Saturday, August 31, 2013

Book Review: A Million Suns by Beth Revis (Across the Universe #2)

A Million Suns (Across the Universe, #2)A Million Suns by Beth Revis
(Across the Universe #2)
Book Summary: Godspeed was once fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos. 

It’s been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. Everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceshipGodspeed.

But there may be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to act on his vision—no more Phydus, no more lies.

But when Elder learns shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a mystery that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier. Their success—or failure—will determine the fate of the 2,298 passengers aboard Godspeed. But with each step, the journey becomes more perilous, the ship more chaotic, and the love between them more impossible to fight.

Beth Revis catapulted readers into the far reaches of space with her New York Times bestselling debut, Across the Universe. In A Million Suns, Beth deepens the mystery with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

Liana's Summary: Elder has taken the role of Eldest, even though he still insists on being called Elder. He didn't expect his time to be a leader to come so soon. It's been three months since Amy was unplugged, by Elder himself. She's been on Godspeed for so long, and yet, the people still look at her differences in disgust. Elder had decided to take the ship off Phydus, but what will that lead to? Orion has left many clues for Amy-- clue after clue, we are closer and closer to the truth.

Rate(1-10): 9.5

Friday, August 30, 2013

Weekend Reads #4!

Weekend Reads
Weekend Reads is a brand new meme hosted by Alexis at Escape Reality Through Books and Liana at Bookaholic-ness
The guidelines are simple: Just grab our button and put it on a new blog post. Then, show us what you're reading and tell us what your goal is (how many pages) for the weekend! (This weekend, I'm reading: -insert book title/picture here-, and my goal is-- # of pages) And the last step: join the linky list, so others can have a link to your blog post!

This weekend I am reading: 
Blythewood by Carol Goodman

My goal for this weekend is: At least 800 pages.
Weekend Reads meme
Thanks so much for participating and getting this meme started. Please spread the word!

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Author Interview: Jennifer A. Nielsen, Author of the Ascendance Trilogy

Hey guys! I've got an interview with Jennifer A. Nielsen for you guys. Enjoy!

What inspired you to start writing?

I’ve always had stories in my head, and for a long time I thought that was a normal thing for everyone. Maybe it is, but maybe there are some people who just keep that story turning in their minds until they finally give in and write it down. For me, if I don’t write, then I don’t get much of anything else done because the characters that get in my head just won’t leave me alone.

What was your first idea for The False Prince, and did you think of that fabulous twist ending prior to writing most of the book or did you just come up with it right when you were writing the end? 

No, I knew from the beginning how The False Prince would end. I always know the endings to my stories, just not necessarily how I’m going to get there.

Do you organize the plot before writing a book or do you just go with the flow? 

I used to go with the flow a lot more, but now I do a lot more outlining in advance. The better I get at outlining, the more I’m committed to it as a writing tool. It saves me a lot of time and helps me pull stronger moments from the plot. Tomorrow, I’m going to start work on another technique often used by screenwriters – that of writing plot elements on color-coded cards and sorting them around on a board. Should be fun!

Did you intend for The False Prince to be a stand-alone novel at first? 

It was written as a standalone novel, but the further I got into the story, the more I realized how big Sage’s world was, and how much story remained to be told after the new king is crowned. When I approached Scholastic with the idea of possibly making this a trilogy, and they responded enthusiastically, I could not have been happier.

Can you tell us a bit about The Shadow Throne?

 Definitely! There is a place at one point in the book where Jaron gets a bite to eat. It’s riveting. Other than that, there’s not much I can say. However, everyone who has read to the end of The Runaway King should have a good idea of where the story has to go. War is coming…

Which one of your characters, in all the books you've ever written, can you relate to the most, and in what ways? 

I think I put a little of myself in all my characters. I may not have a lot in common with all of them (or with any of them, really), but there are some where I have an easy time getting inside their heads, knowing how they tick. So of my books already released, I think I probably relate most to both of the girls in Ascendance series. I admire their strength and courage and the different ways they each handle Jaron. He needs them both in his life and has a lot to learn from each.

