Book Haul

Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews


Books for Review:

Oracel: Fire Island by C.W. Trisef

I was excited to be asked to review this book because I enjoyed the first one in the series.

Books I Won:

Struck by Jennifer Bosworth

Since I already went to the book signing for this, I have to add my signed bookmark to it.

Nook Books:

This was Free!

Hourglass by Myra McEntire
Hereafter by Tara Hudson  (Not that I don't like this cover but I love the Arise cover so that motivated me to read this)
Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Books I've Bought:

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (signed copy)
Until I Die by Amy Plum (I have a signed bookplate she gave me for it when I met her. Which is awesome) I actually bought this a while ago and forgot to mention it.

Feature and Follow

Feature and Follow Friday is a blog hop that is designed to provide some much-appreciated exposure to the bloggers participating, and to expand their following. Hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read, each of whom feature a chosen blog for the week, it's an interesting way to get to know one another.

If you would like to follow me right now you can do so by GFC, Twitter or Linky (right side).

Q:Birthday Wishes -- Blow out the candles and imagine what character could pop out of your cake...who is it and what book are they from?

Oh an easy one....definitely Daemon from Jennifer Armentrout's Lux series.

I would also happily take Perry from Under the Never Sky...

and finally of course Ash from the The Iron Fey series

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi Cover!

I am so excited for this book! I loved the first one so much and the best part is....the second one comes out on my birthday! So it will most certainly be a Happy Birthday to me when it's released.

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi
release date: January 8, 2013

YA Review: Ascend by Amanda Hocking

Title: Ascend
Author: Amanda Hocking
Author Info: Website / Twitter / Goodreads
Pub Date: April 24th, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Format: Paperback
Pages: 326
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Wendy Everly is facing an impossible choice. The only way to save the Trylle from their deadliest enemy is by sacrificing herself. If she doesn’t surrender to the Vittra, her people will be thrust into a brutal war against an unbeatable foe. But how can Wendy leave all her friends behind…even if it’s the only way to save them?
The stakes have never been higher, because her kingdom isn’t the only thing she stands to lose. After falling for both Finn and Loki, she’s about to make the ultimate choice…who to love forever. One guy has finally proven to be the love of her life—and now all their lives might be coming to an end.
Everything has been leading to this moment. The future of her entire world rests in her hands—if she’s ready to fight for it.

I had dramatically mixed feeling about this book. I say dramatic because there were things that I absolutely loved and found to be unique and things that I felt a little disappointed in.

I know that not everyone would agree about how easy Wendy is to connect with but I felt she matured in this book. Or seemed more mature, she has the weight of the kingdom on her shoulders and even though her first instinct is to make risky decisions. It seems that people can talk her down from the cliff now, where before she would just jump.

What really had me with these books is the character of Loki. He didn't how up until book two and I loved him from the minute we met him. We get a better look at his character in this book, we found out more about his past and see a different side of him. Loki is that character that doesn't hold anything back and that is what makes him so great in my eyes.

Finn is his usual, duty comes first, self. He was always just okay for me and he continued to be that way in this book. I wanted to smack him and tell him to go find something better to do.

The way the love story worked itself out in this book was made me find it unique. I also liked the bonus story  that rounded the whole thing out. We didn't have any awkward third wheel leftover like we normally would.

The thing that disappointed me was the epic battle that wasn't. The build up in the story was great but I felt like the turn of events toward the end fell a little flat. I had hoped to see a little bit more from that.

The book did go well with the other two books. We see a lot more from some of the characters that we didn't really see. Some characters took a back seat when they had been more prominent. I think as far as tying up the series this book did a good job of it. So it's still a good read.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Diviners by Libba Bray

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Title: The Diviners
Author: Libba Bray
Pub Date: September 18, 2012

Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City--and she is pos-i-toot-ly thrilled. New York is the city of speakeasies, shopping, and movie palaces! Soon enough, Evie is running with glamorous Ziegfield girls and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is Evie has to live with her Uncle Will, curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult--also known as "The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies."
When a rash of occult-based murders comes to light, Evie and her uncle are right in the thick of the investigation. And through it all, Evie has a secret: a mysterious power that could help catch the killer--if he doesn't catch her first.

I'm excited for this book because I love Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle series and I've been hankering for her to write another historical fiction series. So hooray! September is a long way away.

