Monday, November 29, 2010

Review: Matched by Ally Condie


Synopsis: 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.


Book Details:
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Pub. Date: November 30 2010
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 384

My Review: Matched is a great dystopian novel. While Cassia has always listened to and respected the society. She soon finds out things that the government does not want people to know about. The government is making mistakes and don’t always have their citizens’ best interest at heart.

I liked Cassia as the protagonist. When she is matched with her best friend, Xander, she couldn’t be more happy. But when the society gives her a micro-card where she can find out more details about her match another boy’s face flashes on the screen. A boy who is not just any boy; a boy who is not allowed to be matched.

When Cassia grandfather dies he gives her a gift that turns her life around. Cassia starts thinking for herself and does what she wants to do. The world that Ally has created is fascinating. Its pretty odd to think of people only being good at one skill while other people do other things for you. Like today we can choose what we want to eat. But for Cassia she has others choose her meal for her and have them cook her meals. Another example is that there are people who clean your dishes for you. I mean sure we have dishwashers or ourselves, but other people taking care of your dishes? My main point is that we can do things for ourselves easily but for the people in Matched they are very dependent on others.

The romance story line of the book is really the only interesting part of the book besides Cassia following her heart with making her own decisions. Both Xander and Ky are great boys. Xander is the safe one and Ky is the forbidden boy. At times the book was slow and boring. I’m not sure if it was because I read two books at a time. Matched regardless is a good book that anyone should read. It also is a book that will make you think “What if I had people making my decisions for me?”. May I add that the cover is awesome! The cover is sparkly and shiny! While reading the book it made sense to have Cassia wearing the green dress that she wore to her Matching Banquet and have her in a bubble/Glass ball.

3.5 Stars!


Sunday, November 28, 2010

In My Mailbox (22)

IMM is hosted by The Story Siren every week. Its a weekly meme where people can share what they got that week in books. This week I got two great books. I can't wait to read them!
For Review:
The End of the World Club by J&P Voelkel
Won on Goodreads.com/For Review:
Deadly by Julie Chibbaro

Big Thanks to Jennifer @ Goodman Media and Ellen @ Simon and Schuster.

What did you all get in your mailbox?

Friday, November 26, 2010

Blog Hop November 26-29

Book Blogger Hop
To find out more about the blog hop click on the button or visit crazy-for-books.com

This week's blog hop question is: "What is your favorite book cover?"

My answer: I have too many favorite covers to choose just one. But here are two of my favorite book covers. Wither (Chemical Garden, #1)Across the Universe
Both of these books have good use of color. In the WITHER cover I love everything that is on it. The girl looks so pretty and the bird cage with the circles focusing on important things. Well I'm assuming they are important things. I have an ARC copy and I can't help but admire the cover in person. ACROSS THE UNIVERSE because come on really who doesn't LOVE this cover? Its completely original and unique. Plus I love looking at awesome space pictures. My favorite color is purple and the ATU cover has different shades of purple and pink.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

To blog or not to blog?

Since it is the holidays for the rest of this week I've been thinking about blogging. I'm assuming everyone will be away from blogger. So I'm just trying to decide whether to continue posting this week or just hang on till next week when everyone's lives have settled down. At the moment I think I'll just wait till next week. For the time being HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVE!!! If I don't get a chance to say HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you all tomorrow well HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! Be safe and enjoy the food. Also, don't forget to read everyday. It'll take your mind off your full stomach.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Review: Vixen by Jillian Larkin

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Synopsis: Jazz . . . Booze . . . Boys . . . It’s a dangerous combination.

Every girl wants what she can’t have. Seventeen-year-old Gloria Carmody wants the flapper lifestyle—and the bobbed hair, cigarettes, and music-filled nights that go with it. Now that she’s engaged to Sebastian Grey, scion of one of Chicago’s most powerful families, Gloria’s party days are over before they’ve even begun . . . or are they?

