Tuesday 29 October 2013

Cover Reveal and GIVEAWAY!!!: Shimmer By Paulla Weston

 
Yes look at this beautiful creature. So you guys may know how obsessed I am with Paula Westons Rephiam series, they are one of the best YA series I have ever read. This is the third in the series which is out July 2014. Shadows was 1st and Haze 2nd which are both out NOW in the UK.
 
Here is a little summary of Shadows if you haven't read them. AND YOU SHOULD:
 
It’s almost a year since Gaby Winters was in the car crash that killed her twin brother, Jude. Her body has healed in the sunshine of Pandanus Beach, but her grief is raw and constant. It doesn’t help that every night in her dreams she kills demons and other hell-spawn.

And then Rafa comes to town. Not only does he look exactly like the guy who’s been appearing in Gaby’s dreams—he claims a history with her brother that makes no sense. Gaby is forced to accept that what she thought she knew about herself and her life is only a shadow of the truth—and that the truth is more likely to be found in the shadows of her nightmares.

Who is Rafa? Who are the Rephaim? And most importantly, who can she trust?

GIVEAWAY:

 
The Winner will win Shadows and Haze the first and second in the series! HOW AWESOME?
 
All you need to do is FOLLOW THIS BLOG and comment below with your favourite quote from a book you have read (and your email address or twitter so we can contact you if you win)
 
Competition ends 9th of November!
 
GOODLUCK!  
 
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Monday 28 October 2013

Book Review: This Song Will Save Your Life By Leila Sales Plus win my ARC!!

Name: This Song Will Save Your Life
Author: Leila Sales
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Summary:
Making friends has never been Elise Dembowski’s strong suit. All throughout her life, she’s been the butt of every joke and the outsider in every conversation. When a final attempt at popularity fails, Elise nearly gives up. Then she stumbles upon a warehouse party where she meets Vicky, a girl in a band who accepts her; Char, a cute, yet mysterious disc jockey; Pippa, a carefree spirit from England; and most importantly, a love for DJing.

Told in a refreshingly genuine and laugh-out-loud funny voice, THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE is an exuberant novel about identity, friendship, and the power of music to bring people together.



Review: I was sent this ARC ahead of my week placement with Pan Macmillan, I wasn't sure what tasks I'd be set surrounding 'This Song Will Save Your Life' so I started reading mid afternoon on the Sunday before I was due to start the placement. I literally devoured this book within 24 hours I completed it on the train in that morning. WOW!!! Leila sure has written a novel that will get her noticed in the UK and as I understand this is her first proper UK release and wow what a way to go. If this book doesn't hit a nerve with you then wow you have never had any issues in life. I immediately loved Elise she's a character that you can connect with so easily. I was deeply saddened by the fact that she felt she had to change who she is to fit in. No one should be made to feel that way. Elise hits rock bottom but one night on a solitary walk she discovers herself and she also makes friends. This is exactly what she needed, and this is what brings her out of the hell she thinks she's in. This story covers a number of issues that many teens especially will encounter, there are some rather dark passages where Elise contemplates ending her life, but there is also a lot of humour too. If you want to read something heartfelt and real then embrace This Song Will Save Your Life. I love the fact there is a playlist of songs at the back of the book and it also got me thinking of what songs have impacted my life and why. One that I can think of off the top of my head is My Way, recently when I was on holiday I heard an entertainer sing this song marvellously but just before the end I had to leave the room as I knew I was going to break down. My Way was a favourite of my grandad's and it was played at his funeral. It always seems to make me emotional.

Elise found everything she needed when she embraced the REAL her. The moral of this book is never stop being who you are. Those who love you will always love you no matter what. Now I would love to read some more from Leila.

Tell me why you deserve to read this book and I will personally send you my ARC. Be as creative and inventive as you like with your answers and please leave an email address that I can contact you on.

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Thursday 24 October 2013

Book Review: Take A Look At Me Now By Miranda Dickinson

Name: Take A Look At Me Now
Author: Miranda Dickinson
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: 24th October 2013

Summary: How far would you go to make a new start? When Nell's on-off boyfriend Aidan calls her into his office, the last thing she expects is to lose her job. Heartbroken and unemployed, she makes a radical decision to blow her redundancy cheque and escape to San Francisco. But is the glamour of the city too good to be true? And can Nell leave her past behind.

Review: Prior to reading Take A Look At Me Now I had read and enjoyed It Started With A Kiss as well as a few short stories by Miranda. I also have When I Fall In Love and Fairytale Of New York ready and waiting for my crimbo treats to start. I missed a few out last year so I am hoping to start indulging on crimbo fiction from November 1st this year and these are already on the top of my to be read pile.

WOW WOW WOW! It was a true honour to be a part of #TeamNell. This book should come with a number of health warnings and if you are not instantly ravenous then what is wrong with you. I want to thank Miranda for bringing me and Kirsty together as part of Team Nell and I am thankful to Kirsty for finishing this awesome read first so she could warn me that chocolate and wine are needed to fill the void and to get through the surreal twists. I instantly fell in love with Nell and Vicky and I want to read it all over again. There is at least one of my close friends who will receive a copy of this book and I know she'll inhale it just like I did.

Miranda has taken a real and rather not nice subject in redundancy and she has created a positive story from such a real and unkind thing to go through. Nell Sullivan has so many expectations when she walks into Aidan Matthews office and what happens is not what she expected at all. I love that Nell took her life and said I will make a choice, and the choice she made was brave and some people would say irresponsible. Hey, she took on life with both hands and the emotional rollercoaster she endures is well worth the ride. Nell knew she wanted to enjoy life and get to know herself again when she went to stay with her cousin Lizzie, but she couldn't have predicted how much would change. It just proves that if you make the right changes life can really change for the better.

The characters Miranda has created are all loveable in their own way but I have to mention the adorable Max Rossi. Who would've thought a few spilt coffee's would bring a handsome stranger into your life. That sure as hell didn't happen to me on Pier 39, I feel like I need a refund lol. I won't spoil anything but there is much more to the eye with Mr Rossi. There were a number of times when I wanted to scream which would have got me some weird stares on the commute to work. I also got increasingly frustrated which made me unsure whether to keep reading but I'd want to know. This story will stay with you long after the very last page. I also feel that I need to watch a few of the San Fran based films that I haven't seen. Just because Miranda mentions them at the end of the book.
Both myself and Kirsty believe this book NEEDS to be a film although be warned wine, chocolate and tissues are needed oh and a good friend. This book needs to be shared....:) I really hope this is just the beginning of Nell as I would love to read more about her....a character that will never fade.



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Wednesday 23 October 2013

Christmas Reading....

Hello Hayley here!!

I know what you're thinking is she mad. Yes maybe a little but I am trying to get organised this year as sadly I missed out a few of my crimbo reads. So I am aiming to start my first read on 1st November and at the moment this is what I have.

When I Fall In Love- Miranda Dickinson
Fairytale Of New York- Miranda Dickinson
Christmas At The Cupcake Cafe- Jenny Colgan
Calling Mrs Christmas -Carole Matthews
I heart Christmas -Lindsey Kelk (Can someone tell me if I need to be up to date on the I heart series as I have only read the first book.)
A Winter Flame- Milly Johnson.
Wish Upon A Star- Trisha Ashley
Santa Maybe- Scarlett Bailey
Just For Christmas- Scarlett Bailey

This one is probably not a crimbo one but it's the second book for Mhari McFarlane Here's Looking At You. I truly adored You Had Me At Hello last year.

I still need to get Christmas Magic- Cathy Kelly and I am sure there are more that I never got last year argh!!!!!

Any recommendations gratefully received...



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Wednesday 16 October 2013

Winner of Book of your choice giveaway!