MG Review: Scary School

Title: Scary School
Author: Derek the Ghost
Author Info: Website / Twitter / Goodreads
Pub Date: June 21, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Format: ebook
Pages: 256
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

You think your school's scary?
Get a load of these teachers:
"Ms. Fang," an 850-year-old vampire
"Dr. Dragonbreath," who just might eat you before recess
"Mr. Snakeskin"--science class is so much more fun when it's taught by someone who's half zombie
"Mrs. T"--break the rules and spend your detention with a hungry "Tyrannosaurus rex"
Plus
Gargoyles, goblins, and Frankenstein's monster on the loose
The world's most frighteningly delicious school lunch
And
The narrator's an eleven-year-old ghost
Join Charles "New Kid" Nukid as he makes some very Scary friends--including Petunia, Johnny, and Peter the Wolf--and figures out that Scary School can be just as funny as it is spooky

This is definitely a pick you up read, which I just so happen to need. I found myself laughing quite a bit through it, even though I suppose it has sinister overtone. Kids do die at Scary School but with each death comes a life lesson and a chance to reborn as something else. It's almost like a game to see what you can get reincarnated to. Well maybe the kids didn't see that way but I think I would have. I'm glad that we also find out what happened to Derek the Ghost, the narrator of the story.I really enjoyed the way that the chapters were laid out; they seemed to be like short stories that let you get to know each of the unique characters. Then it all came together at the end for the Ghoul Games.

I thought the flow of this book was perfect for its targeted age group. It’s definitely something that I would have my son or daughter read. The illustrations that went along with each of the chapters/characters were a really nice bonus. I found myself looking forward to stumbling across the next image of another teacher or student. I don’t think there was a character that I didn’t like, they all had something endearing about them. There were some funny characters that referenced some classics....Like Jason who wears a hockey mask because...well you just have to read it. Things like the gave me a little chuckle.

I found this book entertaining even as an adult and I'm sure it would be hilariously fun for a kid too. I think this series is easy to get addicted to.

Top Ten Tuesday

Host: The Broke and the Bookish

Top Ten Characters Who Remind Me Of Myself Or Someone I Know In Real Life

So I don't think I could come up with 10 characters for this. I would have to really rack my brain. Back when I was in high school I probably fit into a lot of YA characters. We probably all do that's why we love to read/write about them.

1. Elizabeth Bennet (Pride & Prejudice) ~ I'm not sure if I'm exactly like her but I have always tried to be kind of like how she is. No nonesense, witty, strong and always dependable for other people. If only the world had a perfect/inperfect Mr. Darcy.

2. Katy Swartz (Obsidian) ~ Now it's not just the blogging that makes me feel connected to Katy. It's her reactions to things. I could see myself thinking and doing the the same things she does.  The way she reacted to them being aliens, hey but you're still my friend. Once again if only there was a real life Daemon, he might act like a jerk but I think he really cares about her.

3. Charlie Swan (Twilight) ~ Alright he reminds me of my dad. I could see my dad being leary of some pale skinned guy trying to take me out. I could also see him cleaning a gun at the table when a guy would come pick me up.

4. Rosaline (Twilight) ~ Reminds me of my two best friends. They've got the I'm going to beat the crud out of you if you hurt anyone we love kind of attitude.

Okay so really I can't think of more right now. I knew I wouldn't make it to ten....

What is your top ten?

Feature & Follow

Feature and Follow Friday is a blog hop that is designed to provide some much-appreciated exposure to the bloggers participating, and to expand their following. Hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read, each of whom feature a chosen blog for the week, it's an interesting way to get to know one another.

If you would like to follow me right now you can do so by GFC, Twitter or Linky (right side).

Q: If you could "unread" a book, which one would it be? Is it because you want to start over and experience it again for the first time? Or because it was THAT bad?

I read the first 4 Harry Potter books in a row and I remember how absorbed in the world I was. I would love to unread them and then experience them for the first time all in a row.

Top Ten Tuesday

Host: The Broke and the Bookish

Top Ten Books on your Summer TBR list!

I don't have these in any special order. A lot of these are not out yet. If they are on my summer TBR I might get to read them by winter. :o)

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
I have loved this cover since I first saw it. I can't wait for this book.

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa
Love the Fey series, Love Julie Kagawa. That's all I need.

The Diviners by Libba Bray
I loved the gemma doyle series so I'm excited to read more Libba

Reached by Ally Condie
I'm very cover obsessed with this series. Plus I need to know how it ends.

