In My Mailbox (8)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren.

Since I did not do a IMM last week, this week's IMM includes last week's book as well.

Last week I received The Light of Asteria:Kailmeyra's Last Hope by Elizabeth Isaacs from Jennifer over at http://www.book-crazy.com. Thank you so much Jennifer and Elizabeth!

This week for review, I received The Ivy by Lauren Kunze with Rina Onur. Thanks Lauren!

Both books are signed and I cannot wait to read them!

Review: Sleepless by Cyn Balog

Synopsis (from GoodReads):

Eron De Marchelle isn't supposed to feel a connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce human charges to sleep. While he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn't encouraged to--after all, getting too involved in one human's life would prevent him helping his other charges get their needed rest.

But he can't deny that he feels something for Julia. Julia, with her fiery red hair and her sad dreams. Just weeks ago, her boyfriend died in a car accident, and Eron can tell that she feels more alone than ever. Eron was human once too, many years ago, and he remembers how it felt to lose the one he loved. Eron has always felt protective of Julia . . . but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can't seem to reach her . . .

Sandmen are forbidden from communicating with humans outside their dreams. But will Eron be willing to risk everything for a chance to be with the person he loves?

Book Details:

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Pub Date: July 13, 2010

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 224

Review:

Theres been a lot of people who have either loved or hated this book. I am one of the people who loved Sleepless. In Sleepless we meet a girl named Julia, she's had a bad experience in the past that she feels changed her life. In order to toughen up and become normal again, instead of being known as the girl who had a bad incident, she befriends her boyfriend, Griffin, and his friend Brett. One night Griffin gets in a fatal car wreck and Julia doesn't react towards his death most people would expect someone to.

As this story is told in alternating POVs (Point of Views) between Julia and her Sandman, Eron, we get to know both of them better. Eron's time as a Sandman is nearing an end and he soon will be a human again. We learn that his replacement is none other than Griffin. But as long as Griffin refuses to let go of his human existence and Julia and go by the rules of a sandman Eron cannot become human. Instead Eron will have to serve another 100 years as a Sandman.

Both Griffin and Eron want to protect Julia from harm and they think Brett will do something to her. To help protect her Eron spends all his time, when he is in human form, watching or hanging out with Julia. I have to you all that the chemistry between these two is just amazing.

This book is a refreshing addition to the YA world. It will having you turning the pages wanting to know how everything will turn out. Sleepless is a quick read, but it'll leave you wanting to know where your Sandman is is.

5 Stars!

Blog Hop July 30- August 2

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer over at crazy-for-books.com.



This weeks question is: Who is your favorite new-to-you author so far this year?

Answer: Well this is a trick question at the moment. I'm going to name four amazing authors. Robin Benway for her books Audrey, Wait! and The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, and June. Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl for their book Beautiful Creatures, I've had their book since December and just recently gotten around to reading it. Last but not least Kirsten Miller for her book The Eternal Ones.
P.S. For the people who visited my page last week for the blog hop I will take a look at your pages this week. I've been busy trying to write reviews and get everything for college all set.

Review: Catching Fire and The Hunger Games in General

Synopsis(from BN.com):
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Book Details:

Publisher: Scholastic
Pub Date: Sept. 2009
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 400

My Review:

First off I am just going to say that I can't really write a review for this book. Catching Fire is amazing! I LOVE the HUNGER GAMES. If you have not read these books yet go out and buy them NOW! You will not regret it, and you will not have to wait too long to read the last book. In Catching Fire the capitol is more evil than ever. Suzanne Collins was wonderfully creative too, for example the way the arena was set up. Very clever. Like everyone else I had to read Catching Fire to officially pick a team. My heart from the beginning is rooting for Peeta. Gale just seems to be perfect as just a friend for Katniss. For now I'm impatiently awaiting for Mockingjay to release. I just hope my UPS guy doesn't deliver my book to my neighbors like last time.

Forgive My Fins Book Swag WINNERS

The Winners of my Forgive My Fins book swag giveaway are:

Aik

Katelyn

Allison

I have already contacted you all and you have 48 hours to respond back or I'll have to choose new winners.

Congrats!!!

Blog Hop July 23-26

The Blog Hop is hosted by Jennifer at Crazy-For-Books.com. It is for you to let others discover your blog and you discover others. Plus if you find some blogs you like you can follow them.


This weeks blog question is: TELL US ABOUT THE BOOK YOU ARE CURRENTLY READING!

I just started reading Deception by Lee Nichols. I'm only on page 10. So yeah haha. :)

Not much to say at this point. Right now Emma is at home alone and she is trying to figure out what to do. Although I did just finish reading The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller. It was amazing and kept me reading to find out the truth. I was right along with the MC Haven trying to figure out who to trust.

Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin Book Trailer

I am so excited to read this book. As soon as it comes out I will go buy it at Barnes and Noble.

What do you think? Can't wait for September to come either?

More Mega Contests to Win Amazing upcoming books :)

Over at Carol's Prints is a giveaway to win ARCs of Torment by Lauren Kate, (signed) Matched by Ally Condie, Halo by Alexandra Adornetto, Firelight by Sophie Jordan, Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin, Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers, and the Duff by Kody Keplinger. Contest Ends August 9! Here is the link to the contest: http://carol-in-print.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-would-you-like-to-win-some-arcs-ive.html?showComment=1279738625623_AIe9_BE_n6ZMKSpocPd9DhSZ31uC4Mm5RyNpU96zWNHtUXIqhATD6PCikm72E7kuW3fuc-pX9s1k7N5j4m5ujho6biPZ8rPaOZlijx6NdMdt31uA3vjonmUNuVYiGX0lJvf0Di_76DqypQqch1IK0VLOj4kBXkGv06ecIzEGZSr-w1KBYiIbEIvVdANrsITXfQbWdldxIq0yADygPJMIiTkg_26NBp25GTYROvYQ5Dpa0Du1dBrWLAAsheQAPPm68BIBh3xETAnqCXmcXMrPrZ1FZE3FSdhd_N7l4-JgI5nosCObIrdND7yKdBpLCfSeJmVsHwbDC60yv2Kmz6b8Ypbbbqo8t6RQwTqRJlPEhKXdCKeCVfVLGOnMwM7oYDVclrUmMLiUYejxPm_W4Ga5LBQYxZnOdVEBN85lUh7WL4xt-cK-F3vnLu9zj8IN4Tn0sUBcqxw89k-AOkMloCbA6SrPHcXzbajxDmNKuxWx_RZmg3SZq8m-PMKuag6H2iM9pUvEygTsN1cw6Pvwnvc1mBEUFbx_Ad2p0VFkPe96E0vj0qe3TvtMtK-0_KZcGCPB--eG2G9OLcxXiORKilr5MsM3XApDYwTxM0cONeh_3aEc7NI2euQrKfzuLk4ulN8kegoIsfy8WHbhLdpJJSYkhSyagb6FYHJB8x8arLSri_mNoEzCihULyJdX_LMNH9DC9me0bOASTydhOvhJ8nE7ThPlTrQXLtcaSS90DxbMtJGgOcnWMN2vC2kRsTyti1aFRws2T-P1VQpS2Ax5zWvCBTw_-CmqvgKlHzXQXuR4usmLavdQKw7DrAmjZ1-Vfsh7D_ELsit31-na#c1892757318406429570

Sorry about the link being super long!!

Personal Demons Contest

The author of Personal Demons, Lisa Desrochers, is having a July Debut contest. The contest ends July 31. If you are interested here is the link: http://lisadesrochers.blogspot.com/2010/07/july-debut-contest.html

Synopsis (From GoodReads.com):

Frannie Cavanaugh is a good Catholic girl with a bit of a wicked streak. She's spent years keeping everyone at a distance—even her closest friends—and it seems her senior year will be more of the same...until Luc Cain enrolls in her class. No one knows where he came from, but Frannie can't seem to stay away from him. What she doesn't know is that Luc works in Acquisitions—for Hell—and she possesses a unique skill set that has the King of Hell tingling with anticipation. All Luc has to do is get her to sin, and he’s as tempting as they come. Frannie doesn’t stand a chance.

Unfortunately for Luc, Heaven has other plans, and the angel, Gabe, is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that Luc doesn’t get what he came for. And it isn't long before they find themselves fighting for more than just her soul.

But if Luc fails, there will be Hell to pay…for all of them.

The Lost Saint Cover Revealed!

Today the author Bree Despain has revealed the cover of The Lost Saint the follow up book to The Dark Divine.

Here is the beautiful cover:

Don't you love it. Yet again they use a stunning color for the cover. I feel kind of silly announcing this news because:

A. I have not read The Dark Divine
B. Therefore I have no idea what its about, but I'm praying that it has nothing to do with vampires.

P.S. warn me if it does. I don't read books that have vampires as a focus. I mean if they are very minor then sure I'd read the book. :)

Anyways to celebrate the reveal of the cover Bree is having a contest every month till The Lost Saint comes out in stores in December.