Clara Knowles, Gloria’s goody-two-shoes cousin, has arrived to make sure the high-society wedding comes off without a hitch—but Clara isn’t as lily-white as she appears. Seems she has some dirty little secrets of her own that she’ll do anything to keep hidden. . . .

Lorraine Dyer, Gloria’s social-climbing best friend, is tired of living in Gloria’s shadow. When Lorraine’s envy spills over into desperate spite, no one is safe. And someone’s going to be very sorry. . . .

From debut author Jillian Larkin, VIXEN is the first novel in the sexy, dangerous, and ridiculously romantic new series set in the Roaring Twenties . . . when anything goes.

Book Details:
Publisher: Delacorte for young readers (Random House Children's book)
Pub. Date: December 14 2010
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 432

My Review:
Wow, where to start? Before VIXEN I've never really paid much attention to the historical fiction genre. Of course I've read books for school that are historical fiction/classics, but historical fiction just for fun? Nope. Not really. OK, well not including The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. VIXEN has made me into a fan of the historical fiction genre and I will be reading more of this genre now.
Jillian Larkin has successfully wrote a stunning debut of a novel. She makes me want to time travel back to the 1920s just so I can have a look at life back then for myself. Sure it was pretty dangerous back then, but at the same time it was a period of beauty and elegance. I bet the buildings and all that jazz was a sight to see.
VIXEN is told from 3 perspectives. Each chapter goes from Gloria, Lorraine, and Clara. I'm not sure if thats the exact order. Gloria is a rich girl who is engaged to Bastian. Gloria one night sets foot in a speakeasy and sees for the first time a handsome black man named Jerome Johnson. Who just might be interested in her too. However, in the 1920s a biracial relationship is frowned upon. So what happens when Gloria and Jerome start getting closer?
Lorraine is the girl who makes the most mistakes in VIXEN. She makes a fool out of herself throughout the novel. Will she ever learn from her mistakes? Lorraine betrays her best friend, Gloria, shows up drunk at a ball, and a lot more bad things. This girl is going down the hill.
Clara is Gloria's cousin who has been forced to come stay at Gloria's for the wedding planning. Clara has a past that she is trying to get away from. She decides to create a character for herself to play. Turns out that character might actually be who she really is. Marcus, Gloria's best friend, may also be falling for Clara. Are his feelings true though? What would happen if he ever found out who Clara was in her past?
VIXEN is fully of mischief, mystery, romance, and so much more. It really does have it all. Especially the shocking ending that its a guarantee you'll never see coming. At the end you also learn who the girl is in the prologue.
Since VIXEN is a first in a series it does leave with a cliffhanger. I recommend you go out and buy this book on December 14th. Before I continue to ramble on about VIXEN and give to much away I'll make this the end of my review: I can't wait to read INGENUE!
4 out 5 Stars!

Monday, November 22, 2010

The Dark Divine News

This is a reminder for everyone who is interested in reading The Dark Divine by Bree Despain. Today Nov. 22 is the last day to get the eBook for $2.39. Also, tomorrow The Dark Divine comes to stores in paperback format. pastedGraphic.pdf

Sunday, November 21, 2010

In My Mailbox (21)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. IMM is where people can share what they got that week in books, It also helps to discover new and old books you have yet to hear about.
This week I got a TON of ARCs. I feel so lucky to even be in the presence of them. Okay, I know that is weird to say, but I hope you understand. This week, I felt, was so extra special that I really thought about making a vlog. I've been thinking about making one for awhile now, but I'm just shy and I think I'd make an idiot of myself. Which is exactly how I feel whenever I have to do presentations in front of a class. To let you in one a secret I always manage to get a grade of 70-80 on them. Okay, well enough of talking about my shyness and presentation grades. On to the amazing books.

For Review
The Lost Saint by Bree Despain (not pictured The Lost Saint nail polish)
Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell
Tempestuous by Lesley Livingston
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford
Entwined by Heather Dixon

Won (from Randombuzzers)
Torment by Lauren Kate
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

A massive THANK YOU to the awesome people at HarperCollins (HarperTeen and Greenwillow Books), Brooke @ Goodman Media , and randombuzzers!