Changeling by Philippa Gregory
I used to read her Adult books as a Young Adult so it seems appropiate to read her YA series as an adult

Astarte's Wrath by Trisha Wolfe
Love Trisha and Loved Destinys Fire. Can't wait to see how it began.

Inbetween by Tara A. Fuller
This just seems different then my normal reads

Getting Over Garrett Delaney byAbby McDonald
I need this light read this summer. Really need it.

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
I'm really behind obviously

Lover Reborn by J.R. Ward
Uber behind....

Book Haul

Sunday Post is hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer


It's been a long week for me personally as I've said in other post. So I'm really really behind, in reviews, blog hopping and such. I hope to catch up. asap. I did pick up some books the past few weeks. I've probably forgotten to post some.

So I was in Florida for a week before the world exploded and crazy us drove from Chicago all the way there. Well the cool thing was on the way back we decided to make a pit stop in Woodstock, GA for the #DaemonInvasion signing. I was pretty excited and I wish I had more gush power right now.

So not only did I get to meet Jennifer Armentrout but Stella and Pepe, the cover models, were also there. I don't think I could picture anyone else as Daemon. So I got some cool swag and things signed by Jennifer, Pepe and Stella

The wonderful icing on the cake though...was that I got an ARC of Onyx. You can tell that there is something really bad going on with me by the fact that I haven't read it yet. I did start it almost immediately after we left and it's already awesome.

One signing is never enough of course. So I also went to the Fierce Reads tour at my Local bookshop.

I only had my Shadow and Bone books signed by Leigh Bardugo. Unfortunately I won a copy of Struck and I'm on a spending limit with books.So Jennifer Bosworth signed a bookmark for me to put in my book. If my mind had been more in the right place I probably would have brought something that would function as book plate.

Since this book haul is bursting with signed author goodness. I'm going to save a couple of books for next weeks post. I'm excited to share them.

Feature & Follow

Feature and Follow Friday is a blog hop that is designed to provide some much-appreciated exposure to the bloggers participating, and to expand their following. Hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read, each of whom feature a chosen blog for the week, it's an interesting way to get to know one another.

If you would like to follow me right now you can do so by GFC, Twitter or Linky (right side).

Q: Happy Father's Day! Who is your favorite dad character in a book and why?


Well there a few. I liked Katniss dad in The Hunger Games even though he wasn't alive in the book. I always thought her memories of him were sweet.

Also Charlie from Twilight. He reminded me a little of my dad.

It feels like there is often widowed protective dads in YA and most of them seem sweet and protective.

Teaser Tuesday

If you are stopping by for the Giveaway Hop CLICK HERE

Teaser Tuesday

Host: Should Be Reading



So I had a devastating blow to my personal life. So reading is slow but I'm hoping some blogging will help take my mind off things. Before the world crashed around me I was able to make it to on of the #DaemonInvasion tour stops and scored an ARC of Onyx. I was able to meet the cover models for the book as well.

"Mmm." Our eyes met. There was a tender look in his that warmed and frightened me. "Been thinking about our bet? Wanna give in now?"

page 40, Onyx (ARC) , Jennifer L. Armentrout

Add to Goodreads

Feature & Follow Giveaway Hop!

So it's true Feature and Follow hosted by Parajunke.com and Alisoncanread.com is now 100!! So in celebration of that I am part of the Feature and Follow Giveaway Hop! So not only am I featuring my own blogger, I also have a giveaway!



My Feature;

I can tell you the reason I choose the Slush Sleuth is because I really like Kelsey's writing style on her blog. I find her to be witty, funny and always interesting. Perfect blogger material!

1. When did you start blogging?
I posted a couple of reviews sometime last year and sort of abandoned them to die lonely deaths (sorry!), but was drawn back in recently. So, I'd say Slush Sleuth is really only about a month old. It's time consuming work, but well worth it (as I'm sure any blogger reading this already knows!)

2. What is your favorite part of book blogging?
I think other forms of art tend to be very social affairs (theatre, television, music, etc), but books are far more individual. They're simultaneously extremely isolating and freeing because no one can get in the middle of that experience you're having. So while I love this about books, I'm also super chatty and social (yep... I'm that girl who is constantly bugging my flatmates and trolling about for attention and love). Book blogging lets me have both of those things. "You get the best of both worlds la la lalaa..."

