March Wrap Up and Challenge Updates

So I managed to get a lot of reading accomplished last month!  I even got all my reviews caught up!  I read a total of 26 books.  Click Here to see my Best of the Bunch post for March!

Stats
Books Read: 26
Books read for review: 9
Adult books read: 3
NA books read: 3
YA books read: 19
Childrens books read: 1
Total posts: 22
Reviews: 16
Blog Tour posts: 9

Challenge Updates

This month's theme was Fey or Fairies.  I don't think I managed any of those type of books, but I still read several!  This includes the books I read in February (which was Angels) since I hadn't updated that yet!

Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick (Angels)

Bound by J. Elizabeth Hill (Magic)

Frost Fire by Olivia Rivers (Demons)

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood (Magic & Witches)

The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe (Dragons)

Aurora Sky: Transfusion by Nikki Jefford (Vampires)

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson (Ghosts)

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti (Angels)

Aura by Rebecca Talley (Angels)

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce (Werewolves)

Surrender by Rhiannon Paille (Fey)

Time's Twisted Arrow by Rysa Walker (Time Travel)

Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep (Magic, Mythology)

The Diviners by Libba Bray (Magic, Ghosts)

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (Demons)

Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep

Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund

Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Catherine by April Lindner

The Reece Malcolm List by Amy Spaulding

New Adult--Wait For You by J Lynn

Thriller--The Burning Time by JG Faherty

Childrens--The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

Fairy Tale Retellings--Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick (Hush, Hush series)

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce (Little Red Riding Hood)

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer (Little Red Riding Hood & Cinderella)

New & Sparkly Books Challenge

Wait For You by J Lynn

Keeper of the Moon by Harley Jane Kozak

The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe

Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Requiem by Lauren Oliver

Delirium Stories by Lauren Oliver

Catherine by April Lindner

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Asunder by Jodi Meadows

The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter

The Next Forever by Lisa Burstein

The Reece Malcolm List by Amy Spaulding

Prodigy by Marie Lu

So, I'm doing pretty well!  I really need to work on my Classics Children's Challenge and my Tea and A Good Book challenge, though!  Here's hoping April is another good reading month!

Timespell Book Blitz + Giveaway!

Timespell by Diana Paz
Publication date: April 1st 2013
by Rhemalda Publishing

Genre: YA Time Travel

Synopsis:

In TIMESPELL, the brash and impulsive Julia must team up with her sweet and straight-laced best friend, Angie, and the malicious and power-hungry Kaitlyn in order to keep the witch-like powers of her inheritance. But these powers come at a cost. The girls are bound to serve the Fates, and their first mission sends them back in time to Marie Antoinette’s Paris and eventually, into the chaos and war of the French Revolution.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16146956-timespell

Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e1piSCCaYA&feature=player_embedded

Purchase: 

--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1936850214?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1936850214&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

--Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/timespell-diana-paz/1114716372?ean=9781936850211&itm=1&usri=9781936850211

AUTHOR BIO
Diana Paz writes books about magic, adventure, and romance. She was born in Costa Rica, grew up on Miami Beach, moved to Los Angeles in high school, and went to college in San Diego. Basically, she’s a beach bum. Diana graduated from California State University, San Marcos with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts. She loves old movies, epic fantasy, all kinds of music, and heading to the beach with a good book. Preferably sipping a highly sweetened iced coffee. 

Author Links:
Website: http://www.dianapaz.com/
Blog: http://www.dianapazwrites.blogspot.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dianapazwrites
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dianapazwrites

a Rafflecopter giveaway

No Joke--Win Big April Fools Giveaway!

No Joke - Win Big April Fools 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 Authors

The Breeders by Katie French

"The Breeders is a YA dystopian read that's as gritty and dark as the cover and title suggest. It takes a look at how society might devolve if females were commodities: bought, sold, stolen, and traded to keep the dwindling human race going. Frightening concept. I loved it." --A.G. Henley, author of The Scourge

 Facebook * Twitter * Blog * Purchase

Dissidence by Jamie Canosa

"An amazingly snarky protagonist, two hot boys, a mass rebellion, and an ending that will blow your mind are the perfect ingredients that will make Dissidence the next big thing in YA." --Beth, YA Sisterhood

Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Purchase

The Moon Dwellers and Fire Country 

by David Estes

“Fire Country is an epic start to the Country saga and left me with my heart pounding and totally breathless. Phenomenal" --K-booksxo.blogspot.com

Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Purchase

Blue Hearts of Mars by Nicole Grotepas

Love between humans and androids is forbidden, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen...

