Giveaway: Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

Synopsis: 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.

If you would like to win a copy of Angelfire here is what you need to know:

The Giveaway is for residents of the U.S. and Canda (sorry I'm really short on cash)

Ends September 10 at midnight Eastern Time

Yep thats about it. :) 

Good luck!

Fill out form here!

Review: Lie by Caroline Bock

Synopsis (from Goodreads): Everybody knows, nobody’s talking. . . .

Seventeen-year-old Skylar Thompson is being questioned by the police. Her boyfriend, Jimmy, stands accused of brutally assaulting two young El Salvadoran immigrants from a neighboring town, and she’s the prime witness. Skylar is keeping quiet about what she’s seen, but how long can she keep it up? 

But Jimmy was her savior. . . .

When her mother died, he was the only person who made her feel safe, protected from the world. But when she begins to appreciate the enormity of what has happened, especially when Carlos Cortez, one of the victims, steps up to demand justice, she starts to have second thoughts about protecting Jimmy. Jimmy’s accomplice, Sean, is facing his own moral quandary. He’s out on bail and has been offered a plea in exchange for testifying against Jimmy.

The truth must be told. . . .

Sean must decide whether or not to turn on his friend in order to save himself. But most important, both he and Skylar need to figure out why they would follow someone like Jimmy in the first place.

Book Details:

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin 

Pub. Date: August 30, 2011

Format: Paperback

Pages: 224

My Review:

What can I say about Lie by Caroline Bock other than the fact this is a heartbreaking novel? Lie certainly takes readers on a ride to the truth. This book had me feeling a wide range of not so good emotions. Really this book is not a happy book. While not much happens in this book so much does happen within the characters of Lie. Weird, right? Lie is told from multiple point of views and each character has their own inner turmoil. 

Lie is about the vicious attack against two Hispanic brothers. The main character, Skylar Thompson, must accept the fact that her beloved Jimmy participated in this hate crime. No one is talking to the police and Skylar is one of the only witnesses who can bring justice to the victims' family. Will Skylar stay loyal to her boyfriend and friend, Lisa Marie, and stay silent about what happened that night her boyfriend and his friend Sean decided to beat two brothers? Or will she be true to herself and tell the truth to give justice to the Cortez family?

I have so much to say about Lie, and yet I just don't know how to say what I want to say about it. Lie definitely deals with some controversial and difficult topics like hate crimes and immigration. I just don't understand how someone could hate someone that basically has done nothing bad to the other person and gets beaten or worse just because they are different. Lie truly does takes readers into how Jimmy is manipulative. Readers also find out how he believes so strongly in his beliefs that he is actually doing the right thing by beating those that are either not his race or here in the U.S. illegally. But his logic is totally not the right way of thinking. He basically justifies his actions by saying that it is to protect Skylar and making where they live safer. I don't care what race someone is or if they are legally or illegally in the U.S. no one deserves to be beaten or murdered because they are different from others. 

While Lie can be slow and somewhat repetitive, because a lot of thoughts are continuously said throughout the novel, it truly is a good read. Lie goes in depth as to how a crime affects the whole community. The word lie also takes on many meanings too in this story. Whatever one does take caution that this book will break your heart and it will stay with you long after you have finished reading it. 

Giveaway: Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton

Synopsis: Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is. 

Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued. 

She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very…different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her. 

Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

Sounds interesting right? Well it turns out that I have an extra copy and I'd love to give this copy to one of my fabulous followers. What's that some of you are not follower?! Why the heck are you here then? Just kidding! Follower or not you are still eligible to enter. 

Here are the details for this giveaway:

You must be a resident of the U.S. or Canada

Giveaway ends August 31st at midnight EST

If you are a follower you get 2 extra entry points 

That's about it. 

To enter to win click here. 

Good luck!

The Joys of the Internet (that doesn't work)

The other day I mentioned that I would be posting some giveaways on my blog yesterday. Well, as you can tell that plan did not work out. So I just wanted to let you all know that it wasn't my intention to leave y'all hanging. 

I guess I should explain. First off the one major problem is that my internet now a days only works when it wants to which is basically NEVER! Its frustrating. Hopefully my family can figure out if its the modem or our router that is the source of the problems. Its always a bummer when I want to post something and there is no internet connection. 

Secondly, when I went to create the forms for the giveaways there of course had to be a problem. I don't really like using the comments as entries for giveaways, so I'm going to post the giveaways whenever the forms start working again. 

In the end I suppose that its a blessing in disguise that the internet is not working all the time. It only gives me more time read. Its unbelievable how much reading I've gotten done when the internet is not working. I'm actually catching up in my 2011 reading goal!

Thanks for hanging in there with me! :) 

Today August 14th is my 20th Birthday!!!

Hi everyone! So today is my 20th birthday. I know its sad that I'm no longer a teenager. Regardless of my age I'm thinking that I'll keep my blog's name the same. I mean why should I change it just because my age when really everyone is a teenager at heart. :)


Truthfully if anyone was to see me in person one would guess that my age is 12 at the least and 14 at the most. Which is understandable because I'm a small person. I'm like Kiersten White. We're both small and short. Whenever I go out to eat with my family people have to ask how many kids menus are needed. Most recently my family went to the movies and the ticket guy said one adult (my dad) and two kids (my brother and I). Oh how wrong was he?! I often joke about enrolling as a fifth grader and no one would be able to tell the difference. For real haha! Last year I went to my brother's play and all the little fifth graders were the same size as me if not a wee bit bigger. Okay well enough with the comparisons. 


The main point of this post is:
 1. To inform you all that I am now a twenty year old today. 
 2. I might just be having two giveaways starting tomorrow because I'm in a festive mood. 


Here is a cute penguin holding a yummy cupcake. I hope you all have had a great day today!

*photo found on Google images*

Review: The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

Synopsis: The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children. 

If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company. 

And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.

But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab’s debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won’t soon forget.

Book Details: 

Publisher: Hyperion

Pub Date: August 2, 2011

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 288

My Review: 

Ever wish there was a fairy tale like story for an audience older than 12 years old? Well look no further because Victoria Schwab has masterfully created a wonderful fairy tale for the older crowd. So good of a book is The Near Witch it's sure to become a classic.

The Near Witch is a story of the town of Near whose children are mysteriously disappearing late in the night. Once the town finds out about a stranger in their territory they blame him for the disappearances. The protagonist, Lexi, is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. Her father always told her stories of the Near Witch and nature. With all towns there are missing parts to every story, things left untold and buried. Will Lexi uncover the truth to the story of the Near Witch, and will she find out who or what is taking the children? Will she be able to find the answer and make it out unharmed?

Seriously this book was pure brilliance! I read this book in two days. Once I started reading I couldn't stop until I was reading the last sentence. The Near Witch is a very captivating tale and will have readers  asking where has someone like Victoria been all their lives? Lexi is a very admirable protagonist she is a strong willed person and takes a stand for herself despite everyone's wishes. The stranger while is phantom like in the beginning turned out to be so adorable and cute. Lexi gave him the name of Cole. The whole time I was praying that Cole was not guilty of kidnapping the kids from their beds, because he was so nice to Lexi. I also love Lexi's mother and little sister. I felt the same determination that Lexi had to protect Lexi's sister from whatever is happening to the other children. The mother who is often quite and in her own world really took me by surprise when it came to her daughter Lexi. Just read the book to find out why.

Aside from the great characters in the book the writing is just superb. The words and sentences and story as a whole just flowed naturally and poetically. If your looking for a great and mysterious nighttime read then get The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab in your hands! 

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi Book Trailer

I totally can't wait for Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi to be released. I've heard nothing but great things about this book. I love the synopsis and the cover. What more can a reader ask for? Oh yeah the book itself. And if we're lucky the release date moved up. Hey a girl can hope can't she?! For now to statisfy my need and want for Shatter Me there's a book trailer that I can watch anytime.

What are your thoughts about the trailer? Are you excited, like me, to read Shatter Me?

Legend by Marie Lu Book Trailer

I know this book trailer was released two weeks ago,and many of you probably know too, but I just had to share this trailer. Legend is definitely one book I'm looking forward to reading later this year. This book has gotten so much hype and rave reviews, and I have a feeling that it certainly will live up to expectations.

What do you think of the book trailer? For me its a good trailer but not the best book trailer I've ever seen. The trailer does not deter me from reading this book either. Check out the synopsis here:

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.


Conclusion:
Legend's release date is November 29, 2011. I'm guessing this will be a book that will wind up under a lot of Christmas trees. Or it'll be a gift for whatever holiday or occasion around the end of the year. Hopefully it'll be under my Christmas tree this year!

Review: Betrayed by Ednah Walters

Synopsis: Lil has come to terms with her life as a Guardian/demon hunter and the wielder of the Nephilim most powerful weapon-the Kris Dagger. She trains everyday to master her growing powers, gets along with her Guardian trainee friends, most of the time, and cherishes the time she spends with her human friends. 

Just when she feels she belongs, her nature-bender father contacts her and warns her about a betrayal by someone close to her. Then Bran, the boy she loves, starts to act strange and one of her human friends acquires a supernatural ability. While Lil struggles find a connection between these three things, she begins to realize that someone is manipulating her and will stop at nothing, including hurting those she loves, to lure her to the dark side.

Book Details: 

Publisher: Firetrail Publishing 

Pub. Date: August 1, 2011

Format: Paperback 

Pages: 368

My Review: 

If there is one thing anyone should know its that I just absolutely LOVED, still do, Ednah's debut novel and the first book in The Guardian Legacy series, AWAKENDED. As soon as I got BETRAYED in my hands I eagerly wanted to start reading the book right away. When I finally did get to start reading this book I was disappointed. Two of my thoughts at the beginning were, "I knew the first book was so great that the second might not live up to expectations" and "This book has got to get better I know Ednah can't fail at writing a great story." 

Betrayed started out very slow for me at the beginning and it wasn't until the middle of the book where things got increasingly better. While I get the bad stuff out of the way first, I'll say that there was one thing that bugged me a little besides the fact the book had a slow start, was that Ednah waited about 50 pages into the book to refresh the readers about what is going on or maybe the more acurate word is reintroductions. Usually authors refresh the readers with everything, this includes what happened in the previous book and the characters, in the very beginning chapters. Ednah certainly did something unique by waiting until way later. One more thing confusing thing about this book was that some scenes did not make sense. I may have just misunderstood what was going on but there was one scene where Lil was talking about how she wants to send someone to Tartarus. And I was like, "what is she talking about didn't she just send that person to Tartarus?!?!" I hope that wasn't confusing! 

Once the book picked up and was able to captivate me exactly like the first book did things went smoothly from there. I'm so glad I stuck with my gut to keep on pushing through the novel because it'd get better. All my favorite characters returned in this novel and there are new additions to the character list like Angelia. I liked all the new characters whether they were good or bad. Yeah I can't really say much without giving it all away. In Betrayed, Ednah certainly did make me think a lot about who could be the traitor and who could be the medium. Is Valafar really trying to be a genuinely good father to Lil? Or does he have a secret agenda? I can tell you that I never did try to guess who the traitor was because Ednah is so good at making the story so open with possiblilities that anyone could be the traitor. 

Lil's life got to the point where everything seemed to be going downhill. Lil could not fully trust anyone. Lil's relationship with Bran is getting complicated. It was just easy to sympathize for her. Trust me when I say to keep reading this book when things get slow because this book is worth it. The second half is full of awesomeness. It made me read like the book would dissolve into ashes any minute. Action packed, fast paced, romance in a way, full of mystery the second half redeemed this book for me. I can't wait to read the last book. I know without a doubt that no matter what Ednah will write another astounding addition to The Guardian Legacy books. 

Interested in reading my review of the first book? Well here it is.

Check out the trailer for BETRAYED: