Monday, December 31, 2012

Review: Sound by Shelley Workinger

Goodreads description: Clio Kaid's had one crazy summer.

After learning she was one of a hundred teens who were genetically modified before birth, she and the others departed for "camp" at a classified military site.

Besides discovering her own special ability, uncovering a conspiracy, and capturing a killer, she's also forged new friendships, found love, and managed to lose them both.

With no answers and the end of summer closing in, Clio's terrified of going home more lost than when she arrived.

Will she finally find everything she's been looking for?

Find out in this exciting conclusion to the Solid trilogy.


THIS SERIES. OMG. FANGIRLING. SO. MUCH.
This book has so many twists and turns and such pure awesomeness. It’s the perfect example of “be careful who you trust” because with this series? You never know who the bad guy is! Sure, you get little hints but when you find out who the real bad guy is, you are shocked!
This book was the perfect conclusion to the series. All the friends make up and Clio and Jack are fine <3 I do kinda wish some things had been different with their relationship in the end though. I want to know how everyone is, say, 10 years from now. Have they learned more about their abilities? Are they still all friends? Are Clio and Jack MARRIED?! Tell me!! I need to know!
And the end. What was that?! WHO was that?! You can’t just put a cliffhanger like that and NOT expect me to need answers especially when it’s the end of the series! Shelley, you’re killing me here :P
I’d definitely recommend this to everyone. It’s fast paced, easy and fun to read. I can’t wait for more of Shelley’s writing (:

December Wrap-Up


Hey guys! December is at close so it's time to list all the books I've finished this month. You can view my original goal here.

I didn't get most of what I wanted to get read done. But here is what I DID finish:

Casey Barnes Eponymous by EA Riggs
The Triplex by Lola St. Vil
Remembrance by Michelle Madow
Immortal Hearts by Ellen Schreiber
Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick
Rift by Andrea Cremer
Feyland: The Twilight Kingdom by Anthea Sharp
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Check back in a couple hours for a full 2012 Wrap-Up!!

Review; Feyland: The Twilight Kingdom by Anthea Sharp

Goodreads description: Faeries. Computer games. A boy from the wrong side of the tracks, and the girl he’s forbidden to love.

NOTE: Book 1 in the series, The Dark Realm, is currently on sale for only .99 cents at all ebook retailers!

~ Book 3 in the Feyland Trilogy ~

THEIR LAST CHANCE…

Jennet Carter and Tam Linn are almost out of time. Feyland, the most immersive computer game ever designed, is about to be released into the world—along with the Realm of Faerie’s dangerous magic.

WIN THE GAME…

The faeries, desperate to break free from their realm, have set treacherous plans in motion. Despite magical allies of their own, Jennet and Tam have no idea what dire threats await, both in-game and out.

OR DIE TRYING…

Battling for their lives against the united powers of the Dark Queen and Bright King, Jennet and Tam’s quest to stop the fey takes them into the perilous Twilight Kingdom, where illusion reigns—and magic can break all the rules.


I was in a huge reading slump when I read this so I’m not sure how well my review will be. This is definitely a book I plan on re-reading and writing a different review for because I feel like I’m not doing it justice.
I love this series. I like the Feyland magic, the threat of it crossing into the real world. I like the modern yet futuristic qualities. Everything is really high tech. I love the characters and the relationships they have. Jennet and Tam are such a cute couple! They are leaders as well. Not some weak characters who hide at the first sign of trouble. I like the other characters too. Book 3 even brought some new characters and gave old favorites a larger role. The writing is incredible. You really feel like you’re there in the book with the characters.
Like I said, I wish I had more to write, but I was in a reading slump and sometimes it’s hard to review sequels without repeating things. I’m sad that this series has come to an end but I’m looking forward to more from Anthea Sharp!

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Booking Through Thursday (7)

Booking Through Thursday is a weekly meme hosted HERE. Check it out and join in!

This week...

A deceptively easy question for this week (easy to ask but possibly hard to answer): What are/were your favorite book(s) of the year? (Bonus points if you know how many books you read.)

Well let's see.... I've read 103 books so far. I'll create a post on New Years Eve with a list. I can go on and on with all the good books I've read but I'll narrow it down to my absolute favorite:

Yeah, like everyone is saying this was their favorite book of 2012. But I wonder why? Because it was AMAZING. Oh my goodness the feels. The laughs, the cries. No, I was *bawling*. I have never read such an incredible book in my life.

Ugh now I want to re-read it!!