Twitter * Facebook * Website * Purchase

The Tale of Mally Biddle by M.L. LeGette

"To say I loved this book is an understatement." --April Holgate

 Facebook * Twitter * Blog * Purchase

Terra by Gretchen Powell

"This could be your world... but it's definitely Terra's, and she navigates it with determination, and a longing for answers that makes her story engrossing and entertaining." -- abookobsession.com

Twitter * Facebook * Website * Purchase

After the Fear by Rosanne Rivers

"The book is just breathtaking from the moment you start till the moment you put it down." -- Amazon review

Twitter * Website * Facebook * Purchase

Entanglement by Dan Rix

A YA Dystopian Romance where every human is born with a soulmate, whom they meet on their 18th birthday...and the one boy who's the exception.

Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Purchase

daynight by Megan Thomason

“Sure to win over YA readers looking for a dangerous, dystopian adventure story” --Kirkus Reviews

 “Gripping; page-turner” --BlueInk Review (starred review)

Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Purchase

Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan

"The novel's take on otherworldly travel is a compelling one, and the romantic plot will likely appeal to Twilight fans." - Kirkus Reviews

Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Purchase

Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).
Ends 4/15/13

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://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

March 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 managed to read 26 books this month!  Not too shabby!

What I read

Sweet Valley Confidential by Francine Pascal--4 stars--My Review on Juliababyjen After Dark

The Burning Time by J.G. Faherty--4 stars--My Review

Surrender by Rhiannon Paille--3 stars--My Review

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce--4 stars--My Review

Aura by Rebecca Talley--4 stars--My Review

The Truth About Letting Go by Leigh Talbert Moore--4 stars--My Review

Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund--4 stars--My Review

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti--4 stars--My Review

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi--5 stars--My Review

Eve and Adam by Michael Grant--3.5 stars--My Review

Annabel by Lauren Oliver--4 stars

Hana by Lauren Oliver--4 stars

Alex by Lauren Oliver--3 stars

Raven by Lauren Oliver--4.5 stars

Disconnect by Imran Siddiq--3 stars--My Review

There Comes A Prophet by David Litwack--4.5 stars--My Review

Love Unscripted by Tina Reber--4 stars

Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson--5 stars--My Review

Requiem by Lauren Oliver--4.5 stars--My Review

Wait For You by J Lynn (Jennifer L Armentrout)--4 stars--My Review on Juliababyjen After Dark

Keeper of the Moon by Harley Jane Kozak--3 stars

Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick--4 stars--My Review

A Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket--3 stars

The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe--4 stars--My Review

Aurora Sky by Nikki Jefford--3.5 stars--My Review

Speechless by Hannah Harrington--4 stars--My Review

And the winner is....

Goodreads

The day that Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London to start a new life at boarding school is also the day a series of brutal murders breaks out over the city, killings mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper spree of more than a century ago. Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him--the only one who can see him. And now Rory has become his next target. In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

And the runner-ups...

Goodreads

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

Goodreads

They have tried to squeeze us out, to stamp us into the past.But we are still here.
And there are more of us every day.
Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight.
After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor.
Maybe we are driven crazy by our feelings.
Maybe love is a disease, and we would be better off without it.
But we have chosen a different road.
And in the end, that is the point of escaping the cure: We are free to choose.
We are even free to choose the wrong thing.
Requiem is told from both Lena’s and Hana’s points of view. The two girls live side by side in a world that divides them until, at last, their stories converge.

Goodreads

"But what are we without dreams?"

A world kept peaceful for a thousand years by the powerof the ruling vicars. But a threat lurks from a violent past. Masters from the darkness have hidden their ancient magic in a place called the keep and left a trail of clues that have never been solved.

Nathaniel has grown up longing for more but unwilling to challenge the vicars. Until his friend Thomas is taken for a teaching, the mysterious coming-of-age ritual. Thomas returns but with his dreams ripped away. When Orah is taken next, Nathaniel tries to rescue her and ends up in the prisons of Temple City. There he meets the first keeper of the ancient clues. But when he seeks the keep, what he finds is not magic at all.

If he reveals the truth, the words of the book of light might come to pass:

“If there comes among you a prophet saying ‘Let us return to the darkness,’ you shall stone him, because he has sought to thrust you away from the light.”

Which book won your bananas?

Time to Finish Up My March Reviews!

