Where reading is a way of life

Friday, May 3, 2013

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E Pearson


Goodreads
265 pages, YA Sci-Fi & Dystopian
Jenna Fox Chronicles #1
My Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Jenna Fox has just awoken from a year-long coma - so she's been told - and she is still recovering from the terrible accident that caused it. But what happened before that? She's been given home movies chronicling her entire life, which spark memories to surface. But are the memories really hers? And why won't anyone in her family talk about the accident? Jenna is becoming more curious. But she is also afraid of what she might find out if she ever gets up the courage to ask her questions.

What happened to Jenna Fox? And who is she really?

My 2 cents


This story was a completely different read. It had a slightly futuristic dystopian element, with a bit of medical sci-fi and mystery. It was the mystery element that kept me reading. I could not put the book down! I had to read it all in one sitting!


So Jenna wakes up after a year long coma after a terrible car accident. Or so her parents tell her. They also tell her they have moved from Boston to California, and her memory should start to come back. She was their only child, a "miracle child" after many miscarriages, so her entire life is on videotape. Her task is to watch the videos and try to remember Jenna Fox.

But things are very strange, and the more Jenna remembers, the less she believes her parents. Something very wrong is happening here, and Jenna does all she can to figure it out.

What actually happened to her was so out of left field, I did not see it coming! Things got very strange at the end, and the last couple of pages left so many things open ended. I didn't really like the ending, but because of the suspense and the hook the book had me on, it gets 4 stars!

Heaven by Alexandra Adornetto


Goodreads
417 pages, YA Paranormal (Angels)
Halo #3
My Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis

Only sixteen when she started the series, Ally Adornetto knows how teen hearts beat, and this long-awaited conclusion is certain to be her most popular book yet. 

Bethany, an angel sent to Earth, and her mortal boyfriend, Xavier, have been to Hell and back. But now their love will be put to its highest test yet, as they defy Heavenly law and marry. They don’t tell Beth’s archangel siblings, Gabriel and Ivy, but the angels know soon enough, and punishment comes in a terrifying form: the Sevens, who are rogue angels bent on keeping Beth and Xavier apart, destroying Gabriel and Ivy, and darkening angelic power in the heavens.

The only way Bethany and can elude the Sevens is to hide in the open, and blend in with other mortals their own age. Gabriel and Ivy set them up at college, where they can’t reveal their relationship, and where there is still danger around each corner. Will Bethany be called back to Heaven – forever – and face leaving the love of her life?

My 2 cents


After reading the entire trilogy, I kind of wished I had just stuck with reading the first book. Its much better then the following two, and I don't feel I gained much from reading the entire series. I'm pretty sure I understood what the author was going with here, but it felt a little forced at times.


There will be spoilers from the first two books, so reader beware!

The story starts off right away with Xavier and Bethany's secret wedding. Things don't go as they had hoped, though, and soon they are running for their lives. "Heaven" views their union as unholy, and wants to separate them forever. So most of the story is a big game of hide-and-seek, with a bit of angel fighting thrown in at times.

It was pretty hard for me to suspend my disbelief for this one. I mean, really? Bethany hasn't figured out what would happen if she married Xavier? The naive act she has worked in the first story, but by now, she should be a little wiser! I honestly was quite annoyed with her for most of the book.

What saved the book for me was Xavier, Molly, and Gabriel. Gabriel does everything he can to protect Bethany, and as a result, ends up in a pretty dark place. It was great to see him a little flawed and more human. Molly also goes through a horrible situation, and the results are not what we expect! I am really hoping there will be a spin off book or series on these two, because their relationship didn't get enough page time!

I did really like the ending, and felt it was appropriate for the situation. It was also very beautiful and had me tearing up a bit. It was because of this that it gets a 4 star rating!

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Dead Silence by Kimberly Derting


Goodreads
389 pages, YA Paranormal Suspense
The Body Finder #4
My rating: 5 stars

Synopsis

Violet thought she’d made peace with her unique ability to sense the echoes of the dead and the imprints that cling to their killers…that is until she acquired an imprint of her own. Forced to carry a reminder of the horrible events of her kidnapping, Violet is more determined than ever to lead a normal life. However, the people who run the special investigative team Violet works for have no intention of letting her go.

When someone close to Violet becomes a suspect in a horrific murder, she finds herself pulled into a deadly hunt for a madman with an army of devoted followers. Violet has survived dangerous situations before, but she quickly discovers that protecting those closest to her is far more difficult than protecting herself.

My 2 cents


There will be spoilers for the first three books. If you have not read them, you may want to skip this review until you do!


The Body Finder is one of my favorite YA series, and the books just seem to get better and better! I'm not sure how many Kimberly is planning to write, but I hope its many many more!

This story felt more sinister to me than the previous books. Violet is really starting to question the center and who is in charge. She must do this quietly and try to keep Jay from finding out to protect his safety and that of her family's. Violet finds some of her grandmother's journals, which lead her to new clues about the center and her ability.

Meanwhile, Rafe and Gemma have transferred to her school, so all parts of her life are starting to converge. Chelsea is starting to get suspicious of what Violet's hiding, and Jay is starting to get fed up with the whole situation. Violet feels more and more attracted to Rafe, and just all out confused.

