Saturday, March 30, 2013

Review: Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

It's been way more than a year since I bought this book. I just needed it, because of the gorgeous cover, and because I thought the story sounded amazing. I tried reading it back then, but I couldn't get past page thirty, because I couldn't handle the sadness back then. But since I have read so many amazing middle grade books these days, and I kind of really love sad books now, so I needed to give it another try :)

And I'm glad I did. Even though it wasn't as perfect as I had wanted it to be. I just couldn't love the writing. It just wasn't good enough for me. It wasn't all bad, just not for me. But I did love the story. The story is pretty amazing. I do love fairytale books, and this is one big fairytale, set in the real world. Sort of. A few things I thought were weird, but mostly I enjoyed the plot and characters a lot. It is an interesting and sweet book.

I won't write a long review for this book, because I don't know what to say. Will talk a tiny bit about the plot and the characters, but not much more than that, but yeah. I did enjoy the book, even though I didn't fully love it. I loved the fairytale part of the book, even though at times I thought it was a bit too much. But I loved reading about the world in the woods, the couple in the cottage, the evil bird woman, and just everything. I enjoyed reading about the witch as well. I just kind of wished the book had been more evil. Okay, it is a bit heartbreaking. But I could have handled more.

Breadcrumbs is a story about eleven year old Hazel. I sort of adored her. She's different from the other kids her age, and she's just pretty amazing. She lives with just her mom, and it's kind of hard at times, but she is happy. Although school isn't going too well, and that made me sad, because it was heartbreaking. But I also loved it. Hazel has a best friend, though. Jack. And he was pretty amazing, too :) I just wish he had been in the book more, and that we had seen their friendship better, since the book is about that. But I did enjoy reading the parts he was in. He is a great friend to Hazel :)

The plot in this book is pretty interesting. It is a story about how Jack gets taken away by the Ice Queen. Kind of. And it is sad, but not that sad. It is interesting to read about it all, and I did enjoy the book; for the most part. I won't say more than that, though, because the book isn't that long, and I think you should read it for yourself. It is good :) And I cannot wait to read more by Anne Ursu. Breadcrumbs is a sweet book, with a great adventure. I didn't love it that much, but I did like it very much :)

In My Mailbox #74

This was an awesome week. I got some really pretty things :) Some The Croods. <3 Some Spirited Away. And a few awesome books :D I love it all. Sigh. I wish I could say I'm feeling better this week, but I'm not, not really :p Plus side, I got my medicine again, so hoping to start feeling better pretty soon :) Oh. And yeah. Early next week they start building my apartment for me upstairs ;) So excited. But oh. I had to carry all my books downstairs.. That took forever, turns out I have TONS of books, lol :) If you want to, you can see my tumblr post about it HERE, with pictures. <3 What did you get this week?


The Archived. Won this from A Reader of Fictions <3 But yeah, book is very damaged :\ Still, <3
Pivot Point. I figured out I needed to give this book a try.. I really hope it will be good, though ;p
Poison. Won this from Preternatura <3 Think it sounds pretty amazing ;) I hope it is amazing too.
Fractured. Well. I haven't read book one yet, but now at least I have them both, hih ;D Pretty.
In the Shadow of Blackbirds. Sigh. Perfect book. <3 And ahh. The hardcover is so damn gorgeous.
Spellcaster. I hope this book will be amazing. I adore Claudia, so I think it will be :) Really pretty.
The Croods. Sigh. These cups are adorable. I love them all so much :) Ebay is an awesome place.
Spirited Away. Ohhh. Spirited Away figures! Best thing ever. Haku. <3 Love. They are amazing.


Wreck-It Ralph. Norwegian painting book :) Hih. I just had to buy it. Sigh. I need it all... <3
The Croods. Some really, really gorgeous stickers and pictures :D I love them both a lot.
Nausicaa. Getting closer to owning all of these comic books :) They are amazing, at least.
Mulan. Sigh. Yeah. Watched this two weeks ago, again, and it is just so amazing. I love it.
Entertainment Weekly: Game of Thrones. BEST TV SHOW! Dying for monday morning. <3
Camelbak bottle. These bottles are amazing. I really love them :) And ah. It is pink! Hih :) 
Washcloth. I just had to buy this one. A gorgeous pink cupcake. Sigh. Isn't it pretty? ;p
Dior. For the lips and the eyes. I do love it. It looks really pretty on, as well :) So awesome.





And I got accepted to read The Year of Shadows by Claire Legrand via Edelweiss! So so happy. <3 I have already read and reviewed it, and it was so perfect. You all need to read it too.






In My Mailbox is an weekly meme made by The Story Siren.

In the Shadow of Blackbirds Blog Tour: This or That with Cat Winters + Giveaway

I'm so happy to be a part of this amazing blog tour! Because I adore Cat Winters. She is just so amazing. And oh. In the Shadow of Blackbirds is one of the best books. Just so amazing. You all need to read it right away. Well, when it comes out early April ;) You can read my early review of it here. For my part of this amazing blog tour I sent some This or That questions to Cat that she answered :) Hope they are good ;p I do love Cat's answers. Thank you so much sweetie. In case you wanted to know my answers as well, I added those after Cat's answers :) Also added a cute picture of Cat's dog, Iggy :D So adorable. Have you read this amazing book yet? :) You really need to. In the Shadow of Blackbirds is amazing. <3


1. Which character from your book did you enjoy writing the most: Stephen or Julius?
I grew quite attached to poor Stephen, even though I wasn't very nice to him.

2. If you could choose to live now or in the time of your novel, what would you choose?

Now, definitely. 1918 was such an awful moment in time. I can understand why everyone let loose in the 1920s and had some fun.

3. If you lived in the past, what would you rather have happen to your sweetheart: the flu or the war?
Ooh, that's a hard one. The flu ended up killing more people than the war, but the war did so much damage to people's minds. I guess I might say the flu. If he survived, he might not have as many emotional scars afterward.

4. If you lost the one you love, would you have been going to get a spirit photography done?

It's hard to say for certain as a modern person looking back on the early-twentieth-century spirit photography trend, but I think I would have found it creepy, even then.

