Sunday 31 July 2011

Grab the Button & Vote for The Superiors!!!

We are doing a Blog Tour and need your help!! Throughout the month of August, we will be representing the book The Superiors by Lena Hillbrand.

What we need our followers to do??
--- VOTE VOTE VOTE over at See It Or Read It 

What's in it for you?
--- Find out more about some amazing YA books that are out there.
--- Learn more about these amazing authors!
--- Enter for the chance to win a variety of giveaways!!
--- HAVE A FUN FUN FUN AUGUST!






So Grab our Button To Promote - The Superiors-

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August's Blowout Blog Tour!!!

Hi Everyone! Darkreaders is excited to announce that we will be joining the fun for an August Blog Tour that is hosted by See It Or Read It 

But what is that? And why is it such a big deal?

The August Blow out Summer Blog Hop is when we are going to be voting for the BEST BOOK. Our nominees are:

 
 


Now here is how the event works. These books will be competing against each other. The book that wins the most rounds wins the title of BEST BOOK! So you guys need to vote for your book so it wins.

Along the way there will be lot's of contests, guest posts, and giveaways! So stay tuned all month long.
 
PLEASE VISIT See It Or Read It and find out how you can enter to win tons of books! Also, check out the schedule for the Blog Tour :-) You Won't Want to miss This Event!! 
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Friday 29 July 2011

Read it and Visit it

So I had been given "The Name Of The Star" by the awesome people at Harper Collins. I hadnt heard about this novel before and when I got it I was quite excited. The cover was beautiful and the summary at the back sounded amazing. to top that off it was set in my home town London. Once I read this novel and fell in love with it I wanted to do something for its release... and celebrate its awesomeness especially because its about one of the most well known historys around the world. Jack The Ripper.......


As me and my friend Aminah travel through east London we never realised how old fashioned most of it truly is. The allys were spooky, the noises smells and just buildings. Here is an allyway that really caught our eye and from reading the novel I can totallly tell why Maureen wanted to write about this subject in all its glory. This is a famous allyway because it holds the Pub were a certain man use to live... check out the next picture.


Signs words:
(There have been numerous attempts to uncover the identiy of the man who
brutally murdered five East End Women between 31 August- 30 November 1888.
Amoungst those suspected were queen Victoria's heir, the Duke of  Clarence.
A Less prominent suspect was George Chapman, a barber/surgeon. who
at the time lived in the cellar of this pub, he was later found guilty of Poisoning
his three wives for which he was hung. Was he also Jack The Ripper?..)


There are many London places mentioned in Maureens books for example Trafalgar square, National Gallery, Charing Cross station and some Thrilling scary moments on the under ground and we just wanted to re live those moments without giving to much away before the release. Here are some of those moments.


(Name of the Star in Trafalgar square)


  (Name Of The Star in National Gallery. A place were a really scary/touching moment happens)


(London Underground. Where the most scariest and exciting things happen for Rory and her gang.
I have read nothing like it. Check out Aminah renacting one of the haunting moments for Rory)


(and another)


I just wanted to say that I truly love this book and want to thank Maureen Johnson for writing it. This book isnt at all Sterotypical and It truly feels Like by the end of this novel you have been on a rollercoaster of emotions. I can see why the awesome people at Harper Collins published it. I cannot wait for the next novel.
Thanks for Reading. Casey x


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Read it and Visit it
"

Thursday 28 July 2011

2 months until the release of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

There are only 2 months until the release of Michelle Hodkin's book, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. Below is description of her book, the cover, and chance to win an ARC by clicking on the link that will direct you to Michelle's blog!! 




Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer hits stores everywhere 9.27.11. Pre-order your copy here. Download the widget here. Enter to win an Advanced Reader’s Copy here.
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Wednesday 27 July 2011

Book Review: Haunting Violet By Alyxandra Harvey


Name: Haunting Violet
Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Publisher: Bloomsbury

Summary: Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts, especially since her mother has worked as a fraudulent medium for a decade. Violet has taken part in enough of her mother's tricks to feel more than a little jaded about anyhting supernatural.

