Monday, February 28, 2011

2011 Debut Author Challenge

I don't know why it took me this long to sign up but I finally am! =) There are so many awesome books that are coming out from debut authors this year and I am very excited!

Thanks to The Story Siren for starting the 2011 Debut Author Challenge

The list below indicates the books that I intend to read and have read. This list will continue to be updated.

January
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand--Read
XVI by Julia Karr

February
Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton--Read
A Touch of Mortal by Leah Clifford
Haven by Kristi Cook
Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

March

Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach
Falling Under by Gwen Hayes
Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter
Clarity by Kim Harrington
Wither by Lauren DeStefano

April
Enclave by Ann Aguirre
Through Her Eyes by Jennifer Archer
The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder

May
Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs
Hourglass by Myra McEntire
Divergent by Veronica Roth
After Midnight by Lynn Viehl
Girl Wonder by Alexa Martin

June
Breath of Angel by Karyn Henley
Hereafter by Tara Hudson
Possession by Elana Johnson

July
Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris
Wildefire by Karsten Knight

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Review: Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles


January 1, 2008

From Goodreads:
When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.


My Review:

Wow. This was such an awesomely amazing book. I love everything about Perfect Chemistry. The main characters are fleshed out and through the first person point of view, I was able to make a deep connection with them. The side characters have their own stories to tell and they weren't just glanced upon but added to the complexity of the novel. I also enjoyed the realness of the story. Elkeles doesn't shy away from the realities of being a teenager and that includes sex. Perfect Chemistry is a highly addictive read that I will remember for years to come.

I really felt for Brittany. She puts up the facade of perfection for others around her to see so they won't see the problems in her life. Her parents are overly concerned with outward appearances and that influences their interactions with each other. Brittany adores her sister Shelley, who had cerebral palsy. She keeps up the perfect act so her parents have more time for Shelley and so they won't send her away. Brittany is a very complex character who goes through so much and her interactions with Alex changes her for the better. Their romance is forbidden which makes for an even crazier ride! There is so much chemistry between these two that I can practically feel the smoke coming from the pages! Their bantering with each other adds to their complicated relationship and makes for a wild romance.

Alex is as deep and complicated as Brittany. He puts on the tough gang member act so he can protect his family. He doesn't want his younger brothers to get involved in the Blood so he gets involved for them. Alex cares deeply for his family and will do anything for them. When he is assigned to be partners with Brittany in chemistry, he is upset that he has to work with Miss Perfect but takes advantage of it to tease her. Through their times together, Alex begins to see thaat Brittany isn't so perfect after all and even shows a little of who he really is to her. Though their relationship is not an easy one, they find that they cannot be without each other.

Through the character building, Elkeles weaves a fantasticly complex story. I enjoyed every moment of the novel and wish that I could have savored it more. I wasn't even 100 pages in when I had to go out and buy the sequel, Rules of Attraction! Elkeles is a superb author whose work is breathtaking! I can't believe it took me this long to try Perfect Chemistry but i'm glad that I finally did. If you're like me and have waited this long to read Perfect Chemistry, don't wait any longer. You won't be disappointed and will find yourself craving her other novels!

My Rating:



Saturday, February 26, 2011

In My Mailbox (10)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren

This was a great week for books for me! My aunt and I had a girls day on Monday so she took me to Borders where the sale was going on and bought me some amazing books! I have been wanting these for awhile so I am very excited to read them.






Bought:
The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade
Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell
XVI by Julia Karr
Mistwood by Leah Cypress
Hot Gimmick Volumes 1-3 by Miki Aihara
High School Debut Volume One by Kazune Kawahara

What did you get in your mailboxes this week?

Friday, February 25, 2011

Book Blogger Hop (9)



ABOUT THE HOP:

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and find new book-related blogs that we may be missing out on! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!

The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added!


This weeks question:
Do you ever wish that you had named your blog something different?
Nope! I love the name of my blog! =)

Please leave a comment if you are a new follower so I can check out your blog and follow you in return! =)

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Review: Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton



From Goodreads:
This debut, the first novel in a trilogy, is achingly romantic, terrifying, and filled with blistering action.

When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.

A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.

While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember.