Through all this, there are murders happening, and of course, Violet is involved from the get-go. But in this story, the murders almost take a backseat until the very end of the story, where things get creepy and suspenseful fast! The book felt more of a mystery with teen drama this time around, instead of a fearful suspenseful ride. 

I still loved it, though, especially learning more about Violet's ability. I am always amazed at her, and it never gets tiring for me. Its such a strange and creepy thing, and I can't wait to learn more about it in upcoming novels!

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Fields of Elysium Blog Tour + Giveaway!



Tour Schedule
fields new
Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan How can love mend a heart full of hate? Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens. On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. There, teenagers navigate amazing flying vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers. While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and mysterious Victor Sorren. He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding. Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly's life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings. Fields of Elysium is a suspenseful, romantic tale full of forbidden secrets, unimaginable danger, deception, and the never-ending fight for true love.
PRAISE "The novel's take on otherworldly travel is a compelling one, and the romantic plot will likely appeal to Twilight fans." - Kirkus Reviews "I expected a good love story with a paranormal twist. I got so much more. I think you should take the chance and read it. Let this book take you on the adventure, fall in love." - Young Adult and Teen Readers "Fields of Elysium is a fabulous read. ... Whelan paints her faith into the fabric of her story with deft, light brushstrokes, making her work accessible to all, no matter their spiritual beliefs or background." - Readers Favorite "I escaped into this fantasy world, author, A.B.Whelan, created and I didn’t want Molly to go. From detailed descriptions, to sweet romance, and to all the twist and turns in the story, it had me captivated from page one." - Mary Ting, author of the Crossroads Saga "Whelan's writing is very vivid and descriptive. It's more formal than the average YA novel, but I enjoyed the lyrical and mesmerizing quality to it. I thought the overall story read like a fairy tale--very sweet." - Megan Thomason, author of Daynight
Author A.B. Whelan A.B.Whelan is a Hungarian born, American writer. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Southern California. While growing up in a wealthy Eastern European family, she had a chance to travel Europe. Later as an adult, she visited Africa and the Middle East and lived in Ecuador and in Crete.
  foe blog tour giveawaysBlog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash A gift bag of one signed copy of Fields of Elysium, a scrabble-tile pendant on a necklace, and a fridge magnet Ends 5/15/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://www.iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, April 27, 2013

In My Mailbox #28

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.

I'm back!  Feels like its been forever since I've blogged!  I need to get with it!





Books mentioned in this vlog:

Fragments
Crewel
Shattered Grace
Ever Shade
Ember X
Defiance
Awakened
What I Didn't Say
The Reptile Room
Variant
Zom B
Being Henry David
Bzrk
Infatuate
Beautiful Redemption
Dead Silence

Enjoy your week everyone, and thanks for watching!

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday #8


Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at Broke and Bookish. This feature was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Today's topic is Top Ten Books Before I Was A Blogger!  This has actually not changed much, except I would probably take off the last two and add in Catching Fire and maybe Incarnate!  Today's Top Ten is a vlog!




Sorry about the background noise, my daughter was extremely loud in the kitchen!

Books mentioned in the vlog

Peachtree Road
Odd Thomas
Wicked
Kindred
Reading Lolita in Tehran
Pride and Prejudice
On the Banks of Plum Creek
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
The Poisonwood Bible
Gone With the Wind
Zen and the Art of the Motorcycle Maintenance

What's on your top ten list?  Comment or leave me a link below!

Monday, April 8, 2013

April Kindle Fire Giveaway!



Kindle Fire HD 7" Giveaway


The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HD (US Only)

  Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

  Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)



Sponsoring Bloggers & Authors
  1. I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
  2. Author Jennifer Laurens
  3. Author Lena Sledge
  4. Kelly's Lucky You
  5. Author Lori Verni-Fogarsi
  6. Phantasmic Reads
  7. Author Rebecca Talley
  8. Author Ednah Walter
  9. Author Heather Bixler
  10. Girls With Books
  11. My Life With Books
  12. Author Rae Z. Ryans
  13. All Fantasy Worlds
  14. Author Michael Young
  15. Book Angel Booktopia
  16. Lori's Reading Corner
  17. Books R Us
  18. Books 4 Tomorrow
  19. Author T. Lynne Tolles
  20. Good Choice Reading
  21. Curling Up With A Good Book
  22. Auggie-Talk
  23. A Bookish Escape
  24. Paranormal Book Club
  25. Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf
  26. Amethyst Daydreams
  27. Pink Fluffy Hearts
  28. Love. Without You
  29. Books, Books, the Magical Fruit
  30. Author Lisa Voison
  31. Tasty Book Tours
  32. Fae Books
  33. Author Cindy C. Bennett
  34. Author Emma Michaels
  35. Author Lia Fairchild
  36. Fade Into Fantasy
  37. Pieces of Whimsy
  38. Author Rachael Renee Anderson
  39. Feed Your Reader
  40. Lovely Reads

Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire 7" HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International). Ends 4/30/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Prize value $199 US.

a Rafflecopter giveaway