What did you get in your mailbox?

Monday, November 15, 2010

Review: The Unidentified by Rae Mariz



Snopsis (from Goodreads.com): Kid knows her school’s corporate sponsors not-so-secretly monitor her friendships and activities for market research. It’s all a part of the Game; the alternative education system designed to use the addictive kick from video games to encourage academic learning. Everyday, a captive audience of students ages 13-17 enter the nationwide chain store-like Game locations to play.

When a group calling themselves
The Unidentified simulates a suicide to protest the power structure of their school, Kid’s investigation into their pranks attracts unwanted attention from the sponsors. As Kid finds out she doesn't have rights to her ideas, her privacy, or identity, she and her friends look for a way to revolt in a place where all acts of rebellion are just spun into the next new ad campaign.


Book Details:
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins Publishers)
Pub. Date: Oct. 5 2010
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 336

My Review:
The Unidentified is about Katey, kid, who discovers a secret group that call themselves the Unidentified. As she investigates to find out who the individuals are in this mysterious group Kid gets the spotlight in the school (game).
I'm going to leave my summarization of the novel there. I'll leave the rest to you to decide. The premise of the book sounded new, clever, and unique. Only The Unidentified fell flat to me. A lot of people have raved and loved this book. I guess I'm the minority.
The beginning was extremely confusing. Still after finishing the book, I can't really picture this world and what the characters were doing. Most of the characters were not well developed. They just seemed so bland.
At times I did sympathize for Kid and some of the other characters. Even in the future they deal with external conflicts. I know you're probably saying well duh! =)
Aside from the problems I had with The Unidentified, it was a quick read. Rae Mariz also comes up the neat thought of kids doing what they love in school whether its fashion, video gaming, music, socializing, etc. No more boring lecture classes!
I also liked how she brings into focus how consumed people are with social networks. Everyone in this book, well almost everyone, got twitter like updates ever few seconds. They would even get updates from sponsors of the game. Each student would also have their own profile page like Myspace and Facebook.
The Authority figures in The Unidentified seem controlling. Every student must log in, with a card, to each room they enter. So people know where you are at all times. You even have to have permission to activate a car to drive! Its crazy!
I am left with mixed feelings for this book. Maybe if I were to go back and reread it I would appreciate and like it a lot more. Oh, and I'll add that the ending seemed abrupt. Hopefully there is another book coming out to continue this book. If not you're left to your imagination. Kid's adventure was fun to read. I like how fast of a read it is too. I would recommend The Unidentified; just because I'd love to see what many others thought about it. Plus it gives the readers something to think about.
3 Stars!

Win Star Crossed: Gemini Night by Bonnie Hearn Hill


Synopsis:

Starting her junior year, Logan McRae is excited about her internship at CRUSHmagazine. But she is not so excited about her new boyfriend Jeremy’s travel abroad in Ireland. Logan’s in over her head trying to balance school, love, and friends, while trying to solve an astrological mystery—the fate of a Gemini is star-crossed.

Will Logan find out who is in danger before the CRUSH Halloween costume party? Can she prove to the publisher she deserves her own astrology column? And will her relationship with Jeremy survive the distance? Only time will tell as Logan continues to reach for the stars!

Picture and Book Synopsis provided from BN.com

Ends 12/4 at 11:59 P.M EST

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Win a Darren Shan Prize Pack

First off I apologize for the dark, grainy picture. I was in a rush and had to settle for this picture. The package up for grabs are two ARCs of The Thin Executioner and The Saga of Larten Crepsley: Birth of a Killer. Both are by Darren Shan.

Ends 12/2 at 11:59 EST.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Book Trailers Galore

The first book trailer is for Vixen by Jillian Larkin. I'm reading this one right now and only have 100 more pages left to read. Vixen is so good. You should pre-order it by all means, its that good. Plus I never really considered myself a fan of historical fiction... but this book has made me a fan.

