Saturday, August 31, 2013

In My Mailbox #96

This week I got a whole lot of books. And some other things as well :) And gorgeous swag. Sigh. <3 Still missing something, though. And it is making me so sad that it hasn't arrived. Will be emailing all three about it in a few days if it doesn't arrive. Anyway. SO happy with what I got this week :D Remember last week I talked about The Dream Thieves? It arrived on Monday :D Read it right away and loved it so much. Hope the rest of my things will arrive soon too. What did you get in the mail this week?
Giveaway winners. The winners for the Cat Winters swag pack as been picked and contacted and they have all responded. The winner for my swag and book giveaway has been picked and responded too :)


The Beginning of Everything. Thank you Gillian <3 Tried to read, had to DNF :\ Reading it later.
SIGNED Shadow and Bone. So, so happy. Won it from Gillian. Thank you sweetie :D It is perfect.
The Dream Thieves. Got from publisher, via Gillian :D Thank you. <3 Book was PERFECT. So good.
Amazing swag. Clockwork Princess. I got all this awesome from Gillian as well! Holy crap, PERFECT.
Harry Potter Box Set. Got this myself ;p And it is so gorgeous and perfect. I love the new covers.


The Morning Star. Have not yet read book two, but I did enjoy book one. Hoping to finish them soon :)
The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. Thank you to Nina, UK publisher Indigo, for this finished copy. <3
Robert Pattinson. Heh. I adore Rob so so much and I just have to own all the books about him.
Shannon Messenger Swag. Shannon is THE BEST! Love love love all this swag. Love her books too.
Cat in an Alien X-Ray. Got this finished copy from publisher Tor :) Looks awesome! Excited to read it.
The Year of Shadows. My gorgeous two hardcovers. <3 PERFECT book. Hope to re-read it pretty soon.
The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls. Best middle grade. Gorgeous paperback editions. Love.
Disney Infinity Power Discs. I haven't really played the game yet, but had to buy some power discs :)


Crown of Midnight. I have not yet read Throne of Glass, but at least now I own both books :)
The Jungle Book. Getting it in Blu-Ray too <3 Disney Classic. Been ages since I last saw it.
Iron Man 3. Have not watched 1 and 2, but own them all now :) Hopefully seeing them soon.
Epic. Excited to watch this movie :) Hopefully seeing it very soon. Hope it will be amazing.


Avalon. Reading this right now :) Enjoying it. And I adore the author.  Thank you Edelweiss. <3
Cruel Beauty. Need to read this soon. It does sound so amazing :D Thank you Edelweiss. <3
Her Dark Curiosity. Worried about this. Yet so excited. Have peeked, hih (A) Thank you Edelweiss. <3
Maybe One Day. Think this book sounds awful and amazing. Excited. Thank you Edelweiss. <3
The Lost Planet. Had to download this. Love the cover so much :D Thank you Macmillan & Netgalley. <3
The Lure. Have not seen any reviews, but I do think it sounds interesting :) Thank you Edelweiss. <3


My signed Shadow and Bone. <3 LOVE IT! My collection of books by Leigh here. Before the signed one :)

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

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Book Spotlight and Giveaway: What Goes Around

Today I will be sharing with you all a bit about the upcoming book What Goes Around by Courtney Summers :) I have not yet read the two books included in this one awesome book, but I'm hoping to do so very soon because I loved This is Not a Test by Courtney. It was amazing and I'm so excited to be reading more by this amazing and kind author. What Goes Around is two books in one, Cracked Up to Be and Some Girls Are. They both sound amazing. Courtesy of the publisher, St. Martin's Press, I'm giving away one paperback edition of this book to a winner in the US/Canada. Which is all kinds of awesome and you all need to enter to win it :) Enter to win via the rafflecopter form at the end of the post.
This awesome book is coming out on September 3rd, so if you don't win you should buy it :)


Courtney Summers fans are in for a treat! Two of her most critically acclaimed titles bound together for the price of one: Cracked Up To Be and Some Girls Are.


Two girls. Two secrets. Two gritty, critically acclaimed novels in one.


For Parker, perfection is all that matters. No one will know how wrong she is inside if everything she does ends up right. But when the pressure proves too much, she makes a devastating mistake she’ll do anything to keep hidden—even if it means becoming a perfect mess. For Regina, popularity comes with a price. When she’s kicked out of her clique, she finds out what it’s like to be those she’s bullied and destroyed. Everyone says she has it coming . . . but is there something they don’t know?


There is more to these two girls than meets the eye.

With unflinching honesty and a razor sharp voice, Courtney Summers brings the tensions of high school terrifyingly alive in What Goes Around.

You can read the first three chapters of both books here! So excited. <3
http://issuu.com/stmartinspress/docs/whatgoesaround_excerpt



Where to find Courtney Summers:
Website - Twitter - Facebook

Courtney's Books:
Website - Goodreads - My Old Review

Where to order What Goes Around:
Amazon - The Book Depository - Barnes & Noble



Giveaway Rules.
1 US/Canada winner only. 
Ends on September 12th.
48 hours to reply to email.

Prize shipped from publisher.


Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #98

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

THE OUTSIDE (The Hallowed Ones #2) BY LAURA BICKLE

Goodreads Description:

After a plague of vampires is unleashed in the world, Katie is kicked out of her Amish community for her refusal to adhere to the new rules of survival. Now in exile, she enters an outside world of unspeakable violence with only her two “English” friends and a horse by her side. Together they seek answers and other survivors—but each sunset brings the threat of vampire attack, and each sunrise the threat of starvation.

And yet through this darkness come the shining ones: luminescent men and women with the power to deflect vampires and survive the night. But can these new people be trusted, and are they even people at all?