The ghosts, however, believe in Violet and she's been seeing them everywhere. One ghost in particular needs Violet to use her emerging gift to solve her murder . . . and prevent the ghost's twin sister from suffering the same fate.


Review: Haunting violet. Where do I begin to describe this awesome haunting novel. Bloomsbury sent me this novel and from start to end I fell in love with this story. I love that its a periodic romance/thriller. The fact that its set in 18th century London makes it so much more atmospheric.

The plot is amazing, Dramatic twists, turns, mysterious, haunting moments. The pace was amazing the tone was dramatic and energetic. 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.

The characters in this novel are amazing. We have Violet the strong minded girl who's being haunted by a ghost who needs her help. The scenes between Violet and Rowena the ghost are quite scary but so awesome you just wonder what happen next with each page and each chapter. Colin. The awesome “butler” for Violet and her Mother. Hes from Ireland and hes a very loveable character. The theirs Elizabeth who is violets best friend who is defiantly a funny character you will defiantly fall in love with. Also there are many more characters in this novel I would be here all day if I talked about them all but I will say this. If you like mysterious, nice, challenging, attractive funny characters then this is the book for you.

I can tell Alyxandra has done her research from the clothing, words said, area and surroundings. I think its important the author gets this right otherwise it wont be effect but Alyxandra gets it right with every word written I can see why the awesome people at Bloomsbury published it. Haunting Violet. Is a beautiful, Scary, Atmospheric, Romantic thriller that pulls you in from beginning to end. Truly amazing! Buy this novel!


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Book Review: Haunting Violet By Alyxandra Harvey
"

Book Review: Save me By Lisa Scottoline

Title: Save Me
Author: Lisa Scottoline
Publisher: St. Martins Press
Date Pulbished: April 12, 2011
Pages: Hardcover- 384

Summary: Rose McKenna volunteers as a lunch mom in her daughter Melly’s school in order to keep an eye on Amanda, a mean girl who’s been bullying her daughter. Her fears come true when the bullying begins, sending Melly to the bathroom in tears. Just as Rose is about to follow after her daughter, a massive explosion goes off in the kitchen, sending the room into chaos. Rose finds herself faced with the horrifying decision of whether or not to run to the bathroom to rescue her daughter or usher Amanda to safety. She believes she has accomplished both, only to discover that Amanda, for an unknown reason, ran back into the school once out of Rose's sight. In an instance, Rose goes from hero to villain as the small community blames Amanda’s injuries on her. In the days that follow, Rose's life starts to fall to pieces, Amanda’s mother decides to sue, her marriage is put to the test, and worse, when her daughter returns to school, the bullying only intensifies. Rose must take matters into her own hands and get down to the truth of what really happened that fateful day in order to save herself, her marriage and her family.


Review: I have been reading Lisa Scottoline's novels for years; she writes suspenseful, mysterious reads with plots that will have a person gasping for air until the last sentence is read. Her latest style and genre has taken a slight turn, but in a good way! Lisa still continues to give that reader the intense, thrilling feel but real life controversial subject matters are put into play.

I enjoy reading about controversial topics and seeing how an author incorporates or makes it into his or her own story. And in the end seeing how the outcome of that controversy takes place. In Save Me, the subject matter are two ideas: bullying and the question, "If you can only save one person, then who's child should you save, yours or somebody else's?" 

Melly is an 8 year old who is bullied due to a large birthmark that sets her apart from the other peers in her class. I believe that Lisa did a fabulous job at portraying a young girl who is innocent and interested in little girl things (okay, maybe not barbie dolls & fashion, but Harry Potter! Who can blame her!) but at the same time she understands that she doesn't fit in.

Melly's mother Rose does what any mother would do. She volunteers at the school so that she can keep an extra eye on her daughter. Meanwhile, a tragic even happens that leaves Rose with the decision to take the children who have been bullying her daughter outside to the playground where they can be safe, or go find her Melly before it's too late. She quickly reacts and tries to get all the children to safety. Unbeknownst to Rose, not every child she tried to help made it out of the school building unharmed. Rose has to juggle between being a Hero Mom- saving her own daughter and being a villain who chose her daughter over others.

