Halloween Booktacular: Joss Stirlings All Hallows Story + Giveaway

To celebrate Halloween Dark Readers are having a Halloween Booktacular. It will invole some guest posts from some awesome authors and some giveaways. Todays post is from Joss Stirling, she shares a All Hallows/All Saints story.

I lived for three years in Warsaw Poland and my favourite time of year was the 31st October and 1, 2 November. They have a fabulous tradition of whole families going to the local cemetery to leave flowers and candles on graves of loved ones or people they admire. My husband and I used to go up to the big city cemetery (as did thousands of others) and walk the dark paths, wrapped up against the freezing weather. It was so atmospheric - little points of light shining in constellations under the trees with people gathering to remember and toast their ancestors. Saddest were the dark spots where no one came to celebrate the person any longer; inspiring were the graves with hundreds of candles (these tended to be famous Poles - actors, writers, soldiers etc). These drew us like moths to the flame. It seemed a much more spiritual way of celebrating the season that what we get up to! It haunts my memory - so I suppose here it is a bit ghostly - and I must find the excuse to write a scene set against this backdrop.

Thanks Joss! sounds magical we would love to read that scene too!

So now we have a giveaway for you guys and it is International. If you would like to win a signed UK ARC of Stealing Phoenix Sequel to Joss's Finding Sky then fill this form. Winners Will be announced 11th of November. Goodluck

 

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Water for Elephants DVD and Book Bundle GIVEAWAY!

Hi everyone!

Today we have a special giveaway! Hooray!

Courtesy of Fox Entertainment & Thinkjam, we are giving away a Water For Elephants Bundle giveaway to one lucky follower. The winner will receive a DVD copy of Water For Elephants and copy of the book by Sara Gruen.

To enter, all you have to do is fill out Rafflecopter below.

PLEASE NOTE: Dark Readers and Good Choice Reading have teamed up together and did the movie and book review for WFE. We are promoting the same giveaway. If you enter here and head on over to Good Choice Reading, it is the same Rafflecopter form. You will not be able to enter more than once. It is the same giveaway.

Make sure to click on INSTRUCTIONS before clicking I DID THIS. 

GIVEAWAY IS US & CANADA ONLY.

GOOD LUCK!

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Movie Review: Water for Elephants

We were honored to be asked by Fox Entertainment to do a movie review of Water For Elephants starring Rob Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, and Christoph Waltz for the upcoming DVD/Blue-Ray release which will hit stores on November 1, 2011. Dark Readers teamed up with Good Choice Reading to review the Water for Elephants movie and compare it with the book written by Sara Gruen. 

Link: Water for Elephants Book Review

 

Water for Elephants was set in the 1930s throughout the book we get a sense of what this era was like through details that Sara Gruen gives and the specific events that she chooses to tell. The Depression Era took a toll on most families; food, goods and money were hard to come by- this is shown when Jacob Jankowski is left nothing after his parents passed because it was owned by the bank. This scene in particular is also shown in the movie Water for Elephants, where Jacob Jankowski is played by Robert Pattinson. Throughout both the book and movie, it was obvious that there were ranks; even throughout the circus- it was give or take whether or not a circus worker would get paid, but during the Depression, being in the circus was better than wandering alone elsewhere.

During the movie, the first thing that caught our eyes was the flashy clothing that the women wore- those who went to watch the circus wore nice outfits- usually a skirt and blouse and adorned with accessories including gloves and hats. Men were know for wearing trousers and overalls- this was shown both in the movie and in the book. It was obvious in the movie what ranks people held by what they wore- this portrays the 1930s very well. 

"I don't know if I picked that circus. But something told me that circus picked me."- Jacob

Sara Gruen writes Water for Elephants from Jacob's point of view- it never came across while reading that is should have been written through Marlena's viewpoint. Both Jacob and Marlena have different upbringings, but eventually found the circus; Jacob was just beginning his life and then it all fell apart- Sara takes this character and is able to rewrite his future. It is a very powerful story. 

The movie was very close to the book as far as scenes go- we get right to the story in the movie. Whereas in the movie, older Jacob Jankowski is in the nursing home and reliving his memories of the circus. He finally gets to the circus as the end of the book. But in the movie, older Jacob is at the circus from the very beginning and his story begins. This panned out well- and made the movie flow well. The pace of the movie would have been choppy if they went along with the books back and forth layout.

Jacob: There are two Jacob's in Water for Elephants. We see an older Jacob who is played by Hal Holbrook and a younger Jacob who is played by Robert Pattinson. Both roles are portrayed exceptionally well. Hats off to Hal Holbrook who I think will steal every person's heart at his love and affection for his late wife Marlena. The emotion is intensified in the movie- as a longing and sadness whereas in the book it is a longing to be back at the circus. Rob plays a young man who is curious to be around the circus- this is all new and interesting. In the book Jacob is still saddened over the loss of his parents. So the emotional feelings are a tad different, but didn't change the pace of feel of the movie.

"You're a beautiful woman, you deserve a beautiful like. Nothing less"- Jacob

Reese Witherspoon plays Marlena, the circus' s best performer and the wife of  August. Marlena's character in the movie was "weaker" than book Marlena. She was terrified of what August would do to her, in both instances, but she came off as soft, which enhanced August's character personality to be more extreme. Marlena's clothes were beautiful and just as we imagined while reading.

The circus life isn't something that any of us were familiar with before reading Water for Elephants. So the description about how often circus' s crashed and were picked over shouldn't have been much of a surprise due to the era that this book and film were set in, but to most, circuses are filled with vibrant energy and fun, so this was a different take on circus life. And it was portrayed in both the book and the movie how difficult circus life was. 

Fantastic music! In the 1930's music was big- most people were trying their hardest to get by day after day and they used music to lighten the mood. Those who could afford parties used music as entertainment. Both of these were shown in the movie to make the setting feel naturally like the 1930s. Viewers can expect lots of jazz and instrumental pieces in Water for Elephants. 

"The world's run on tricks. Everyone plays."- August

 Christoph Waltz plays the villainous August, who in the movie is both the ring leader and Marlena's husband. This is one of the biggest book to movie differences because August was not the ring leader in the book, though he was an animal trainer. In the book both characters worked out well because they were equally complex and had their own roles, but in the movie, they made a good choice with combining these two and making one villain- it made the story simpler to follow. From previous movies, it is obvious that Christoph Waltz was the perfect choice for August- his character is controlling and manipulative; he nailed the roll of August!

Favorite book to movie scene has to be the interaction between Marlena, Jacob, and August- Marlena sets up champagne and a small gathering for her and August. Jacob was told to bring Rosie to Marlena's tent. August gets the wrong impression and all hell breaks loose. Emotionally and psychically, this scene was intense!! And played out just like the book.  

Books are always going to have more of a romantic feel to them- Sara Gruen is not skimpy when it comes to romantic details; words and a person's imagination has not boundaries, but movies can only go so far. So we believe that the romance was more "alive" in the book- but any viewer can feel the passion that both Jacob and Marlena have for each other throughout the movie.

There are always going to be differences between books to movies, but with Water for Elephants the differences are minor and the changes add simplicity to the storyline and create a dramatic climax in the film. Any reader of the book will not be disappointed with the changes that were made.

 

 LIFE IS THE MOST SPECTACULAR SHOW ON EARTH

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

Witness The Epic Tale of Forbidden Love Starring
Academy Award® Winner Reese Witherspoon and
Robert Pattinson On Blu-ray and DVD November 1

Summary: Take a journey back in time with the romantic tale based on Sara Gruen’s New York Times #1 Best-Seller novel of the same name, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, coming to Blu-ray and DVD on November 1st from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.  Starring Academy Award®-winner Reese Witherspoon (Walk The Line), Robert Pattinson (Twilight series) and Oscar®-winner Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds), the film presents an epic tale of forbidden love in a magical place filled with adventure, wonder and great danger. Showcasing the decadence of a bohemian circus and the majesty of its animals against the backdrop and beauty of a bygone era, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS makes the ideal holiday gift idea for your favorite film buff, fashionista or book-lover!