What, in your opinion, is the best thing about being an author?

 I am constantly amazed that I get to write the stories in my head for a job. That is an absolute dream come true, and with every new day I am increasingly grateful for the opportunities this career gives me. But the very best thing about being an author is when I get letters from young readers or their parents or teachers. Letters that say things like “yours is the first book that John has read start to finish.” Or “your book has inspired me to write my own story.” I love those. I save them and re-read them at times when I need encouragement.

And the worst? 

I love building new fictional worlds and populating them with characters that I also love. Then eventually that book or that series has to end, and by that time in a book’s lifespan, I know it all as well as if it were real (yes, many authors are partially schizophrenic, in case you were wondering). So it is hard to say goodbye. I am so excited about what’s coming next, but I will always miss the excitement and challenge of every book that has come before.

Where do you like to write? 
I can write nearly anywhere as long as it’s quiet. My favorite places are on the couch in front of my front room window, in my bed at night, and alone in the mountains near my home.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Sometimes there are people who want to get published, but they freeze up because they are afraid of failing at it. In other words, they prefer quitting to failing. So here’s my advice:

Do not fear failure. There’s nothing wrong with failing – nearly everyone who is great can give you a very long list of their failures, and certainly most authors can. Myself included.

If you have a great story idea, write it. Even if it might not work. Even if it might not be any good. And even if you have no idea who would ever want to read it.

If you’ve written a great story, sell it. When you get a rejection (and you will), send out a new query. Send out five. And if those get rejected, send out some more. I once talked with a writer who gave up for years after his eighth rejection. Eighth? That’s like giving up on the race while you’re still tying your shoes.

And if you never sell that story, then put it away and write another one that’s even better. Most writers do exactly that. Figure out why your first didn’t work and fix the problems. Then sell that one.

And once it sells, prepare yourself for good sales numbers…or bad. Good reviews…or bad. Or worse still, no reviews. Because in your writing career, you’ll get all of that. And it’s not failure. It’s just the business.

There’s nothing wrong with failing. There is, however, something tragic about giving up. So don’t.

Only if you are unafraid to fail can you ever hope to succeed.
-------------------
Thanks to Jennifer to her very thoughtful answers!

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Book Review: Not a Drop To Drink by Mindy McGinnis

Not a Drop to Drink
Not a Drop To Drink by Mindy Mcginnis
Book Summary: Regret was for people with nothing to defend, people who had no water. 

Lynn knows every threat to her pond: drought, a snowless winter, coyotes, and, most importantly, people looking for a drink. She makes sure anyone who comes near the pond leaves thirsty, or doesn't leave at all.

Confident in her own abilities, Lynn has no use for the world beyond the nearby fields and forest. Having a life means dedicating it to survival, and the constant work of gathering wood and water. Having a pond requires the fortitude to protect it, something Mother taught her well during their quiet hours on the rooftop, rifles in hand.

But wisps of smoke on the horizon mean one thing: strangers. The mysterious footprints by the pond, nighttime threats, and gunshots make it all too clear Lynn has exactly what they want, and they won’t stop until they get it….

With evocative, spare language and incredible drama, danger, and romance, debut author Mindy McGinnis depicts one girl’s journey in a barren world not so different than our own.


Liana's Summary: Water was scarce. Lynn had to defend her pond, and protecting meant shooting all those who dared to come near it. With her mother's face being the only face that she'd ever known, it wasn't hard to shoot everyone and anyone. But when she gets to know Stebbs, Eli, Lucy, and Neva, Lynn starts to think about it. Those people and animals are just trying to survive. Just like her. Mindy McGinnis takes you on a journey through the futuristic United States, where there is not a drop to drink..

Rate(1-10): 7

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Author Interview: Debra Ann Miller, Author of the Fallen Guardian Saga

patricks communiom.jpgHello everyone! Below is the author interview with Debra Ann 
Miller, Author of the Fallen Guardian Saga!