I have managed to get myself more and more behind on my blog!  Moving really did me in!  I still have several reviews left to finish for March.  I decided instead of staying behind while I slowly caught up, I would just do some quick reviews and share my thoughts on them, so I can start fresh in April!

So, here we go!

Goodreads
Gilded Wings #1
YA Paranormal (Angels)
My rating: 4 stars

Haven Terra is a brainy, shy high school outcast. But everything begins to change when she turns sixteen. Along with her best friend Dante and their quiet and brilliant classmate Lance, she is awarded a prestigious internship in the big city— Chicago—and is sent to live and work at a swanky and stylish hotel under the watchful eyes of a group of gorgeous and shockingly young-looking strangers: powerful and alluring hotel owner Aurelia Brown; her second-in-command, the dashing Lucian Grove; and their stunning but aloof staff of glamazons called The Outfit.

As Haven begins falling for Lucian, she discovers that these beautiful people are not quite what they seem. With the help of a mysterious book, she uncovers a network of secret passageways from the hotel’s jazz-age past that leads her to the heart of the evil agenda of Aurelia and company: they’re in the business of buying souls. Will they succeed in wooing Haven to join them in their recruitment efforts, or will she be able to thwart this devilish set’s plans to take the souls of her classmates on prom night at the hotel?

Illuminate is an exciting saga of a teen’s first taste of independence, her experience in the lap of luxury, and her discovery she may possess strength greater than she ever knew.

My 2 cents

This was a really great story.  It took me awhile to unravel what was going on.  Lots of creepy things were happening and great characters.  The setting was perfect.   The middle part of the book was kind of long, and I was started to get a bit bored, but the end really picked up with the suspense!  I loved the romantic aspects!

Goodreads

YA Dystopian, Sci-Fi

My rating: 3.5 stars

And girl created boy…

In the beginning, there was an apple—

And then there was a car crash, a horrible injury, and a hospital. But before Evening Spiker’s head clears a strange boy named Solo is rushing her to her mother’s research facility. There, under the best care available, Eve is left alone to heal.

Just when Eve thinks she will die—not from her injuries, but from boredom—her mother gives her a special project: Create the perfect boy.

Using an amazingly detailed simulation, Eve starts building a boy from the ground up. Eve is creating Adam. And he will be just perfect... won’t he?

My 2 cents

Really good story.  Great twists, although the ending was not believeable to me.  Very suspenseful
and intriguing, and I loved the 2 MCs.  I didn't like  Eve's friend or mom at all.  I was very surprised by the ending, and did not see the twists that were coming!

Goodreads

YA Paranormal (Angels)

Hush, Hush #4

My rating: 4 stars

Will love conquer all?

Nora and Patch thought their troubles were behind them. Hank is gone and they should be able to put his ugly vendetta to rest. But in Hank's absence, Nora has become the unwitting head of the Nephilim and must finish what Hank began. Which ultimately means destroying the fallen angels - destroying Patch.

Nora will never let that happen, so she and Patch make a plan: lead everyone to believe they have broken up, and work the system from the inside. Nora will convince the Nephilim that they are making a mistake in fighting the fallen angels, and Patch will find out everything he can from the opposing side. They will end this war before it can even begin.

But the best-laid plans often go awry. Nora is put through the paces in her new role and finds herself drawn to an addictive power she never anticipated.

As the battle lines are drawn, Nora and Patch must confront the differences that have always been between them and either choose to ignore them or let them destroy the love they have always fought for.

My 2 cents

This was a great final story.  It was refreshing to have Nora be the one making mistakes instead of 
Patch.  He was perfect throughout the book.   I was so sad about Scott, but  I'm glad he ended up
such a hero for Nora!   Dante was a different new character, and I liked him at first, but after he gave Nora that drink, I didn't trust him at all.  I felt the war itself was a little rushed.  The story might have been better told over the course of 2 books.  The end was very good though!  Loved it!

Goodreads
YA Dystopian, Fantasy
My rating: 3.5 stars

With a past too terrible to speak of, and a bleak, lonely future ahead of her, Aerin Renning is shocked to find she has earned a place at the most exclusive school in the universe. Aerin excels at Academy 7 in all but debate, where Dane Madousin?son of one of the most powerful men in the Alliance? consistently outtalks her. Fortunately Aerin consistently outwits him at sparring. They are at the top of their class until Dane jeopardizes everything and Aerin is unintentionally dragged down with him. When the pair is given a joint punishment, an unexpected friendship?and romance?begins to form. But Dane and Aerin both harbor dangerous secrets, and the two are linked in ways neither of them could ever have imagined. . . .