I don't recall any blogger ever blogging about the book trailer for The Scorch Trails by James Dashner. Guess I'm the first, unless you can prove otherwise. =) I love the first book, The Maze Runner, in the trilogy. I still have not gotten around to reading this book, but I must say that the first book was pretty epic.

I believe this trailer was recently released this week? Well here is the cool book trailer for Hilary Duff's debut novel Elixir. After I'm done reading Vixen and Matched I'll be reading this book.
What do you think of the trailers? Which one is your favorite?

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Interview: Vordak the Incomprehensible

Yesterday, I posted my review for How to Grow Up and Rule the World by Vordak the Incomprehensible. If you read the review, its pretty obvious how much I enjoyed reading Vordak's guide on how to become ruler of the world. Here is my interview with Vordak the Incomprehensible. This will give you an idea of how much fun Vordak's book is.


1. What motivated you to create your book HOW TO GROW UP AND RULE THE WORLD for kids? What would you think if an adult got ahold of a copy and became the ruler?


I felt the youth of this planet deserved to be exposed to my indescribable brilliance. Sure, they get plenty of schooling on subjects like math and science and English, but I wanted to give them information they can actually use later in life.


Adults are too set in there ways to use my knowledge to Rule the World. Their brains are already filled to the brim with grownup information like bank account numbers and laundry setting and soap opera settings. Now that’s not to say they can’t still gain great enjoyment from my Magnificent Manual, but growing up to Rule the World is a young person’s game.


2. Care to tell us something about yourself that is not in your book?


I won my 3rd grade spelling bee with the word evilosity. It helped that all my classmates were out sick that day due to a “mysterious” illness.

3. You have a serious, yet funny, personality. Have you ever thought or done comedy before?


I resent that you consider my work to be humorous. There is nothing funny about the business of planetary domination. That’s not to say I can’t be hilarious if I want to be. For example:


Q: How many minions does it take to screw in a light bulb?

A: How would I know? My time is much too valuable to waste it observing my minions perform routine lair maintenance.


Get it?

4. I noticed that Commander Virtue looks a lot like an older version of your brother. What do you think about this?


Well, I suppose they do have similar hair color. What’s your point?

5. Have you ever done something good unintentionally while doing something evil?


I’m embarrassed to say it, but yes. I once concocted an Evil Plan to shrink the residents of Boise, Idaho to 4% of their current size. Unfortunately, and through absolutely no fault of my own, I set my Shiver-Inducing Shrink Ray to 4% REDUCTION rather than 4% OF CURRENT SIZE , so everyone woke up the next morning overjoyed that their clothes fit better.

6. If someone ever became ruler of the universe, what do you think they should do afterwards?


Change the price of intergalactic Slurpees to $10. MUAHAHAHAHA!!


7. How are your minions Scott and John?


How would I know? I haven’t paid their dungeon cells a visit since they completed work on my Glorious Guide months ago. Come to think of it, they’re probably getting hungry.


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8. Quick! Write down 6 words that come up in your mind.


Evil, Nefarious, Wicked, Nasty, Loathsome, Kittens.


Thanks Vordak for taking the time to answer my questions.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Win a Lisi Harrison Prize Pack!

Thanks to the wonderful Julia @ Little Brown, I have a Lisi Harrison prize pack to giveaway to one lucky winner!

The prize pack includes:
1 Paperback Movie-tie in edition of The Clique
1 Paperback of The Alphas
1 ARC of Monster High

Open to U.S. Residents only! I am planning a international giveaway soon; so don't feel bad internationals!

Ends November 30 at midnight (12 A.M. EST)

Review: How to Grow Up and Rule the World, by Vordak the Incomprehensible



Synopsis (from amazon.com):
Slip on your acid-free gloves, make sure you have a duplicate copy of How to Grow Up and Rule the World (just in case something should happen to this one) and try to follow along as the incomparable, superior-in-all-ways Vordak the Incomprehensible teaches you a thing or two about villainy. Now you, too, can try (and fail) to attain Vordak's level of infamy.