1. What inspired you to start writing? 

I think that writing is just an extension of who I am. My grandmother lived with me for the past 5 years. We were very close and she was my biggest supporter in life. She always told me I was a gifted story-teller. I remember sitting by her bedside wondering how I could let her know how much I appreciated her always believing in me. I decided the best way to show her how grateful I was would be to write. I did that day after day, while sitting in her room and read each chapter to her as I went. Sadly, she didn't live long enough to hear the end of my story but there are traces of her in it from beginning to end. My Grandmother inspired me to be my best and I am doing just that.

2. What gave you the idea to write Descended, and how long did you take to write the first draft?

The idea for Descended came to me when my Grandmother was in the hospital. I was told that her time here was about to expire. I found myself wondering about what comes next. Each night when I left the hospital I would drive home imagining life beyond this world. My thoughts quickly turned to conversations between characters created in my mind. Before I knew it, there was a story developing and I needed to let it out. To an old school notebook the ink flowed onto the pages and 3 months later I had 94,000 words and a first draft.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Bout of Books 8.0: This Week's Recap

Bout of Books
This was my first read-a-thon, and unfortunately, it was such a failure. Although I have to say it was kind of fun! This week was also the first week of school for me, so in all the chaos with getting organized and prepared and accustomed and trying to keep up with AP courses and trying to do homework, and trying to study, I've only been able to read two books this entire readathon, when my initial goal was 1000 pages. I'm looking forward to participating next year, and hopefully I'll be more accustomed to AP courses by then to not spend entire evenings and nights trying to figure things out, and be able to read at least a little.

Check out my progress post: http://bookaholic-ness.blogspot.com/2013/08/bout-of-books-80-goals.html
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boutofbooks.blogspot.com

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Book Review: Descended by Debra Ann Miller (Fallen Guardian Saga #1)

Descended (Fallen Guardian Saga, #1)Descended by Debra Ann Miller 
(Fallen Guardian Saga #1)
Book Summary: Destiny has two ways of crushing us…by refusing our wishes…and fulfilling them.

Vie had no idea when she descended into the small town of Newcastle, Wyoming that she’d find herself mesmerized by the mysterious and alluring eyes of one Carter Stone. And Carter believed he knew everyone that lived in his rural town until the day he locked eyes with Vivian Thorne. He couldn’t help but wonder what was different about this girl he had known all of his life.

He was right, Vie was the beautiful young Guardian that had been sent to their world looking for Carter and she did so merged in the vessel of the Thorne girl. Their meeting sparks a passionate romance between the two and soon after they embark on their journey to uncover the secrets of a past that they begin to realize they both shared. Their forbidden connection unleashes a war with disapproving parties and the lovers find themselves on a mission to uncover the truth of their not wholly human existence and their unbreakable bond.

Darkness falls as Lucian returns to settle a score with them and their lives take a thrilling and terrifying turn. The only way for Carter to stop Lucian and save the one he holds most dear is to unlock the secrets of his past and unleash the powers within him. What are the chances that two raindrops, flung from the heavens, will merge on a windowpane? Gotta be fate!
Deeply passionate and extraordinarily suspenseful, Descended captures the struggles between doing what is expected of you and unleashing your destiny, between fulfilling prophecies and desires, between loyalty and love.

Liana's Summary: Vie is sent on a mission, to take over Vivian Thorne's body. She must find Carter Stone, the Chosen One, and help him discover his true self. But in all this-- Vie might end up falling in love with Carter-- and that can lead to a lot of things.

Rate(1-10): 7

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Movie Review: TMI, City of Bones (& Crazy Fangirling!)

OKAY GUYS OKAY IT'S HERE -- MY MOVIE REACTION. DO NOT PROCEED BELOW IF SELECTIVE CUSS WORDS (anger caused by ignorant little shits on the internet) AND MOVIE/BOOK SPOILERS (so it's highly recommended that you go watch the movie if you haven't already and revisit this post) MAKE YOU NAUSEOUS THANK YOU HAVE A NICE DAY

Okay. Okay. Breathe. I'm overwhelmed with emotions right now. It's a bit hard to type a post at the moment, but I really have to.. Ah, where do I start.

