed and I love without dragging on she's managed to describe the difference between the UK and US systems from School exams to London transport to school uniforms to English food and much more. The contrast between the two different places described in this novel from Benouville, Louisiana to the busy streets of London is really interesting and I love the detail Maureen has put into it. You can defiantly see she has done her research and you can tell she cared a lot about getting each place right when writing about them which is really impressive!

The history in this novel was AMAZING. I learned things I didn't even know. Jack the ripper was defiantly back in this novel I am truly blown away with all the information about him that I hadn't learned in school. This novel had shocking twists and things I thought I knew were completely not how they seemed. I haven't come across anything as awesome as this in any YA novels I have read. The places in London Maureen describes will have you closing your eyes and just imagining the smells, sounds, people, buildings and the weather I felt myself being drawn into this atmospheric London that I couldn't get out of it.

The characters in this novel really stood out for to me. You have the outsider to Wexford boarding school American teenager Rory. I loved her personality and you can defiantly relate to her on some level if its from not fitting in at school at first or moving to a place you have no idea about. Then you have the 3 awesome people Callum, Boo and Stephan who through out the novel had me scared, Smiling, Laughing and jaw droopingly shocked. And many more characters you guys will come across when reading this. I also love that this novel has a bit of romance as well as the scary stuff, Rory and Jeromes relationship is really touching and I think brings a sort of normality to the situation. I love the way Maureen has put different cultures and different accents that come out of London. Not just the posh accent but the cockney accent which originated in East London and you can defiantly get the East London vibe from reading this book which I think is really effective.

The Name Of The Star is jaw dropping, Jump out of your seat amazing thriller. And I am really happy that I live in such a historic city and I think Maureen Johnson has just re established it to me. I am sure once you have read it you Londoners will feel the same, and I am sure you non Londoners will appreciate the book just as much. This novel will make you realise how ghostly, gorgeous and historic London really is. And I wait with baited breath for the next instalment. I cant describe in so many words without giving spoilers of just how amazing this book is. I see why Harper Collins published it.

P.S Next time I see bits of rubbish flying around the street and there's no wind around blowing it I defiantly will be keeping my eye out (just saying. All will be explained) READ THE NOVEL!

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In My Mailbox #46

This week I have received two new books in which I won from Goodreads. If you haven't checked out Goodreads, make sure you do so. Authors are always giving away books and ARCs in which you could sign up to have a chance to win. 

Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens - (Will be published late July) (For Review)

From the acclaimed author of STILL MISSING comes a psychological thriller about one woman’s search into her past and the deadly truth she uncovers.

All her life, Sara Gallagher has wondered about her birth parents. As an adopted child with two sisters who were born naturally to her parents, Sara’s home life was not ideal. The question of why she was given up for adoption has always haunted her. Finally, she is ready to take steps and find closure.

But some questions are better left unanswered. 

Healer by Carol Cassella  (Picture shown is the paperback version of Healer- which will be published later this month.) 

Claire Boehning must dust off her long-unused medical expertise and make a living for her family in rural Washington when her husband's biotech venture crashes--taking everything they owned with it.

These next two books I received through NetGalley- they are both for review.



Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.
But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.
Legacy by Cayla Kluver
The first boy disappeared on the day of his birth, on a night when the pale yellow moon of the nighttime sky turned red and bathed the heavens in the ghastly color of blood, on the same night the Kingdom of Cokyri abruptly ceased its merciless attack. 

Now, as seventeen-year-old Princess Alera of Hytanica is besieged from all sides by suitors vying for the Throne, a teenage Cokyrian boy, Narian, is encountered within the walls of her Kingdom, a boy who will show Alera a world where women serve a purpose and not just a husband. As Narian helps Alera find her voice, she struggles against an arranged marriage that will shatter the life she has scarcely begun to live. And when Narian's shocking past is uncovered, and war with Cokyri looms once more, he must fight to defy a fate ordained at his birth.

I'm excited about reading these! Keep a lookout for these reviews :-) 

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Book Review: Tempest Rising By Tracy Deebs

Name: Tempest Rising
Author: Tracy Deebs
Publisher: Bloomsbury

Summary: Tempest Maguire wants nothing more than to surf the killer waves near her California home; continue her steady relationship with her boyfriend, Mark; and take care of her brothers and surfer dad. But Tempest is half mermaid, and as her seventeenth birthday approaches, she will have to decide whether to remain on land or give herself to the ocean like her mother. The pull of the water becomes as insistent as her attraction to Kai, a gorgeous surfer whose uncanny abilities hint at an otherworldly identity as well

Review: This may sound odd BUT this is the first mermaid related book I have read. And now having read this book I can say it wont be my last. Tracy Deebs amazing take on mermaids had my heart and imagination running overtime. The beautiful way she describes the ocean had me sighing all they way through. When I first picked up this novel I had no idea what I was getting myself into. From the first page it had me hooked.

I love the characters in this novel. We have Mark, the understanding boyfriend of Tempest who seems like the sweetest guy on earth. We have Kona, a gorgeous surfer whose uncanny abilities also hint at an other – worldly life, And when you guys find out what he is..it will blow your mind. We have Tempest... the troubled half mermaid who's trying to come to terms with being half mermaid and the trouble that's happening around her. I really enjoyed the relationship between Kona and Tempest. She's a very hot headed character and Kona is very patient with her. Also the scenes between them two you can cut the sexual tension with a knife! Woah!

The Pace and tone of this novel was awesome. It wasn't to rushed and the characters were so believable and you can defiantly relate to them and The plot is something I have never come across. Tempest is coming to terms with being half mermaid and the absences of her mother. The beginning of the novel with the letter from Tempests mother was really touching and really set the tone of the novel for me and defiantly made me want to read on. I read on and on and realised it was over... And I defiantly want more!

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Book Review: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Book: Beautiful Creatures
Author: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Publisher: Penguin

Summary: Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

 Review:
I was over the moon when I found out that there would be a third book to the 'Beautiful Creatures' series by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl.
The novels centre around the love story of Lena Duchannes and Ethan Wate. 
The third in the series will be 'Beautiful Chaos', which will be available this October.

So, I thought I'd put pen to paper and write a review on the first chapter of the series, 'Beautiful Creatures'.When my friend Kellie told me to read the back of this book, I was in awe.
I knew her recommendation would be gripping as she had previously recommended Becca Fitzpatrick's 'Hush Hush'.

I knew it was a paranormal romance but I wasn't sure of what kind.
I love the characters in this book. Lena and Ethan are such different people, yet together they make an awesome yet slightly unlikely couple. 

I adore Link, Ethan's best friend. He is your average jock, but he has a kind heart and he is very loyal to Ethan throughout the novel. Link's character is taken on an emotional rollercoaster that alters many of his beliefs in life.

The other main character I cannot leave out is Ridley, Lena's cousin, who was a sister to her in her childhood days. Yet Ridley is bad news. She's a disaster area, always looking to create havoc in any way she can.

Lena is a bit of an outcast at school, thanks to her uncle Macon, known to the town as 'Old Man Ravonwood'.Macon has been a recluse and because of that the people of the town have come to their own conclusions about him being somewhat mad and creepy. Ethan is also an outcast. Ever since losing his mum, he's kept himself to himself.

The couple share a special bond where they can speak to each other's minds and they did so before they met.Throughout the novel, Lena is counting down to the doom that is her 16th birthday. When she has to choose whether she goes light (and protects the good) or dark (and succumbs to everything that is bad in the world).

The novel is generally in Lena and Ethan's point of view, with historical flashbacks to gauge the story. I'm not usually into books that have a lot of flashbacks, but I can safely say that in this novel it aids the history of Lena and Ethan's families, giving you a much more informative and descriptive insight into their lives and what guides them.

I was not disappointed. If anything, as soon as I'd finished this book I was eager for the second instalment, 'Beautiful Darkness'.This is a page turner that I would recommend to anyone that enjoys paranormal romances. If you have been hooked on Twilight or The Mortal Instruments then I can safely say you will not put this book down, and you will be desperate for more when you reach the very last page.

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Book Review: Die for Me by Amy Plum

Book: Die for Me
Author: Amy Plum
Publisher: Harper Teen

 Synopsis: In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

My Review: Need a book that will take you away to the beautiful scenery and life on the outskirts of Paris, just the right amount of thrill and suspense with a breathtaking romantic tie in, and not to mention a handsome & charming non-human? Then Die for Me is the novel for you ;-)

I picked up Die for Me after hearing mixed reviews, I needed to find out where I stood in the midst of Paranormal Romance novels and the truth is, Die for Me stole my heart- or rather the characters did! There is something about a human and a non-human (in this case a Revenant) falling in love that is gripping. Everyone wants something that they can't have, it is just the matter of how far are we willing to go to get what we want. This story shows just that.