Here is the link to the contest:
http://breebiesingerdespain.blogspot.com/2010/07/lost-saint-official-cover-and-countdown.html

Contest Around the Blogosphere

Torment by Lauren Kate Giveaway Ends 8/1:

http://carlybennett.blogspot.com/2010/07/giveaway-torment-lauren-kate-arc.html

HeavenlyEden Giveaway brought to you by the author herself Ends 7/24:

http://jenniferlaurens.blogspot.com/2010/07/heavenlyeden-giveaway.html

Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink Giveaway Ends 7/23:

http://pjhoover.blogspot.com/2010/07/guardian-of-gate-arc-giveaway.html

Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl Giveaway Ends 7/30:

http://pjhoover.blogspot.com/2010/07/beautiful-darkness-arc-giveaway.html

Reading Teen Three Prize Packs Ends 7/23:

http://www.readingteen.net/2010/07/500-followers-of-summer-contest.html

Interview: J&P Voelkel

I got the wonderful chance to interview the amazing authors of MIDDLEWORLD. If you have not read my review of their adventurous book here is the link: http://teenbibliophile.blogspot.com/2010/06/review-middleworld-by-j-voelkel.html




Q: How did you two come up with the idea for writing Middleworld?
A: Jon grew up in South and Central America, and the idea for Middleworld came partly from his childhood memories and partly from a bedtime story he used to tell our son. It was called The Monkey Girl and it was about a girl who lived on a pyramid in the jungle. Her best friends were monkeys, and every night she would outwit a different set of baddies. At first, it was just an exciting adventure story with lots of action and chases. But as we began to research the Maya, we became more and more interested in them, and they took over the story.

Q: Do you two have a strategy for writing a book together?
A: At first, when we were getting to know our characters, one of us would write a draft and then pass it to the other one. Now we know where we’re going with it, we plan out the plot together and Pamela does most of the writing, while Jon takes the lead on illustrations. But we like surprising each other and taking the story in unexpected directions.

Q: What was your favorite scene in the book?
A: Both of us would choose the scene in the Black Pyramid where Max attends Ah Pukuh’s party. In the Red Pyramid, Max was tested physically and in the Green Pyramid, he was tested mentally. He’s expecting something even more intense to happen in the Black Pyramid, but he’s not prepared for the kind of emotional torture he encounters. The chapter was a lot of fun to write – it’s also very revealing, as we find out Max’s greatest fear.

Q: Middleworld left off with a cliffhanger. Any info you can share about book 2?
A: It’s called The End of The World Club and all we’re saying is that Max, Lola, Lord 6-Dog and Lady Coco head off to Spain in search of the Yellow Jaguar. There’s even more action, even more twists and turns, a kidnapping, a wedding, a funeral, and a large helping of rock and roll!

Q: As authors, what are you hoping readers will take from your books?
A: First and foremost, we’re hoping they’ll get so caught up in the story that they won’t be able to put it down. Along the way, we’re hoping they’ll learn a few things they didn’t know about the Maya, and maybe gain a deeper understanding of life in a tropical rainforest. Then we’d hope they’d try even harder to find ways to protect the environment – including asking other publishers to follow the lead of Egmont USA and use only paper from sustainable sources.

Thank you J&P for taking the time to answer my questions!

Review: The Secret Crush a Mackenzie Blue book #2 by Tina Wells

Synopsis (from Barnes and Noble):

Mackenzie Blue has a crush!

But how can she get Landon—the cutest boy in school—to notice her? The class's new rock-and-roll musical is her chance.

Reasons why our musical is going to be amazing:

1. I could be the star!
2. Landon could be my co-star . . . which means we'll hang out together.
3. Working on the sets, props, music, script, and costumes will be tons of fun.

There's so much to do, I'd better get started!

Between her crush, the musical, and her friends—not to mention school work—Zee is torn in a thousand different directions. With all the real-life drama going on, will she lose sight of what's really important?

Book Details:

Format: Hardcover

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Pub. Date: December 2009

Pages: 226

My Review:

The Secret Crush is the second book in the Mackenzie Blue Series. I have to say it was more fun to read than the first book. Maybe because I just like to read books that deal with crushes. I also loved the cute little pictures throughout the book, again the pictures were something to look forward to while reading.

Remember when you were in middle school you started to feel embarrassed to be seen with your parents? Zee, the main character, is at that stage in her life. It was nice to see how Zee transforms in the novel. This book points out that parents have your best interests at heart.

The things I didn't like was that Zee was so blind to realize that her admirer was someone close to her. In my mind a lot of us girls are quick tell if someone likes us as more than a friend. The last thing I didn't like was that some parts seemed too dramatic.

Another good point made in the book was that when you are so focused on one thing it can cause you to fail in other areas of life.