My Review:

Angelfire took me on a wild ride and didn't let me off until the very last page. Full of emotion, romance, mystery, and action, Angelfire is a fantastic paranormal novel that I will definitely be re-reading. This is by far my favorite book that I have read in a long time and I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. I am already going through Will and Ellie withdrawel and I only finished it today! The sequel, Wings of the Wicked, can not come out fast enough!

Ellie is someone that I would aspire to be. She is deep and real, especially through all that she has to go through. Finding out that she is the Preliator and is reincarnated each time she dies throws her for a loop. With Will (*squee*) her Guardian, she trains to become the strong and fierce Preliator that she is meant to be. Will helps her to grow into herself and to learn to face what she is meant to be. Ellie is definitely tough stuff and doesn't need someone to come in and rescue her. Though Will aids her in her battles, Ellie can sure hold her own. I loved the flashback scenes when Ellie remembers pieces from her past. They are fascinating! Moulton doesn't splash through the memories either. They are descriptive and imaginative and give us insight into who Ellie was in her past lives.

Will is a scrumptious piece of man! I absolutely loved his character and his mysteriousness. He is careful to reveal little about himself to Ellie. While I found it frustrating at times, his aloof nature really added to the story. As Ellie's Guardian, Will is very protective of Ellie and will do anything to guarantee her safety. I loved Will and Ellie's interactions with each other! It is fairly obvious that their is something more than a Guardian-Preliator relationship between them. I loved seeing their relationship develop. I was really happy that Will wasn't at all arrogant even though he was gorgeous! Heck, he doesn't even know how to interact with people in social situations. He is too cute! I really, really want a Will for myself!

Angelfire's plot was very unique and I have never read anything live it before. It is captivating and intense. The mythology behind everything was fascinating and new. Ellie's friends are fleshed out and not barely glanced upon. Will and Ellie's relationship develops at a perfect pace and their interactions with each other are exciting to read. There is not one bad thing that I could say about Angelfire. This novel whet my appetite and I am now hungry for the sequel, Wings of the Wicked! If you haven't yet gotten Angelfire, I don't know what you are still doing reading this! Run and get it now to find out what an awesome book this is!

My Rating:

5 Stars

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (15)

Divergent by Veronica Roth
May 3, 2011

From Goodreads:

One choice

One choice decides your friends, defines your beliefs, and determines your loyalties . . . forever.

Or, one choice can transform you.

In Veronica Roth's debut novel, Divergent, a perfect society unfolds into a dystopian world of electrifying decisions, stunning consequences, heartbreaking betrayals, and unexpected romance.

Why I'm Excited:
I love dystopian novels so when I heard about Divergent, I was beyond excited. It also helps that in the synopsis it says there will be "unexpected romance" which I adore! I really can't wait for Divergent!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Interview with Sheenah Freitas and a Giveaway


I am very excited to have Sheenah Freitas on the blog for an interview! If you haven't heard about The Chosen yet, here is a blurb:

Kaia's entire life has erupted in flames after an assassin appears and burns her village down. She's rescued by a god from another planet who requests her help because she's the descendant of their last savior. Together with Reeze -- the only other survivor from her village and her appointed guardian -- they set off on a quest to find the treasures of the gods in hopes of preventing a dire prophesy.

Kaia and Reeze quickly meet the Tueors, a group of people many thought extinct, who are searching specifically for Kaia. Their intention: to protect the truth. As Kaia discovers more about the truth and her family's past, she also learns of the Tueors' bloody secret. Will Kaia be the savior the gods have been waiting for? Or will she let the prophesy come true?

How long have you been writing?

I've been writing seriously for about three to four years now. But, the first time I took pencil to paper to write something, I was about 8 years old. I dabbled in writing off and on until about my senior year in high school.


What are three words that describe The Chosen?

High fantasy adventure.


What inspired you to write your Zincian Legend series?

I was inspired by various things along the way -- mythology, fantasy, magic -- but it started out with a set of dreams. I had doodled a random girl before going to bed one night and I ended up dreaming about her life in this village. The first dream that night ended at the fire scene and then the next night the dream picked up right where it left off. By the time I had the third consecutive dream, I decided to write down Kaia's story. Unfortunately once I did that, the dreams stopped.


What are you working on now?

At this time, I'm working on the sequel to THE CHOSEN, which is titled THE NUMBER.


Can you name two of your favorite books/series?