Rose's character changed throughout the book and I loved that about her. Her overall personality shifted. She doesn't stand back from the crowd near the end of the novel anymore. She takes charge and does all she can to figure out who caused the tragic events that started at Reesburgh school. 

Events begin to take place that unravels important information. Information that most people would overlook, but Rose has her heart set on getting down to the bottom of this mysterious explosion. The one that she has been potentially blamed for by student parents because she chose to save her daughter over others. Believe me, when you think everything is just starting to settle down---new surprises arise!!! ;-)

This book was creative and pieced together so well. I enjoyed Save Me by Lisa Scottoline and look forward to seeing where she goes next with a new novel.




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Book Review: Save me By Lisa Scottoline
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Tuesday 26 July 2011

Review: Everlasting By Alyson Noel



Title: Everlasting
Author: Alyson Noel
Publisher: Panmacmillan
Release date: 7th July UK


Summary: Ever and Damen have loved and lost each other for hundreds of years-facing deadly enemies, dark secrets and a powerful curse. Now their love will be tested to the limit.
Ever and Damen finally have the chance to discover their true destiny. The choice they're about to make will unite them- or tear them apart- forever.


Review:
I must admit I both looked forward to and dreaded the day 'Everlasting' would be released.
This is the final chapter in 'The Immortals' series. I must say I'm sad that the series is over, but I cannot praise Alyson enough.

'Everlasting' starts just where 'Night Star' finished and you're back on board the emotional rollercoaster of Damen and Ever's frustrated relationship.
They are still very much in love but there is so much that stands between them and their future happiness.

Lotus is a strange character who, for part of the book, you just can't make out. I'll let you see what you think once you've finished the book.
Miles is still his loveable self, although strangely he appeals more attractive in the final book. As ever he is an amazing friend to Ever on this trying journey.

I adore Romy and Rayne. They remind me so much of Ever's kid sister, Riley Bloom.
They are such fun characters. Good and Evil or, as Ever would say, Good and Plenty.
I've always liked Ava but during the series my opinion on her has constantly changed. She is the voice of reason and understanding in 'Everlasting'.
Although they called a truce, the love triangle between Damen, Ever and Jude is still apparent.

I loved the emotion of Ever's journey. The question is, does Ever find out the truth she so desperately seeks, so that she and Damen can live the life they deserve?

Alyson Noel, what are you doing to me? Just as I think Damen and Ever's future happiness is set in stone and they've solved the puzzle, you throw in the hugest twist that makes me want to scream and stop reading. Yet makes me want to know more. You amaze me in every way.

The scenes between Damen and Ever are at there most intense in this book and I've been happy and heartbroken for them in a constant rollercoaster of emotion and enjoyment.
Every time you're about to cheer finally something goes wrong again. Or Damen or Ever make a decision the other doesn't agree with. It gets to a point where you think after all that emotion and heartbreak, they're going to separate.

If like me you've enjoyed 'The Immortals' series I'll be surprised if you don't cry by the shocker in the last chapter.
A truly amazing read, a fantastic end to a truly wonderful series.



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Thursday 21 July 2011

Review: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Title: Hourglass
Author: Myra McEntire
Publishers: EgmontUSA  
Publishing Date: June 14th 2011

Summary:
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.

Review: Ever wonder what your life would be like if you could go back in time and change just one little thing? Maybe something that was life changing, didn't work out the way you wanted, broke you heart, or even something you may regret? This isn't the first time I've thought about these questions and Hourglass makes a person think about the pros and cons for being able to change the past.

To say I loved this book would be an understatement. It's actually very hard to write this review without spoilers, so I'm going to try my hardest. Myra McEntire's story has various elements that come together in different dimensions- hmm..where to start?
The overall psychological aspect of this book had me from the beginning- trying to understand a character who doesn't even understand herself. The reader grows alongside Emerson as she discovers who she really is, and what she can do with the "gift" she has. 