In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, it’s up to one Amish girl to save her family, her community, and the boy she loves . . . but what will she be asked to leave behind in return?


Hardcover, 320 pages
Expected publication: September 3rd 2013 by HMH Books for Young Readers
Pre-Order here.

This book is, thank god, out in just a few days :D Been dying to read The Outside for over a year now. I loved The Hallowed Ones so much, and I'm so excited about this sequel. Hoping I will love it even more than the first book :D Sigh. I'm just so excited for it! <3 My cover reveal post for it is here.
What are you waiting for?

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Review: The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

The Dream Thieves was amazing. I don't really know how to describe my feelings for it. There was happiness. But for the most part there was pain, at least for me. And a little bit of heartbreak as well. There were funny moments, sweet moments and awful moments. The Dream Thieves had it all. Loved it.

Been waiting to read this book for so long. Almost a year since I first read book one, The Raven Boys, and been months since the ARCs started coming out. I've been insanely jealous of those ever since April and I suppose that is why I haven't read much, because I have been waiting for The Dream Thieves to arrive :)

I read a print ARC of this gorgeous book. Which I got from the US publisher, Scholastic, and was first sent to my friend Gillian in the US. Who then sent it to me. <3 She's awesome. Thank you Gillian. And thank you Scholastic for letting me read and review The Dream Thieves. It was very much worth the wait.


I started this book yesterday afternoon, thinking I wouldn't be able to finish it that day. But I did. Read until midnight and I just wish the book was even longer. The writing is perfect, like with the two other books by Maggie that I have read. I just loved the way everything was written. How the characters talk and think and how things are described. Not too much and not too little. I do not think I will spoil anything in my review, as I will mostly talk a bit about the characters. So there will be no spoilers :)

I can't deal with how awesome this book was. There is a lot of more Ronan in this, and I loved it so much. Ronan is an amazing character and I loved that we got to know some more things about him. Also loved reading from his point of view. I do not think he's all bad. He's pretty sweet I loved this small thing we got to know about him near the end. Different and awesome. Also very much in love with his raven, Chainsaw. She's adorable. I hate his brother Declan, though. I still think he's awful and selfish.

But we also get to know Ronan's younger brother, Matthew. At least we get to know him a little bit. And he seems very sweet and I enjoyed reading about him. We see some more of Declan too. Yeah, still don't like him. We also get to know of this forbidden place for Ronan and his brothers, and it broke my heart yet it was so interesting to read about that I couldn't help but love it. We learn things about his father as well, some things I did not approve of. But I do think he would have been amazing to read about.

Although the book is mostly told from Ronan's point of view it is not just about Ronan. There is so much Gansey in this book. Yet not enough. He is still my favorite character, though. He's sweet and kind and always there. He's the bestest friend. Think he would be the bestest boyfriend too, hint hint :) But anyway. Gansey is amazing and I feel so sorry for him at times. Sobs. Yet he does have some awesome friends, even so. And I adore his family. Loved that we got to see them a little bit more this time.

There are so many amazing scenes between Gansey and Blue. Funny ones. A few sweet ones. Even jealous ones, I believe. They are just adorable and I will forever be shipping them. Just, don't die Gansey. Pretty please. There need to be a way around Blue's curse and Gansey's upcoming death. Glendower could help, I think. We also see more of Blue. Yet not enough. But oh, how I adore her. She's amazing. Such an awesome main character girl. And I adore her family. All of them. So sweet and funny.

We get to see her family more in this book, and we get to see a romance between Maura and the Gray Man. Which I just adored so much. It was sweet and awesome. Although the Gray Man broke my heart. Loved reading about him and from his point of view. He's a bit dangerous, though. Yet I liked him a lot. He's a very interesting character. There is another new boy as well. Kavinsky. He has a lot to do with Ronan. I really hated him. Truly. But he was an interesting character, and I enjoyed reading about him.

There is so much to talk about. But I won't talk about it all. There is a lot of plot in this book, yet I sort of wished the search for Glendower had gotten farther ahead. But I do suppose that will happen in book three and four :) We learn more about Ronan's dreams. Which is awesome and creepy and scary. Loved reading about it. And oh, Noah. I loved reading about Noah. He's still so sweet and dead and sobs. There is this really cute scene between him and Blue that was awesome and yet it broke my heart so much.

Okay. I guess I should mention Adam as well. I did not like him in this book. At all. He was sort of cute in the beginning of book one, but oh, how I dislike him. I don't like how he is with Gansey. He hurts him so much and it is just not fair. He never says he's sorry. He did something to Blue as well, and he never apologized. Not okay Adam! Not okay at all. He changed in this book. Not for the better. At least not for me. Although by the ending he seems better. Still, I do not like him much at all. I did want to, though.

The Dream Thieves is an amazing sequel to yet another amazing book. It was well worth the long wait I had to go through to get it. Though now I must wait another year for book three.. which I might not manage. But still, so excited. Hope there will be a title and cover reveal soon. <3 This book does not end with a cliffhanger. Well, okay, it does, but not such a bad one. I was happy with the ending. For the most part, if you look away from that heartbreaking scene a little while before. Still, amazing.

I feel like sharing a teaser from The Dream Thieves. I'm not sure if it can be called spoilery, since Gansey sort of think the same in book one. Be aware, though, that I'm not sharing the whole quote, because I don't agree with what Gansey think after :D He is truly selfless, though he do wishes to be loved more. Which is just breaking my heart. I want them all to need Gansey for once. Really, truly hoping for more Gansey love in book three. Though there were some in this book, and it was good.