Children's/YA wise, the Harry Potter series hands down. Non-YA wise, I would have to say THE GARGOYLE by Andrew Davidson.


Where is your favorite place to write/read?

I do a majority of my reading and writing in my room, but I'm not sure if I have a favorite place to read or write. Sometimes I go over to my grandmother's house if I'm really stuck on writing for a change of scenery and I find that that helps. But I'm content reading or writing anywhere that has a relaxing atmosphere.


Is there anything else that you want readers to know?

I believe that everybody should follow their dreams. I was very close at one point to stop writing my book, but after listening to my dad who supported me one hundred percent, I decided to finish writing THE CHOSEN. And you know what? I'm very glad I did.
-------
Thank you, Sheenah, for taking the time to do an interview with me!
Be sure to visit her website HERE and follow her on twitter HERE

Giveaway:
Sheenah has also been lovely enough to supply a signed copy of The Chosen for one lucky reader! All you have to do is fill out the form HERE to be entered into the giveaway!

Rules:
  • Must be a follower
  • U.S Only
  • Must be 13 years or older to enter
Giveaway ends Tuesday, March 1 at 11:59 PM pacific time. Winner selected randomly using random.org

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Review: Matched by Ally Condie


Matched by Ally Condie
November 30, 2010

From Goodreads:
Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

My Review:

I really enjoy dystopian novels so when I found out about Matched, I couldn't wait to read it! The premise was very interesting and the romance was swoon worthy! I absolutely cannot wait for Crossed, the next installment in this trilogy!

When a girl turns 17, the society hold a match banquet for them and other girls their age where they are "matched" to a guy that suits them. When Cassia finds out that she's matched with Xander, her childhood friend, she feels relieved! It is a rare occurance for a girl to be matched with someone that she knows, so Cassia and Xander both feel satisfied with the match. At least, until Cassia views her microcard to learn more about Xander and Ky, another boy whom she knows, pops up on the screen! This causes all kinds of problems for Cassia and jump starts her journey where she learns more about Ky and some really bad things about her society.

The society in this novel is really, really horrible. They have destroyed countless historical relics and control every aspect of each persons life. I really don't know how anyone could thrive in a society like this and I think that was the point. The society makes sure that everyone is doing what they are supposed to and if anyone falls out of line, they know it. I was really shocked when I learned what they do on a persons 80th birthday, the day they are supposed to die. So scary and disturbing!

While Cassia begins her journey as a meek and easily controlled girl, her time with Ky molds her into a beautiful person, inside and out and she really comes into herself. She starts questioning everything the society does and wonders if it really is for the better of the population. She also begins to ease away from Xander and become much closer to Ky. She learns much from Ky and falls deep for him by the end of the story.

Ky was such a wonderful, sweet, and loving guy. His questionable past has shaped him into the person that he is and influences how society sees him. While his life seems grim, he makes the best of it and Cassia makes him a much happier person. I really enjoyed seeing how love changed him and Cassia. I especially enjoyed what a strong person Ky was. He doesn't bow down to society and its views, which makes him a really special guy. Ky was definitely the perfect fit for Cassia.

Matched is a wonderful dystopian love story that ends on a perfect note. While it is a cliffhanger ending, it leaves the reader begging for the next novel, Crossed. Matched is full of mystery, intrigue, romance, and dystopian elements. I highly recommend this book!

My Rating:


5 Stars

Saturday, February 19, 2011

In My Mailbox (9)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren

This week I bought some books that I have really been looking forward to! =)




Bought:
Iron Crowned by Richelle Mead
Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

Received for Giveaway:
The Chosen by Sheenah Freitas- Check back on Monday for the giveaway and an interview with the author

Swag:
Sweet Venom bookmarks

Thanks to:
Sheenah Freitas and Tera Lynn Childs

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

Friday, February 18, 2011

Cover Reveal: Supernaturally by Kiersten White


My Thoughts:

OMG! Such a gorgeous cover!! I love the red color and the pose that Evie is making. I am now even more excited for Supernaturally, the sequel to Paranormalcy!

For more info on the Supernaturally Cover Reveal, visit Kiersten White's blog HERE

What are your thoughts on the cover?