Devastated by the sudden death of his parents at the height of The Depression, a young dreamer from the wrong side of the tracks, Jacob Jankowski (Pattinson), abandons his veterinary studies at Cornell University. With no other family, no house, and no money, Jacob stows away on a train carrying the circus performers of The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth.  Hired as a veterinarian to care for the troupe’s animals, Jacob is temporarily filled with the promise of an exciting life that comes with a traveling circus troupe. However, as he builds a rapport and falls in love with the star of the show, Marlena (Witherspoon), they become prey to the circus’s owner, Marlena’s violent and abusive husband August (Waltz). As the circus begins to crumble from within and against all odds, Jacob and Marlena come together and fall in love through their compassion for a special elephant. With their love on the line, Jacob and Marlena come to a crossroads that will forever change their destiny.

Directed by critically-acclaimed filmmaker Francis Lawrence (Constantine), WATER FOR ELEPHANTS features fantastic supporting performances from Paul Schneider (Lars and the Real Girl), Jim Norton (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets), Mark Povinelli (The Polar Express), Richard Brake (Batman Begins), and Academy Award®-nominee Hal Holbrook (Into the Wild).

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Blu-ray + Digital Copy

• Feature Film
• Special Features
  • Robert Pattinson Spotlight
  • Feature Performer Reese Witherspoon
  • The Traveling Show: From Page to Screen 
  • Working Without A Net – The Visual Effects of Water for Elephants
  • The Star Attraction
  • Raising the Tent
  • Secrets of the Big Top
  • Audio Commentary with Director Francis Lawrence and Writer Richard LaGravenese
  • Theatrical Trailer
• Live Extras
  • Exclusive: Stars of the Circus
  • Blu-ray Highlight: The Traveling Show: From Page to Screen
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • Live Lookup
  • Digital Copy

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS DVD

• 
  Feature Film
• Special Features
• Robert Pattinson Spotlight
• Feature Performer Reese Witherspoon
• The Traveling Show: From Page to Screen
• Audio Commentary with Director Francis Lawrence and Writer Richard LaGravenese
• Theatrical Trailer

  Thank you once again to FOX Entertainment for giving us this opportunity to review Water For Elephants- and don't forget to go out and pick up your copy of the WFE Blue-Ray / DVD on November 1st.

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Halloween Booktacular: True Spooky Story From Author L.A Weatherly

Hey guys! so the awesome author of The Angel Trilogy L.A Weatherly has been awesome enough to write us a spooky true story post check it out! let us know what you think in the comments below!

For Halloween, here are two very strange things that happened to my family. I can’t explain them … but have no reason to doubt that both stories are true.

The first one happened before I was born. My parents were house hunting, and found a place that should have been perfect. It had everything they wanted – but as they went from room to room, a feeling of complete dread came over them. Both of them could hardly wait to get out of there. When they did, they stood on the sidewalk outside and looked at each other, shaken. “Something very wrong happened there,” said my mother, and though my father wasn’t usually superstitious, he agreed – to such an extent that he went to the library and looked up old newspaper stories … and found out that the house had been the setting of a murder-suicide a few years previously.

The second thing isn’t really creepy, but it’s definitely strange. It occurred after I left home, which at that time was a flat that my mother had lived in for years. My older brother still lived there, and could be pretty forgetful – he had a terrible habit of putting frozen pizzas in the oven, and then forgetting all about them and going out. This is what had happened one day when my mom came home and realised that not only had she locked her house keys inside the flat, but that smoke from the oven was pouring out from under the front door.

Convinced that she was about to lose everything she owned in a house fire, she was just about to run for the manager when a woman and small boy appeared and asked what was wrong. When Mom explained, the boy pointed out that the window was unlocked, and that he was small enough to squirm through and get into the flat, opening it from the inside. Before Mom could protest, he’d done so – and a minute later, the door was unlocked and the oven turned off.

When Mom gratefully thanked the woman and her son, they explained that they’d happened to be there because the manager had been showing them around one of the empty flats. Which made sense to Mom, because the place was gated – it was unusual to encounter strangers there.

The next day, Mom went to the manager and asked if she could have the woman’s name, so that she could send her a thank-you card. The manager looked at Mom like she was insane. “What woman?”

“Why, the one who was looking at number 32 yesterday.”

“Billie, no one was looking at number 32 yesterday. I haven’t shown anyone around a flat in days.”