~

Gansey ran over memory until he no longer felt the thrill of hearing Glendower's name whispered in his ear, and then instead gave himself over to feeling sorry for himself, that he should have so many friends and yet feel so very alone. He felt it fell to him to comfort them, but never the other way around.
~ page 133

My book recommendation of The Raven Boys

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

Saturday, August 24, 2013

In My Mailbox #95

I'm sad this week. Waiting on SO MUCH MAIL and NOTHING is arriving. Makes me very depressed. Sigh. I only got one book this week. Okay, two, but one of those is from being a part of an amazing blog tour :D I should have gotten a bunch of other things. But nothing is arriving. Sad face. It better arrive next week. Anyway. I did get Disney Infinity today, and I will be playing that this weekend, I hope :) Hope it is good. <3 I'm not reading anything, because I'm still waiting for The Dream Thieves. And I don't want to read anything before I get to read that one. I am happy with what I got this week <3 just sad that so much is missing. See at the end of the post for LAST CHANCE giveaways :) What did you get this week?







I have mentioned that Macmillan Kids is the best publisher, yes? <3 So happy about this package that I got for being a part of the Of Triton blog tour :D Loved the book, and the hardcover is so gorgeous. The bookmarks are really pretty too. Love them. And ohh. That poster! Love love love it. So lovely.


Disney Infinity. So excited about this game! Really hope it will be amazing :D And omg, Rapunzel! Love.
Wait For You. Not sure when I will find the time to read it, but it does seem good :) Others loved it.
The Smurfs. Hih, I love this. So cute and adorable and it is pink, which I love. Wasn't too expensive :)

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

LAST CHANCE to enter my amazing Authors are Rockstars giveaway by Cat Winters. <3 Amazing swag pack to be won, three International winners. Enter that one here.

There is also just FOUR days left to enter my International book and swag giveaway. Enter that here.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Deception Blog Tour: Character Interview with Rachel + Giveaway

I'm so excited to be a part of the Deception blog tour today! I really liked the first book, Defiance, and I cannot wait to read Deception. Think it sounds amazing. For my tour stop I'm interviewing the main character, Rachel. It's my first character interview and I hope I did okay :) I, at least, love the answers from Rachel. <3 Thank you to the amazing author for writing these books and thank you to Katie at Mundie Moms for hosting this tour and letting me be a part of it :) Can't wait for the other posts!

 
Interview with Rachel. Includes SPOILERS for Defiance, book one :)

1. What is your happiest memory of you and your father together?


My happiest memory is when he'd take me with him on his courier trips to the city-state of Thorenburg, which is to the southeast of Baalboden. Thorenburg is a beautiful city with brick homes and flower gardens, and it rests right beside the ocean. Dad would take care of business and then we'd spend a day sitting on the sand, staring at that never-ending expanse of water. Sometimes we'd spar, if the beach was deserted. Sometimes we'd talk about my mother and his memories of her. But mostly, we'd just sit in silence and enjoy the feeling that there was so much more out there than what we knew.

2. If you could change one thing about everything that's happened since your father died, what would that be? (Bringing back the dead don't count :))


I wouldn't have insisted that we call the Cursed One outside of Baalboden. I would've spent more time coming up with a plan to kill the Commander instead of putting my entire city in danger. I wish I'd known that the device would malfunction, and that so many people would lose their lives. I don't know how to ever be okay with that.

3. Is there anything you wish you could have told your father and Oliver before the end?


They knew I loved them with every single piece of my heart, but I would've told them one more time anyway. I would've made sure they knew that I'm grateful for the way I was raised. For how much I was loved. So grateful that I had the family I had.

4. Did you ever imagine someone for your Protector?


No. I dreamed of being with Logan, but only as his equal. I never wanted to be Claimed. I don't think anyone has the right to claim another person. I'm not a piece of property. However, I did dream that Logan would one day feel protective toward me. Not the false protection that required the men in Baalboden to pretend that their women couldn't even walk to the Market alone, but the real kind. The kind that respects what I can do, and that would cause him to lay his life on the line for mine because that's what you do for people you love.

5. Do you ever wish that you didn't know the horrible stuff that happened in Baalboden? That your life had never changed?


Every single day. If I could rewind and go back to the time before Dad went missing, I would do it. I would keep Oliver alive and my city intact. I think Logan and I would've eventually found our way to each other because there isn't another boy who understands me and who is strong enough to earn my respect while still giving me the freedom to be myself, and I don't think there's another girl who can love Logan like I do. I saw the truth of who he was and loved him for it while every other girl was busy pretending he didn't exist. But even though I want to go back and keep my family alive and my city from ruins, I understand that things in Baalboden had to change. Revolution had to happen, and I don't know if Logan and I would've been pushed far enough to stand up to the Commander like we did if we hadn't lost everyone else.

6. Could you share one thing about yourself that no one knows?


I'm afraid of spiders. I'm ashamed to admit it because of all the things I've faced, that seems very silly, but I hate them. I want to smack them to death with my sword whenever I see them.

7. What is the dream you hold closest to your heart?


Destroying the Commander so that I can live with Logan in peace for the rest of our lives.

8. What is the thing or person that you fear the most?


Myself. I know what I'm capable of, now, and it scares me.

9. What is the food that you do not want to ever live without?


Oliver's sticky buns, but I guess I no longer have a choice.

10. What is it that you like the most about Logan? :)


He's a fighter. He's had to fight for everything he has. His education. His job. His family. Every scrap of respect he's earned has been hard won. He never backs down from what he's set his mind to, and he tries so hard to do the right thing every single time. I respect that. Also, his smile is amazing. His real smile. There's the smile he gives the world, and the one he gives to me. The smile he gives me warms me from the inside out and makes me feel like he truly sees me and loves me for exactly who I am.





Where to find C.J. Redwine:
Website - Twitter - Facebook

Defiance Books:
Website - Goodreads - My Old Review

Where to order Deception:
Amazon - The Book Depository - Barnes & Noble






Thursday, August 22, 2013

Giveaway Reminders

Hi! Just wanted to remind you all of two international giveaways I'm having up on my blog. They are ending pretty soon, and I didn't want you to miss out on them :) The first is a giveaway that I am hosting, where one winner will win an awesome swag pack and a paperback edition of The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls by Claire Legrand. Which is an amazing book. The second giveaway is by the amazing Cat Winters. She's giving away three swag packs :D In the Shadow of Blackbirds bookmarks and The Cure for Dreaming bookplate. And they are gorgeous! You really want them. That giveaway is a part of the Authors are Rockstars tour :) I adore Cat. You really need to read her awesome book as well. <3

Enter the swag and book giveaway here.
Enter the Cat Winters swag giveaway here.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #97

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

FANGIRL BY RAINBOW ROWELL

Goodreads Description:

In Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl, Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan, but for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.
Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?


Hardcover, 405 pages
Expected publication: September 10th 2013 by St. Martin's Griffin
Pre-Order here.

I might be dying to read Fangirl. I think it sounds amazing, and I just loved Eleanor & Park by the same author. Cannot wait to read more books from her :) Love the cover and summary for Fangirl and I just really hope I will love the book too. Which I think I will. Hoping for epic romance, hih (A) <3
What are you waiting for?

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Review: Gustav Gloom and the Four Terrors by Adam-Troy Castro

This is the third book in the awesome middle grade books about Gustav Gloom. Just saw that it's been a whole year since I read the first book. Yet I remembered just about everything from it. I will probably re-read these three books when the fourth one comes out, maybe. They are pretty awesome.

These books are quick reads. Which I love. Yet I hate that they are so short. I wanted more and more and more. Never wished for it to end. And then it does end, on an evil cliffhanger. But not too evil, I can deal with it. Just know that I really truly need the fourth book as soon as possible. I need to know :)

We see a lot more of Gustav and Fernie in this book. I adore them both so much. Felt like Fernie was a bit mean to Gustav a few times, but I couldn't really blame her. I just want Gustav to be loved, because he is such a sad little boy. Sniffs. We also get more of Pearlie and Mr. What. Loved reading about them all. Sad that there weren't much of the cat in this book. But there is a dinosaur instead. Which was pretty amazing.

I won't be saying all that much in this review of mine. Just that I enjoyed the book. It's fun and full of adventures, like the first two books. And like them it all happens in a day. And there is a lot of things happening. I loved it all. I just had a few issues with this book, and they weren't really a big deal. For the most part I enjoyed the writing. And I just loved the characters so much. They are special. Adore Gustav the most, though. He's adorable and sad and perfect. He and Fernie are perfect as friends.

Loved reading about the shadows as well. Although I got creeped out by the evil ones. There is a lot of evil shadows in this book. They were pretty amazing but also a bit scary which I loved. Cannot wait to read more about them. This was a fun book. A bit sweet and full of love. Fernie is ten year olds and I can't remember how old Gustav is, but I think maybe the same age. They are just so adorable to read about. I love the things they do and the things that happened in this book. You need to read the series.

I haven't really decided yet how I wish to rate this book. I'm giving it a four star. But it might have been a four point five at times. I didn't love it as much as the second book, but I found it sweet and entertaining and scary. Gustav Gloom and the Four Terrors was an amazing book. A great sequel to the first two books. I just need to know what happens next now :) There will be a forth book. There must be. Because this is a very evil cliffhanger. So I'm really excited for the next one; I need it :)

I just about forgot the most perfect part of these books. The illustrations. They are so perfect. They fit so well with the book and how I imagine the characters to look while reading. They are also really pretty, and I just wish there had been even more of the drawings. Because they truly are gorgeous. Cannot wait to see more of them in the next books. I'm sure they will be even prettier. <3 Need some news now.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

In My Mailbox #94

Got some awesome things this week. And I might have spent too much money, even though what I got were mostly pre-orders :) Still waiting on so much, though. And things that have gotten lost in the mail that I have won :( makes me so sad. A bit upset that The Dream Thieves did not arrive today, since there is no mail tomorrow, but really hoping it will arrive early next week <3 I have not been able to read much this week. Probably because I spent three days with The Bone Season, where I only read 154 pages. Stopped reading it. Couldn't finish, because I did not enjoy it. Sigh. Then I re-read The Raven Boys, which was perfect. <3 So I'm happy with this week :) Another thing I got that is not pictured are a pair of black glitter Toms shoes. They are gorgeous. But, of course, I cannot wear normal shoes so I have huge blisters on my little toes. Sobs. Still. Hoping they get better :) What did you get this week?


The Bone Season. I wanted to love this book. But I ended up quitting it at 154 pages. Not for me :(
Infinityglass. Second hardcover. Just had to, since I have two copies of the first books.. Heh.
Gustav Gloom #3. Will try reading this tonight :) Loved the first two books about Gustav. Adorable.
The Iron Traitor. SO HAPPY! Gorgeous print ARC <3 Thank you UK publisher :) Reading soon.
Avalon. Love love love this bookmark. Cannot wait for the book :) Thank you so much Mindee. <3
The Grisha Army. Gorgeous button and note :D Thank you so much Fierce Reads. <3 I love it.
Her Dark Curiosity. Best swag! So gorgeous. Cannot wait to read the book. Thank you Megan. <3
In the Shadow of Blackbirds. Love the swag! Cure for Dreaming bookplate <3 Thank you Cat :D


The Lord of the Rings lego. I need all of this lego. Own a lot, but not enough, hih :D Adore this one.
Merida. She's pretty gorgeous. Love her. Something is loose inside her head, though. Still, pretty :D
Daenerys. I just had to buy her. Love the little dragon :D She's very pretty. Ugly mark on hair, though.
Owl. She is so gorgeous! Even prettier in person. I had to own her. So amazing. Sigh. Love her :)
Despicable Me. My sister got me these from McDonalds. <3 Aren't they awesome? :D Love them.
Riders of Berk. LOVE! Loved this series. Love the movie. This series is amazing. Sigh. Love it!
Sarah's Key. Mom loved the book, so we are going to watch the movie together :) Hope it's good.
The Shining. Did not own this. Been years since I saw it. Just had to buy it, hih. It is pretty awesome.
The Woman in Black. Have not watched this yet, and I wanted it. Three movies for £16. Not bad :)
Arrietty. I need all of the Studio Ghibli picture books. Sigh. And this one is just so gorgeous as well :)


 


Edelweiss keep declining me. As does Netgalley. Except for Harlequin Teen, which I'm auto-approved for. <3 Which makes me so happy. So this week I got Waterfell :) Hope it's good!






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

Pssst. Did you all enter my new international giveaway? One winner will win some awesome swag and the amazing The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girl :) Enter HERE.

Oh, and I also had the amazing Cat Winters on my blog for the Authors are Rockstars blog tour :D She's having an AMAZING international giveaway. <3 Enter that HERE.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Book Recommendation: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater


I had forgotten how much I loved this book. Like truly loved it. My favorite book by Maggie is The Scorpio Races, as it is one of the best books ever. Then again, I've only read two books by her so far :) Hoping to love The Dream Thieves even more. I will not be talking too much about the plot in this book rec. Won't mention the beginning, how things get started. Will mostly just talk about my love for the characters. And I have a lot of love for them. Especially for Gansey. And Blue. I love them all so much.

I shall start with the main girl in this book, Blue. She's pretty amazing. She's weird and cute and I adored her. She's kind too. And very sweet. She has a weird family, though, and I adored all of them. They all live in a small house, and everyone except for her is some kind of psychic. Which was so awesome. Loved reading about all of them and what they could do/predict. Like Calla and Maura and Neeve. I adored them all and enjoyed reading about them so much. Hoping we see even more of them later.

Even though Blue isn't psychic she does sort of have a power of her own. She makes others power stronger. Which was also kind of amazing. I get that she wish she could do more, but still, I loved what she could do either way. Anyway. I adored Blue and her family. She doesn't have any friends, though, before this book started. Which was a bit sad, but I can't judge her, since I'm the same. But then there is this book. And there is the Raven boys. And they are adorable and perfect and so much love.

We meet four boys. And I loved all of them. One more than the others, though. First there is Noah, who is just so cute. He's different, though, and we find out why. It broke my heart. Yet it was also perfect and I loved reading about it. Then there is Ronan, the bad boy. He's a bit of an asshole, but I loved him for it. He's had it tough, and I cannot wait to read more about him to figure it all out. He was an really interesting character and I adored him. Especially reading about him and Chainsaw. Sigh. Adorable.

Then there is Adam. I did love him. I did. Just wish he hadn't sort of been a love interest. And I fear what might happen in book two. But I can't really hate him and Blue being adorable together, because they were a bit sweet to read about. Adam does not have an easy life. He has an asshole father and a coward mother, I think. I hated reading about it. But I also loved it. It made Adam interesting. But I hated how he treated Gansey at times. He hurt him. And it broke me. I get him, just not that part.

Gansey. I loved him the most. He was the best part of the book, even though I loved all of it. He's rich and cute and all kinds of amazing. He's different too. He has this obsession about this dead king and this other magic thing. I loved it. He's funny and sweet yet he's a bit dumb at words which I adored. He has these fears and it broke my heart. Loved that he was allergic to wasps. Even though it freaked me out. Need to read more about that in the upcoming books, please. I just loved it. Gansey is very real.

Just, swoon. We learn so much about Gansey yet not enough. Never enough. He's just perfect. Yeah, not truly perfect, but perfect for me. Broken perfect. And the way he felt towards the end just broke me so much. It better be fixed pretty fast. I need Gansey to feel loved. To be loved. He deserves that. Sobs. Anyway. I really ship Gansey and Blue together, and I need them to be a couple pretty fast, please. The book seem to ship them too. I hope. Just don't let him die. Cries. Love the plot twist, though.

The plot in The Raven Boys is amazing. We learn so much and yet I was never confused. I just wanted to know more and more. It's almost been one year since I first read this. I loved it even more this time. So much more. The Raven Boys is just amazing. The writing is perfect. I adore Maggie's writing. She's pretty awesome too. And the story is so good. There is some magic, which I loved. There is lot of mystery. A tiny romance. Friendships. Love. Hate. This book has it all. I just loved it so much.

Don't think I have anything else to say about The Raven Boys. It's just a stunning book that I want everyone to read. I loved it to pieces. Cannot wait to read The Dream Thieves, which should arrive any day now <3 and then the next two books in this four book series :) Though I feel that won't be enough and I may end up wanting more and more. Right now I just need more Gansey. And him happy. I need him to be happy, pretty please. Love him sad and broken, though, but want him happy as well :)

Also sharing a teaser from the book with you. Not a big one and no romance. But it's funny and I loved reading it. It's Gansey and Ronan, and you might not understand it if you haven't read the book :D Hopefully it will just make you more excited about reading it ;p Because if you have not read The Raven Boys yet, then you really need to start reading right away. It's amazing. Perfect writing, amazing plot and awesome characters. It will hurt your heart and make you smile. Go read it. You will not regret it. <3

~

"We have to be back in three hours," Ronan said. "I just fed Chainsaw but she'll need it again."
"This," Gansey replied, "is precisely why I didn't want to have a baby with you." ~ page 239


My old review. My book recommendation of The Scorpio Races.

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

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #96

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

VENGEANCE (Fracture #2) BY MEGAN MIRANDA

Goodreads Description:

Nobody really believes in a curse. Until you know the people who disappear. Too much coincidence, you look for reason. Too much death, you grasp for something to blame. Carson pulled Delaney out and he died on the side of the road with her mouth pressed to his. Her air in his body. Troy. She told the cops it was suicide. Didn't matter. The lake released her and grabbed another. But when Decker's father dies in a pool of spilled water on their kitchen floor, all Decker can feel is a slow burning rage. Because he knows that Delaney knew that his dad was going to die. She knew and backed out of his house and never said a word. Falcon Lake still has a hold on them both, and Decker can't forgive Delaney until he knows why.



Hardcover, 320 pages
Expected publication: February 13th 2014 by Walker Childrens
Pre-Order here.

I'm so excited to read Vengeance! Just wish it was out sooner than February :) But ohh. I just cannot wait to read it. <3 I enjoyed the first book, Fracture, quite a lot and I need to know what happens next. Although the summary makes me a bit scared.. But, I will still hope for the romance, hih. <3 Also! Bloomsbury are having new covers. Gaah. Just look at them together below. SO gorgeous!
What are you waiting for?

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Title Reveal: The Diviners #2 by Libba Bray

Oh, how I wish this sequel was out already. Feels like forever since I read The Diviners :) Dying to read this sequel. So excited for it, because I adored the first book and I need to know what happens next. Anyway. Sharing the title for book two today, and I love it! It's perfect and I cannot wait to read the book to find out what it means. There is also a short summary below, which is all kinds of awesome. I would love to have more Jericho romance. Sigh. He's amazing. Just wish it was April 22nd yet :)


LAIR OF DREAMS


After a supernatural showdown with a serial killer, Evie O'Neill has outed herself as a Diviner. Now that the world knows of her ability to "read" objects, and therefore, read the past, she has become a media darling, earning the title, "America's Sweetheart Seer." But not everyone is so accepting of the Diviners' abilities...

Meanwhile, mysterious deaths have been turning up in the city, victims of an unknown sleeping sickness. Can the Diviners descend into the dreamworld and catch a killer?


Saturday, August 10, 2013

In My Mailbox #93

Only read two books this week, but that is better than nothing :D And I'm hoping to read more. <3 Think I will re-read The Raven Boys next. I got some awesome things this week. Pre-orders, HTTYD and something that I won. <3 Yet I'm still missing so much. Sobs. And today I got nothing. Which is weird, since I should have gotten things that I have ordered. Sigh. Saturday don't like me. Anyway. I am happy with what I got :) <3 What did you get this week?







Infinityglass. Still don't know if I will read book 2 and 3. Author was not good to me.. Still, pretty.
Through the Ever Night. Thought this pre-order was a different paperback. I already have this.. Sigh.
Shadows. Love this gorgeous paperback :D I really need to read my ARC of Monsters soon. Excited.
Stormdancer. Such a pretty paperback. I love it! Also need to read my eARC of Kinslayer pretty soon (A)
Keeper of the Lost Cities. Gorgeous paperback. Sigh. Adore this book, so I just had to own two copies :)
Grischa. Germany version of Siege and Storm :) Finally got it! Have the same in Shadow and Bone ;p
Belladonna - Born Wicked Swedish Edition - Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea - Swag.
All of these amazing things I won from Jessica Spotswood. <3 She is amazing. I love it all so much!
The Mortal Instruments. Pretty boxes :D Love the runes and necklace and magnets. They are so pretty.


Speak. I enjoyed this movie when I saw it ages ago, and I finally bought my own copy via Amazon :)
Rapunzel. This Tangled book is just so gorgeous. Sigh. I love it :) Have so many of these books now (A)
Gift of the Night Fury. Own a few DVD copies, but I need the blu-ray the most :D Gorgeous movie.
Toothless. He is PERFECT. Truly perfect. His face is so gorgeous. Sigh. I love this toy of mine. <3
Hiccup. Doesn't he look pretty awesome? :D He's even missing his leg! Love. Hiccup is adorable.
Mike. Got this in a cereal, lol. He's pretty awesome. I wanted Sulley the most, but I do adore Mike :)
Quotemark. I got a bunch of Quotemarks from bookdepo, and I hope to be using them all soon ;p


Gorgeous signed book. <3 Thank you Jessica :) You are amazing.





I also got The Iron Traitor via Netgalley this week. <3 Still crossing my fingers for print ARC, but so happy that I'm auto-approved for HarlequinTeen on Netgalley :) Isn't it pretty? <3






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

Pssst. Did you all enter my new international giveaway? One winner will win some awesome swag and the amazing The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girl :) Enter HERE.