Certain parts of the book had me in tears, others I was laughing, and throughout I was even scared for a few of the characters. Based on the emotions I described, the pace of the book follows; gradually rising and falling. Personally I love reading fast, adrenaline filled books, but enjoy when I have a chance to slow down to fall in love with a character and learn more about them. Die for me was a great balance between suspense and romance. 

One of my personal favorites about this book was that the author, Amy Plum came up with an entirely new "monster" "villian" "immortal" or whatever other word you may use to describe the un-dead. It was hard to wrap my head around something that wasn't the normal Vampire, Werewolf, Zombie creature but Amy put together an impressive story about Revenants to the point where I kept asking myself if they were also under the category with the other 3 and I just missed it. I was and still am impressed with the creativity throughout this book.

Also, If you haven't been to France, this book will make you want to book a flight!! ;-)  
Overall, I loved this read! I recommend for anyone who likes a great Paranormal Romance or even if you aren't sure if that is a category you would enjoy, pick it up anyways. You never know, you might surprise yourself!

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In My Mailbox #45

 

(Books From Bloomsbury for review)

(ARC For Review)

Tempest Rising By Tracy Deebs:  

Tempest Maguire wants nothing more than to surf the killer waves near her California home; continue her steady relationship with her boyfriend, Mark; and take care of her brothers and surfer dad. But Tempest is half mermaid, and as her seventeenth birthday approaches, she will have to decide whether to remain on land or give herself to the ocean like her mother. .

(ARC For Review)
Haunting Violet Alyxanra Harvery: 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.

(For Review)
My Love Lies Bleeding by Alyxandra Harvery: The Blakes are rather different to your usual neighbours. They are vampires and some of the members of the family date back to the twelfth century. One of the children, Solange, is the only born female vampire known and, as such, she poses a direct threat to the vampire queen. Her best friend Lucy is human, and when Solange is kidnapped Lucy and Solange's brother, Nicholas, set out to save her.
 

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Book to Film: I am Number Four

 So Each week we are going to start focusing on one book that has or will be turned into a movie. These may be any genre of book, published or made to film at any time, or we will be displaying trailers of new movies that will be out that were books first :-) 

 With that said, the first movie I will be highlighting is: 

 I AM NUMBER FOUR! 

Starring Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant, Theresa Palmer, Dianna Agron, Kevin Durand and Callan McAuliffe.

John is an extraordinary teen, masking his true identity and passing as a typical high school student to elude a deadly enemy seeking to destroy him. Three like him have already been killed ... he is Number Four.

I was so excited to see the movie in IMAX with a friend, after I had fallen in love with the book ( review posted below). I was a bit disappointed when the movie didn't exactly meet up to m expectations. There were minor plot switches that were made. Also, I love to come up with my own idea and imagination with how a scene or character will look like on film by using the descriptions in the novel. With I am Number Four, I thought that the book descriptions did not compare with the movie descriptions for certain characters. But, I will say that I believe they did an awesome job making the Mogadorians look like the Mogadorians from the book!! Overall, I still enjoyed the movie. And the character who was my favorite in the book, Number Six,  was still as kick ass and funny in the movie :-) If you haven't read  I am Number Four, I highly recommend that you do. And check out the movie afterward. It is now available on DVD in the US.

Have you seen I am Number Four?? What were your thoughts about the book to film? 

  (written on Feb. 22, 2011)
 Book Review: I am Number Four

I am Number Four (Lorien Legacies #1) by Pittacus Lore

Synopsis: In the beginning they were a group of nine. Nine aliens who left their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorian. Nine aliens who scattered on Earth. Nine aliens who look like ordinary teenagers living ordinary lives, but who have extraordinary, paranormal skills. Nine aliens who might be sitting next to you now.

The Nine had to separate and go into hiding. The Mogadorian caught Number One in Malaysia, Number Two in England, and Number Three in Kenya. All of them were killed. John Smith, of Paradise, Ohio, is Number Four. He knows that he is next.

I AM NUMBER FOUR is the thrilling launch of a series about an exceptional group of teens as they struggle to outrun their past, discover their future—and live a normal life on Earth.

I AM NUMBER FOUR.
I AM NEXT

My Review: I hesitated with reading this book at first because I knew that it was about aliens; which is not something that I am used to reading about. When I think of aliens I don't think of them as humans with supernatural powers. So when I heard that there was a movie coming out and many friends were giving it good reviews, I decided to give it a go!

I was very impressed with the writing of I am Number Four. Sometimes action can get lost in writing because it is simply too complex, and difficult to follow. Every twist, turn, nod, draw of a knife, noise, etc. was written down very descriptively. I was drawn in from the very beginning! At first a reader has no idea why John and Henri are traveling from place to place. Then the reader wants to know why they are on Earth. Once these little details started forming, I couldn't help wanting to know more. I never knew when the Mogadorian's would show up.
  
I think my favorite part of the book was the strength of everyone's relationships. The relationship that Henri and John have is very touching. Even though they both have lost their actually family and are always on the run from the Mogadorians their relationship continues to grow stronger. They know that they need each other to defeat the Mogadorians who destroyed their home, planet Lorien. 

Sarah and John are 2nd on my list for Favorite Fiction Couples (Edward and Bella from Twilight are 1st). They connected right away and I loved that. John knows that he may have to leave in an instance notice, leaving Sarah behind. Sarah s acceptance of John amazes me. I really liked that she was very accepting of him when he explained to her that he was an alien. Most people would question him, but she didn't. I'm excited to read more about where their relationship goes in the next book of the series, The Power of Six.

The movie I Am Number Four is currently out in theaters. Now that I am done reading, I can't wait to see how the movie compares to the book. One of the parts that I am anticipating is meeting Number Six. She brought a sense of hope to a situation that seemed undefeatable at that moment. Also, I want to see how the Mogadorians and the beasts look on screen. Even though the desciptions were very detailed, a person can only imagine so much. 

Overall, I am Number Four was a very well written, gripping and intense read! I would highly recommend!

read more "Book to Film: I am Number Four"

Waiting On Wednesday

So, these are a few books that I'm excited about, but I'd love to know if they excite you?

Name: Everlasting the final instalment in The Immortals series

Author: Alyson Noel

Pages: 336

Reading Level: Teen

Release date: 7th July 2011 UK already available in the US

Next up is the long awaited third book in the Fallen series.

Name: Passion

Author: Lauren Kate

Pages: 432

Reading Level: Teen

Release date: UK 23rd June 2011 already available in the US.

Well now I must complete City Of Fallen Angels ahead of getting my Daniel and Luce fix back...

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In My Mailbox- #44 (Dark Days of Summer Style!)

 Bought: Last week I attended Dark Days of Supernatural Summer tour and bought several books to have signed by some amazing authors. Check out the blog post to read more about my experience at the book
tour.

*All signed*
Divergent by Veronica Roth (reviewed)

Hereafter by Tara Hudson
Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive. 

Die for Me by Amy Plum (be on the lookout for my review being posted this week)
My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything. While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love?

Illusions by Aprilynne Pike (3rd book of The Wings Series- have yet to read the 1st two.)

Just as life is returning to normal, Laurel discovers that a hidden enemy lies in wait. Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible. And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail


Received: 

Crossroads by Mary Ting *signed* (won) (review coming soon)
On the same night of her friend’s tragic death, Claudia Emerson encounters another world, Crossroads, through her dream. There, she learns about a mix breed of angels and humans, who possess supernatural powers. Among those with these powers, lies evil, known as the fallen. Mystified by her ability to enter this place called Crossroads, certain that the fallen will be after her, she is assigned a guardian angel named Michael. Aden, the fallen leader, is convinced that Claudia holds the key to help destroy Crossroads. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most

Forgiven (Faithful #2) by Janet Fox*signed* (won through Goodreads) (haven't read Faithful yet)

Kula Baker never expected to find herself on the streets of San Francisco, alone but for a letter of introduction. Though she has come to the city to save her father from a cruel fate, Kula soon finds herself swept up in a world of art and elegance - a world she hardly dared dream of back in Montana, where she was no more than the daughter of an outlaw. And then there is the handsome David Wong, whose smiling eyes and soft-spoken manner have an uncanny way of breaking through Kula's carefully crafted reserve. Yet when disaster strikes and the wreckage threatens all she holds dear, Kula realizes that only by unlocking her heart can she begin to carve a new future for herself

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Music Monday

Music Monday is were every monday we post a song on our blog that we think represents a book we have read.

This weeks Music Monday is a song called "Please Dont Go" by a band Called Barcelona. This is the girl version of the song. I choose this song because I think it really suits the book Firelight by Sophie Jordon.The song reminds me of Will and Jacinda and their love..

