Where reading is a way of life

Monday, March 11, 2013

February Best of the Bunch


Best of the Bunch is hosted by Always Lost in Stories.  Best of the Bunch is a monthly wrap-up and award ceremony hosted here on the last day of each month, where we can look back over the books we have read and give a Best of the Bunch award to our favorite book of that month.

It is also a blog hop for bloggers to showcase their pick of "Best of the Bunch". I always put up my post on the last day of the month, but remember, you can add your link anytime in the following month- please join in, I love hearing about which books you thought were the most amazing!

For more info and to grab the button and stickers visit the BOTB page here, then all you need to do is write up your post showing us your Best of the Bunch and add your linky to the list below. Don't forget to check out the other blogs to find out which books other bloggers have awarded the best.


I had another great reading month, but didn't come close to my January's totals!


What I read this month!

Prodigy by Marie Lu--5 stars--My Review
Where She Went by Gayle Forman--5 stars
The Reece Malcolm List by Amy Spaulding--3.5 stars--My Review
Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti--4 stars
The Moon Dwellers by David Estes--4.5 stars--My Review
Life Before Legend by Marie Lu--4 stars
The Secret of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorensen--4.5 stars--My Review on Juliababyjen After Dark blog
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood--5 stars--My Review
Ashfall by Mike Mullin--5 stars--My Review
Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris--3 stars
The Next Forever by Lisa Burstein--4 stars
The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter--3.5 stars--My Review
Asunder by Jodi Meadows--5 stars
Take A Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg--4 stars
Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris--5 stars
Catherine by April Lindner--5 stars--My Review
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer--5 stars
Every Day by David Levithan--4 stars--My Review
Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep--4.5 stars--My Review
Bound by J. Elizabeth Hill--4.5 stars--My Review
Frost Fire by Olivia Rivers--4 stars--My Review
Time's Twisted Arrow by Rysa Walker--4 stars-My Review
The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd--3 stars--My Review

And the winner is...

My first read of the month!
Goodreads

June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long. 

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

In this highly-anticipated sequel, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action.






And the runners-up!


Goodreads

DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.

SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

In this second book in the Newsoul trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy.


Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word... especially after she finds her mother’s diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family’s destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren’t safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other.


Which book won your bananas?

What Are You Reading Monday #19


What Are You Reading Monday is hosted by Book Journey, where us bloggers highlight our book reading week. 


This covers the last 2 weeks!








Hush,Hush was a reread

My Reading List for the Upcoming Week







I am hoping things can go back to normal on the blog, and I can get back into the swing of reading! Moving sucks!

This week on the blog
Aura Blog Tour + Giveaway
The Truth of Letting Go Book Blitz + Review
Transcend Time Saga Book Blitz
Catching up on some reviews!

What are you reading this Monday?

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce


Goodreads
328 pages, YA Paranormal (werewolves) Fairy Tale Retellings
Fairytale Retellings #1
My rating: 4 stars

Synopsis

Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris--the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.
Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts ferociously alongside her. But even as more girls' bodies pile up in the city and the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves. She finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax and Scarlett's only friend--but does loving him mean betraying her sister and all that they've worked for?
My 2 cents
This is the second retelling I've read this year of the story of Little Red Riding Hood and the Big, Bad Wolf.  I really liked this retelling a lot.  I was able to make the comparisons, but it truly felt like a brand new story to me.  I think a lot of that had to do with the characters.
Scarlett, Rosie, and Silas were a great little group of comrades.  Scarlett and Rosie are sisters, and fiercely loyal to each other after a werewolf attack that killed their grandmother and scarred Scarlett for life.  I got a kick out of their names--both shades of the color red!  Very clever!  They are as different as night and day, though, and conflict of course arises from it.  Silas is Scarlett's fighting partner and best friend, but he and Rosie also start to fall in love with each other during the story, which made for an interesting variations of relationships between the three!
There is a lot of action and violence in this story.  These are NOT good werewolves!  They kill young girls with a passion.  The descriptions of them were grotesque.  I would not want to happen across them in a dark alley!  The pacing of the story was very good.  I couldn't put the book down!  I was very invested in the characters and the final outcome.  
The big twist was not really a surprise for me, I was able to figure it out about halfway through the story.  But it was still a good ending, and it is nice to have a "Happy Ever After," especially in a fairy tale!

In My Mailbox #24


In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.  Us bloggers feature any new books we've received in the past week, either bought, borrowed, or received for review.

We finally moved about a week ago!  Things have been crazy, and the blog has suffered because of it.  This IMM covers the last two weeks!

eBooks I bought




eBooks from Netgalley


eBooks I Won!




Thank you, David Estes!  If you haven't had a chance to read this brilliant Indie author, I suggest you do! I also really enjoy his group on Goodreads, and have made lots of friends on there!

eBooks I received for review


Now onto physical copies!
Received for trade with another blogger


Checked out from the library


And, finally, Book I bought!


Just had to get it!  Unfortunately, I haven't had time to read it yet, and its killing me!!  I am really happy I found Deadly Little Lessons at the library! I've been waiting forever to read the last book in the series!

What did you get in your mailbox?

Saturday, March 9, 2013

The Ferryman and the Flame Blog Tour + Giveaways!



Surrender (The Ferryman and the Flame #1)
by Rhiannon Paille
Published October 2nd 2012

How far would you go to save everything you ever loved?

Kaliel was warned about her love for the Ferryman. One day he will marry the land and leave Avristar forever. She doesn't listen, and because of what she is-- a Flame-- one of nine apocalyptic weapons, she sparks a war. In a desperate attempt to save her home and her love, Kaliel tries to awaken Avred, not knowing she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.(less)

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16049030-surrender
Purchase: http://www.amazon.com/SURRENDER-The-Ferryman-Flame-ebook/dp/B00A55EZS8/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1352759821&sr=8-3

My 2 cents
My Rating: 3 stars

Overall I really loved the concept of this novel and series.  The forbidden love of Kaliel and Krishani is behind hot and steamy!  The romance between them was my favorite parts of the books.  Both of these characters are helpless to stop the chaos that surrounds their world, as they become pawns in an ancient war.  Kaliel was so beautiful and innocent, while Krishani is so troubled and doesn't fit in with his kind.  

The world building was amazing!  I was easily able to imagine the forests, lakes, waterfalls, and mountains of this beautiful fantasy.  I did have trouble understanding all the different types of creatures, and where they all fit in with each other in this world.  The other characters of the story, with the exception of Pux, I did not really get at all.  They react so strongly about small matters, and it almost felt a little over dramatized for my taste.

The final battle and the last scenes of the book had me holding my breath:  would Kaliel make it?  Would Krishani be able to fight off the evil warriors?  The ending was a complete surprise, and ends on a huge cliffhanger, so be ready with the next book!


Lantern & Poison (The Ferryman and the Flame #1.5)
by Rhiannon Paille
Published December 11th 2012

This is SURRENDER from the villain's POV.

Hadwen is no more. The Daed have no choice but to travel to Avrigost to awaken Crestaos. They're thrown into a whirlwind quest for the Flames, not knowing how ruthless and sadistic Crestaos can be.

Meet Isadora The Iolite Flame, Lotesse The Emerald Flame, Cossisea The Ruby Flame, Shezeel The Quartz Flame and Tiki The Carnelian Flame in this novella that dives deeper into Kaliel and Krishani's nightmare.(less)


Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16173759-lantern-poison
Purchase: http://www.amazon.ca/LANTERN-POISON-Ferryman-Flame-ebook/dp/B00AGMVHB8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361379782&sr=8-1


Justice (The Ferryman and the Flame #2)
by Rhiannon Paille
Published January 22nd 2013

How far would you go to destroy yourself?

Krishani always knew he would have to go to the Lands of Men, but he never thought it would be like this. Enemies everywhere, an ancestor he can't respect, elders he can't trust, a curse he can't stop and friends he can't help but hate. Desperate to end the pain, he sets out on a quest to find the other Flames and face the enemy that took everything from him.(less)

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12155164-justice
Purchase: http://www.amazon.ca/JUSTICE-Ferryman-Flame-2-ebook/dp/B00B25PVK6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361379856&sr=8-1


Blood & Gold (The Ferryman and the Flame #2.5)
by Rhiannon Paille
Publication date: June 2013

This is JUSTICE from the villain's POV.