A reader can emotionally connect with the main character Emerson. She lost her parents and in the midst of all that she also looses herself. Emerson begins to discover she has a gift, in which she often mistakes as being "crazy" because she doesn't understand how seeing people and objects from the past can be helpful.  The connection that Em has with her brother is strong and heartfelt. If I had an older brother I'd want him to be just like Thomas. Always wanting the best for his younger sister, he hires Michael.
Michael, who works at Hourglass comes into play very early on in the book. That is something that I enjoyed greatly- events are always taking place when you least expect them. Michael is one of those people who seem mysterious. You know there is more to his character that hasn't been revealed yet, so we patiently wait. haha. Emerson may think that she is alone in her crazy world, but Michael is more like her than she thinks and together they have to undergo a mission that could potentially hurt or even kill them both. They don't know what they are up against and the people that they least expect are against them!

Sound dramatic? it is! And that is one small element to this amazing story that pulled me in even deeper And the twists and turns towards the end of the plot are written so well- I didn't see it coming. Hourglass is a creative read that will take you back in time, to look at life and question whether or not life would be better if one little detail from the past is changed.







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Wednesday 20 July 2011

Book Review: Starcrossed By Josephine Angelini


Name: Starcrossed
Author:  Josephine Angelini
Publishers: Macmillan
Release date: June 3rd

Summary: Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

Review: Wow. Wow. Wow. This book defiantly deserves those 3 wows. Macmillan gave me this book and to be honest I had never heard of it before. Why? I have no idea because this book was amazing. One of the best I have read this year. Why you ask? Well Ill tell you. As soon as I opened the novel it was so haunting and exciting. It had my pulse facing, heart pounding tears rolling down my face and laughing with excitement. This book brought me in straight away and I couldn't believe how many jaw dropping moments there truly was!

Good-looking teenagers who are descendants from Greek gods? What more could a Teenage girl or boy ask for? The originality is this book is unbelievable! The amount of Greek God history Josephine has put into this book is amazing I learnt things I didn't even know about Greek Gods and she even added her own twist to it which I thought was awesome. You can defiantly tell Josephine has done her research from the amount of detail to the amount of pages!

The characters are amazing in this novel. My two favourite characters are Lucas and Helen. They are one of the most beautiful “couples” I have come across. The sexual tension between them is crazy. Every scene they have together is so atmospheric and beautiful that every time I turned the page I was praying it was them two together in a scene, I couldn't wait for them to be in the same room together as much as each other couldn't. Also there are many more characters in this novel I would be here all day if I talked about them all but I will say this. If you like heroic, nice, challenging, attractive funny characters then this is the book for you.

The plot is amazing, twists, turns, mysterious, haunting moments. The pace was amazing the tone was dramatic and energetic. It had me in their world from beginning to end. This novel is amazing and I suggest you go out and buy it!


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Book Review: Starcrossed By Josephine Angelini
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Sunday 17 July 2011

Book Review: Infinite Days By Rebecca Maizel

Name: Infinite Days
Author: Rebecca Maizel
Publisher: Pan Macmillan
Summary: Lenah Beaudonte is, in many ways, your average teen: the new girl at Wickham Boarding School, she struggles to fit in enough to survive and stand out enough to catch the eye of the golden-boy lacrosse captain. But Lenah also just happens to be a recovering five-hundred-year-old vampire queen.

Review: Finally another Vampire based novel I can get into were they are actually evil. I was given this by the awesome people at Macmillan and I had never heard of this novel before. Why I have no idea. As soon as I started reading this novel I was totally hooked I love the concept of a Vampire who has no idea of the 21st century about to live in it! I haven't come across this in any novel and I am very excited about this series.