If you have read the book and listen to the words of the song they

match beautfully. Also if you havent read the book listen

to the song and it might persuade you to read the awesome

book!

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Alyson Noel giveaway winner!

Congratulations Becky! Check your email!
Dont worry if you didnt win we have
another giveaway coming
SOON!!

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Book Review: Night Star By Alyson Noel

Name: The Immortals Night Star
Author: Alyson Noel
Publisher: Panmacmillan


Summary: There are some secrets you're better off not knowing.
But once Ever Bloom is given a glimpse of what Damen is keeping from her, she had to find out more- whatever the cost.
Their past together is not what she thinks- and only he remembers everything. Until now, when a vengeful friend lets her in on his secret. And it may just push Ever into someone else's arms....

Review: I started reading 'The Immortals' series pretty late so, when I first picked up Evermore, Bluemoon and Shadowland were also availble.
 
This was a plus, as I was hooked after the first chapter and in each book I was left eager to know what happened next.
Having read the first three within a month, I was left desperate for the next instalment.
 
The story of Ever and Damen's forbidden romance is mind-blowing. You are left wanting more and the sexual tension between the couple is prominent in each novel. That's no different in the latest of the saga, 'Night Star'.
 
What I enjoyed about Night Star was the unlikely bromances between Damen and Jude and Damen and Miles.

Alyson Noel definitely got the characters spot on in Night Star. Haven's power mad attitude is highlighted now she's immortal. 
 
I love the subtle twists in this book, especially in the ongoing love triangle between Ever, Damen and Jude.
 
As much as I am always hoping Damen and Ever's love will conquer all, I am also so sad for Jude. He always loses in the end and he's so gracious about it.

Just when you think there may well be a happy ending as their enemies are no more, another twist comes into play. I am eagerly awaiting the fifth and final instalment of 'The Immortals'.

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Dark Days of Supernatural- Summer Tour- June 7th

So as a "spur of the moment" idea I decided to take a quick trip to Naperville, IL to the Dark Days of Supernatural Summer Tour that was being held at Anderson's Bookshop on June 7th. The authors on the tour were Veronica Roth- Divergent, Ellen Schrieber- 8 Cryptic Cravings (Vampire Kisses Series), Aprilynne Pike- Illusions (The Wings Series), Tara Hudson - Hereafter, and Amy Plum- Die for me. This was my very first tour and signing, so I was very excited to have the opportunity to go.

The main reason I went was to see Veronica Roth- author of Divergent. I absolutely loved that book! You can read my book review for Divergent here

Veronica Roth and Myself- LOVE this book. And she is such a sweetheart.

Below are a few pictures from the event. As well as a few answers from the authors during a Q&A session.

 I met up with Jasmine and Jacinda from The Reading Housewives of Indiana. We went out to eat beforehand, walked around downtown Naperville and ate some delicious Gelato. Then went into the bookstore early so we could get good seats (In the front row!)Who knew how much fun 3 book lovers could have!!! lol. Check out there book blog here

 The Question and Answer session was so much fun and very interesting. These authors are hilarious. They had the crowd laughing the entire time.

Aprilynne says that she is a religious planner-everything is outlined. She doesn't skip ahead because she loves writing endings, so going from beginning to end is her motivation  to finish. Veronica on the other-hand does not outline her writing process. She writes out of order- wrote Four's part first because she found him compelling ( so did the rest of us ;-) LOL) 

 Amy Plum, Tara Hudson, & Ellen Schrieber always knew what ages their characters would be. Aprilynne logically worked out what age her character was going to be based on how many books she was going to have. Veronica Roth said she wanted Tris to be 16 because it that aged seemed like an "awful" idea for someone to choose what to do in life. 

Veronica Roth shared.... If you check her blog next week she will reveal the name of the 2nd book in the Divergent Series!! (*squeee* I am so excited about this!)

And it was the Book Birthday of Hereafter that day also! It was very exciting to have Tara there talking about the book. I hadn't preordered it so I bought it after hearing her talk about it! Sounds like a fantastic read.

The Crowd

Tara Hudson signing my Hereafter book

Amy Plum

I went home with every book except for Ellen Schreiber's 8 Cryptic Cravings. I hadn't read that series yet, but maybe one of these days will get the chance to read them! Also came home with some cool swag: Signed bookmarks, bracelets, and Divergent tattoos.

This trip was fantastic and I can not wait to attend my next book event! If the Dark Days of Summer Tour is in your area be sure to check it out- you won't be disappointed.

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