The Daed are pawns to one of the most powerful members of the Valtanyana. Crestaos is insane, his hunger for the Flames insatiable. The closer the Daed get to achieving his goal, the more expendable they become.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16173779-blood-gold
Purchase: http://www.amazon.ca/BLOOD-GOLD-Ferryman-Flame-ebook/dp/B00B975QAC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361379911&sr=8-1


AUTHOR BIO
Rhiannon Paille
Rhi was never a normal girl. Her life was an urban fantasy wrapped in a paranormal romance and served with a side of horror. To escape her everyday weirdness she began writing fantasy. She studied at U of Sedona and MIMT, obtaining a PhD in Metaphysical Science and Parapsychology. She's married to a chef/comic book shop owner and has a fondness for architecture. She frequents twitter and facebook, but if you really want to get to know her you should visit her site: www.yafantasyauthor.com

Author Links:
Website: http://www.yafantasyauthor.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4653530.Rhiannon_Paille
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RhiannonPaille
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rhiannonpaille



And now, for the giveaways!
I am giving away an eBook copy of Surrender! Scroll even further down for the grand prizes from the publisher!
Enter on the Rafflecopter, and good luck!






a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway


March 4th
-Always Lost in Stories >> Review Book 1 
-Bookish Things & More >> Review Book 2
-A Dream Within A Dream >> Series Review
-Kari's Crowded Bookshelf  >> Review Book 1 & 1.5
-Book Adoration >> Review Book 1 & 1.5

March 5th
-Must Read Faster >> Review Book 1 & 2 
-Manhattan Reader  >> Series Review
-Pure Textuality >> Review Book 1 
-My Sexy Escapes >> Series Review
-Chapter by Chapter >> Review Book 2
-Librarian Mouse  >> Review Book 1

March 6th
-Black Lilies Are Deadly >> Review Book 1, 1.5 & 2
-That Girl Reads  >> Review Book 1
-Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books >> Review Book 1.5, 2 & 2.5
-Moosubi Reviews!  >> Series Review

March 7th
-Classy Me Books >> Review Book 1 
-What's Beyond Forks? >> Series Review 
-Books Live Forever >> Review Book 2
-Ever and Ever Sight >> Series Review
-Paperback Princess >> Review Book 1, 1.5 & 2
-JC's Book Haven >> Review Book 2

March 8th
-The LUV'NV >> Review Book 1 & 2 
-A Backwards Story >> Series Review
-The Bibliophile's Corner >> Review Book 1 & 1.5
-Fairytales and Folklore >> Review Book 1.5 & 2.5  
-Pieces of Whimsy >> Review Book 2
-Girls *Heart* Books >> Review Book 1
-Psah to Reality  >> Review Book 1

March 9th
-The Bookaholic Blurbs >> Review Book 1 & 2
-Imagine a World >> Series Review
-Books and their Wordly Realm >> Review Book 1.5, 2 & 2.5
-A Diary Of A Book Addict  >> Series Review
-A Soul Unsung >> Review Book 1

Friday, March 8, 2013

The Burning Time Blog Tour + Giveaway!



ISBN: 9781936564637
Release Date: January 18, 2013
274 pages, Paperback
JournalStone Publishing
Sci-Fi Thriller
For older readers



Wherever The Stranger goes, evil follows. Wild dogs roam the fields. Townspeople turn on each other in murderous fury. Innocent women throw themselves off bridges. Swimmers disappear, victims of a deadly beast that haunts their waters. And the worst is still yet to come. The Stranger plans to open a gateway to the nether realms and release the Elder Gods to bring forth Chaos on Earth.
Only one man knows the truth, a country mage whose family has fought The Stranger before. But can he defeat his ageless enemy before Hastings Mills is nothing but a smoking ruin and the townspeople become unwilling blood sacrifices to the Old Ones? With only the help of a young woman and her teenage son, he will have to use all of his arcane knowledge to thwart his adversary and prevent the final apocalypse.
In Hastings Mills, The Burning Time has arrived.

My 2 cents
My rating: 4 stars

This book made me think of Stephen King or Dean Koontz.  In fact, Stephen King is mentioned once in the story, so I'm thinking the author must be a fan!  This is a fairly short, intense, strange, and thrilling read!  The book starts right off the bat with strange things happening and people dying, and it drew me right in!