Overall The Secret Crush is a quick and fun read. Everyone will enjoy this book. Young or old it doesn't matter.

4 Stars!

The Smarty Owl's Firelight Giveaway!

The Smarty Owl now has over 200 followers and to celebrate they are giving away an ARC of FIRELIGHT. You must be a follower to enter. Contest ends the day after my birthday! August 15!

Here is the link to the Giveaway: http://thesmartyowl.blogspot.com/2010/07/firelight-arc-contest.html

The Bodacious Pen's Contest

The Bodacious Pen is having a big giveaway. The grand prize includes posters for Beautiful Creatures/Beautiful Darkness and others. Hunger Games book, and etc. There is one book included in the prize pack and it is the one I know everyone just can't wait to get their hands on and it is Clockwork Angel (ARC).

So stop by the blog here http://tarawriter.blogspot.com/2010/07/big-honkin-contest.html

In My Mailbox (7)

Ok, so I have not done a In My Mailbox post for weeks. Due to travels and other things such as graduation. Life got a little crazy. Here is what I have collected over the past 3 to 4 weeks. (Note I I might be forgetting some books)
Middle Grade Books- For review The Mackenzie Blue series by Tina Wells. I've already read the first two books. Review coming soon for the second book, The Secret Crush.

Young Adult/Adult Books-

For Review:

Sleepless by Cyn Balog (I have already read this one and the review is coming soon)

Bought:

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong (Autographed) from the local indie bookstore.

My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent (Just finished this one today review coming soon)

Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Deception (A Haunting Emma novel) by Lee Nichols (Bought on my trip in NC)

Sweet Deceit by Kate Brian

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

Dark Flame (The Immortals Series #4) by Alyson Noel

Wanted (PLL book 8) by Sara Shepard (Already read this)

Heartless (PLL book 7) by Sara Shepard (Already read I might review these two)

Catching Fire (A Hunger Games book) by Suzanne Collins (Read and Loved it as much as the first)

Fallen by Lauren Kate

Got for free during an event from the local indie bookstore:

Angelology by Danielle Trussoni (ARC, Adult book)

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (ARC, Young Adult)

Book I remembered I got but is not pictured:

Audrey Wait! by Robin Benway (After I read The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, and June from her I had to get her other book)

What did you get this week?

Blog Hop July 26-19

This weeks blog hop is up and running.

The question of this hop is:

RIGHT THIS INSTANT, WHAT BOOK ARE YOU DYING TO GET YOUR HANDS ON (PAST, PRESENT, OR FUTURE)?

The book I'm dying to get my hands on is Halo by Alexandra Adornetto. If you couldn't tell already by the many posts I've made for the book.

Halo By Alexandra Adornetto Book Trailer

I wish this book came out sooner. :(

Here is the recently released trailer for it.

Doesn't it make you want to go buy it in stores now? Well, we only have a little over a month till it releases.

Sleepless by Cyn Balog Release Day!

Today is the day that Sleepless is officially on bookshelves! I've been reading the book for the past two days and I have to say its wonderful so far! So what are you waiting for? Go buy the book now.

The BIGGEST GIVEAWAY THIS MONTH!!!

If you haven't found out about this AMAZING giveaway The Undercover Book Lover is having until now, like me, you should definitely check it out ASAP! I know the books included in this giveaway there will at least be one ARC you will want.

One Winner will receive ALL this:

Nightshade - Andrea Cremer (ARC)
Paranormalcy - Kiersten White (ARC)
The Eternal Ones - Kirsten Miller (ARC)
Halo - Alexandra Adornetto (ARC)
Pegasus - Robin McKinley (ARC)

AND

FIVE packs of 5 gum:
Zing (Bubble)
Cobalt (Peppermint)
Flare (Cinnamon)
Lush (Tropical)
Rain (Spearmint)

To go to the contest go to my sidebar and click the link there or here: http://theundercoverbooklover.blogspot.com/2010/06/paranormal-five-giveaway-international.html

Ends 7/15

I'm also excited because I found out what I was doing wrong to actually make the links link and make it easier for you all to go to that URL. :)

Giveaway: SALVAGED by Stefne Miller

Stefne Miller has donated a signed, yes you heard right its SIGNED, copy of her debut novel Salvaged. From what the blogosphere is saying about this book is that it is a must read and is very great!