3. What is your favorite book(s)?
WHAT. I refuse to answer this question. No, I SMOTE this question. There's no such thing as a favorite book, just like there isn't such a thing as a favorite child (but if there was, my parents totally would love me best... just kidding, sis!)

How's About This---
If You like to Swoon: the Unearthly series by Cynthia Hand
If You Like to Cry: the If I Stay series by Gayle Foreman
If You Like to Squee: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Annndd a Book that you Probably Haven't Read, but SHOULD: A Long Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan

4. What has been the best thing that has happened to you because of book blogging?
Ummm, I don't know, I'm being FEATURED (give a great "Holla!" at Jen everybody!) And there's the books. Plus, I think writing the blog helped me secure a job (true story).

But really, the best part is just the daily interactions. I get all teary eyed and happy when someone takes the time to leave a thoughtful comment on a post (for some reason it never ceased to amaze me that they read all the way to the bottom!) Or chit chatting with fabulous author-folk. I had a someone whose blog I've been reading since I was a wee lassie stop by and compliment Slush Sleuth this week (I flailed around in a happy dance for at least 10 minutes after that). I've only been at this mere weeks, and yet I feel so supported and loved. Like I'm floating around, warm and blissful in the YA Blogging Womb (Hmmm... I'm not sure how I feel about that metaphor.)

And for those of you who read through all that and made it to this line, I'm looking at YOU; you make me want to keep doing this, so thanks! *high fives all around*



So now it's time for the GIVEAWAY!!!
Being this is the Library of the Book Witch, I felt I needed to give away something witchy. Unfortunately the giveaway is only US because I have to ship the book myself and I'm not sure how much Int. shipping is. Sorry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Make sure to visit the other blogs participating in the Hop!!

Waiting on Wednesday: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Title: Shadow and Bone
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Pub Date: June 5, 2012

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart.

I know this book came out yesterday but I'm excited for it. I actually preordered it from my local bookshop and haven't picked it up yet. I'll be attending the Fierce Reads book signing next week, which Leigh Bardugo will be at. Hooray!

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday

Host: Should Be Reading

I had mentioned I wanted to read this book to one of the library assistants and she actually reminded me to borrow it. lol. I absolutely love this cover though, so if the book is really good I might just have to go buy my own copy anyway. Or maybe the author will stumble on through my town, which would be the best scenario. You never know.

"There are things that make us stand out. Things normal people dismiss, because people believe what they want to believe. The difference with us is that we believe in everything."

Kill Me Softly, Sarah Cross, page 121

Synopsis;

Mirabelle's past is shrouded in secrecy, from her parents' tragic deaths to her guardians' half-truths about why she can't return to her birthplace, Beau Rivage. Desperate to see the town, Mira runs away a week before her sixteenth birthday—and discovers a world she never could have imagined.
In Beau Rivage, nothing is what it seems—the strangely pale girl with a morbid interest in apples, the obnoxious playboy who's a beast to everyone he meets, and the chivalrous guy who has a thing for damsels in distress. Here, fairy tales come to life, curses are awakened, and ancient stories are played out again and again.
But fairy tales aren't pretty things, and they don't always end in happily ever after. Mira has a role to play, a fairy tale destiny to embrace or resist. As she struggles to take control of her fate, Mira is drawn into the lives of two brothers with fairy tale curses of their own . . . brothers who share a dark secret. And she'll find that love, just like fairy tales, can have sharp edges and hidden thorns.

Cover Reveal: The Collector by Victoria Scott

Well hello Dante...I'm excited to be able to reveal the cover The Collector to you all today. Victoria Scott is awesome and I sure her book is going to be the same. So excited!

About The Collector

Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence have made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple, weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag. Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal opportunity collector and doesn’t want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:

 Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within 10 days.

Dante doesn’t know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky, Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect—he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector, and uncover emotions deeply buried.

www.DanteWalker.com

 Meet Victoria Scott!

Victoria Scott is a YA writer with a die-hard affection for dark and humorous books. Her work is represented by the fabulous Laurie McLean of Larsen-Pomada literary agency. She has a master’s degree in marketing, and is a member of the Writers’ League of Texas and Teen Shiver.
Her first YA book, THE COLLECTOR, will be published by Entangled Teen in 2013. And her short story, FOUR HOUSES, is available now through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
She currently lives in Dallas with her husband, Ryan.


Connect with Victoria:Website     l     Twitter     l     Facebook
Add The Collector to your TBR pile on Goodreads!