Mom felt her scalp prickle. And from that moment on, she was convinced that the woman and her son had been a pair of angels, sent to help her.

.... anyone else get a chill down their spine when reading this? SPOOKY!

Thanks Lee x

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Review: Half-Blood by Jennifer Armentrout

Title: Half- Blood
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Date Published: Oct 18th 2011

Summary:
The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

Review: Lately I've been reading books that were "good" and "okay" but I really wanted something that would be awesome- I took my chances with Half- Blood because besides reading the synopsis, I wasn't too sure what Half- Blood was all about. I picked up this book and WOW! The author, Jennifer Armentrout did not disappoint. 

Get ready for a book that will keep you glued to your chair for hours on end; I was captured right from the beginning. I believe the way that Jennifer writes is somewhat compelling, the detailed descriptions that give a reader enough to know what everything looks like and what's going on but at the same time it leaves room for a readers imagination to wander in their own direction.

Also, man does Jennifer know what she is doing when it comes to writing characters!! Usually there is always some character flaws that a reader will pick up on during dialogue or writing. For Example: "that doesn't sound like something that character would do or say" is often a feeling I get. But during Half- Blood, even the characters I was supposed to hate, I still did not agree with what they were doing, but I enjoyed reading about them because the dialogue was written so well.

The main character- Alex has a kick ass personality! I loved her. She was comfortable being in her own skin, she knew what she wanted and she was going to fight like hell for it- even if it meant that she would have to kill her own mother. She has many decisions to make- but one she is already sure about- she wants to make it into the Covenant and become a Sentinel. Alex is a half blood. There are leaps and bounds that Alex has to jump through in order to have the opportunity to do this... and of course she is getting training from a very hot Sentinel named Aiden. 

Aiden-- where do I start? I've been trying to picture him and the only thing that flashes in my mind is a hot ripped out guy with beautiful abs! LOL oh... and he is also so sweet! Throughout the book he shows subtle hints towards Alex that he is interested in her but they both know that it is wrong (the Covenant doesn't allow Halfs to be with Pure Bloods). 

Alex struggles with the loss of her mother- throughout the book a reader questions some of the decisions that have been made and also what we would do if we were in Alex's shoes. And we are hit with several unraveling facts that will shock and surprise anyone! At one point I was in tears (happy and sad).

I would recommend Half-Blood to anyone! There are some fun sarcastic and sometimes sexual comments from the characters- that are hilarious- but maybe not intended for the younger YA crowd. I'd say advanced readers and upper teens. Seriously the book was amazing- I can't wait to read Pure the second book in Jennifer Armentrout's series.

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Halloween Booktacular: Interview with Becca Fitzpatrick and Giveaway

So our first post on our Halloween Spooktacular is an interview with Becca Fitzpatrick and a giveaway. Dark Readers were every excited to read Silence as I am sure the rest of your were and just as excited when we heard there was going to be a forth. Check out our Silence review here. So when S&S asked us if we wanted to interview Becca Fitzpatrick we jumped as the chance! heres our interview with her and check out some awesome Hush Hush fan art we found too.

How does it feel to finish Silence and have it released into the world?
There's always a mix of excitement, energy, and anxiety. I enjoyed writing SILENCE more than any other book in the series. I hope that translates into a dramatic story for readers.

Are you nervous about the release and what your fans will think?
Absolutely.  That anxiety never truly goes away.  These stories come from inside me, and I want readers to love them as much as I do.  I remind myself I've done my best, and that feels good no matter what else is happening around me.

Congratulations on the news that there will be a 4th novel in the Hush Hush Series! What made you decide to write another?
I wanted to write a book set during Cheshvan, since it plays such an important role in the series.  I've hinted at it in the first three books, but now readers will get to see what Patch and Nora's world is like during those dangerous and tumultuous weeks.

What can we expect from Patch and Nora in  the 4th novel?
A final showdown between fallen angels and Nephilim, with Patch and Nora forced onto opposing sides.  The only question now is, which race will survive?

So that is the question on everyones lips! Which Race will survive? we will just have to wait till next year!

Now for a giveaway will you like to win a copy of Hush Hush signed by Becca? well all you have to do is sign this Form and the competition ends November 9th. Happy Halloween!

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Becca Fitzpatrick signing and talk at Foyles

Well thanks yet again to Casey I found myself meeting yet another of my favourite authors.

Sadly, Casey did not join me on this adventure but she gets a mention which you will hear about later on in my review of the day.

The room for the talk was small and kind of intimate mine and my friend Debbie's first thought was there are no half naked angels DAMN! Ha! We would be surprised...

The screen was flicking through all the book covers and I decided to capture 'Silence' as it is the latest in the saga and the reason behind the signing and talk.

It all kicked off at 6.30pm when Becca entered the room with some rather dashing angels wearing black wings. (I shall be able to share my picture soon, they shall be sending it to me eeeek).

Becca started the talk but speaking of how she got into writing.

She told us that she originally wanted to become a spy but that didn't work out, although I quote she said she would have made a good one.

All us 'Hush Hush' fans have Becca's husband to thank as he enrolled her on a writing course. 

Which has brought her amazing novels our way.

Becca was asked lots of questions which included whether she'd like to see the 'Hush Hush' series in film. Becca has been approached but as it stands she doesn't want her baby changed, she did however say if the right producer came along then it may well happen.

NEVER SAY NEVER!

A few inconsiderate people asked spoiler based questions which I avoided as I still haven't got round to reading my copy of 'Silence' , I am savoring Patch time.

Becca gave her advice for budding writers, she explained about writing a journal, as ordinary everyday life could come in useful someday.

She then explained that the scene in 'Crescendo' with Nora and Scott and the hot dog was based on a true story from her life.

Many people asked about the fourth in the series, Becca said once she'd finished 'Silence' she knew she wasn't ready to end the story, so she called her publisher and asked if she could do another. She was told yes! but it had to be a secret. Becca has been in limbo when many of asked if 'Silence' was the end. 

It looks like the next chapter of the series will be released next October as of yet Becca hasn't a name for it, so she would love to hear from readers so get tweeting or emailing if you have any ideas.

Another interesting question was why was the original book name scrapped? Tempest was scrapped as a new author had already written a book that was named the Tempest. So Becca was asked if she would mind changing, she thought back to when she was trying to be published and happily changed the name to 'Silence'.

I must say listening to the talk and going through the signing was a little strange without Casey. When I mentioned to Becca that I wrote for Dark Readers and that she'd previously met Casey I didn't even need to finish the sentence she said "Casey Davroen" I was smiling. 

I also mentioned how I had got a copy of the limited edition of 'Silence' and that my number was 351 and Becca said that's the lowest she's heard of so far.

I really enjoyed meeting Becca and I cannot wait to complete 'Silence' although I dread the wait for the next instalment.

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In My Mailbox #55

For Reveiw: The Dead Of Winter By Chris Priestly (Bloomsbury)

Birthday Gift from Good Choice Reading: ARC of Pandemonium By Lauren Oliver

For Review: Carrier of The Mark By Leigh Fallon (Harper Collins)

Birthday Gift From Books With bite: Moon Called By Patricia Briggs

Signed Final copy of The Name Of The Star By Maureen Johnson thanks to Harper Collins
and Maureen Johnson at The Jack The Ripper tour.

Thanks to the publishers and Bloggers for sending me these awesome books!

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Book Review: The Time Of My Life by Cecelia Ahern

Title: The Time Of My Life
Author: Cecelia Ahern
Publisher: Harper Collins

Summary: Dear Lucy Silchester, You have an appointment for Monday 27th July 2011, Yours Sincerely, Life. Lucy Silchester has received an appointment card. Actually, she's been invited along a few times to this appointment , but she keeps brushing the gold embossed envelope under the shag pile carpet. She's taken her eye off the ball and has busied herself with work (a job she doesn't love), helping out friends, fixing her car, feeding her cat, seeing her family and devoting her time to their life dramas. But Lucy is about to find out that this is one appointment that she can't miss. And she can't escape it either.
Her life is about to catch up with her in the most extraordinary of ways....


Review: I have been hooked on the wonderful writing of Cecelia Ahern since I read PS I Love You. The heartbreaking tale of Gerry and Holly. Ever since I opened that book I have been one of Cecelia's loyal fans.
The Time Of My Life is also a very special book for me it is my very first Cecelia ARC, that I will cherish.