5. When you write, would you rather listen to music or have silence?

I find it easier to write with silence if I'm writing at home, but if I'm writing in a coffeehouse, I don't mind the background music playing. It blends in with all the other sounds so I'm not focusing on the lyrics.

6. Who would you rather invite to a dinner party: The ghost of Elizabeth Taylor, or the ghost of Marilyn Monroe?
I've been a Marilyn Monroe fan for a long time. I went through a phase of loving the 1950s when I was a teenager and really wanted to look like her (which I didn't).

7. Coffee or tea?
Tea with cream and sugar.

8. Cats or dogs?
Dogs. I have a 15 1/2-year-old American Eskimo pup named Iggy. A little trivia: I named an IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS character Paul Spitz in honor of my dog. Iggy's breed was called "American Spitz" until WWI.















 
9. Chocolate or strawberries?
Chocolate (although chocolate-covered strawberries are heavenly).


10. What do you like reading the most, ebooks or physical copies?
Physical copies.

11. Rain or snow?

Snow is a fun novelty here in my part of Oregon in the U.S. Rain is common. I'll choose snow.


12. Which superpower would you choose: Flying or Invisibility?
Flying would be nice. I'm not a big fan of driving.

13. Michael Jackson or Elvis?

Elvis (see my previous comment about my 1950s stage).

14. Books or movies?
Oh, that's too hard to choose! I've loved both books AND movies all my life. I definitely prefer books over their movie adaptations, though.


15. Harry Potter of The Lord of the Rings?
Harry Potter!

C
arina's answers to the questions:

1. I loved reading about Stephen the most, hih :D
2. I think I would prefer to live now. Because of the internet, and I'm just not sure I could survive without that (A) lol.
3. Having read the book, I would say the flu. Because you can survive that. The war did not go easy on Stephen :(
4. I would love to say no, but I probably would have, at that time. I don't believe in those kind of things now,
but I think I would have back in time :)
5. When I write book reviews I always need to have music on :)
6. I would rather meet Marilyn Monroe, I think :D
7. Tea. I don't like coffee :)
8. I would have to say cats and dogs. I have always loved cats, but after having had a dog for six years I have to love him. <3
9. Both! I adore melted chocolate and strawberries (A) Hih :)
10. Physical copies. Mostly hardcovers, because I adore reading those. <3 But I do enjoy ebooks too.
11. Snow. I have never liked rain much, because here in Norway it's really, really cold rain :p And it's wet.
12. Flying! Have always wanted to be able to fly. Been dreaming about it since I was very little ;p
13. Michael Jackson. Because I love his music.
14. I'm conflicted. But lately I have enjoyed books more :)
15. The Lord of the Rings. <3 Hih, best movies. I do love Harry Potter, though :)






Where to find Cat Winters:
Website - Twitter - Facebook

In the Shadow of Blackbirds:
Website - Goodreads - Facebook

Where to pre-order In the Shadow of Blackbirds:
Amazon - The Book Depository - Barnes & Noble









Blog Tour Schedule.

March
25th - Recreate the cover contest @ The Mod Podge Bookshelf
March
26th - Interview @ Icey Books
March
27th - This or That @ Novels News & Notes
March
28th - Guest Blog @ Two Chicks On Books
March
29th - Interview @ Hobbitsies
March
30th - This or That @ Carina's Books
March
31st - Interview @ Book Whales
April
1st - Character Interview with Julius @ Read Write and Read Some More
April
2nd - Guest Blog @ Mundie Moms
April
3rd - This or That @ The Book Galaxy
April
4th - Guest Blog @ Teen Librarian
April
5th - Interview @ A.L. Davroe
April
6th - Character Interview with Mary Shelley @ IBTeens

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Review: The Year of Shadows by Claire Legrand

I've been dying to read this book for so long. First, because I adore Claire so much. She's just amazing. Second, because her other middle grade book, The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls, is my most favorite middle grade book. She just writes so perfect. At first I got declined two times. But then today I got accepted for it after all, on Edelweiss. It gave me the happiest feeling. I had to start it right away. And once I started reading The Year of Shadows I could not stop until I had finished it.

And it was even better than I had thought it would be. The Year of the Shadows is a perfect book. It is written so well. Claire just have this way with words. So beautiful and amazing. And oh. The characters. I fell in love with every one of them. The story is just so amazing as well. Everything about this book is perfect. It is an amazing middle grade book, but also a whole lot better than other books I have read. It's full of feelings. Heartbreak. Love. Friendship. It has it all. It made me cry.

Since I loved Claire's first book so much, I knew I would love this one as well. I was worried that I wouldn't love it as much as I loved Cavendish. I shouldn't have worried though. Because I loved it just as much. Maybe even a tiny bit more. Maybe. But I do love them both so much, and they have a special place in my heart. One of the things I love about her books are the amazing book covers. Like this one. It is perfect. Really, truly perfect. The cat is gorgeous. And a bit evil looking. He's amazing. And Olivia looks beautiful! Sigh. So perfect. And the four ghosts. Everything has a big part in the book. The sketch book. The background. This cover is beyond gorgeous.

I don't know how to describe my feelings for this book. I really don't. I just know that I am full of love. And a bit of heartbreak. But so full of love and amazement. I couldn't have loved this book any less. The story is just so amazing. And it made me cry from the first few pages. It is heartbreaking and sad at times, but it is also full of wonder and beautiful friendships. Maybe even a small romance. The Year of Shadows is just every kind of perfect. And I will try my best to talk about the amazing characters :)

This book is about Olivia. An amazing twelve year old girl. She lives with her dad, the Maestro, and her grandma, Nonnie. Her mother left them over a year ago. Olivia is still heartbroken because of it. And it changed so many things in her life. She has no friends anymore. She sketches all the time. I loved that, though. But they are also kind of poor. Her dad is a musician; a Maestro. They don't have enough money to keep their house, so they have to move to his work, the close to falling down concert hall.