Hello Casey here! thanks to everyone who entered this giveaway! had some awesome requests. So without further or do the winner is
   MISS. LUCINDA FOUNTAIN
(Alice in Zombieland)
 
Thanks to everyone who entered.
We have another amazing giveaway coming soon.
Stay tuned!
 
 
 
 
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Teardrop By Lauren Kate. When did you last cry?

Hello all Hayley here!!! I am such a huge Lauren Kate fan. I was truly mesmerised by the Fallen series and when I first read about Teardrop I was intrigued. I have started reading it and I am still intrigued I shall be getting back to it as soon as I have sorted a few reviews and bits and bobs for you guys.

So sorry I have been quiet but I hope the next set of posts I give you make up for it.

 
 
Can you guess what card is mine in the video???????? My review will be up as soon as I can.
 
 

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Tuesday 15 October 2013

Haze By Paula Weston Blog Tour: RAFA-FEST!!!!

Hey Guys Casey here... So if you follow me on twitter or follow my blog a lot you will know that I am OBSESSED with Paula Weston's (The Rephaim, #1series. These books are so amazing and I haven't been this passionate about a series in awhile. I could read her novels over and over. As I am part of the Haze blog tour I wanted to share with you guys something AWESOME Paula has set up for me. Meet Rafa. The hot, sexy, funny, sarcastic and epic lead male of the novels who is one of the best leads I have read. Check him out;

 
Profile (in Rafa’s own words)

Age: 139 years

Based: Pretty much anywhere with a bed.

Favourite food: Lamb shanks

Favourite weapon: Katana

Favourite place: Patmos

Best friend: Jude

Favourite way to relax: Use your imagination. I’m also partial to beer.

Adrenaline rush: Red-lining a motorcycle, preferably on a bend. Sparring with Gabe (in the old days). Decapitating a Gatekeeper or hell-turd. Gaby wrapping her legs around me.

Earliest memory: Sneaking into the armory and trying to lift Nathaniel’s broadsword. It was taller than me and I knocked a bucket off the bench. Nathaniel caught me dragging the blade around the room. He made me stay in the armory until I could grip it and swing it properly. And then he made me sharpen it. I always loved that sword—until I learned to use a katana a few years later.

(You can read profiles on other characters from the Rephaim series here: http://paula-weston.com/the-rephaim-extras/the-characters/)
 
Photos on Rafa’s phone

A reader recently asked what other photos Rafa had on his phone (in addition to the ones Gaby sees in Shadows). Here’s what I’ve come up with:
  • Ez on Zak’s shoulders in the surf, laughing
  • A selfie of Rafa and Jude in the front row of a Foo Fighters concert with a partial shot of Dave Grohl on guitar in the background
  • Rafa wearing a bad wig at a party and Mya pulling a face over his shoulder (also in a bad wig)
  • Jude balancing a bottle of sake on his head
  • Rafa on a motorbike - more about this particular purchase in Shimmer (Rephaim #3)
  • Rafa and Jones on a ski lift in snow gear
  • Rafa drinking (badly) from a giant beer stein, his t-shirt soaked
  • Jude pretending to kiss a giant tuna on the back of a deep-sea fishing boat
  • Before and after shot of a massive burger – the after being an empty plate smeared with some kind of sauce
And the most recent:

  • A shot of Gaby in Pan Beach while she’s sleeping, sun streaming into the room
     
Another thought on (hypothetical) casting

Me (Casey) there is one guy I would love to see play Rafa if there ever was a movie and its this dashing fellow;
 
 
Douglas Booth. I mean look at him!!!


Thanks to Paula for writing this post for me. I love Rafa and I hope this post made you want to buy Shadows and Haze. They are both out NOW in the UK! you can buy them HERE
 

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Friday 11 October 2013

Unbreakable blog tour with Kami Garcia

Hello amazing people. Casey here! How are you? I have something special today. The co author of THE BEAUTIFUL CREATURES Kami Garcia is here on Dark Readers blog today to do a guess post for her awesome new book called UNBREAKABLE, which is released in the UK NOW! and is bloody amazing! fans of City of Bones by Cassandra Clare will love this!
 