I've been waiting for this movie for 10 months, and in that 10 months, we fans have gotten many trailers, stills, and HANDFULS of movie info. I can't help but think the movie's been spoiled for me already (and I've already read the book, too) because of those trailers and stills and clips and stuff. But that didn't really make the movie any less amazing. Not really, anyway.

Let's just start off with the actors/actresses.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Weekend Reads #3!

Weekend Reads
Weekend Reads is a brand new meme hosted by Alexis at Escape Reality Through Books and Liana at Bookaholic-ness
The guidelines are simple: Just grab our button and put it on a new blog post. Then, show us what you're reading and tell us what your goal is (how many pages) for the weekend! (This weekend, I'm reading: -insert book title/picture here-, and my goal is-- # of pages) And the last step: join the linky list, so others can have a link to your blog post!

This weekend I am reading: 
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
Blythewood by Carol Goodman

My goal for this weekend is: At least 200 pages.
Weekend Reads meme
Thanks so much for participating and getting this meme started. Please spread the word!

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Follow Friday #32!

Alison Can Read Feature & FollowFollow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.

Book Selfie! Snap a picture of you and your current read. (lol gonna overlay it on because of pure laziness)

Leave your links below! I wanna see YOUR book selfie! 

If you follow me, I'll be more than glad to follow back!
**I prefer Bloglovin/GFC followers! Thanks for stopping by!

Don't forget to participate in my brand new Weekend Reads meme tomorrow! It's to tell your fellow readers what and how much you plan to read over each weekend! Check back here tomorrow at 5PM to participate!

Discussion #12: The Perks of Having a TBR List



 Do you have a whole bunch of books to read? Is that pile growing endlessly because you can't control your bookaholicness? Yeah, same here. (Assuming you said yes. LOL.) There are many perks to having a physical TBR list, aka To Be Read list. My own personal list, currently, is displayed in this post. Gorgeous, right? Three freaking pages. I'm nearing four because page three is already starting its fourth column. Some readers just go with the flow and read whatever they want to read whenever they want to read it, and that's pretty cool. They don't seem to need a TBR list because they just pick up books at random, one at a time. But most of us readers just buy books and never seem to stop. But bloggers. Book bloggers are also readers. We also buy books and never stop. But we also have ARC copies, blog tours, review requests from authors.. Needless to say, blogging has a lot of reading involved, and it's fun!


My own personal TBR checklist has a quote on the top: "To read or not to read- that is the question." Honestly I don't know who I'm quoting, but hey. I like it! Below is my chart of what each symbol/color means:

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Book Review: The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa (Blood of Eden #2)

The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden, #2)The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa
(Blood of Eden #2)
Book Summary: Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

Liana's Summary: Allie feels Kanin in her mind. She hears his screams and his thoughts in her dreams.. So what else can she do, but set out to look for him? But when the tug doesn't lead her to Kanin but someone else, Allie forms an ally bond with the someone else, and they set out to find Kanin together. As more and more surprises unfold, Allie finds herself with three companions, set out to find Kanin, and then four, to find Sarren and cure the world of Red Lung-- and hopes that it won't be too late.

Rate(1-10): 10

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Sort-of-book-review: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (The Mortal Instruments #1)


City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)This is my second 'review' for this book pasted directly from GR. Contains spoilers and fangirling, with the movie coming out tomorrow. That's right, I reread City of Bones, and re-reviewed it. And ALL THE DAMN FEELS ARE ATTACKING ME AGAIN. Note: Not in usual review format, hence the name "sort-of-book-review."

Firstly, before I go on and on and on about how I love this series and Cassie Clare and everything-- I'd like to state that this book is definitely worth reading, and rereading, over, and over, and over again. There are a lot of mixed reviews. You either love this book or hate it. Well, judging from the avg rating, a lot of people liked it, with the exceptional few. I'M TELLING YOU THAT TMI IS ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE SERIES AND I'M STILL OBSESSED WITH IT EVEN AFTER ALL THIS TIME.