Olivia hates it there. And I don't blame her. It's pretty awful and sad and just heartbreaking. It doesn't look nice there, either. And it's dirty. It isn't a home. She also hates her dad, and she only calls him the Maestro. I don't blame her for hating her father. I would have too. But it is sad, because he is just as heartbroken, I think. But at least she have her Nonnie, and I adored her :) Didn't truly like her dad much, didn't feel like he cared enough. But I also couldn't truly hate him, because I think he was hurting a lot.

I loved reading about Olivia. Because she is awesome. She's cute and funny and sweet. Well, okay, she might seem a bit mean at first. But she's just trying to protect herself. And I adored her so much. I loved reading about her life at the concert hall. The things she did and saw. Like when she found that amazing black cat, Igor. He becomes her best friend. And oh. I just loved reading about him. Sweetest cat. I loved how he and Olivia where kind of talking to each other :) It was sweet, weird and perfect.

While Olivia is my favorite character in this book, the close second that I love just as much is Henry. He is just perfect. At first I wasn't sure if I was supposed to hate him or not, because Olivia seemed to hate him, calling him Mr. Perfect and everything. But she doesn't really hate him. And I loved that. We get to know Henry so well in this book. He is there for Olivia. And I loved him so much. There is also a tiny bit of romance between them! Love. Makes me wish for a sequel with them, years later. <3 Hih. I really do.

We also get to see Olivia going to school. Where she meets this girl called Joan. I adored her. I think they get to be amazing friends. A bit slow start, though, but they have a real friendship. And Joan sticks up for her, when people are bothering Olivia. And I just adored her for it. Olivia do have a few school problems, but that is because of the ghosts and such, since she hasn't been sleeping enough. It was a bit sad to read about, but I did love it, because it is real and honest and I just loved everything. Sigh.

I really should talk a bit about the ghosts now, shouldn't I? ;) The Year of Shadows is a book about ghosts. And it is so amazing. We get to learn so much. And read a whole lot about ghosts and shadows and shades. As you can read in the summary, Olivia meets four ghosts at the concert hall. She meets them with Henry for the first time, which I loved. And the ghosts need their help. Because they are sort of trapped. And I won't say more than that :D Because it is so much to know, and it's amazing.

We get to know a lot of the ghosts. The four main ones are Frederick and Mr. Worthington and Tillie and Jax. They are all amazing. And we get to know their stories, how they died. And it is so awful and heartbreaking and perfect and I just couldn't help but cry. I loved reading their stories. It was all so perfect. Thank you, Claire, for creating this perfect book. I loved everything about it. And I cannot wait to read it again. <3 It's a bit of fantasy, and I loved that. It's haunting. And all kinds of perfect.

The ending of this book is bittersweet. I loved it. It is sad and happy and just all kinds of perfect. I would love a sequel, but there doesn't have to be. This book is perfect on it's own. And I think you all need to read it. If you have Edelweiss, go request it right away! If you don't, then you need to buy it when it comes out in August. It will be worth the wait. The Year of Shadows is a perfect middle grade book, and I think everyone will love it. Because I loved it really, really much. And it's just perfect.

Thank you so, so much to the publisher, Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, and to Edelweiss for the chance to read and review this book early. <3 Pretty sure I will read it again before it publishes in late August :) And then I will buy two hardcovers. <3 Really want the print arc as well, though :)

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #76

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

THE BURNING SKY BY SHERRY THOMAS

Goodreads Description:

It all began with a ruined elixir and an accidental bolt of lightning…

Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's being told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of The Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the greatest mage tyrant the world has ever known. A suicide task for anyone let alone a sixteen-year-old girl with no training, facing a prophecy that foretells a fiery clash to the death.

Prince Titus of Elberon has sworn to protect Iolanthe at all costs but he's also a powerful mage committed to obliterating the Bane to revenge the death of his family—even if he must sacrifice both Iolanthe and himself to achieve his goal.

But Titus makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the Bane closing in, he must choose between his mission and her life.


Hardcover, 432 pages
Expected publication: September 17th 2013 by Balzer + Bray
Pre-Order here.

I'm a sucker for gorgeous covers. And this one. This one is perfect. I love it so much. Just really hoping the book will be perfect too :) But I do think the summary is pretty interesting, so I'm hoping I'll love it :D And I'm hoping the romance will be good too. <3 The plot does sound pretty awesome :) September will be an amazing book month. So many great books coming out then! Sequels and new ones ;p
What are you waiting for? 

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday #20

Top Ten Books I Recommend The Most

1. Graceling by Kristin Cashore. Best book ever. You need it. Best fantasy. Best characters. PO! <3
2. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. Most amazing. Sean. Corr. So damn good. Read it now.
3. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. Oh, this book is perfect. Mal is amazing. The world is awesome.
4. Cinder by Marissa Meyer. Perfect book. Amazing fairytale retelling. I love this book so so much :)
5. Divergent by Veronica Roth. I shouldn't have to mention this. You all should have read it by now ;)
6. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. I can not love this enough. So damn perfect. Loved it so much.
7. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta. Amazing book. Truly amazing. You need to go buy it right away.
8. In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters. This book is perfect. Go read it. And cry. And smile.
9. Fire by Kristin Cashore. I had to add this. It is just too perfect and amazing. You need to read it.
10. The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girl by Claire Legrand. Best middle grade book. It's perfect.


I suppose it's been a long time since I did a top ten favorite books :) And this sort of count as that. Sigh. I have SO MANY favorite books, but I think these are my top ten. Maybe. I think. Oh, well. It is at least 10 books that you MUST read. Really, truly must. What is on your list this week?

Top Ten Tuesdays is a weekly meme held by The Broke and the Bookish :)

Monday, March 25, 2013

Review: 17 & Gone by Nova Ren Suma

Have been waiting to read 17 & Gone for so many months. Been dying for it for ages. Because I adore Nova, and I was so sure this book would be perfect :) And today I finally got to read it. And yes. This book is perfect. It is amazing. The writing is really good, and the characters are perfect. The story is unique and interesting and I loved it. Never wanted it to end. While there doesn't have to be a sequel, I really wish there might be, because I want more of Lauren and Jamie. <3 And maybe Fiona.

I don't know how to describe this book. I will try my best, though, but I don't think my review will be long, since I don't want to spoil anything, and there isn't that much I can say about this awesome book without spoiling a whole lot of things ;) But I can talk a bit about the plot and the characters. I will do that.

First there is the main character, Lauren. She's amazing. I loved her. Well, okay, she ends up turning all kinds of crazy. Maybe. But she is amazing, and I loved reading about her. The book is from her point of view. Although for more than one hundred pages I was a bit confused about how the book was written. I liked it, though, and I did love reading from Lauren's point of view. She's special. And she's an amazing character, which I loved :)

Lauren have a boyfriend. Jamie. I loved him. Although I felt like we got to see him too little.. but the book isn't about him, so I can understand that. Somewhat. But I did love reading what we did get of him. Because he is amazing. Lauren pushes him away at some point, and he lets her, but I didn't blame him for that. But he's still really kind and sweet, and I loved him and Lauren together. We didn't really get that many sweet scenes between them together. But they love each other. And that was enough.

I'm unsure how I felt about her mom. She seemed a bit weird. But I think she is amazing. Maybe. She does seem to love Lauren a lot, and I liked that :) We get to meet a lot of other characters as well, but most aren't there for others to see. Because Lauren is having visions of girls that are missing. Girls at age 17 that are Gone. And there is so many! Ah. It started to mess with my head. And I loved that. It was pretty amazing. A bit creepy, though, all those girls and the dream fire house. But it was perfect.

This book is about a lot of things. But mostly it is about the girls that Lauren can see and talk to. Which I found to be pretty amazing, but also creepy, like I said. The girls we get to know the most is Abby and Fiona. I loved it. But I also loved to get to know all the girls. Their lives, how they ended up gone. Awful, heartbreaking and amazing. Abby might still be alive, because she went missing only a few months ago. But they have all stopped looking for her, believing her to have run away. Sniffs. It is done really well.

Then there is Fiona. Who went missing at the age of 17, when Lauren was 8. She was her next door babysitter. I kind of disliked her a lot. She was a bit cruel. But also kind, in a weird way. Hated how she was just gone.. sobs. But I loved her too. She did something the day she ran away that saved Lauren. I loved her for that. Kind of. Anyway. I loved reading about the girls. It was interesting and unique and all kinds of special. I want more books like this. I also want lots more of Jamie, hih. <3 He's just amazing.

I don't have more to say about this book. I don't want to spoil anything. And it's just really amazing. 17 & Gone is a must read book. It's full of feels. It will make you sad. But also a bit happy. It's haunted. And a bit scary too. And it is interesting. Think you will all love it. Now I will have to go searching for books like it. I need more of books like this amazing one. <3 Thank you, Nova, for writing such an amazing book :) I cannot wait to read more from you, since I loved Imaginary Girls as well.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

In My Mailbox #73

I haven't been able to read anything since I finished Clockwork Princess. There is just nothing that can ever be that good. Sigh. Have tried to read two books, but couldn't with the writing :\ But today I got 17 & Gone, and I WILL read it :) Tomorrow. This weekend I'm re-watching Game of Thrones season 1 and 2. <3 So so good. I cannot wait for season 3 next weekend :D I hope I will be able to read more. But it's hard, because I'm still in so much pain and tired all the time :p it sucks. Also so busy playing on my iPad; Jurassic Park Builder :) I love love it. And The Croods. Hih. Adore them :) What did you get this week?


17 & Gone. I cannot wait to read this book. I know I will love it, therefore I have two copies. <3
Unremembered. Heh. I now have three (A) Only bought one, though. Second copy I got for free because my first was really damaged. Third I got from Macmillan because I was part of the blog tour. <3
Clockwork Prince. Paperback edition :) Cause, well, I adore Cassie Clare, need all the editions ;)
The Scorpio Races. Oh. This is one of the best books. Gorgeous new paperback! I love it so much.
Clockwork Princess. Best book by Cassie Clare. Sigh. How I adore her. Clockwork Princess was just amazing; posted my review a week ago ;p One hardcover. Getting another one (A) And two UK paperbacks. They are so pretty! Love the family tree inside the UK edition, so special and gorgeous.


The Art of the Croods. Oh, I love this one so much! So sad my town won't get it in English :'( Want it.
The Croods. Pretty hardcover ;) With GORGEOUS tattoos as well! I love them very much. So pretty.
Nausicaa. I need all Studio Ghibli manga books. <3 I love the movie, and these are pretty gorgeous :)
The Man in the Moon. Love this one! Really hoping to read the Rise of the Guardians books soon.
The Immortal Rules: Allie! Ahh. Bought from Julie Kagawa :D She is amazing. Thank you. I love her :)
Naturals. Still haven't read the first book.. but kind of obsessed about having all the books in a series.
The Madness Underneath. I didn't truly love the first book, but I will read this one. One day, I hope :D
Prometheus. I hope this is a good movie. It does seem really good, and I do think I will love it. I hope.
Rise of the Guardians. This movie is just amazing. I really love it. Gorgeous hopping eggs, too ;)
Totoro t-shirt. Oh, how I love these t-shirts. <3 Gorgeous! From Qwertee :) One new t-shirt every day.






I also got accepted to read Charmed Vengeancevia NetGalley :D I cannot wait to read it. <3 Since I did enjoy the first book very much :)






In My Mailbox is an weekly meme made by The Story Siren.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Impostor Blog Tour: Guest Post with Jill Hathaway

I'm a part of the Impostor by Jill Hathaway blog tour today :D Really excited about that. I haven't yet read Slide, but I cannot wait to, since I do own it, and I have pre-ordered Impostor :) Will be reading both books when Impostor comes out. Cannot wait. Anyway. I'm having a guest post with Jill, where she talks about what she is working on right now :D Thank you, Jill. <3 Have any of you read Slide yet? :)


WHAT'S JILL WORKING ON NOW?