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Teen Day at RT Convention


I am very excited about Teen Day! I just registered to go and I can't wait until April. There will be so many awesome authors signing and those who resister for Teen Day will have a chance to interact with some of them in activities. Teen Day is in LA this year on April 9 and I really suggest that you try to make it if you can. It will be such a fun experience for everyone!

More information:
Special Saturday Teen Day Pass (11:00am to 7:00pm) $25.00 for Adults (for Book Fair, Workshops, and party) $25.00 for a Teen PLUS one adult (for Book Fair, Workshops, and party) If a teen comes with 2 adults then charge the 2nd adult 15.00
11am-2pm—Book Fair
2:30-5:30pm —workshops
5:45-7pm— Party


Click HERE for more information.

Is anyone else planning on going to Teen Day, the Book Fair or even for the whole convention?

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Cover Reveal: Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs

Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs
October 4, 2011

From Goodreads:
New series, in which triplet descendants of Medusa learn they are destined to guard the door between the world of monsters and the world of men – pitched as a mythological Charmed.

Blurb:
Three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in a world where monsters lurk in plain sight.

To learn more about this brand new series, click HERE

My Thoughts:
This is a beautiful cover and I can't wait for this book to be released so I can display it on my bookshelves!

Giveaway:
Up for grabs is a Sweet Venom bookmark, pictured below, that Tera Lynn Childs graciously supplied for this cover reveal! There will be one winner and the giveaway will end this Saturday at 12:01 a.m. pacific time. Leave a comment with your email and your response to the cover to enter. Winner is selected using random.org.



Friday, February 11, 2011

Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver


February 1, 2011

From Goodreads:
Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.


My Review:

To sum up Delirium in one word: Breathtaking. An absolutely fantastic dystopian story that may go on to be as good as the Hunger Games, in my opinion. While there isn't too much action in the begininning, Oliver takes time to build up the story and develop the atmosphere of the world that Lena lives in. Delirium is a wonderful and convincing love story that stole my heart.

Lena starts off as a meek, easily controlled girl but once she meets Alex, she starts to become who she was meant to be. While at first she thinks that the operation to destroy the "deadly disease" of love is necessary, she soon begins to think otherwise. Her first encounter with Alex steals the breath right out of her and she realizes that Alex could mean trouble for her. The more she and Alex see each other, the more daring she becomes. Soon she doesn't even care that she is showing all the symptoms of deliria; all that matters now is that she and Alex be together. Through all of the thrilling experiences that Lena goes on, she is changed into a strong woman who is madly in love and will do anything to keep that love forever.

Alex is a flirtatious and fun guy who takes Lena out of her comfort zone. He helps Lena to see the disturbing truth about the society they live in and brings out the best in Lena. The chemistry between him and Lena gave me butterflies and made me want an Alex, too. There are just so many wonderful guys in YA novels that I wish were real! Alex is a sweetheart towards Lena and he has so many wonderful qualities to him. His teasing remarks to Lena were too cute! I also liked that Alex had a mysterious side to him, too, and that there is more to him than meets the eye.

I loved each and every page of Delirium and I feel sad that I have finished it. Delirium, like most dystopian novels, has a huge cliff-hanger and I will go crazy waiting for the next installment in this series. Delirium is a must-read for dystopian newbies and oldies!

My Rating:

5 Stars

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Cover Reveal: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead


This is the beautiful cover for Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spin-off series! I think it looks gorgeous! What do you think?

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Review: The Locket by Stacey Jay


The Locket by Stacey Jay
February 3, 2011

From Goodreads:

On her seventeenth birthday, Katie discovers a locket and decides to wear it for good luck. But when her boyfriend Isaac finds out she cheated on him— with their mutual best friend Mitch, no less—he dumps her, leaving her devastated.

And then a miracle happens. The locket burns on Katie's chest and she feels herself going back two weeks in time, to the night she cheated with Mitch. At first, Kate is delighted to be a better girlfriend to Isaac this time around. But as other aspects of her life become inexplicably altered, she realizes that changing the past may have had a dangerous effect on her present.

Can she make things right before the locket destroys everything—and everyone—she loves?


My Review:

I have read each one of Stacey Jay's previous books and have adored all of them! The Locket is no exception and although I love her Undead series, I have to say that this is my favorite book of hers to date. The whole idea of being able to fix mistakes that seriously ruined your life is something that i'm sure we all would love. I have had my few share of slip-ups or boo-boo's that I made and I felt horrible afterward. Katie feels exactly the same way when she ruins her seemingly perfect life plans when she kisses her best friend Mitch. Now, this wouldn't be such a bad thing if Katie didn't already have a boyfriend and she didn't plan on marrying and having babies with said boyfriend. When she is given the chance to take back the mistake from the mysterious locket of her grandmother's that she finds, she is ecstatic. Everything would be perfect if it weren't for the fact that the locket seems to have changed a few things when it took Katie back in time.

Katie is a very sweet and caring girl who just wants her life back to the way it was before he made a huge mistake. When the locket gives her a second chance, Katie takes it readily. She loves her boyfriend Isaac so much and would do anything to make sure that night with Mitch never happened. She feels that her future would be perfect with Isaac and refuses to settle for anything else. Problems arise though when she starts to suspect that something is up with Isaac. If that weren't enough, the more time she spends with Mitch the more guilty and conflicted she feels. Katie is in for a heck of a ride in The Locket!

Mitch is such a sweetheart and super cute! My favorite part about him is that he is in a band and I really go for guys like him in books! You can tell that he has some serious feelings for Katie and that he would do absolutely anything for her. Mitch supports her with anything and loves Katie just the way she is. I don't know how anyone could not love Mitch.

Isaac confused me. He did some things that made me really upset but it was almost as if he couldn't help it, if that makes any sense. His main priority is basketball and anything else comes second, including Katie. I felt for Katie because she has done so much for Isaac and just wanted him to see what a great person Katie was.

The Locket is a fantastic story about second chances and really makes you reflect on life. Questions arise like: Should there be second chances? Didn't your mistake happen for a reason? This is another awesome story from Stacey Jay that I really recommend picking up. I have never read a book from Stacey Jay that I didn't love and I can't wait for her upcoming books to be released later this year.

My Rating:


5 Stars

Saturday, February 5, 2011

In My Mailbox (8)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It has been so long since I have posted an In My Mailbox but I finally got the chance to. I didn't get much this week but what I did get I am super excited about!

Bought:

The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Olivia



Won:

ARC of The Locket by Stacey Jay--Signed



Thanks to Stacey Jay for the ARC!

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

Friday, February 4, 2011

Review: Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan



From Goodreads:
Nastasya has spent the last century living as a spoiled, drugged-out party girl. She feels nothing and cares for no one. But when she witnesses her best friend, a Dark Immortal, torture a human, she realizes something's got to change. She seeks refuge at a rehab for wayward immortals, where she meets the gorgeous, undeniably sexy Reyn, who seems inexplicably linked to her past.

Nastasya finally begins to deal with life, and even feels safe--until the night she learns that someone wants her dead.

Cate Tiernan, author of the popular Sweep series, returns with an engaging story of a timeless struggle and inescapable romance, the first book in a stunning new fantasy trilogy.

My Review:
I am a huge fan of Cate Tiernan's Sweep series so when I found out that she had a brand new trilogy coming out, I was so excited! Even though it took me awhile to finally get to reading Immortal Beloved, when I started I was immediately entranced with this fantastic new world. The plot is refreshing and I adored the group of immortals at River's Edge who took Nastasya in during her time of need. I am eager for the next installment in this bewitching story.

Nastasya is a very conflicted 400 plus year old immortal who is in need of a change in her life. She has lived hundreds of years without feeling emotions and she was fine with that way of living until her best friend critically injures an innocent man. Nastasya is disgusted and flees her dangerous friends for refuge in an immortal rehab. There Nastasya finds out much about herself and her heritage. She learns that magick can be used for good and that she doesn't have to have the terrible side-effects when using it. Nastasya makes new friends, immortal and human alike, who give her a new meaning in life. Nastasya also makes an enemy during her stay that makes life anything but easy for her. Nastasya grows tremendously in Immortal Beloved and am excited to see where the sequel will take her.

Reyn aka Viking god, is an enigma. He is a very tortured, brooding man whom Nastasya can't seem to figure out. He is a total jerk to Nastasya yet she can't help but want this gorgeous, tortured hunk of a man. I never got any good insight into Reyn until the end of the book and I wish there would have been more of him in here. I can see why the author didn't do much with Reyn at first though, in order for the reader to get a better understanding of Nastasya. Tiernan doesn't rely on the romance to carry the story and I applaud her for that. I do love romance in my books and while it was very subtle in Immortal Beloved, there was just enough to whet my appetite! I expect that Reyn will be a much more prominent part of the sequel and I can't wait to get more insight into him! He has some very surprising secrets revealed in the book!