One thing that I love about this novel is the fact that these Vampires actually kill humans! Hallelujah! I'm so bored with Vampires eating animals and being so nice. I love the flash backs in this novel they really help you get to know each characters personality more. I love the contrast between Lenah being an evil vampire and a nice human. My Favourite character is a Rhode he's such a compassionate vampire and a fantastic read. There is Tony the hilarious friend of Lenah. Justin Lenahs love interest and Lenahs Vampire coven . All these characters were not at all two dimensional and really stood out to me.

The way Rebecca describes Lenah's surroundings is so magical can actually close my eyes and imagen myself there! Its so effective and left me thinking about it days afterwards. As much as there is humour and happy moments its still terribly haunting and addicting. There are some really touching scenes in the this novel that Rebecca has written so beautifully. From Justin and Lenah to Lenah and Rhode the scenes had me crying, smiling, giggling....all the emotions named in the dictionary I felt and that's why this book is a fantastic read.

I appreciated the detail Rebecca has put into each scene. For example in the flash backs Rebecca describes every little detail from the lighting to the clothing of the characters and these little details really do set the scene for the novel and have you feeling each emotion the characters are feeling. As a British girl myself I loved the fact Rebecca used a British Vampire in this novel and I thought it brought lots of diversity into this novel.

Infinite Days is a Haunting, beautiful, thrilling love story that had me feeling every emotion ever named and I cannot wait for the second instalment and being brought back into Lenahs world because its a place I never want to leave.

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Book Review: Infinite Days By Rebecca Maizel
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Saturday 16 July 2011

From Notting Hill with Love Actually by Ali McNamara

Title: From Notting Hill with Love Actually
Author: Ali McNamara
Publisher: Sphere


Summary: Scarlett loves the movies.
But does she love sensible fiance David just as much?
With a big white wedding on the horizon, Scarlett really should have decided by now...
When she has the chance to house-sit in Notting Hill- the setting of one of her favourite movies- Scarlett jumps at the chance. But living life like a movie is trickier than it seems, especially when her new neighbour Sean is so irritating.
And so irritatingly handsome, too.
Scarlett soon finds herself starring in a romantic comedy of her very own: but who will end up as the leading man?


Review: A friend had mentioned a bit about 'From Notting Hill with Love Actually' and I instantly knew it would be my kind of book.
Thanks to Julie, who lent me her copy, I finally got to read this rollercoaster novel.
 This is Ali McNamara's debut book and after laughing, crying, nearly missing my stop on   various buses and staying up until all hours, I finished it. Having read Scarlett's wonderful story, I now await her next novel.


Scarlett O'Brien is a loveable character and you cannot help instantly falling in love with her. Each and every one of us has a dreamy place we escape to from time to time and this book is based on that.
The novel is written predominantly in Scarlett's point of view as she's telling us the story.
The pace and tone is very chatty, from Scarlett with her new friends asking lots of questions.

Scarlett is a business woman and considering she's a film fanatic her job is perfect. She works alongside her dad installing and repairing popcorn makers in cinemas.
She is engaged to David who happens to run a fair few cinemas, but this is where David's attraction ends. In my opinion he is a bit of a boring character, but I'll let you be the judge of him.
Maddie is Scarlett's best friend and, after a day of catching up, she can see her friend is troubled and confused so she arranges for Scarlett to house-sit in Notting Hill. Now this is a rom-com come true for Scarlett as Notting Hill is her fave film.
Everyone needs a friend like Oscar. He is the gay best friend every girl needs in life. He's an instantly loveable character.

Will Scarlett work out her troubles? Or will she end up living her life through movie scenes?

If you adore a good rom-com and you know all the stories from different films you will be blown away by the creativity of this book. It reminds me a bit of Moulin Rouge but instead of songs it's films and scenes from films.
 What I also thought was genius, was how frustrated I got with the characters. One minute I'm like 'for god's sake Scarlett choose properly', then I'm like 'Sean be a man'. It was just like watching a girlie movie, just in print.
I kept getting angry with the book, just as we all do with films from time to time.
I can definitely say that having read this book, I've now been recommending it to all my friends who love a girlie film.