The question I am most frequently asked: Will there be a SLIDE #3?
Short answer? I don’t think so.

I am contracted to write a couple more books for HarperCollins, but I’m currently working on something completely different from SLIDE. For one thing, this book is not a paranormal. It's actually a contemporary, which I feel is my strong suit. Don’t worry. People still die. There’s plenty of drama and angst. I don’t think I’m capable of writing a “cute” book.

The important thing is I’m definitely in love with this story. The main character is just so broken and seemingly hopeless, but there’s this little spark of fire within her. It’s been a pleasure getting to know her. This is also my first multiple POV book, which I'm super stoked about. It's been challenging trying to get the different voices right, and that's one of things I'm focusing on in my revision. The main character is in this band (Who Killed My Sea Monkeys?), and we hear the story told from different members of the band. The story explores tragedy and betrayal and the death of dreams and many more uplifting themes!

As far as I know, this book is slated for Fall 2014. I’m not exaaaaactly sure when I’m allowed to give more details about it. Check my blog for updates! (jillscribbles.blogspot.com) I'll keep you posted.





Slide on Goodreads. Impostor on Goodreads.

Buy Slide and Impostor via Amazon.

Buy Slide and Impostor via Book Depository.

All things Jill Hathaway:
Website - Blog - Twitter - Facebook






Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #75

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

FIND ME BY ROMILY BERNARD

Goodreads Description:

"Find Me." These are the words written on Tessa Waye's diary. The diary that ends up with Wick Tate. But Tessa's just been found...dead.

Wick has the right computer-hacking skills for the job, but little interest in this perverse game of hide-and-seek. Until her sister Lily is the next target. Then Griff, trailer-park boy next door and fellow hacker, shows up, intent on helping Wick.

Is a happy ending possible with the threat of Wick's deadbeat dad returning, the detective hunting him sniffing around Wick instead, and a killer taunting her at every step?

Foster child. Daughter of a felon. Loner hacker girl. Wick has a bad attitude and sarcasm to spare.

But she's going to find this killer no matter what.

Because it just got personal.


Hardcover, 253 pages
Expected publication: September 24th 2013 by Harper Teen
Pre-Order here.

I think this book sounds pretty amazing. I kind of love the cover, and the summary is interesting ;) I love thrillers. And I hope this book will be amazing and creepy and just perfect. And because I kind of really need a good romance, I'm hoping that will be in this book too :) Cannot wait for September! <3
What are you waiting for? 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday #19

Top Ten Books I HAD To Buy, But Are Still Sitting On My Shelf Unread

1. Poison Princess by Kresley Cole. I really need to read this soon. Been ages since I bought it :)
2. Darkbeast by Morgan Keyes. I adore middle grade, and I really want to read it. It seems amazing.
3. Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson. Been wanting to read this one for ages. Seems so so good.
4. Changeling by Philippa Gregory. I think this sounds like an epic fantasy. Really hope I'll love it ;)
5. Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar. So many have loved this book, and I think it's sounds unique and awesome.
6. The Dark Light by Sara Walsh. I'm hoping this will be an amazing book. And I kind of think it will :)
7. Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook. Just got this, but I just had to buy it. Please let it be awesome.
8. The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer. Think this sounds so exciting. I cannot wait to finally read it.
9. Indigo Awakening by Jordan Dane. I just adore this cover, and it does seems really interesting.
10. False Memory by Dan Krokos. Adore the cover. I think this sounds pretty awesome, hope it is ;p


Heh. Yeah. I have tons of books like this. But only added ten ;) So many books that I have bought because I HAD to buy it, and that I wanted to read right away, but still haven't gotten to :p But I want to, and hopefully I will get to read them all very soon. <3 At the moment I have 260 books to read that I own. Also, I think I'm getting addictive to Top Ten again. What is on your list this week? :)

Top Ten Tuesdays is a weekly meme held by The Broke and the Bookish :) 

Monday, March 18, 2013

Review: In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

I requested this book because Lauren DeStefano told me I had to read it, and I trust her opinion :) Then I was lucky enough to actually get a review copy of this book. I started it as soon as I was able to. And I loved it. In the Shadow of Blackbirds was amazing. I enjoyed the writing, and I loved the characters. I also very much liked the time it was set in, the things that were happening. It was exciting and scary and heartbreaking. I loved every moment. Even when the words and pages were killing me.

I must admit that for the first one hundred pages I thought this would be a boring book. But then more things started happening, and I could not put this book down. At all. And now when I think back to those first pages, I can see that they were actually pretty amazing. I cannot wait to read this book again, when I get my hardcover. <3 It is such a perfect, amazing book.

This book takes place in 1918. I have never been into history, so I don't really know anything about that time, except for the Spanish Influenza, which I've only read a tiny bit about in another book. Didn't know much about the war with the Germans either, until I read this book. We get to see so much about the flu. And it all killed me. So much heartbreak. So many dead. I almost puked because of all the garlic. But oh. It was all so interesting to read about. I loved it. Really, really loved.

The main character is Mary Shelley. She is an amazing lead character. She's different from the other girls and women, she isn't as careful as all of them. She's like her mother, who died giving birth to her, wild and fun and likes to figure things out. I really loved reading about her. To me she is Shell, which I like. She's just so perfect. Kind and loving and very sweet. Since it is in the middle of the war, a lot of awful things happens. Like her father getting arrested for treason against America and put in jail.

Shell then have to travel to her aunt, far away. I kind of liked Aunt Eva. I'm not sure yet how I felt about her. At first I kind of hated her. She was so.. weird. Proper. And not very nice. But I did start to like her, slowly. Because she really does care about her niece. I think. I mostly liked her at least. They live in San Diego, and I loved reading about the place. The things they did, the things they saw. There is just so much in this book. Too much to mention. But there is a few things I must talk about. Sniffs.

Shell have had a best friend since she was little. She's sixteen now. His name is Stephen. They used to spend so much time together a few years back, before he moved. I loved the way they wrote letters to each other. It was just very sweet, and their friendship seemed so amazing and sweet. And their small romance as well. Before her father's capture, Shell goes to visit her aunt, in the same town that Stephen is living with his family. And oh. I loved seeing the flashback of their first meeting after years apart.

But ahh. Stephen has this older brother, Julius, who is a total asshole. You have no idea how much I hated him. He walked in on Stephen and Shell kissing, and he said some awful untrue things about them. It did not end well. And it killed me. Because they should have had more time together. They should have. But I did love that little time. But then Shell leaves, and Stephen is leaving for the war. He's eighteen. And he also just lost his dad, so he's kind of heartbroken. He just need some time away.

Why he thought the war was a good idea I do not know. It was just so heartbreaking. And this book just killed me. Anyway. Julius is some kind of spiritual photographer. He's a cheat, but there is no evidence against him. He gets paid to take pictures of people, where a dead loved one also shows up. There is a lot about that in this book. Which I kind of liked. It was very interesting to read about. But it also made me sad so many times. The whole book did. And right now my heart is breaking all over again.

As you have read from the summary, Stephen dies. In the war. Just when Shell has moved to her Aunt Eva. And my god. It is so awful and cruel and I hated it. But I also loved it, because it was amazing. But so, so sad. I won't say much more about the plot. Just that there is so much to read about, and I never wanted it to end. Must mention one thing more. Stephen comes back as a spirit, because he's hurting. That killed me even more. But oh. I loved that Shell could touch him and such. Still, heartbreaking.

We learn so much in this book. About the flu. About the war. And about how Stephen died. Why he has come back, sort of, as a spirit. I kept wishing that he wouldn't be dead. But yeah. I'm guessing you can't come as a spirit if you are still alive. But I wished. And wished. In the Shadow of Blackbirds is painful. It broke my heart so much. But it is so amazing. I could not stop reading it. I never wanted it to end. And I would so love a sequel, but also not, because of the ending. Sigh. I'm conflicted about my feelings.

I liked the ending of this book. I hated the ending of this book. It is perfect, though. It really is. And it couldn't have ended any other way. Just me and my wishes. But yeah. I loved the ending. I loved the entire book. It's very mysterious and exciting and romantic, in a way. I loved reading about Stephen and Shell. Even if it did break my heart into a million pieces. I loved figuring out what had happened to Stephen. About the blackbirds. Even though it was so awful and it made me cry. But so good and real.

In the Shadow of Blackbirds is an amazing book. One you really need to read. The beginning might be a bit slow, but once it starts getting more amazing you can't put this book down. So I'm giving it five stars, because I loved it so much. Really hoping for some deleted scenes from this book. <3 I am forever thankful to Amulet Books UK for sending me an ARC copy of this book. I loved it so much. Thank you :)
I read this book on January 30th. And I cannot wait to read it again and again. <3

Goodreads - Pre-Order

Update: Newer and better review of the book can be found here.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Review: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Princess was more than I could have ever dreamed of. I have been waiting for it for such a long time. Been dreading it forever, because I did not see how it could possibly end happily. But I was surprised. Because Clockwork Princess is amazing. It is a perfect book, and now that I have read it, I know I will re-read the entire trilogy in a few short months.

I was lucky enough to get my box set of this trilogy yesterday, four days before release date. I just pre-ordered it from book depo months ago, and I'm just so happy that they shipped it early to me, because oh, this book was perfect. I had to read it right away. And like always, I just had to peek at the ending before I started (A) For me, personally, I'm glad I did it. But I also think that you all should not peek at the ending, because there are more than just one thing being spoiled. Plus, it's so exciting to read it all :) Clockwork Princess needs to be loved.

My review will not contain spoilers. As in, I won't say who ends up with who, who dies, who lives, and all that stuff :D But I will talk a bit about the book. Some things I loved. And the one thing I might have disliked a tiny, tiny bit. Overall, though, Clockwork Princess left me feeling happy. After Clockwork Angel left me a bit sad, and Clockwork Prince left me feeling destroyed. But then Clockwork Princess happened. And I can't help thinking about all my favorite parts, although most of the book is just a whole favorite part. Everything was amazing. Lots of heartbreak at times, but it is so perfect. Clockwork Princess was truly amazing.

I loved this book with all of my heart. I'm having trouble finding words for it. But I'll try. First I want to say that there is a lot of love in this book. A lot of relationships. Like Gideon and Sophie. We see a lot of them in this book, which I adored, because I just love Sophie so much, and I think they would make an amazing couple. We also see a lot of his brother, Gabriel. Who I kind of hate because he hate Will :p But I do think that he would be perfect for Cecily, to be honest. He changes in this book. I approved.

We also get to see Charlotte and Henry a whole lot. And I loved that. Although it did make me a bit depressed, because things aren't going very well for Charlotte with the Counsol. But still. Charlotte and Henry are adorable together, and I loved that she was pregnant. I just loved reading about them all. And oh. We get to see more of Jessamine. It broke my heart. It still hurts. But it was so perfect, and I loved it, and oh. It was amazing. We also see more of Magnus, and he is just so damn perfect. Love him so.

We also learn so many other things in this book. More about Tessa's clockwork angel. More about the automatons that belong to Mortmain. More about him too. Yeah, we see more of him too. And I kind of loved reading about him; perfect villain. Meaning, I hated him. But yeah. We also learn who Zachariah (from City of Lost Souls) is. And that was pretty amazing. But oh. The ending. The epilogue. Made me just about die for the last Mortal Instruments book. I need to know what happens! Cannot wait. <3

This book is mostly from Tessa's point of view. I think. Maybe. There is just so much Will that I cannot seem to remember. I adore Tessa. I really do. She loves two boys. Jem and Will. And I must admit that I still don't really see Jem as a love interest. But I do adore him. But yes. Tessa is amazing. I didn't hate her for loving them both. I really didn't. Which I'm just so glad for. She is also special. She's immortal, which is kind of sad, but also pretty amazing. We get to know for sure what she is in this book :)

Then there is Jem. Who is engaged to Tessa. And that just broke me so much in the second book. Did not approve. But oh. I do love Jem. Just love Will more. But yeah. Jem is an amazing character. I love the love he have for Will. Even for Tessa. And I do think that Tessa really loves him, she just loves Will too, and it's sort of breaking her in half. I enjoyed reading about Jem. There is only about one small passage from his point of view, though, but it was amazing still. I can see why people love him. Maybe.

But my favorite character in these books is and will always be Will Herondale. He is just all kinds of perfect. In book one he was broken. Book two broke him even more. And book three. Well. I won't say much about it. But oh. Will is perfect. He's funny and sweet and kind and so damn selfless. He loves Jem so much. He would do anything for his parabatai. I loved that. I loved his and Jem's relationship. I just really loved reading about Will and Jem together :) And Will and Cecily together. Adored them all.

Then there is him and Tessa. I want them together more than anything. He loves her so so much. And it breaks my heart all the time. Just see my teasers.. It's heartbreaking. And amazing. And ah. I won't spoil anything. You just need to read this book. And I want to talk about it all. I really, really want to, but I won't, because it would just spoil everything. Just know that I loved this book. I loved everything that happened. Every. Single. Thing. Especially page 419. Best pages ever. Really, truly the best.

Clockwork Princess is amazing. Like I have said a billion times now. But it is. I'm so glad I read it. It was just so worth the wait. And I think everyone will be pleased with it. Some might not, but I hope all will. I was, at least. There is a small thing I disliked a little. The epilogue and the end. I loved the ending of the book. I really, truly did. But I kind of wish the epilogue hadn't happened. You know, the 130 years in the future thing. But I also loved getting to know some things. But it is also heartbreaking. Like really heartbreaking. There was one thing I wasn't thrilled about, but it made sense, so I kind of enjoyed it.

One thing you should know. If you get the Clockwork Princess first edition, do NOT look inside the book cover until AFTER you have read the book. Because yeah. The family tree is there on the cover, and it's kind of easy to notice things ;p I didn't check it first, and I'm glad I did, but yeah, it's very spoilery, so don't do that at first :) But oh. You need to go buy Clockwork Princess. Because it is amazing. A perfect ending to the trilogy, even with my mixed feelings about the epilogue ;p Read it, love it. You need it.

While reading Clockwork Princess I wanted to take a picture of all the pages, to save my favorite quotes and lines. I actually ended up with a lot of pictures. Most are way too spoilery to share, though, but I will share at least one teaser below. And if I do say so, it's pretty awesome. Clockwork Princess was just amazing. So much better than I had believed. And it has made sure that I will be reading the first two books again. It felt like I had forgotten a few little things, but not that much :) Hope you all love it.


Clockwork Princess teasers. Spoilers for book one and two. Some minor for this too.

"You remember what else I said to you that day in the drawing room," he said. "I want you to be happy, and him to be happy. And yet when you walk that aisle to meet him and join yourselves forever you will walk and invisible path of the shards of my heart, Tessa. I would give over my own life for either of yours. I would give over my own life for your happiness. I thought perhaps that when you told me you did not love me that my own feelings would fall away and atrophy, but they have not. They have grown every day. I love you now more desperately, this moment, than I have ever loved you before, and in an hour I will love you more than that. It is unfair to tell you this, I know, when you can do nothing about it." He took a shuddering breath. "How you must despise me." 
~ page 196

And another favorite, because it is so damn heartbreaking.

and she thought of Will, who had laid down his heart for her and Jem to walk upon 
because he loved them more than he loved himself.
~ page 348

I'm not sharing a sexy/sweet teaser, because yeah. That would be a bit spoilery, and I want to 
keep it all to myself, lol :D *Evil* <3 But yeah. I think you will all understand once you have read it.

In My Mailbox #72

This might have been the best week ever. First, on Friday I was FINALLY done with the bandages! Yesss. After almost 6 weeks.. So glad that I'm finally done with it all. Just don't let me get a new abscess :p But the best news. The best thing was getting my pre-ordered copy of Clockwork Princess yesterday; four days before release date. <3 That made my whole week. Been reading non-stop, well, sort of, I had to sleep last night :p but yeah. I have finished it, and review will be up very soon :) Only read two books this week then. Because I haven't been feeling well at all, but yeah. Now I have read Clockwork Princess, and it just. Ah. Perfection. Anyway. Got lots of awesome this week :D What did you get this week?


The three of them together. <3 Love. Clockwork Angel. Clockwork Prince. Clockwork Princess.


My gorgeous, gorgeous box set. Oh, I love it so so so much.


Eragon. Bought this on sale at a store here :) It's Norwegian, but I still think it's pretty awesome.
Ratatouille. Bought it sale too :) It's pretty sweet. I love the stickers. Hih. I just had to have it :)
Frankenweenie. Yeah. This one is adorable! So, so many amazing stickers. I love them all so much.
The Croods. This is my second copy of this one (A) Had to buy it; cause of gorgeous stickers.
The Sandman. Gorgeous book. Hoping to read all the Rise of the Guardians books soon :D Adore.
Boo. Heh. I kind of had to have the second book too.. It's just so cute. I think it looks adorable :)
How To Train Your Dragon. One of the best movies ever. Had to get this US version (A) Love it.
On the Road. I kind of really need to watch this movie soon. I think it will be weird, but still :D
Breaking Dawn. Yeah. I will be getting all the editions of this, at least in Norway, at some point ;p
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. This was very, very cheap :) Need to watch it some day, I think.
Wreck-It Ralph CD. Hih. Need to listen to this CD soon. Hope it's good. The movie is just amazing :)


Deep Betrayal. I haven't read book one yet.. But I have it, and I do think I will like this series. I hope.
The Nightmare Affair. Two copies. Sigh. I really did love this book :) Can't wait to read it again.
A Monster Calls. I loved this book a whole lot. And this paperback edition is just gorgeous. Love it.
Shattered Dreams. Signed copy that I have won from Suzanne. <3 And some swag :D I love it all.
Unremembered swag, that I kind of bought from Jessica ;p lol. I LOVE it. It's just so gorgeous.
The Croods stickers. A whole bunch of different The Croods stickers I bought from Ebay. <3 LOVE.
Toothless t-shirt. Yeah. I kind of really, really love this one. Isn't he adorable? Can't wait to wear it ;p


In the Shadow of Blackbirds Swag. This book is AMAZING. My review is coming up next week ;) It's just such a perfect book. I will be re-reading it pretty soon too. And omg. Cat is the best. <3 I LOVE all of this swag. It's gorgeous. And ah. I think I have to have a giveaway for some of it soon ;)


Frankenweenie. I kind of really loved this movie. Sad, but amazing. This book is pretty gorgeous.
Let the Sky Fall swag. <3 Got from Shannon via pre-order contest :D I love it. Oh. It's just amazing.
Cinder/Scarlet swag that I won from Rachel :D I love it. Thank you so so much :) It's awesome.