Immortal Beloved was a dark and conflicting story about a dark immortal who wants to change. I adored this book and I am very excited for the sequel. Immortal Beloved ends at the perfect point and I can't wait to find out more about Nastasya and Reyn. Definitely pick up this book if you can!

My Rating:

5 Stars

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Review: Stork by Wendy Delsol


Stork by Wendy Delsol
October 12, 2010

From Goodreads:
Family secrets. Lost memories. And the arrival of an ancient magical ability that will reveal everything.

Sixteen-year-old Katla LeBlanc has just moved from Los Angeles to Minnesota. As if it weren’t enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, Katla soon finds out that she’s a Stork, a member of a mysterious order of women tasked with a very unique duty. But Katla’s biggest challenge may be finding her flock at a new school. Between being ignored by Wade, the arrogant jock she stupidly fooled around with, and constantly arguing with gorgeous farm boy and editor-in-chief Jack, Katla is relieved when her assignment as the school paper’s fashion columnist brings with it some much-needed friendship. But as Homecoming approaches, Katla uncovers a shocking secret about her past — a secret that binds her fate to Jack’s in a way neither could have ever anticipated. With a nod to Hans Christian Andersen and inspired by Norse lore, Wendy Delsol’s debut novel introduces a hip and witty heroine who finds herself tail-feathers deep in small-town life.


My Review:

I absolutely loved Stork. This is a completely new and original storyline to be introduced into YA and I really enjoyed it. Everything about this book was mysterious and mystifying and I couldn't put it down for even a minute. The characters are well-rounded and extremely likable. While there were a few things that some side-characters did that seemed out-of-character, it was easy to get past the minor flaws. I really hope this turns into a series!

At the start of the story, Katla is an unhappy teenager who was yanked from her sunny life in L.A. to be moved into a cold, seemingly boring town in the middle of Minnesota. She resents the fact that her parents are getting a divorce and that she has to leave all her friends to move with her mom to Minnesota. While her situation is at first undesirable, her life takes an unexpected turn when she has an explosive encounter with Jack. Katla can not understand why she and Jack clash so much, but soon she finds out the reason for his broodyness, and with this reveation her life is thrown out of whack. Before this mess with Jack, Katla also finds out that she is a member of the Stork Society, in which each of the women inducted into the society have the ability to connect children with the desirable mother.

Katla is a very sweet girl who doesn't see the potential inside herself. She doesn't understand why she gets to be a part of this mystical society and why the Stork Society thinks her special. On top of her new duties as a Stork, Katla is trying to fit in at her new school. She is confused as to why Jack acts weird around her. In Stork, Katla takes a wild journey and she comes out to be a much stronger person at the end of the story. Katla makes many discoveries along the way and comes to accept her role as a Stork.

Jack is a torn, broody hunk who is so obviously smitten by Katla, though he acts opposite of his feelings at first. He is such a darling when the reader finally gets to know more about him and his motives. I loved his and Katla's interactions with each other. There was definitely loads of chemistry between them. Jack also has a secret that the author tortures us with! I kept on trying to guess what was so mysterious about him and why he acted the way he acted, but I never could. Delsol threw me for a loop when she finally revealed his secret and I would have never guessed it. Thumbs up to Delsol for surprising me!

Stork was a wonderful read that I will be adding to my favorite reads. The plot is so unique and exciting and I am praying for a sequel. I am recommending this to anyone who has not read it yet and wants to be taken on a magical ride!

My Rating:

5 Stars

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (14)


Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers
July 5, 2011

From Goodreads:

When secrets and old histories come to light, Frannie realizes that nobody is who she thought they were. Hell won’t give up and Heaven won’t give in. Some are willing to hurt anyone close to Frannie in order to get what they want. It will take everything she has and then some to stay out of Hell's grasp.

And not everyone will get out of it alive.


My Thoughts:
I absolutely loved Personal Demons and I am so excited for the next book in the series! Luc is one of my favorite guys of YA and I can't wait to see what Lisa Desrochers has in store for him and Frannie!

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