 
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Friday 15 July 2011

Cover Reveal: Surrender by Lee Nichols & Giveaway

Sneak Peak: Surrender by Lee Nichols Cover
Please visit Good Choice Reading today (7/15/2011) at 3:00p EST for the entire Surrender cover reveal. 


Q & A with Lee Nichols
DR: Out of all your characters in the series, who is your favorite character to write & why?

Lee Nichols: Probably Emma. I love how tough, but vulnerable she is. That she pushes through her fears and usually has a sense of humor about it. But the character that's most fun to write is Harry, because he says outrageous things. 
 Here are all the participating blogs

At 12pm EST, Be Sure to Check out ALL these blogs for the Sneak Peeks of Surrender (and remember to enter to win the entire series SIGNED by Lee Nichols) and at 3pm EST check out Good Choice Reading for the full blown Surrender Cover!


GIVEAWAY! (Simply CLICK HERE and you will be entered to WIN!)

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Wednesday 13 July 2011

Review: The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Title: The Body Finder
Author: Kimberly Derting
Publishers: HarperTeen

Summary: Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world... and the imprints that attach to their killers. Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him. 

Review: WOW! was literally the first word that rolled off my tongue right after I read the very last page of The Body Finder and closed the cover. I'm not even sure where to start with this book honestly. I read the synopsis one night as I filed through a large stack of sale books at a bookstore and was immediately impressed with the storyline. When I read first read the title, I thought maybe  it was similar to those "I see dead people" movies... but I was wrong, and in a good way! The Body Finder surpassed all my expectations of a fantastic read: the vocabulary and writing is exquisite, a thrilling storyline with a plot that will have any person on edge, and some of the sweetest and not so sweetest characters ever. 


Kimberly Derting chose to write about young girl named Violet who has a special gift for finding anything that may be deceased. My first thought was, oh my goodness, I can't even imagine a young girl going through all of this and being okay. But Violet is one tough girl, even at the risk of her own life she sets off to find a killer who has been burying little girls in which Violet finds. Her writing will have you gasping for air and yelling at the book because there are many surprises (and everyone loves surprises...right??) 

I loved the fact that Kimberly adds tidbits of the killers thoughts into the book- yes, parts were creepy, but it made my mind turn and question myself as to who the killer could possibly be. 

There is a fun romance story amongst  the frightening and suspenseful storyline that had me head over heals in love with the couple: Violet and her best friend, Jay. The author does an excellent job with portraying a young couple. Another thing I truly enjoyed was reading the dialogue between Violet and her school friends- typical high school girls- had me laughing. 


It is VERY easy to sit down and read in a days time. Don't be surprised if you can't put it down. Yes, its that good! :-) I recommend this book to anyone. I do think that some of the ideas could potentially scare a younger reader, afterall, it is about a girl who tries and finds a killer after she uncovers the bodies that he has buried, but yes, this book is great, and I can't wait to continue with the second book Desires of the Dead!




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Crossroads Winner!!

And the Winner of a signed Crossroads book & goodies is....

Kaependragon! 

Congrats to our winner. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did, and keep and eye out for an e-mail I will be sending shortly.

For those of you who didn't win, please check out our newest giveaway- Allyson Noel Giveaway!
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Monday 11 July 2011

Everlasting by Alyson Noel Blog Tour: Bloggers Brunch



Morning of the bloggers brunch me and Hayley were so excited to be heading to the Pan Macmillian building and meeting the awesome Alyson Noel (author of the Evermore series). Everything was all set out lovley when we went in! Some delisious foods such as muffins, brownies and lots of TEA! 

When alyson came in we sat in a circle and discussed a lot of things. Her books being made into movies was one. She told us that summit had bought the rights and were very excited about the project we discussed how many people have different interpretations of Damen and other characters and that we can't all cater to everyones needs. Also that if Summit don't make the movie it could be a TV show instead which Alyson is totally fine about.  We also discussed peoples versions on Alysons summerland, Casey mentioned the Movie the Lovely bones. In the movie Susie Samon goes into her "heaven" and Alyson thought that matched her somerland a lot. So if you guys watch the Lovely bones check out Susies Heaven.





Hayley asked what made Alyson write the spin of Riley Bloom series in which she told us that Riley was originally supposed to have a much shorter part in Evermore but she fell in love with the character and had to involve her more. Alyson said it was hard to say goodbye to Riley. Which stemed the Riley Bloom series. Alyson told us that Riley had such depth and that the series will continue with that. We were very happy to hear this as we Riley is one of our favourite characters! Radiance was very nearly called Riley and The Radiant Boys but that was too long so Radiance was born.



 

Alyson is excited about her new project in the Soul Seekers, in which she has been doing lots of research including a trip to New Mexico. She told us some really interesting things that will happen in her new series. its top secret but I can say that its going to be a world wind of a ride and Me and Hayley cannot wait to get our hands on it. It was awesome meeting Alyson and seeing all the bloggers and people at Macmillan it was a truly awesome day! Check out the novels we received in out goody bags and see what Alyson Noel so nicely wrote in my book :)



Head over to Wondrous Reads tmorrow
for the next stop on the blog tour!




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Everlasting by Alyson Noel Blog Tour: Bloggers Brunch
"

Thursday 7 July 2011

Radiance by Alyson Noel

Name: Radiance
Author: Alyson Noel
Publisher: Panmacmillan


Summary: Riley Bloom crossed the bridge into the afterlife following a car crash- with her parents and her beloved dog, Buttercup. And it turns out that the afterlife is not just an eternity of leisure. Riley has been assigned a job as a Soul Catcher, with a weird but maybe cute boy as her guide. Her first assignment will take her back to earth, to everything she's left behind- where she must find the Radiant Boy, a long-lost spirit who doesn't want to move on...


Review:
I have loved Alyson Noel's 'Immortals' series and I will be truly devastated when I complete the final book of that extraordinary journey in 'Everlasting'.

When I found out that there would be a set of spin off novels focussing on Ever's kid sister Riley Bloom, I was over the moon.
I fell in love with Riley's character in reading the 'Immortals' series. She's a cheeky, sarcastic, fun and completely loveable character.

Although the Riley series is aimed at the younger generation, in reading it I think anyone with a vivid imagination can enjoy it. I certainly did.

There aren't many characters in this book.
There is obviously Riley who is mainly talking to us, the readers, about her afterlife experience.
Riley, Buttercup and her parents died in a tragic car accident.

Riley is the main vocal point of the novel which is predominantly in her our viewpoint. There is the occasion when Bodhi takes over and says his piece but the tone is generally very chatty and it could be said to be Riley's diary of her thoughts, experiences and emotions in her new life.

Along with Riley we have her loyal and loveable dog, Buttercup and her guide, the cute yet dorky Bodhi who you will love.

I cannot wait to see how the relationship between Riley and Bodhi pans out throughout the series. As they have fantastic banter and each of them gives the other as good as they get.
There a few extra additions, some of which I found weird but I shall let your imaginations make up your minds on them.

Alyson Noel's writing is amazing. Not only does she well and truly get the cocky, annoying slightly sarcastic, wannabe teen right in 12 year-old Riley, but she is a truly inspirational writer in the way she describes every encounter and emotion that Riley feels and goes through in her new life.
You feel like you are also experiencing what she is. At times I felt like I had jumped into the book and that I was Riley.

I love the reference to not judging people on appearance. As they say, don't judge a book by it's cover which, as this is aimed at younger readers, I think this is an important message to portray.

As a Londoner, I loved the references to London and just as I felt Riley's emotions I could also picture each part of London and how busy it was as if I was actually there.

My copy of 'Radiance' also featured a fantastic Q&A with Alyson Noel which was funny and also informative on the daily processes she goes through as a writer.
It was also nice to be able to read a short extract of the second in the Riley Bloom series 'Shimmer'. I must say from that extract I can safely say I look forward to the next adventure that Riley, Buttercup and Bodhi will undertake.


 
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Wednesday 6 July 2011

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

There are 2 books that I've been waiting all summer to read...

BAD TASTE IN BOYS
Author: Carrie Harris
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Reading Level: YA
Pages: 201
Release Date: July 12th (USA)

I've been wanting to read this book ever since the cover reveal.. I mean, look at it! So cool! sounds like a great read, can't wait to get my hands on it :-) 

THE POWER OF SIX (LORIEN LEGACIES #2)
Author: Pittacus Lore
Publisher: Harper Collins
Pages: 352 
Release Date: August 23, 2011 (USA)

Ever since I put down the first book in this series, I Am Number Four I've been dying to read this! There is so much to know and tell in a story like this that I can't wait to find out more. 

What books are on your Waiting on Wednesday List?? 


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Sunday 3 July 2011

Interview: Mary Ting author of Crossroads

Mary Ting is a wonderful author who self published her first book, Crossroads. It is currently being republished and will be out later in August. I had the opportunity to asked Mary a few questions about the book. Hope you enjoy reading the interview questions as much as I've enjoyed talking with Mary!! You can read my review of Crossroads HERE. Also, Check out the Crossroads giveaway by commenting on the REVIEW PAGE.

1. If you could meet up & chat with one author who would it be and why?
It would have to be Stephenie Meyer because she wrote Twilight based on her dream.  Crossroads is also based on a couple of dreams I had in high school.  She was one of my inspirations to write this book. 
2. How long of a process is writing a book?
Ahhh!!!  I say this in a good and bad way.  First, it was so much fun writing about these characters, and many characters are based on people I know.  In some ways, Claudia is a lot like me, so her character was easy to write.  There was one time when I wiped out the last five chapters because my friend thought I could do better.  I’m glad she told me I could, but deleting those chapters brought me to tears. Then there is re-reading, re-writing and re-editing.  Let me just say that I found a new profound respect for authors. 

3. Did you always want to become a writer?
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever thought about becoming a writer.  To tell you the truth, I didn’t really enjoy reading.  I read because I had to.  Not until I became a teacher did I find reading truly enjoyable.  I started writing because it was a way for me to heal from the death of my grandmother.  She is also a character in my story-Gamma J.

4. What were some of your "inspirations" for writing this novel
One of my inspirations for writing this novel was my grandmother.  Writing was a way for me to heal.  Another inspiration was my dreams I had in high school.   I can vividly recall all the details of them, which comprises chapter one and two.
 
5. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Besides spending time with my hubby and my two children, I enjoy shopping, watching movies, oil painting and making jewelries.  I also enjoy reading young adult novels.  They help me escape the stress of everyday life.

6. Which character in Crossroads was the most fun for you to write?
It’s difficult to say because many of the characters are based on people I know.  But I can narrow it down to two characters, Claudia and Michael.  Claudia’s character is based on me and my experiences.  The first car, the first job, camping, and yes…I was very sheltered…lol!!!  Michael is also somewhat based on my husband, the protector and romantic. I especially had fun writing about them being together and the chemistry of getting to know each other, knowing that they didn’t have that much time.

7. The end of Crossroads book there is a tiny snippet into the next book, can you give us a fun little spoiler about that next book?   
Austin plays a bigger role and there are more angels on earth.  I just finished up to chapter ten.  It’s still a rough draft but here are some teasers that I have not shared with anyone yet. 
“I give you my soul . . . willingly upon thee,” Claudia said reluctantly, as tears streamed down her face.  Aliah gave a deceiving smile and placed his left hand behind her back as if to give her a hug and with the other hand, drove his sword straight into her heart.  
“Love doesn’t just go away that easily.  It clings to your heart.  It goes with you wherever you go, even if you don’t want it to.  Love is like the ocean.  Sometimes it’s smooth and sometimes it’s rough, but it’s constant, it never dries out,” I stated, hoping this kind of love is not what he felt for her.  I love you, not her,” he said, inching his way toward me.


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