 
Summary:
When Kennedy finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn't know that evil forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into her house and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon - a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.

Now Kennedy has to take her mother's place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon - battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way.
 
 
Kami Garcia is here today to tell us her top five demon hunting must-haves

 
1. Rock Salt -- For lining windows & doors to keep spirits away.
2. Electromagnetic Field Meter -- To detect spirit activity.
3. Sharpie -- For drawing protective symbols.
4. Infrared Thermometer -- To measure extreme changes in temperature (lower temperature can indicate spirit activity).
 
5. Cloves and Holy Water -- To destroy spirits. 
 
Kami has shared with us her Unbreakable music playlist!
 
 
Thanks Kami for the awesome demon hunting tips and epic music!
 
If you want to get hold of Unbreakable click HERE! ITS OUT NOW IN THE UK!
 
Thanks for reading guys! See ya xx
 
 
 
 
 
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Wednesday 9 October 2013

LONDON BOOK SIGNING: LA WEATHERLY

Hey guys guess what? LA Weatherly is doing a book signing in London at the Finchley road 02 centre waterstones!!! Its free entry and you get to meet her yourself and get all your books signed! I love this series and to whom who haven't read it you should! its bhond AMAZING!!

OH AND I WILL BE THERE RUNNING THE EVENT! SO COME SAY HI! 
 
 
Book Summary: Angels are all around us: beautiful, awe-inspiring, irresistible.

Ordinary mortals yearn to catch a glimpse of one of these stunning beings and thousands flock to The Church of Angels to feel their healing touch.
But what if their potent magnetism isn't what it seems?
Willow knows she's different from other girls. And not just because she loves tinkering around with cars.
Willow has a gift. She can look into people's futures, know their dreams, their hopes and their regrets, just by touching them. But she has no idea where she gets this power from.

Until she meets Alex…
Alex is one of the few who know the truth about angels. He knows Willow's secret and is on a mission to stop her.
The dark forces within Willow make her dangerous – and irresistible.
In spite of himself, Alex finds he is falling in love with his sworn enemy.

 NOVEMBER 2ND
FINCHLEY ROAD O2 CENTRE NW3 6LU
1PM!!!
 
SEE YOU THERE!

 

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Monday 7 October 2013

Book Review: Haze By Paula Weston

Name: Haze
Author: Paula Weston
UK publisher: Orion
Summary: "But what if we can’t find Jude?"
He leans closer. His breath is warm on my ear. "We will."
"How can you be so sure?" I want to believe him so badly, but this is Rafa. The guy who’s all action and no plan. His smile is tired, knowing. An echo of a shared past I don’t remember.
"Because I’m not smart enough to give up, and you don’t know how to."
Gaby Winters’ nightmares have stopped but she still can’t remember her old life. Still can’t quite believe she is one of the Rephaim—the wingless half-angels who can shift from place to place, country to country, in the blink of an eye. That she was once the Rephaim’s best fighter. That demons exist. That Rafa has stayed. But most of all, she can’t quite believe that her twin brother, Jude, might be alive.
And Gaby can’t explain the hesitancy that side-tracks the search for him, infuriates Rafa, and sends them, again, into the darkest danger.
 
Review: When I finished Shadows I couldn't comprehend just how amazing this book was. I needed the second (Haze) straight away. I was in love with the characters, the story, the setting and the premise. It was just really original. I love paranormal and was so happy to get into another series that I could adore.
 
I didn't think It could get better but it did. Haze had the amazing essence of Shadows but just knocked up another level. This skilfully craft novel contains some history, mysticism, mystery, intrigue, humour and romance in a neat package that is not just entertaining but challenges your mind and imagination. So many twists and turns. So many revaluations and jaw dropping moments.
 
The characters never get old. We meet new ones and old ones. Rafa the lead male character is still so addicting. Just writing this review makes me want to go back and re read them. His stance in the book is so refreshing. Gabriella I adore. She is probably one of the easiest girls to read. I say this because I find some lead heroines to be very annoying... But this girl is brave, Knows what she wants, beautiful and just a joy to read. Her and Rafas relationship is so hot and oozes sexual tension you just cant put the but down because of it!
 
I love Angels in YA. Its my best type of paranormal genre. This book just proves why. If you are not a huge fan of Paranormal and haven't really found that one book that has made you think "WOAH" I would defiantly recommend giving this one a go. Its cleverly written and your on the edge of your seat through out with baited breath.
 
I find myself getting lost in these books all the time. I will say it again... I really am so passionate and interested in these books and the story. If you want to be blown away with a book then pick up Shadows then Haze and prepare to be taken somewhere only a Angel can go. ;)
 
 
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Sunday 6 October 2013

SICK by Tom Leveen blog tour


Summary: Breakfast Club meets The Walking Dead as a group of unlikely allies tries to survive a deadly outbreak.

Brian and his friends are not part of the cool crowd. They’re the misfits and the troublemakers—the ones who jump their high school’s fence to skip class regularly. So when a deadly virus breaks out, they’re the only ones with a chance of surviving.

The virus turns Brian’s classmates and teachers into bloodthirsty attackers who don’t die easily. The whole school goes on lockdown, but Brian and his best friend, Chad, are safe (and stuck) in the theater department—far from Brian’s sister, Kenzie, and his ex-girlfriend with a panic attack problem, Laura. Brian and Chad, along with some of the theater kids Brian had never given the time of day before, decide to find the girls and bring them to the safety of the theater. But it won’t be easy, and it will test everything they thought they knew about themselves and their classmates.(
 
SICK IS OUT NOW IN THE UK
 
 
Part last part of " Last year" a story from Tom
 
With the attack only a year past, it is beyond most people’s understanding as to why organizers would stage another World Zombie Day. Have we learned nothing? Have we already forgotten?

No one knows. But this much is sure:

Take a good whiff of your neighbouring "undead" this year as you begin your zombie walk. And if, when you ask them, "When’s the last time you had a wash, mate?" your response is only a yawning, yellow grin . . .

You’d best make it a zombie run.

Remember: They thought. They chose. They planned.

And they may do so again.

IN LIGHT OF ZOMBIES CHECK OUT WORLD ZOMBIE DAY AND DONATE TO CHARITY.

 
World Zombie Day: London attracts thousands of zombies each year to grown and shamble through Central London in aid of the charity St Mungo’s. The zombie horde will gather at an undisclosed location then make its way around a pre-arrange route, calling at popular London landmarks. The After-Life party in the evening is a coveted affair taking place at several venues including a very spooky church! Lots of bands and DJs will be playing and the undead will be up all night dancing... or swaying begrudgingly at least.  Taking place on the 12th October.
 
We ask you to kindly donate to St Mungos charity. St Mungo's opens doors for homeless people. Mainly based in London and the South, they provide accommodation and support projects, day in, day out. They run emergency services, support homeless people in their recovery and prevent homelessness with support for people at real risk. 

CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO DONATE

 
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Friday 4 October 2013

Book Of Your Choice Giveaway.

 
Hey guys Casey here. So lately I am in a good blogging mood. I think its because of all the awesome YA thats been coming out, as well as all the convention news etc... So I thought why not host a giveaway... but not just any giveaway... one where you can pick ANY book you want and I'll buy and ship it to you free of charge. So there is only two requirements I need. It HAS to be a book thats released in the UK AND it has to be paperback... This competition is open to EVERYONE AROUND THE WORLD... Hey I dont discriminate.
 
 
HOW TO ENTER
 
All I want you to do is FOLLOW THIS BLOG. and comment below telling me what book you want and why? dont forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. Little tip: why not pick an awesome UK teen book that isnt out anywhere else? that way you can be one of the first (non UK peep) to read it?
 
COMPETITION ENDS 15TH OF OCTOBER!
GOODLUCK!
 