I was a little confused at the beginning, but I was up to speed pretty quickly.  I really enjoyed the MC, John Root, and also his eventual love interest, Danni, and her little brother, Mitch.  I despiced Billy Ray Capshaw, another character that seemed like a side part until the end.  These four were the most fleshed out characters of the novel. The rest were all side characters, most of them victims.  The main evil character, Christian (so ironic!) was not nearly as interesting as far as villains go, but he was scary!

Most of the story was either following John, battling evil, or Christian, who was creating the evil!  All of the evil things and crazy incidents of the townspeople was told through their eyes, and it was just insane!  The things that these normal people did to each other...it really showed the worst of humanity.  In the middle of all this evil is Danni and Mitch, and they definitely show the best of humanity!

There is a lot of sex and violence, so I would definitely recommend this one for older readers!  If you love a good thriller with a lot of fantasy and mythology, you will like this one!

And now, for the giveaway!  I have a signed paperback copy of the book to give away!  This is US only!  You may enter on the Rafflecopter below, and Good Luck!




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

I Am Alive Blog Tour + Giveaway!




I Am Alive by Cameron Jace
Series: I Am Alive #1
Publication: May 23rd, 2012
Genre: YA Dystopian
Author Note: starting 12/1/2012 this is a newly professionally edited version 

Every girl dies - not every girl really lives.

Sixteen-year-old Decca Tenderstone feels captivated when she meets gorgeous and reckless Leo, who is arrogant, silent, beautiful, and shoots almost every one he meets.

the usual boring girl meets badboy story... hmm... with a twist ...

They live in a dystopian future in Los Angeles where every sixteen-year-old is ranked on a scale from one to ten to determine their future. Outranks, who are considered a danger to society, are forced to attend the Monster Show, a brutal sacrificing ritual that is broadcasted worldwide on live TV, where rebellious teens are labelled Bad Kidz or Monsters and get to fight for their lives in deadly games.

To prove that you're still alive you have to scream I Am Alive every six hours. Lower your voice, and you're dead.

Deccaa doesn't need Leo's company. She has a secret of her own. While they both can't stand each other, she will find out why she doesn't fit into any rank.

Nothing will stand in her way as she has to make choices concerning love, life, staying alive, growing up, and finding out who she really is.





AUTHOR BIO
Wonderlander, Neverlander, Unicorn-chaser, enchanter, musician, survived a coma, & totally awesome. Sometimes I tell stories. Always luv the little monsters      I write young adult paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and science fiction mostly. The Grimm Diaries series is a seven book saga that deals with retellings of fairy tales from a young adult POV - it connects most of the fairy tales together and claims to be the truth about fairy tales.      I live in San Fransisco and seriously think circles are way cooler than triangles.

Author Links:
Website: http://cameronjace.blogspot.ca/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/995289.Cameron_Jace
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camjace
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cameronjace

My 2 cents
My rating: 3.5 stars

I really do enjoy dystopians, and in all things dystopian, this novel really did shine!  The concept of teens dying in an arena on reality TV is not a new one, but Jace's take on it was different and unique.  Instead of the teens fighting each other, its really more of a "Survivor" take--they must survive their challenges.  The teens have 3 days to survive, and if they survive the 3 days, they must take on a ferocious tiger.  No one has ever survived the Monster Games!

The only character I really felt I got to know was our MC, Decca.  Since the story was told from her POV, this made sense, but I really would have liked to have learned more about Leo.  Maybe we will in the next book! Decca and Leo made me think a little of Day and June from Legend by Marie Lu. Decca was strong and capable and an intricate part of society, while Leo was an outcast.  Their relationship was very complex, and I have no idea where the author will take it next!

My only real complaint is the narration of the story.  It wasn't really an editing problem, I don't think, it felt like it was more of a personal taste issue.  At times, Decca seems to be talking directly to her reader, and I just didn't really find it very realistic.  It didn't hinder my reading, though, so it was a minor issue for me!

The story really seemed to shine during the action sequences!  Some of the things the Monsters had to do....I don't think I could have come close to imagining half of it!  No wonder these teens never survive!    If you like an action packed, thrill ride in your dystopians, then this story will knock your socks off!   

And Now, for the Giveaway!
I have been authorized to give away an eBook copy of I Am Alive to one lucky follower!  Just enter on the Rafflecopter below, and Good Luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway