Wednesday, September 28, 2011

This or That with Anna Carey + Giveaway



Today Anna Carey, the author of the upcoming book Eve, is here to share what she prefers. Read on for some fun and even a giveaway.

This or That with author Anna Carey:
Day or night? Day.

Summer or winter? Depends on which coast. Love the winter in California, the summer in New York.

Library or bookstore? Bookstore. 

Paper book or e-book? Paper. I have bookcases all over my apartment, and I love thumbing through books I read years ago, looking at things I underlined or little notes I made in the margins.

Read a 200 page book or 500 page book? Most books I right in between that. But usually: 200.

Book or movie/television version of the book? Book. 

Which is better Home Alone 1 or 2? Keep the change ya filthy animal.

Go to a concert or listen to the CD? Concerts (insert a thousand exclamation points here) My favorite venue is the Hollywood Bowl.

Talk on a cell phone or talk in person? I’d much rather talk in person. I’m known for my three-minute cell conversations.

PC or Mac? I’ve written all my books on a MacBook.

Car or Airplane? Airplane—my parents live across the country.

Hot coffee or Iced coffee? Coffee affects me like crack. If I had to pick though, I’d say hot.

Chocolate or Gummies? Gummies (sour!).

Dancing or Running? Dancing.

Be an angel or a fairy? Angel—but only if I could live on earth.


Thanks Anna for your time, I had a blast coming up with this list. Plus, an even more fun time reading your response. 


Now, thanks to the awesome publisher, HarperTeen, you have a chance to win a copy of Eve!

Giveaway for a Copy of Eve:
U.S. Residents Only
1 Winner
Giveaway Ends Oct. 4
Click here to fill out the form.

This post is brought to you by The {Teen} Book Scene. To read more fun posts on this blog tour please click the banner at the top of this post.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Review: Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink

Synopsis: With time dwindling but her will to end the Prophecy stronger than ever, Lia sets out on a journey to find the remaining keys, locate the missing pages of the Prophecy, and convince her sister Alice to help--or risk her life trying. Lia has her beloved Dimitri by her side, but Alice has James, the man who once loved her sister--and maybe still does. James doesn't know the truth about either sister, or the prophecy that divides them. And Alice intends to keep it that way. 

There are some secrets sisters aren't meant to share. Because when they do, it destroys them. This stunning conclusion to Michelle Zink's Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy will make saying good-bye bittersweet for readers.





Book Details: 
Publisher: Little, Brown for Young Readers
Pub. Date: August 1st, 2011
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 352

My Review: Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink was a fantastic conclusion to an awesome trilogy. The pace of this novel was a little more faster than the last book, Guardian of the Gate. Which is a good thing, because I would of dreaded picking up this novel just to read a slow paced ending. I have thoroughly enjoyed Lia's entire journey, and Circle of Fire ends the journey perfectly. I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion than what Michelle gave.

Yes, at this point in the review I'm literally at a loss for words. Michelle Zink's writing is superb. Her writing style is fluid and magical. Michelle really has a gift for writing and being able to put readers into her stories. All along I felt like I was right alongside Lia and cheering her on.

Sometimes trilogies or book series end feeling kind of rushed. Michelle took her time writing out the well thought out ending. Each book tied nicely together. Circle of Fire certainly packed a lot of great feelings and messages to the readers. I felt a wide range of emotions while reading Circle of Fire. Among my favorites about this book is the theme of redemption, love, and friendship. I even came to love every single character by the end of this book.

Michelle has proven herself to be one of those authors I will read anything they write. I can't wait for more books by Michelle! If you haven't read the Phophecy of the Sisters Trilogy I highly suggest you do so. If you haven't yet read Circle of Fire what are you waiting on? Circle of Fire will not disappoint readers.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Review: Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink

Synopsis: The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for a way to end the prophecy, her twin sister Alice hones the skills she'll need to defeat Lia. Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim her sister's role in the prophecy, and that's not the only thing she wants: There's also Lia's boyfriend James.

Lia and Alice always knew the Prophecy would turn those closest to them against them. But they didn't know what betrayal could lead them to do. In the end, only one sister will be left standing.

Book Details:
Publisher: Little, Brown books for Young Readers
Pub. Date: August 1, 2010
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 352

My Review:
What could I possibly say about Guardian of the Gate? Well for starters I was a little disappointed with the first half of the book. I was hoping to love the sequel as much as I loved the first book of the trilogy. The first book, Prophecy of the Sisters, had me completely captivated. Very much so in fact I was on a trip in Florida to go to SeaWorld (which was awesome) and Universal Studios (which was a bore) and everyday I woke up early to read the book. Needless to say Prophecy of the Sisters was one of my most memorable moments from that trip. 
For much of Guardian of the Gate, Lia is traveling to Altus. The journey, for the most part, was slow going and not much happened. When things did happen, however, the book got less boring. Along the way to Altus is a journey full of betrayal, budding romance, and flight. To be honest the only good thing to come out of the trip was Dimitri who is Lia’s new love interest. Even though he didn’t make my heart flutter and swoon over him I really liked that he cares a great deal for Lia. He is willing to go to great lengths to protect her and make her feel comfortable. 
What happened on the journey to Altus did change the way things are between the keys and Lia. This certain incident made me want to read to find out how, and if, things will get back to the way they were. Besides the first half of the book the second half was awesome! I liked Altus as much as Lia. The people on the island were great (besides two of them) and I like their laid-back kind of living. I mean seriously silk robes as the usual attire sounds heavenly. I remember the day where I would come home Michelle Zink has created and continued to maintain a wonderful world in her Sisters trilogy. Her writing flows magically and thats just one reason why I will forever read her stories. I can say with 100% certainty that the second half of Guardian of the Gate will leave you wanting to read Circle of Fire to find out how it all ends.