Book Review: What Really Happened in Peru by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan

What Really Happened in Peru (The Bane Chronicles, #1)What Really Happened in Peru by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan
(Bane Chronicles #1)
Book Summary: Fans of The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices know that Magnus Bane is banned from Peru—and now they can find out why. One of ten adventures in The Bane Chronicles.

There are good reasons Peru is off-limits to Magnus Bane. Follow Magnus’s Peruvian escapades as he drags his fellow warlocks Ragnor Fell and Catarina Loss into trouble, learns several instruments (which he plays shockingly), dances (which he does shockingly), and disgraces his host nation by doing something unspeakable to the Nazca Lines.

This standalone e-only short story illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality populates the pages of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices series. This story in The Bane Chronicles, What Really Happened in Peru, is written by Sarah Rees Brennan and Cassandra Clare.

Liana's Summary: What Really Happened in Peru summarizes Magnus Bane's adventures before meeting our favorite TMI characters and after meeting our wonderful TID characters, and tells the story of what really happened in Peru.

Rate(1-10): 10

Monday, August 19, 2013

Discussion #11: The Purpose of Having a "Review Policy" Page & Other Specifics On Your Blog

Recently, I went on Twitter, and a specific tweet reminded me of something. Once, way earlier in my blogging years, an author asked me to review their book, so of course I said yes, of course, because I would feel bad if I didn't-- and the book wasn't even in my comfort zone. I tried reading the book, and I'd ended up skimming to the end (because I couldn't DNF it. I would feel bad. I promised a review.) So I reviewed it, and it was really bad. (My review was really bad, since I was a fobby reviewer.. I think I still am, but definitely better.) I wrote a really negative review, as much as I hated writing it. And guess what, the author comments on my posts and says something like, "Don't believe what this blogger says. I'm the author. I swear it's good." And, I'm just like, "Aren't I entitled to my own opinion? Like, are you kidding me?"

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Book Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss (Anna and the French Kiss, #1)Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
(Anna and the French Kiss #1)
Book Summary: Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend. 

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?


Liana's Summary: Anna wasn't expecting to go to Paris for her senior year. She just wanted to be home at Atlanta, in America, where her family, best friend, and crush were. At home. But when she meets the gorgeous Ã‰tienne St. Clair, her path makes a turn. Everything changes. But.. he has a girlfriend (which seems to be their relationship-block). But as their relationship continues to develop, things take another turn, for the good, for the bad-- all for Anna and Etienne to decide on.

Rate(1-10): 9.5


Saturday, August 17, 2013

Blog Tour: Welcome To AdelHeid, Mia Darien

Inline image 1

GUEST POST


Today's guest post is part of an Adelheid "micro-series," which is four flash
fiction pieces, one for each narrator of currently available Adelheid novels, that link
together into one story. You can read the first installment, which is Sadie's, here:
Cody Gary’s Books (http://www.codigarysbooks.com from) August 12 and the second
installment, which is Dakota's, here: The Pen & Muse (http://www.thepenmuse.net)
from August 15.
* * *

Friday, August 16, 2013

Weekend Reads #2!

Weekend Reads
Weekend Reads is a brand new meme hosted by Alexis at Escape Reality Through Books and Liana at Bookaholic-ness
The guidelines are simple: Just grab our button and put it on a new blog post. Then, show us what you're reading and tell us what your goal is (how many pages) for the weekend! (This weekend, I'm reading: -insert book title/picture here-, and my goal is-- # of pages) And the last step: join the linky list, so others can have a link to your blog post!

This weekend I am reading: 
Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis
Blythewood by Carol Goodman

My goal for this weekend is: At least 800 pages.
Weekend Reads meme
Thanks so much for participating and getting this meme started. Please spread the word!

New to the Blogosphere?

Hello everyone-- I decided to make a post just for the brand new book bloggers who are not yet introduced to the blogosphere. I, myself, have been a book blogger/reviewer for over a year now, so I've picked up bits and pieces. Below are the aspects of book blogging:


Blog Appearance - This isn't as important as the others, but appearance might just be the difference of whether a reader decides to stay or decides to leave. So you've got to make it.. fabulous. I mean, it doesn't have to be showy, and it doesn't have to be over-the-top, but I'd definitely recommend making it pretty and adding your own spice to it. (Don't forget to design a blog button! Oh wait, I can totes do that for you. Just contact me.)

Getting Followers - Getting followers is important too. That's the way to increase the traffic, that's the way you know that your posts are being read! When I'd first started blogging, I was so lost. SO LOST. ("How do you get followers oh my god this is so hard") Anyways, go ahead and just go make a Bloglovin' account. GFC is too hard to use.. -sigh- But use both, just for the sake of it! I am! You can use Linky, or any other system/program to get followers, but it's kinda just "You follow me, I'll follow you!" And now is the part where I get to the memes.


Thursday, August 15, 2013

Follow Friday #31!

Alison Can Read Feature & FollowFollow Friday!
This is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read.

Share something you've learned about book blogging or just blogging in general in the last month.

Well, throughout this year of blogging I've sure learned a lot. But I have to narrow it down to the last month.. Let's see. Oh! In the last month, I've learned how to make my blog pretty. Or at least, just really pink. And pretty. I've learned that a blog appearance is, I quote from somewhere, "the thing that either makes a reader stay or leave." Although it is true that the content matters more than the appearance, a pretty blog will attract more readers and thus, encourage them to stay and read more. Every time I see a pretty blog (and there are a whole lot of those out there) I just go, "oooh" and start to explore. That might just be me, though.. I'm definitely an amateur designer, but hey! I'll progress over time.

What about you guys? If you're a new follower, please comment below and I'll be more than glad to follow back! Happy Friday!

**I prefer GFC and Bloglovin' follows.** Thanks for stopping by!

Don't forget to participate in my brand new Weekend Reads meme tomorrow! It's to tell your fellow readers what and how much you plan to read over each weekend! Check back here tomorrow at 5PM to participate!

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Author Interview: Jessica Khoury, Author of Origin

Hey guys! Today I've got an author interview for y'all. The author is.... *drumroll* JESSICA KHOURY! Below is the Q&A. Enjoy!

1. What inspired you to start writing, and what was your inspiration for Origin?

I have wanted to write since I was four years old, so when Origin was published it was so amazing to see a lifelong dream come true! The book was inspired by an image that came into my mind one day as I was taking a walk--a girl trapped by glass in the middle of the jungle. I was so intrigued by her that I ran home and wrote the first chapter of what would become Origin that very day.

2. In your opinion, what is the best thing about being an author? 

Everything! But okay, I'll narrow it down a bit... I get to wake up every day and do what I love most--create stories. I couldn't ask for anything more fulfilling and exciting than that! Hearing from readers who have been touched by my stories gives me the energy and inspiration to keep writing, so I cannot thank them enough!

Waiting on Wednesday #6!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine!
Time After Time (Time Between Us, #2)
This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Time After Time (Time Between Us #2) by Tamara Ireland Stone

Pub date: October 2013

Okay, I thought that Time Between Us was just a stand-alone novel, and let me tell you, it would have done really well as a stand-alone. But when I found out that there was a sequel, I was just so excited, and I still am. I really hope this is one of those good sequels. I mean, I could just not read it if I'm afraid of this being a bad sequel, but I just really need to know what happened. And for those who haven't read Time Between Us, JUST READ IT. It's a love story.. through time.. (Now why doesn't Bennett have nice hair on this cover?)

Synopsis: Calling Anna and Bennett’s romance long distance is an understatement: she’s from 1995 Chicago and he’s a time traveler from 2012 San Francisco. The two of them never should have met, but they did. They fell in love, even though they knew they shouldn't. And they found a way to stay together, against all odds. 

It’s not a perfect arrangement, though, with Bennett unable to stay in the past for more than brief visits, skipping out on big chunks of his present in order to be with Anna in hers. They each are confident that they’ll find a way to make things work...until Bennett witnesses a single event he never should have seen (and certainly never expected to). Will the decisions he makes from that point on cement a future he doesn't want?