My 2 cents

I really liked the concept, but the story felt a little short. The romance was not that believable.  The twists at the end were good.  Left a lot of things open, and I don't think this is a series.  I was hoping for a little more story I guess, but I liked it!

Goodreads

YA Mystery Thriller, Paranormal (Ghosts)

Shades of London #1

My rating: 5 stars

The day that Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London to start a new life at boarding school is also the day a series of brutal murders breaks out over the city, killings mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper spree of more than a century ago. Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him--the only one who can see him. And now Rory has become his next target. In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

My 2 cents

This was a really good read!  It felt so modern day, and I loved  all the London references and the setting,
especially the historical references.  The story was really creepy and gruesome at times.  I liked the  ghost paranormal element.  I was biting my nails by the end of it, and had no idea what was going to happen.  Great twists, didn't see any of them coming! (except for one).  The characters were great and very well done.  I started out really liking Jerome, but not so much by the end!   I really liked  Stephen his team!  I can't wait to read the sequel!

Requiem by Lauren Oliver

Goodreads
391 pages, YA Dystopian
Delirium #3
My rating: 4.5 stars

Synopsis

They have tried to squeeze us out, to stamp us into the past.

But we are still here.

And there are more of us every day.

Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight.

After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor.

Maybe we are driven crazy by our feelings.

Maybe love is a disease, and we would be better off without it.

But we have chosen a different road.

And in the end, that is the point of escaping the cure: We are free to choose.

We are even free to choose the wrong thing.

Requiem is told from both Lena’s and Hana’s points of view. The two girls live side by side in a world that divides them until, at last, their stories converge.

My 2 cents


Overall, I really loved the book. The writing was really, really good.  It is really hard to do a review on this book without giving away big spoilers, so I think I am going to focus mainly on the characters.  This really is a character driven series!

Lena--I felt I connected more with Lena in this story than in the previous two books.  I really felt her pain, in being torn between Alex and Julian, and then her pain in thinking Alex no longer loved her!

Alex--He was the biggest bummer of the book for me.  I will defend him somewhat.  He is obviously insanely jealous, and who knows what he went through in the Crypts.  (Well, I do, because I read the short story "Alex!") But he was a horrible jerk to Lena through most of the book, and seemed to latch onto a new girl!  I was happier with him by the end, though.

Hana--This character was the hardest for me to make sense of. I can't believe Hana's actions towards the end of the book. She seems to be coming around for most of the story, then she's threatened, and BAM--becomes a meek little mouse.   It really helped me to read her short story, as well!

Raven--I wasn't a big fan of hers in Pandemonium, but I started to like her by the end.  Again, her short story will shed a lot of light on her as a person.  And there is a huge twist with her that is not even mentioned in Requiem, only her short story.  I was crying at the end of the book for Raven!

Julian--Julian is the only character who no longer really has a purpose.  I suppose it helps Lena that he's there, but a lot of Lena's problems would be gone if he wasn't there in the first place...

Annabel--Annabel makes an appearance in this book, and I'm really glad the author tied up things between Lena and Annabel.  I figured we would never see her again, but I'm so glad I was wrong!  Another really good short story to read!

Tack--We never get any closure on Tack, so I'm going to believe that he stayed with Raven.  I honestly think Raven and Tack were the best couple of the whole series!  So loyal and faithful to each other!

Fred--I'm not sure I've ever felt so venomous towards a character before!  I'm not going to tell you what happens to this despicable creature, but he gets his in the end!

Coral--One of the new characters, whom I decided not to like for Lena's sake.  I had come around by the end though.  Its hard to hate someone who has lost everything!  She also was the only character who could and did fix one of Lena's biggest issues!

There are so many other characters, but these are the ones that stick out for me.  Oliver is an amazing writer, and she makes these characters come to life!  I'm not going to go into too much with the plot, but I was completely engaged with it.  

Now for the ending.  I've heard lots of negative reviews on the ending, and I know why.  Oliver gives us a pretty open ending, letting us figure out exactly happens with the characters after the big battle.  I think her readers really wanted everything tied up in a nice little bow.  My only complaint is I would have liked a little more closure with Julian, Hana, and Tack.  The rest I can imagine on my own.

I, however, really LOVED the ending!  The last page was beautiful.  It was pure poetry, and one of the best things I have ever read!  Lena sums up the series and its purpose beautifully, and its something we should all be thinking about every day of our lives!