And then I also got accepted for this book via Edelweiss :D Hoping to read it soon. I do think it sounds pretty amazing, and I really hope I will love it. :)







In My Mailbox is an weekly meme made by The Story Siren.

Did you enter my US/Canada giveaway for Unremembered by Jessica Brody yet? You must :)
http://carinabooks.blogspot.no/2013/03/unremembered-blog-tour-guest-post-with.html

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #74

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

NOT A DROP TO DRINK BY MINDY MCGINNIS

Goodreads Description:

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.


Hardcover, 352 pages
Expected publication: September 10th 2013 by Katherine Tegen Books
Pre-Order here.

I adore this cover. I really, really love it. And omg. The summary is amazing. This book sounds like it will be perfect. Pretty sure I will love it :) Can't wait for it to come out! Wish it was September already. <3 I think the plot sounds amazing, and I can't wait to read about Lynn :) Excited about romance too ;p
What are you waiting for? 

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Review: The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy by Nikki Loftin

This book was pretty amazing. I loved it. I adore middle grade books, and I just love the exciting ones. This is sort of based on a fairytale. And that was amazing. The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy is a great book. I really enjoyed it, and I really wish there would be a sequel. Because oh. I want to read more about Lorelei and Andrew :) Maybe as teenagers, with a bit romance too ;p But would love another middle grade as well.

I don't know how to describe this book. I will try. It isn't very long, and it was easy to read, which I loved, and it was just amazing. Took me some time to finally start it, but once I did I could not stop reading at all. I just had to know what happened next. Another thing I loved about this book is the few drawings inside. I love those a whole lot. They are a bit weird, but perfect :) Wish there had been even more of them, though ;p

The book is told from the point of view of eleven year old Lorelei. Whom I adored. She was pretty amazing. I felt so sorry for her. Which sucked, but was also amazing. She doesn't have it good. She lives with her dad and brother Bryan, and her new stepmom, Molly. I didn't really like her father much. But he wasn't all bad. I'm unsure about Bryan, cause he kind of sucked most of the time, but I do think he might have been an awesome brother. But Molly. I hated Molly. And I kind of want a sequel just to know how things end with her. She was just evil. I really hated how she treated Lorelei.

But anyway. I loved Lorelei. She's kind and loving and strong. But broken too, because of what happened to her mom a year ago. She died. And Lorelei blames herself. Which was awful, but so perfect, because it made a whole lot of sense, and it just made her such a better character. Then there is Andrew. He is really fat, as she says. And oh. I just adored him so. He's kind of the only smart one. And he's just really special. He's different. And oh so kind. I loved him. He just deserves all the best. He really does.

I won't say that much about the plot. Since it is a short book, and also because you can almost read all about it in the summary; but not really, because so many amazing and awful things happened that I had no idea about. But yeah. It's about this school. The Splendid Academy. And the teachers there. Three different women. I hated them all. But oh. At first they seem so sweet, and it was a bit heartbreaking. But also amazing, because this book is all kinds of interesting and a bit mysterious. I loved it all.

This book is also about witches. Sort of. It was pretty amazing, and I loved reading about it all. I'm giving it a four star because while I loved it a lot, I had some trouble with the writing, and a few things about the story I wished had been better. But for the most part I loved it all. Lorelei's heartbreak. Andrew's pain. Their friendship. Yeah. This book has it all. And I just loved reading about everything. Even the evil things that happened at the school.. Shudders. Some things were just heartbreaking.

There is a lot of characters in this book. Many I loved. But even more that I hated. I really disliked Lorelei's friend, Allison. I didn't like her at all. She was just cruel and mean and a bit selfish too. But I did love reading about Vasalisa. Even though her story broke my heart. This book was just so amazing, and you really should read it, because I loved it, and I think you will too. I even enjoyed reading about all the food. Was a tiny bit disgusting, though ;p But I loved it. And the bones.. Ah. Creepy and amazing.

Top Ten Tuesday #18

Top Ten Books On My Spring 2013 TBR list!

1. Of Poseidon by Anna Banks. I need to re-read this awesome book :) Excited to re-read it. Enjoyed it.
2. Of Triton by Anna Banks. Have had this ARC for a while, really, really excited to read it :) So pretty.
3. Altered by Jennifer Rush. Been wanting to read this forever. Hoping to read soon; seems amazing :)
4. Dare You To by Katie McGarry. Oh, this book seems so damn amazing. I really need to read it soon.
5. Poison Princess by Kresley Cole. Really want to read this one. So pretty. And I think it'll be amazing.
6. City of a Thousand Dolls by Miriam Forster. Really hoping to read this soon. It looks so amazing.
7. Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood. I think I will love this book. Really want to read it now :D
8. Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu. I need to read this. I really do. It seems so perfect. And heartbreaking.
9. Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta. This book seems so amazing. Reading it soon, I hope. <3
10. Furious by Jill Wolfson. Have an print arc of this book, really need to read it soon :) Seems great.


I have so many books to read. Way too many ;p But on my list this week I have added those that I know I will (might) read this spring, hopefully reading them all pretty soon :) What is on your list this week?   

Top Ten Tuesdays is a weekly meme held by The Broke and the Bookish :)