Oh, and I also had the amazing Cat Winters on my blog for the Authors are Rockstars blog tour :D She's having an AMAZING international giveaway. <3 Enter that HERE.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Book Recommendation: The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle

 
I cannot believe it's already been a year since I first read this book. And I actually remembered a lot of it, hih. So glad that I decided to re-read it now, though. Even if the second book isn't out for yet another month. Still, that isn't too long to wait for it, and I really cannot wait to read it. So excited for it to come out next month. Hoping it will be even better than The Hallowed Ones, which I think it will be :) I loved re-reading this book. I might not have needed to, but I loved it. Had forgotten a few things ;p

I feel like I said a lot about this book in my review a year ago, so my book recommendation today won't be that long. I will be sharing a sweet teaser at the end, which I adore. While re-reading The Hallowed Ones, I learned that I loved it the most the first time, yet I still loved it so much this time as well. But I did have a few small issues with the writing, which is normal for me these days. Have gotten so picky this year, lol. But I still did enjoy the writing so much, and I'm really glad I read it. It's an awesome book.

The Hallowed Ones tells the story of an Amish girl named Katie. She's amazing. At first she seemed a bit plain, like the other girls and women on their land. But she got a lot more personality later on, and I ended up loving her so much. I was a bit confused at first, like the first time, about how the Amish thing work. But it was interesting to read about, even though I don't care much for God and could never have been Amish. They live a simple life, and it did seem good and sweet at times. But not always.

Because the Amish have a lot of rules. And yeah. I did not approve of them. Like the Bann. And what happens after Rumspringa. I would never be able to live like an Amish. But I did enjoy reading about them and their life. I loved reading about Katie and her family, even though they seemed a bit harsh at times. Katie has a best friend, Elijah. I could have liked him a bit in the beginning. But then the end of the world happens, and he changed so much. He got more into the rules, and I hated him with a passion.

A lot of the book is about the Amish life and their ways. I enjoyed it, but that wasn't the most exciting part of this book. The Hallowed Ones is about vampires. The evil kind that eats you. I loved it. It's a bit unique as well and I loved reading about it so much. At first the Plain people don't know that anything happened, until it sort of comes to their door. And then the plot begins. It is a really amazing story and I loved reading about it all. There is also a boy. Well, a man. Alex. And he's adorable. I loved him a lot.

Alex is from the Outside, and he is badly hurt. I loved reading about him and Katie. There is some romance and it's sweet and amazing. Loved the ending. There is also this English woman, Ginger, whom I loved reading about. She's sweet and pretty amazing. Hope we get to learn more about her in the sequel. I don't really know what else to say about this book. It's amazing and creepy and sweet. I loved reading about the dogs. I enjoyed reading about the Hexenmeister. I enjoyed reading about it all :)

If you all haven't read The Hallowed Ones yet, you really need to do so. I'm sorry if my book rec didn't turn out very perfect, I just don't have words for how awesome this book is :) Right now I'm just counting down the days until book two, The Outside, comes out next month. I need to know what happens next with everyone and everything. So excited for it. Also, cute quote from the book below :)

~

But he didn't let go. He reeled me back in as if I were a fish. With a startled gasp,
I stumbled and landed against his chest. A flicker of amusement glittered in his eyes.
He kissed me on my forehead, whispered against my skin. "Be careful, Bonnet." ~ page 231


Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #95

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

3:59 BY GRETCHEN MCNEIL

Goodreads Description:

Josie Byrne's life is spiraling out of control. Her parents are divorcing, her boyfriend Nick has grown distant, and her physics teacher has it in for her. When she's betrayed by the two people she trusts most, Josie thinks things can't get worse.

Until she starts having dreams about a girl named Jo. Every night at the same time—3:59 a.m.

Jo's life is everything Josie wants: she's popular, her parents are happily married, and Nick adores her. It all seems real, but they're just dreams, right? Josie thinks so, until she wakes one night to a shadowy image of herself in the bedroom mirror – Jo.

Josie and Jo realize that they are doppelgängers living in parallel universes that overlap every twelve hours at exactly 3:59. Fascinated by Jo's perfect world, Josie jumps at the chance to jump through the portal and switch places for a day.

But Jo’s world is far from perfect. Not only is Nick not Jo's boyfriend, he hates her. Jo's mom is missing, possibly insane. And at night, shadowy creatures feed on human flesh.

By the end of the day, Josie is desperate to return to her own life. But there’s a problem: Jo has sealed the portal, trapping Josie in this dangerous world. Can she figure out a way home before it’s too late?

From master of suspense Gretchen McNeil comes a riveting and deliciously eerie story about the lives we wish we had – and how they just might kill you.


Hardcover, 368 pages
Expected publication: September 17th 2013 by Balzer & Bray
Pre-Order here.

Yeah. I cannot wait for 3:59 :D I think it sounds amazing. Really hope that it will be awesome too. Summary makes me worry a tiny bit about the romance, but oh. I hope there will be at least a little bit of sweet romance in this book :) Although I'm mostly excited for the creepy parts, lol :) Cannot wait!
What are you waiting for?

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday #22

Top Ten Books I Wish Could Have Had Sequels

1. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater.
This is the book I want a sequel for the most. The Scorpio Races will always be a favorite book of mine, and it is very close to being the best book I have ever read. I just need more of Sean and Puck and Corr together, please. <3 And Dove. Sigh. I truly, truly need a sequel to this perfect book. Pretty please?

2. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta.
My second choice, which is almost as good as my first one. Jellicoe Road was such a perfect book, yet I feel like I need so much more. I need to know what happens next with Taylor and Jonah and just everything. Would really love a sequel to this amazing book. There don't need to be one, but I want one.

3. The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girl by Claire Legrand.
Best middle grade book ever. Cavendish is SO perfect. You all need to read it. I'm even giving away a copy on my blog now. Anyway. I need a sequel with Victoria and Lawrence as teenagers. <3 And that last page! Shudders. There really need to be a sequel to this perfect and so creepy book. I would love it.