Told from Bennett’s point of view, Time After Time will satisfy readers looking for a fresh, exciting, and beautifully-written love story, both those who are eager to find out what’s next for Time Between Us's Anna and Bennett and those discovering their story for the first time.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Book Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Under the Never Sky by Veronica RossiUnder the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
(Under the Never Sky #1)
Book Summary: WORLDS KEPT THEM APART.

DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.

Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim.

Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive.

If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers.


Liana's Summary: Aria and Perry are separated by so much- so no one expects them to meet. So when they do, hesitation, disgust, and mistrust hangs in the air between them. Perry is looking for his nephew. Aria just wants to get to her mom. The two slowly form an alliance because they realize that they generally want the same thing, and are headed in the same direction. But of course, something more than an alliance will form. 

Rate(1-10): 8.5

Monday, August 12, 2013

Author Interview: Julie Kagawa, Author of The Iron Fey & Blood of Eden

Hello everyone! Recently I did an author interview with Julie Kagawa, author of The Iron Fey series! Below is the Q&A. Enjoy!

1. What inspired you to start writing?

         For a long time, the goal was to become a veterinarian.  Then I discovered all the math and science you had to know to become a veterinarian, and that plan sort of went out the window.  So then I thought, since I love reading and writing so much, that I would try to become an author.  Hey, writing stories should be easy, right?  *Cue hysterical laughter* 

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Bout of Books 8.0: Goals & Progress

Bout of Books
http://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/2013/08/bout-of-books-80-goals.html
THE WEEK OF AUGUST 19TH

Time Devoted to Reading

I will be reading ALL weekend. Yippee. On the weekdays, I'm not sure. School starts the week of the read-a-thon, but I'll try to keep reading! A bookaholic never stops. 

My Goals

I'll go for vague. Lots and lots and lots. At least 1000 pages. I got this.

Books to Read

-Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis done 
-Blythewood by Carol Goodman
-Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
-A Million Suns by Beth Revis
-Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

PROGRESS


Monday
Read today: Not A Drop To Drink (all), A Million Suns (some)
Books read overall: 1 and then some
Percentage of current book: 10?
Thoughts on today's book(s): Not A Drop To Drink, Rated 7/10. A Million Suns is good of course.
Overall thoughts on the day: A pretty decent amount-- hope to read more this weekend!

Tuesday
Read today: 100 pages of A Million Suns
Books read overall: 1/4
Percentage of current book: 25-30%
Thoughts on today's book(s): It's pretty good so far! I don't expect anything else from the amazing Beth Revis, anyway.
Overall thoughts on the day: I didn't read much as I'd wanted to. Well, school starts tomorrow. Let's see how I do for the rest of the week.

Wednesday
Read today: NOTHING UGH
Books read overall: NONE
Percentage of current book: 50%
Thoughts on today's book(s): IT WAS GOOD BUT I DIDN'T READ BECAUSE SCHOOL UGH
Overall thoughts on the day: I HATE SCHOOL

Thursday
Read today: NOPE
Books read overall: NOPE
Percentage of current book: 50% LOL
Thoughts on today's book(s): CRYING
Overall thoughts on the day: i can't do this anymore

Friday
Read today: Nothing..
Books read overall: None..
Percentage of current book: 50%
Thoughts on today's book(s): CRYINGDKSJKDFS
Overall thoughts on the day: I'll never get to read omg

Saturday
Read today: Like, 2 pages.
Books read overall: Um..
Percentage of current book: 50%
Thoughts on today's book(s): I don't know..
Overall thoughts on the day: I hate school..

Sunday
Read today: The rest of A Million Suns
Books read overall: 1..
Percentage of current book: 100%
Thoughts on today's book(s): It was awesome.
Overall thoughts on the day: At least I finished?

Movie Review: Percy Jackson- The Sea of Monsters



Alrighty, recently I went to the movies and saw SEA OF MONSTERS! (I went to see it the day it premiered, and this is a scheduled post BUT OH WELL) It was completely awesome. 