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

W.W.W. Wednesdays (41)

To play along just answer the following three (3) questions and leave your link at Should Be Reading:

1. What are you currently reading?

2. What did you recently finish reading?

3. What do you think you'll read next?

Friday, December 21, 2012

Fanged Mania (3)


To join in, copy and paste these rules and the above banner into your Fanged Mania post and add your link to this week’s Fanged Mania post at Elisabeth Wheatley’s Blog. Fanged Mania is a Friday meme counting down to the release of Fanged Princess and displaying all things vampire and awesome. Fanged Mania posts can be a review of a vampire book, a quote from the latest Vampire Diaries episode, a showcase of a cool vampire book’s cover, or whatever you like so long as it is vampire related. Don’t forget, participants will be entered in the drawing to win a fanged-abulous prize pack!

This week I thought I'd do something showcasing different vampire cliches (:

The sun is a common vampire killer! In Vampire Academy, Strigoi die in the sun and Moroi are weakened. Dhampirs, however, enjoy the sun. What about Twilight though? We all know what sun does to those vampires ;)

Garlic is mostly prelavent amongst classic vampire stories. But in Vampire Kisses, all the vampires are "allergic" to garlic!
Stakes are other common ways to kill vampires. In Vampire Academy, the Dhampirs use magic stakes to kill the Strigoi.
 
Holy water isn't used as much in young adult these days, but in Evernight the vampires can't touch the stuff!

Churches are sometimes used in books to ward off vampires. Like in Vampire Academy, Strigoi can't enter a church...but they can burn a church...
Mirrors, reflections mainly, are a big deal in Vampire Kisses. In that series, vampire can't be reflected! No mirrors, no pictures....but it's okay since Alexander can just paint everyone!

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Booking Through Thursday (6)

Booking Through Thursday is a weekly meme hosted HERE. Check it out and join in!

This week...

Any books you’re particularly hoping to be gifted this year? Any that you’re giving as presents this holiday season?

My answer to both questions is "no". I don't really like getting books as gifts unless it is something I am absolutely dying to have. I'd prefer a gift card to a book store, so I can choose what I get. But I do know that I'm getting a signed copy of Lullaby by Amanda Hocking from my mom because I was with when she bought it. I have to "act surprised" on Christmas morning.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

W.W.W. Wednesdays (40)

To play along just answer the following three (3) questions and leave your link at Should Be Reading:

1. What are you currently reading?


 
2. What did you recently finish reading?


 
3. What do you think you'll read next?

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Cover Reveal: Dracian Legacy by Priya Kanaparti

Cover design by Regina Wamba -
maeidesign.com
Wow. I LOVE this cover. Love love love it. I love the colors, the glowing effect, and quite honestly I am in love with the dagger in the title. I can tell this is going to be a good book.

Title: The Dracian Legacy - Book 1

Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy Romance

Release Date: February 14, 2013

Blog Tour: February 12 - March 15

Word Count: 85, 000

Blurb: Ren and Axel are caught between two powerful magical races: one destined to end the bloodshed, the other out for vengeance.


Seventeen-year-old Ren Pernell is prophesied to end the war between the Dracians and the Telalians. So when a Dracian, Axel Knight, is sent to find and bring back the prophesied one before she turns eighteen and Telalians discover of her existence, unexpected sparks start to fly between the two. Once Ren finds the truth behind Axel’s arrival, she wants everything to do with him and nothing to do with his mission.

Things prove to be difficult as Ren’s life is constantly threatened by forces that are beyond her control, including the leader of the Telalians.
With the clock ticking and Ren’s life in jeopardy, it is no longer just a mission for Axel. It becomes a personal endeavor to save the only one he’s ever loved. In a heart racing ending, they must find a way to evade the preordained war that won’t also end Ren’s life.



Author Bio: Priya Kanaparti was born in India, grew up in Detroit, and is now living in Boise, ID. She attended Wayne State University for her undergrad degree in Bachelor of Science in Biology, and University of Phoenix for her Masters in Business Administration. Priya works as a project manager in software field during the day and lives in the world of her characters during the nights and weekends. She had found the love for reading and writing early this year, when she stayed home with her year old and needed something to occupy those 'downtime' hours.

She loves playing tennis on a good summer day and chess during the cold winters, but reading and writing has become a year round hobby.
She lives in Boise with her husband, son and a Yorkie. Dracian Legacy is her debut novel.

Contact:


Monday, December 17, 2012

Musing Mondays (7)


Musing Mondays is a weekly event where MizB from Should Be Reading asks a reading related question, and you answer thoughtfully.

This week’s musing – courtesy of http://www.kwizgiver.com - asks…
Is there a particular book that is your nemesis–the book you’re determined to one day finish?

Yes... City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. I have actually read the entire book, but honestly I don't remember any of it. Everyone loves the series, so I don't understand why I didn't thoroughly enjoy the first book.

2013 Resolution: Get the this series!!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

W.W.W. Wednesdays (39)

To play along just answer the following three (3) questions and leave your link at Should Be Reading:

1. What are you currently reading?




2. What did you recently finish reading?



3. What do you think you'll read next?


Sunday, December 9, 2012

Review: Remembrance by Michelle Madow

Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.

Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's high school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she get him out of her mind?

Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, fighting fate isn't going to be easy
.

I’m not even done with the book yet, but I wanna get these ideas down while they are fresh in my mind. I’ll have you know that it is almost midnight right now. I am extremely exhausted and ideas are just bouncing around in my head right now. You have no idea how much I am having to backspace everything I write because I am spelling everything wrong. My computer screen is like…changing colors right now. Not literally. But…yeah. Okay, I’m off topic. Here’s my not-yet-finished-with-the-book-review:

I LOVE this book. No joke. I love the premise for the story, the inspiration, the reincarnation and TIME TRAVEL. I am a Whovian. I am in love with anything involving time travel. But anyways. This book was inspired by Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” music video. I absolutely love Taylor Swift. I can catch all the Swift references in the book and it. Is. So. Cool. My mind is blown by how Michelle Madow can turn a SONG into a SERIES. Now that is talent.
And then the COVER. Do you see that thing??? It is gorgeous. If you aren’t intrigued by the cover alone, something is wrong with you. Get help. Seriously.

The love story. *gasp* I flail my arms in a giddy girly way whenever Drew says something sweet to Elizabeth. It’s so cute and romantic and so awwwwwwwwwww why can’t I have that relationship?! I don’t, however, agree with the fact that Drew WENT OUT WITH ELIZABETH’S BEST FRIEND. And then left her for Elizabeth. If I hadn’t personally gone through a situation like that, this addition to the story wouldn’t bother me so much.

Okay. Asdfghjkl; going back to finish the book and I’ll be back to finish the review!
(cont.)

Sure, it seems like they fall in love way too fast. But then you take into account that they were together in past lives. So, it’s not like Romeo & Juliet where they stupidly fall in love after like, 1 night together. No, this love story is way better and it “transcends time”. See what I did there? ;)

This review is getting really long, so I’m going to wrap it up. My thoughts on this book: absolutely loved it. Would I recommend it? Ummmm…. YEAH.  Do I want to read the rest of this series? Positively yes.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Cover Reveal: The Triplex by Lola St. Vil

I am so glad to be hosting this cover reveal (my first ever!!). Lola and I talk constantly. She's one of my closest friends. Besides being a good friend, her books are just as amazing!! And along with amazing books comes amazing covers......

I love this cover and how Lucy is just looking over them. It's a great reflection on the book itself. Marcus and Emmy's relationship is constantly pushed to the side because of evil. I just love this series and I'm so sad that it is coming to an end soon :(

On another cover related note, Lola is currently working towards revamping the series covers. From what I've seen of the drafts, they are incredible! I can't wait to be able to share those with you ;)





Author bio:
Lola was seven when she first came to this country from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She attended Columbia College in Chicago, where her main focus was creative writing. She is also an actress and currently lives in Hollywood with her husband. Lola welcomes interaction with readers. She can be found on Twitter @guardiansgirl

Guardians: The Triplex (Book 4)

The team finds the location of the Triplex. But in order to destroy it and save the world, a horrific decision must be made. Can Marcus do what he needs to do in order to complete the mission? Or will his heart get in the way.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Fanged Mania (2)


To join in, copy and paste these rules and the above banner into your Fanged Mania post and add your link to this week’s Fanged Mania post at Elisabeth Wheatley’s Blog. Fanged Mania is a Friday meme counting down to the release of Fanged Princess and displaying all things vampire and awesome. Fanged Mania posts can be a review of a vampire book, a quote from the latest Vampire Diaries episode, a showcase of a cool vampire book’s cover, or whatever you like so long as it is vampire related. Don’t forget, participants will be entered in the drawing to win a fanged-abulous prize pack!

This week I'm highlighting: Unique Vampires

Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy
I love love love this series. In this, there are 3 races of vampires - Moroi, Dhampir, and Strigoi. Dhampir is my favorite :D I just love that they aren't just vampires. They are an entire society all on their own. They have elemental powers (Moroi), super awesome kick-butt abilities (Dhampir), and undead creepiness (Strigoi). If you haven't read this series, I HIGHLY recommend it.






LJ Smith's Night World 
This is another vampire series where the vamps seem to live in their own society. Hence the name "night world". In this series, vampires and other supernatural beings are finding their soul mates and turning against the laws of the Night World... My favorite book in this series is probably Soul Mates, in which Hannah keeps having flashbacks to her past lives where she is hunted by the evil Maya, but always saved from her true love.



Stephenie Meyer's Twilight
Hey, hate on this series all you want. But you have to admit these vamps are unique. They sparkle (what other vamp does that?? Huh?!), they only drink blood from animals (well...the Cullens do anyways), and they also have supernatural abilities. This book was the very first vampire book I've read. The first young adult book, actually. So, I owe a lot of my reading/blogging career to this series.



Alyson Noel's Evermore
Well, this isn't really a series about vampires. They are immortals. But in the beginning of the series you think they are vampires because they drink a red liquid. I think that is what is unique about this series. They are sort of like vampires, but not. You know? 




Claudia Gray's Evernight
This is probably the best series I've read all year. What I love about Evernight is I had no clue that some people were vampires in the beginning. About half way through the book, the bomb is dropped and all of a sudden everyone is a vampire and you're so shocked! These vampires are unique because most of them grow up learning in a private school full of vampires, and this time humans are allowed to the school...

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

W.W.W. Wednesdays (38)

To play along just answer the following three (3) questions and leave your link at Should Be Reading:


1. What are you currently reading?


I love both these covers! And they are both really good stories so far :D

2. What did you recently finish reading?


3. What do you think you'll read next?


Monday, December 3, 2012

Cover Reveal Sign-Ups

Hey guys! In honor of the release of Book 4, The Triplex, in the Guardians series by Lola St. Vil, I am hosting a cover reveal!

On Saturday, December 8, we will release the cover of book 4. Lola is willing to give one lucky blogger who participates Kindle copies of the books!

Sounds exciting right?

So, if you want to be a part of this reveal, e-mail me at s.asbridge@yahoo.com to let me know and I'll send you the information that you need :)

Sunday, December 2, 2012

December Goal


After a disappointing turn-out in November, I’m hoping to make up for it in December. Check out these books I’m hoping to read this month:

The pile of books on my shelf…

Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

Daughter of Light by V.C. Andrews

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

The Iron King by Julia Kagawa

Echo by Alyson Noel

God Save the King by Kate Locke

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Immortal Hearts by Ellen Schreiber

Rift by Andrea Cremer

Technically Immortal Hearts and Rift aren’t on my shelf. They are at the library, on hold, waiting for me to go pick them up.


And these are for review:

House of Magic by Malia Ann Haberman

Remembrance by Michelle Madow

Sound by Shelley Workinger

The Twilight Kingdom by Anthea Sharp

The Witches’ Sleep by Kaitlyn Deann

The End of the World as We Know It by Iva-Marie Palmer

House of Magic I told Malia I would be done with and reviewed in November. Due to personal issues, I was unable to get to it. Sorry Malia! I’ll hopefully get to it this month :)

Like I said, November was a weak attempt at reading. But now it is December. Meaning, 2 weeks of Christmas vacation from school. Therefore, what will I be doing? Sitting at home reading allllll day!

November Wrap-Up


 
Wow. November was not a good reading month for me. I won’t go into details about why. But, well, I only got 6 books read. My initial goal is here.


What I did get read:

Hidden

The Fault in Our Stars

Glass Houses

Torn

Wintergirls

Ascend

Casey Barnes Eponymous


I pretty sure I didn’t write a single review this month. Shame on me. I’m supposed to be a book reviewer right? I mean, look at the title of my page! Anyways, I’ve agreed to quite a few review books for December, so be looking for those. I’ll have my December goal up soon :)

Friday, November 30, 2012

Fanged Mania (1)


To join in, copy and paste these rules and the above banner into your Fanged Mania post and add your link to this week’s Fanged Mania post at Elisabeth Wheatley’s Blog. Fanged Mania is a Friday meme counting down to the release of Fanged Princess and displaying all things vampire and awesome. Fanged Mania posts can be a review of a vampire book, a quote from the latest Vampire Diaries episode, a showcase of a cool vampire book’s cover, or whatever you like so long as it is vampire related. Don’t forget, participants will be entered in the drawing to win a fanged-abulous prize pack!

The vampire book that introduced me to Young Adult….

Twilight. Yes, Twilight. I know we’ve all heard that story “Twilight got me into reading again!” My story, though? I read V.C. Andrews for a couple years. Like, that was the only author I would read. Then I saw Twilight in the book store, with that amazingly simple yet beautiful cover. I read the back cover:


“About three things I was absolutely positive.
First, Edward was a vampire.
Second, there was a part of him – and I didn’t know how dominant that part might be – that thirsted for my blood.
And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.”

I was already hooked. I would not stop reading. I’d read in the car, on the couch, in my room. Anywhere.

So then, the only books I’d read would be V.C. Andrews and the Twilight series. I look at my bookshelf now and amazed at what new books I’ve read since then. It’s wonderful :)

Did this book get you into YA? What was the first vampire book you ever read?