Here is a synopsis of Salvaged:

'My body was being torn apart, and my stomach felt as if it exploded. The pain was excruciating, and I was aware that I was dying... 'Mom?' My vision was murky, but I could see her face. It was bloody, and her eyes were large and full of fear. Her voice calmed. 'Get out of the car, Attie.' Her words sounded crisp and clear. I looked into the backseat in search of Melody and found her lying covered in blood in a twisted heap on the floor. I turned my attention back to my mother and out of the corner of my eye saw fire. 'Get out, Attie!' 'Mom?' Everything went dark.' Attie Reed should have died in the wreck that stole the lives of her mother and best friend. But her life was spared. Why? When Attie moves to Oklahoma to stay with the Bennetts for the summer, she hopes she has left her nightmares behind. But her battle is far from over, and Riley Bennett steps forward to help her fight the nighttime monsters. As the battle wears on, Riley begins fighting monsters of his own: his feelings for Attie. And Attie realizes she must begin to face the monsters of the night herself if she wants to conquer them for good. Can Attie's life be Salvaged?

There will be one lucky winner who gets the signed copy! Good luck to everyone!

Open to U.S. sorry internationals, until I find out how much it costs to ship overseas it is only U.S.

Rules:

You must be a follower!

Old followers get 2 points

New followers get 1 point

If you spread the word about this giveaway (doesn't matter how you spread the word) you will get 3 extra points.

And all you need is to post your name and e-mail (this is a no pointer)

So just add up all your points for me. Thanks!

ENDS AUGUST 6.

Blog Hop July 9-12

So I'm a little late on the hop but its better late than never. If anyone else is interested just enter the url that is provided on the button. :)

This weeks blog hop question is:Tell us about some of your favorite authors and why they are your favorites!

My answer is: One of my favorite authors would most definitely be Kieran Scott (aka Kate Brian) because all her books leave you wanting more. Whether it is at the end of each chapter or book. My other favorite author is Becca Fitzpatrick because she wrote the amazing book Hush,Hush! I also can't leave out Tera Lynn Childs because she is an awesome person and a writer.

I'm BACK!!!

Since Saturday I have been on vacation. I have to say I really did miss posting on my blog. I have a surprise for my followers this week so stay tuned. Also in store are more reviews! I'm glad to be back.

So who's ready for Nighshade by Andrea Cremer? I absolutely can't wait to read the book! It comes out on Oct.19,2010. Isn't the cover just beautiful?





Synopsis (Taken from the book's youtube page.):Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for their Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she may lose everything--including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?



For a chance to win an ARC of NIGHTSHADE go to:
http://blurredhistory.blogspot.com/2010/07/300.html
http://community.livejournal.com/michelesminionz/32366.html

BREAKING NEWS: LINGER!!!

So I pre-ordered Linger by Maggie Stiefvater, and guess what I got an e-mail saying that it is ready to be shipped!!! I'm so excited this means that Linger is no longer a pre-order! I'm not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing, since the real release date is not till the 20th. But I suppose it is a good thing for us readers. :)

Review: Mackenzie Blue by Tina Wells

Synopsis:

Meet Mackenzie Blue, aka Zee

She has it all—smarts, talent, humor, and style. . . .

Is it enough to survive middle school?

Countdown to a 7th Grade Meltdown

1. Your BFF moves away.

2. Someone steals your diary and reveals your deepest secrets—to the entire class.

3. You have one chance to become a rock star and one chance to totally blow it. Guess what!? All three happened to me! School's a disaster already. Don't get me wrong—I love Brookdale Academy and I have a fabulous crew of friends. (At least, I think I do.) But, if I'm going to survive, I need all the help I can get!

Book Details:

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Pub Date: May 2009

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 224

Review:

When I was asked to review this book series I have to admit I was a little hesitant. It's been forever since I have read middle grade books. I'm glad I took up the offer! Mackenzie Blue is a 7th grade student at Brookdale Academy. Like all girls this age, Mackenzie (aka Zee) worries about what others think about her. Mackenzie has a crush on Landon, but she is not the only girl that likes him. Her best friend Ally moves away to France and Zee has to start a new school year at a different school. Not only that but she has to make new friends. Her brother, Adam is a great brother to Zee. There is a little bit of a mystery that goes along with the book. Someone has stolen Zee's diary and does evil things with it. Zee is determined to find her diary and it might just cost her.

The other focus of the novel is that the school is preparing for the Teen Sing auditions. Zee dreams of becoming a rock star. I mean who hasn't ever wanted to become famous? The song Zee wrote for her audition was amazing because it came from the heart. She finds that she can not only express herself through her diary but through music as well.

I also liked how they put notes, texts, IMs, and diary entries in the novel. Also the pictures were fun to look forward to while reading. This book is also packed with lessons for readers to take with them. Although the book was a little predictable, Tina Wells does a great job with the first book in the series.

4 Stars!