 Well, anyways, this movie was really good. Despite all the complaints about The Lightning Thief, they really tried to fix it up by following the book a lot more.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Book Haul(Mini)- 3

Wow, I am really doing hauls that often.
BlythewoodThe Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium, #1)Venom (Secrets of the Eternal Rose, #1)
1. Blythewood by Carol Goodman
ARC review copy. Sent by PenguinTeen. Stay tuned for the review!

2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
This one seemed really interesting. Plus, it's a bestseller. Plus, it was three dollars. LOL.

3. Venom by Fiona Paul
I told myself I would stop buying books for now BUT NO I couldn't resist. 4 dollars only. Hardcover, brand new. omg. Can't wait to read this one.

RABT Promo Blitz: Blind Sight by Nicole Storey


Blind Sight - PROMO Blitz
By Nicole Storey

Young Adult Paranormal
Date to be Published: 7/17/2013

Jordan's life seems to be going in circles. Orphaned, homeschooled and born into the family business, she doesn't have a lot of friends, she doesn't have a lot of choices. Her life is dominated by her uncle, her older brothers and a couple of annoying Angels who expect her to get off her backside and keep Evil in check. All she wants is a few days to herself, to relax, to dream and to listen to her Daughtry cds, but that isn't happening. Oh, well. Everyone has their demons.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Weekend Reads #1!

Weekend Reads
Weekend Reads is a brand new meme hosted by Alexis at Escape Reality Through Books and Liana at Bookaholic-ness
The guidelines are simple: Just grab our button and put it on a new blog post. Then, show us what you're reading and tell us what your goal is (how many pages) for the weekend! (This weekend, I'm reading: -insert book title/picture here-, and my goal is-- # of pages) And the last step: join the linky list, so others can have a link to your blog post!

This weekend I am reading: 
The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa
Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis (ARC)
Blythewood by Carol Goodman

My goal for this weekend is: At least 800 pages.
Weekend Reads meme
Thanks so much for participating and getting this meme started. Please spread the word!

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Follow Friday #30!

Alison Can Read Feature & Follow
Feature and Follow Friday!
This is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. This week's features are Wonderlands Readers and Girls in the Woods Reviews.

Back to School time! Create a reading list for the imaginary English Lit class you'll be teaching this semester. 

Oh, well, this has got to be interesting. Okay. Let's come up with that list.
  1. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
  2. The Host by Stephenie Meyer
  3. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
  4. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
  5. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  6. Vixen by Jillian Larkin
  7. Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
  8. A Gathering of Old Men by Ernest J. Gaines
  9. The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

They have a lot of reading to do.

What about you guys? What is your reading list for your English Lit class? Comment below!

If you follow me, please comment below and I'll be more than glad to follow back! Happy Friday!
**I prefer GFC and/or Bloglovin' follows!

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

The Mortal Instruments, CoB Read-A-Long: Day 7: Chapter 7 Recap + All About Shadowhunters + Giveaway!


Hello everyone! This is the TMI blog tour, hosted by Kayla @ Ramblings of a Book Junkie, counting down to the movie release on August 21st! (Also the first day of school. Bummer. But I'm gonna watch it even if it involves sneaking out.)  Okay, every day, a different blogger will be reviewing each chapter of COB, along with an extra post. And it looks like I've got chapter 7!

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1)
Picture from Goodreads
Chapter 7
Chapter 7 starts out with Jace and Clary going into Madame Dorothea's place. They sit down, and Madame Dorothea offers them tea, which Jace rudely replies to with "I hate bergamot." HA. And then he goes, "I'm not like other guys." Jace then calls Clary "Fray," which she gets mad at, because it makes her think of Simon. And then, Clary asks Jace about his 'magical powers' which he arrogantly scoffs at, saying that he doesn't have magical powers, the tools he use do. And there goes the explanation of the.. 'tattoos.' (runes -winkwink-) Clary jokes about selling Jace's magical weapons on eBay and he goes, "on what?"