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hallelujah A UK YA BOOK CONVENTION!!

 
 
Yes you heard it right people... It has been announced that for the first time ever in the UK there is going to be a YA Literature Convention at the London Film and Comic Con 2014. YES! YES! YES! Us UK bloggers and readers of YA have always bene sad by the fact that there is always a YA convention in America called BEA. We wanted one here! we wanted to share the love with bloggers and readers and crazy fans and authors. And its finally HERE!!!!!!! Check out the press release!
 
"Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman will help host the UK's first Young Adult (YA) Literature Convention next year as part of her campaign to champion fiction for a teenage and young adult audience.
Blackman, 51, who was announced as the Children’s Laureate in June, will be part of the event at the London Film and Comic Con in July 2014.
The author of Noughts and Crosses and Noble Conflict will also be working with Booktrust on a search for the rising stars in the UKYA community. She said: "We are incredibly lucky to have such a wealth of fantastic children's authors and illustrators in this country who create incredible stories for young adults to enjoy. It's so important to encourage, sustain and where necessary instill a love of reading in our teenagers. Reading opens doors and creates life opportunities. That's why I want to do my utmost to promote YA books for all our young (and older!) readers.”
The convention will bring together all the UK’s YA publishers to provide a host of author events in a dedicated Book Zone, with talks, workshops, signings, a book sales area and publisher stands promoting new and upcoming titles. Blackman will act as a curator for the two-day convention featuring authors and publishers from around the UK."
 
Who else is over the moon? UK YA needs more appreciation and I think this is just the start of it. I know I will be attending! I hope to see you all there :)
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Thursday 3 October 2013

MY TOP YA NOVEL THIS YEAR

 
Remember the day you picked up a book sat down to read it and ended up staying up half the night to finish it? I do! many times but imagine picking up a book that you couldnt stop thinking about… even months after…. Wanting the sequel… stalking the author on twitter and her website just to find some more news about the story.
Meet Shadows By Paula Weston, the book that has driven me to crazy fangirl (no pun intended) Heres a summary of the novel:
 
It’s almost a year since Gaby Winters was in the car crash that killed her twin brother, Jude. Her body has healed in the sunshine of Pandanus Beach, but her grief is raw and constant. It doesn’t help that every night in her dreams she kills demons and other hell-spawn.
And then Rafa comes to town. Not only does he look exactly like the guy who’s been appearing in Gaby’s dreams—he claims a history with her brother that makes no sense. Gaby is forced to accept that what she thought she knew about herself and her life is only a shadow of the truth—and that the truth is more likely to be found in the shadows of her nightmares.
Who is Rafa? Who are the Rephaim? And most importantly, who can she trust?
 
“ can’t recommend Shadows enough and I really hope it gets the readership it deserves. It’s absolutely brilliant!” – Wondrousreads.com
 
Mini REVIEW:
 
You can defiantly tell Paula has done her research. So much detail has been put into this book about Angels and it never got boring. It never dragged on, it always kept me interested and excited.
The characters in this novel have stood out so much to me. Gabriella. Now she is a character I could read pages after pages about. Paula has written her in such a awesome and captivating way I could barely put the book down.
 
There is Rafa one heck of a lead male. The sexual tension that exudes him is unbelievable. I found myself blushing at his words. His mysteriousness is what makes his character so intriguing. He’s done something to Gabriella and I need to find out what… Paula has written his character perfectly.
This skilfully craft novel contains some history, mysticism, mystery, intrigue, humor and romance in a neat package that is not just entertaining but challenges your mind and imagination. So many twists and turns. So many revaluations and jaw dropping moments. Angels never got old and thanks to Paula they keep getting better and better.
 
 

HAPPY release day to Haze the sequel too! its out in the UK today in fine form.
BUY THE SERIES HERE
PAULAS WEBSITE
 
I haven’t been this passionate about a book series in awhile. GET YOUR HANDS ON IT ASAP!!!!
 
 
 
- Casey
 
 

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