Very early on I discover that I like Lucy, and just like many of us, she lies a little to make herself feel better. Yet, her conscience then tells the truth.

The letters are intriguing and yet she is un-fazed as a reader you're on tenderhooks.
What do they mean? Is this some sort of sick joke? I love the scenes with her family, a summons to find out an important matter these events make me smile and cringe. Lucy reminds me of me in some ways I'm career focussed, and she seems that way. She doesn't need a man to define her but is her life passing her by?

If you received an appointment with life how would you respond? What I've loved about 'The Time Of My Life' is that it's not what I expected it to be. Cecelia's novels are so unique and I am always hooked and eager for more. If you think this is just some lovey-dovey romance then you shall be pleasantly surprised.

There were so many twists and turns in Lucy's life including some action moments- which I would never have expected in a million years.
I will say this book has made me think slightly differently about my own life.
The way I act, what I do and to a certain extent what I say.
As individuals we have to be true to ourselves and if that means putting another human beings nose out of joint so be it.

Are you happy with every aspect of your life? If not how will you change?

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Exclusive look into The Other life By Susanne Winnacker + Teaser

Yes ladies and Gentlemen we at Dark Readers couldn't contain our excitement when we recieved The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker, We heard some great things from the people at Usborne (UK Publisher) and were so overwhelmed when we recieved an ARC 6 months before its release date on Febuary 1st 2012.

As soon as I got the novel I knew I would like it! I have a huge love for Dystopian novels at the moment and this is the best one I have read...no word of a lie. If you want to read my review its here (no spoilers included)

The book is so pretty inside and out! check out the pretty butterfly ;)

Now for the teaser:

"My family - I have to go back to them! They're still in our house, in our bunker. I need to warn them about the Weepers!"
Joshua didnt slow the car. "We cant go back now"

amazing huh? even those words create so much. Whos Joshua? what are people in Bunkers? all will be reveiled Febuary 1st 2012 (UK) May 1st (US). In the mean time comment below and tell us what you think? AND come back here October 25th for the chance to win an ARC of The Other life (International) for our Halloween Booktacular also check out Susannes blog

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Book Review: Dark Eden By Patrick Carman

Title: Dark Eden
Author: Patrick Carman
Publisher: HaperCollins Children's Books
Date Published: Nov 1st 2011
Summary:
Fifteen-year-old Will Besting is sent by his doctor to Fort Eden, an institution meant to help patients suffering from crippling phobias. Once there, Will and six other teenagers take turns in mysterious fear chambers and confront their worst nightmares—with the help of the group facilitator, Rainsford, an enigmatic guide. When the patients emerge from the chamber, they feel emboldened by the previous night's experiences. But each person soon discovers strange, unexplained aches and pains. . . . What is really happening to the seven teens trapped in this dark Eden? 

Patrick Carman's Dark Eden is a provocative exploration of fear, betrayal, memory, and— ultimately—immortality. 

Review:  Patrick Carman takes a reader on a scary adventure through Eden- where fear is the cure. 

Dark Eden is told through the view point of a fifteen year old named Will. Will is made to meet with a counselor, Dr. Stevens, who helps people overcome their fears. But Will isn't like most people who Dr. Stevens helps; he is 1 of 7 in which they need more help than she can offer therefore, she suggests attending a week at camp Eden. 


Seven teens who all have something in common coming to one place for an entire week to be cured- no one knows what will happen... well almost no one! 
Will Besting has a secret and throughout the book, since it is told through his viewpoint, the reader knows what Will's secret it- we know what he knows and the information that he is willing to share with others... but at the same time the reading is alongside Will we are caught wondering & questioning the things that he doesn't know. So the reader really gets a chance to feel like they "are" Will Besting! 

Dark Eden is suspenseful and creepy throughout- but the plot all unfolds towards the end. Most of the time I'm partial to books like that- but it works well in Dark Eden. There is a stable storyline with little surprises that occasionally occur as Will begins to figure things out-- But in the end, there are twists and turns that I did not see coming! 

The trailer to me was scary, but I wouldn't say the book was scary, it was more suspenseful than anything.  

To me, I was always apprehensive about Dr. Rainsford ( the doctor who helps cure the seven teens) but I wasn't sure why I felt this way. So the end made me say "ahhhh ha!" 

oh and let's not forget the slight love interest that goes on in Dark Eden :-) I loved being able to understand what Will thinking about when it came to Marisa- it is usually the girls point of view and how they admire someone, so I'm glad we got to see a bit of a guys side for once!
 
The Dark Eden Application-- 
            The neat thing about Dark Eden is that Patrick Carman designed this book so that readers have a chance to interact using an app on their phone or Ipad- it is android of Iphone compatible. I downloaded the first chapter on my phone; and I will say that it does require lots of memory! I ended up having to remove a few apps to add Dark Eden. But, it is worth every bit of memory it takes. The application allows a reader to feel as if they are a part of Eden- I was better able to understand where I was at with the book in terms of rooms and how the layout of the area is. 


The Fear Test--
 I was very excited to take the Dark Eden Fear Test, what I didn't realize was that it would tell me my fear before I could get through it. The truth is, my fear is people or things jumping out at me-- so I had to stop the fear test because I was too scared. BUT, for those of you who like creepy things, go on and take the Fear Test!!! 

I would recommend Dark Eden to any teenage or young adult reader! Especially those who enjoy psychological thrillers (although I wouldn't quite classify it as that, it does play around with your mind ;-) and suspense. 

Rating: 4 Stars

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Dark Eden ARC winner!

We had a big turn out for those entering the Dark Eden Giveaway- unfortunately there is only 1 book up for grabs. So with that, the winner is...

Congrats to the winner- you will have an email shortly! Be sure to check back on the blog tomorrow for a Dark Eden review.

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Halloween Booktacular Coming soon!

Who loves Halloween? I know we do here on the blog. So we teamed up with a few other bloggers to bring you  all Halloween Booktacular. Each blog participating will have different post and giveaways going on, so you want to make sure you visit each one of us daily during the celebration. 

Dark Readers has teamed up with Good Choice Reading, Read My Mind, An Avid Reader's Musings, Skyla11377, Books With Bite and Once Upon A Twilight. The Halloween Booktacular will run from October 24th until October 31st.

Here at Dark Readers we will have some awesome halloween themed posts from some amazing authors and amazing giveaways. So make sure you tune back here on Oct 24th when we kick-off the event.

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Harper Collins Jack the Ripper Tour with Maureen Johnson

What an interesting night I've had. Jack The Ripper walk tour and then meeting the awesome author of The Name Of The Star Maureen Johnson. We started off at Tower hill station and made our way through the back streets of the city of London and gory side of east London.

As an east London girl myself I thought I knew a bit about Jack The Ripper but since this tour I actually had no idea. We visited the actual places the women were found dead and some of them were really creepy! It was also nice to hear Maureen talking about her book and her inspiration for Wexford.. Here's the building she designed Wexford on

Here's the actual spot were Catherine Edos was found murdered. It was said that some people didn't think It was jack the ripper because yes her throat was slashed but not the way jack supposedly did it. She had one gash on her neck.



We passed beautiful little ally ways that actually did look Victorian and you could actually close your eyes and imagen you were there in those times surrounded by busy people in bonnets, top hates and dresses with people throwing their garbage and other things *cough cough* out the window onto the street. It was so narrow that you could defiantly tell the place was very crowded and unhygienic in those times. Also check out what the place was called! its funny!

We learned that Jack the ripper was actually called the White chapel killer but a letter turned up on a police constables door that was claiming that the person who wrote the letter was from the killer himself. It was signed "Jack The ripper" but everyone knew it was a hoax. 30 years later a Journalist admitted he wrote the letter, he worked for the daily star and his reason for it was "He wanted to keep the story alive".
 
So we went past a lot of spooky places. As the sun went down and the old street lights of London came on I felt the tension in the air and the spookiness of London check out some pictures I took

(can you see the contrast of Victorian houses and then the big 21st century buildings? werid isnt it)

I love my city and I think after today I love it even more. I love that there is so much history and our streets show it. London is the best city in the world!

(Me and Maureen Johnson doing our zombie faces lol)

 

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