From selecting the most dastardly name, to choosing the ideal henchmen, to engaging in witty repartee with disgustingly chipper superheroes, experienced supervillain Vordak the Incomprehensible guides readers step-by-step toward the ultimate goal of world domination (from his parents' basement in Trenton, New Jersey).
With chapter titles like "Bringing Out the Evil" and "Building a Top-Notch Evil Organization," numerous bold illustrations, and detailed quizzes to assess your level of dastardliness, this book provides everything necessary to rise above the masses, and then rub your ascent in their faces.

In return for this wealth of knowledge, Vordak requests nothing more than an honored place in the evil regime of he who achieves control of the world. (And, of course, the opportunity to assume command, should things not work out.)

Book Details:
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Pub. Date: August 24, 2010
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 208

My Review:
Looking for a fun, short read? Well, How to Grow Up and Rule the World offers just that. Vordak takes the reader on a step by step how-to in order for the reader to gain knowledge on how to successfully achieve power over the world. Due to some circumstances Vordak the Incomprehensible is unable to continue his quest for world dominance so he has written this amazingly evil book for a future ruler. Or should I say his captives have written and illustrated this book?
I really enjoyed reading How to Grow Up and Rule the World. Laughing to myself until my family looked at me weirdly? Yep, this definitely happened. Vordak is hilarious and I know he'd dislike me for saying this but its true. He manages to have a serious tone but I found it hard not to laugh at some points. For example: When you are given a quiz Vordak demands you not write in the book or else. That you must keep the book in perfect condition and it has to be kept safe like in a glass showcase. The illustrations were also very funny to look at. The illustrations and the humor of this book made reading a breeze. Everything you need to know about a villian's life is in Vordak's book. Which could possibly more than meets the eye.
Even though this book is geared toward young kids, I'd recommend this book to older readers as well. Families could have some fun reading this book together. My only warning is that I hope no one takes Vordak's advice because it could get you into trouble. The humor, quizzes, steps, and illustrations all make How to Grow Up and Rule the World an evilly, incredible, great, and fun read. Oh, and watch out for the shocking ending!
4 Stars!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

ATTENTION! Exciting News This Way!

Hello there my amazing followers. I just wanted to announce that tomorrow is the kick off to my blogoversary celebration! Yay! I'm so excited. There will be about 5 contests total so keep your eyes open for them. I have created a blogoversary button. I know it is small and hard to read, but hey I tried. Its my first time ever dealing with this kind of thing. So if you want you can post my button on your blog (if you have you). Oh, and I should have a review and interview posted this week too! =) Hopefully this will be an exciting week for many.

xxxxxx,
Mallory

Photobucket


Someone Please Help?!

Hi everyone!
Right now I'm trying to make buttons for my blog and for my blog's 1 year celebration. Only problem is I don't know how to make them so that people may grab the button to put on their blog. Plus I'm not completely sure how to make the images link back to my blog. I mean I was some how able to do so but I just think that maybe there is an easier way. Oh, and by the way I'm using photobucket to make the buttons. If anyone could help me out it'd be greatly appreciated!
Right now I'm looking like this: Only less sad looking.

Monday, November 1, 2010

It's November 1st! Do you know what this means?

November is the start of my blogiversary (or as some people call it blogoversary). The Teen Bibliophile will be a 1 year-old on Nov.16! I'm so excited. There will be a lot of giveaways coming in the next week or so. Just giving you all a heads up. If there is anyone who wants to donate a book or book swag for a giveaway, please feel free to contact me. I really can't believe that its been a year. Thanks to everyone who is a follower. I'm glad to have you all interested in my blog and listening to what I have to say. Heres to more days and more years (hopefully!) of blogging.