4. This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers.
This book ended so bad. Yet with some hope, I think. And I just need to know what happens next! You just cannot end a book like this :) Would love to read more about Sloane and Rhys. They were amazing and I need to read more about them. And the zombie world! Creepy yet so amazing. I need more.

5. Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver.
This is also such an amazing midde grade book. Liesl & Po was such a cute book but also kind of really sad. I would love a sequel about Liesl and Will as teenagers or even the same age. I just want to read more about them both and to know what happens next. They were just both way too adorable.

6. Origin by Jessica Khoury.
I know there will be another book from Jessica set in the same world, but oh. I would so love a direct sequel to Origin where we get to know more about Pia and Eio. This book was just so perfect and I would so love to have a sequel to it. Either way, I'm dying to read Vitro, though, think it will be amazing.

7. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell.
This book was just all kinds of perfect. But it was also extremely heartbreaking. And I'm not too happy about the ending. I need to know what happens next with Eleanor and Park. I would die for a sequel of this book. Sort of. Either way, I would really love one, to get to read about what happens next.

8. If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch.
This book was just so heartbreaking and sweet and perfect. I loved it so much. If You Find Me was amazing. But oh. I really thought that it was too short, and I would really love a sequel to this book. I need to know more about Carey and Ryan and Jenessa and Pixie. I very much want a sequel to this book.

9. Entwined by Heather Dixon.
It's been a long time since I read this book. But I really loved it. And I remember wanting a sequel for it ever since I read it. The book was really magical and sweet and scary and just perfect. I would love to read more about the twelve sisters and Azalea and the love interest. I suck at remembering names.

10. Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama.
While it has been a little while since I read Monstrous Beauty, I loved it so much. And I would really love to have a sequel to this amazing book. Would like the heartbreaking ending changed, hih :D But even so. I would love to read anything else by Elizabeth. Would love for her to publish more books :)


Been a while now since I last did a top ten. But this week I just had to join. So many books I would love a sequel to :D Also, I just had to write a bit more about each one, which I haven't really done before. Oh, well :) Would love sequels to all of these ten books. What is on your top ten list this week?

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

Monday, August 5, 2013

Book Recommendation: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer


I'm a tiny bit heartbroken at the moment. I first read Scarlet back in November, and while I remember loving it so much, I did not remember all this heartbreak. It's sort of killing me right now. And the love. This book is so amazing. I loved every moment. Especially the last one hundred pages. Those pages gave me all the feels. But also so much heartbreak and pain and hurt and death. It was awesome. The story is one of the best stories I have ever read. And I loved reading about everything that happened.

I don't know how to describe my feelings for Scarlet. Will try my best, though. After having re-read Cinder I just had to start re-reading Scarlet too right away. And I don't regret re-reading them both at all, even though the wait for Cress will be even more painful than before. The writing in these books are perfect. Truly perfect. Marissa is amazing. She writes so good and her story telling is the best. I fell in love with all the characters. I need to know what happens next to them all. And to the world.

This book tells the story of a girl from France named Scarlet. And oh. I loved getting to know her and getting to read about her. Scarlet was amazing. Such a great character. She's so sweet and protective. And very fierce. Loved that she grew up on a farm with her grandmother. Thing is, her grandmother is now missing. Which is where the plot come in. Won't say much about it, just that it is all kinds of amazing. But yeah. Truly heartbreaking. Made me cry. But it is also so perfect and I loved reading it all.

We meet Scarlet and we also get to know Wolf. Whom I adored. He's a bit weird, but I loved him so much. We get to know him quite a bit. Which I loved. He's different, though. And I worry a bit how that will work out in the next book. But I cannot wait to find out. There might be a lot of deaths in this book. And I might be bad for wishing there will be even more in the next two books. It's just that, on Luna, there are these soldiers. And I kind of need to see them in action. I have a big need for that.

There is so much in this book. So much about The Wolves. So much about Luna, yet never enough. I need to know all the things about Luna. I want to know more about the Lunar Queen. Sigh. This book is just perfect. We also see more of Cinder, which I loved. She does have a big part in this book. We get to meet Captain Thorne, whom I kind of adored. And we see more of Iko, which I was so happy about! Iko is amazing. And Cinder is just so perfect. She's so strong yet so heartbroken. Sobs. I love her so much.

Then there is Kai. And gah. There is not enough Kai in this book. But there is a little bit, and I loved every moment when we get to read about him. Kai is amazing. Emperor Kaito. Sigh. Also, swoon. He is my favorite character. And my heart just broke for him in this book. I felt so sorry for him. He's also so alone. Sobs. But he's still strong and amazing. Even though I'm a bit sad about something he did at the end, I understood why he did what he did. And I sort of blame Cinder for most of it, anyway :D Hih.

So much happens in Scarlet. Yet not enough. I couldn't stop loving this book. There is one thing I fear from the next two books. When Kai figures out who Cinder really is, and how heartbroken he's going to be when he thinks she kept that from him too.. Sobs. I just need them to have an happy ending. Please? <3 Oh, and not just an ending. I need to read about them together for a long time, hih. Anyway. I'm just so excited for everything that is to come. Loved re-reading Scarlet so much. It's perfect.

Right now I'm just dying to read Cress. Really, truly dying to read it. Especially with how much I loved re-reading Cinder and Scarlet. I have some theories. And I have tons of hopes and wishes about what I want to happen. Especially about Kai. Sniffs. I just need Cress. Really hoping for an ARC of it sometime, otherwise I might have to wait until February. Which would just about kill me. But I'll maybe manage waiting that long. Maybe. But I don't want to :) Anyway. I'm just so excited for Cress to come out.

Scarlet was a perfect book. Which I loved even more this second time that I read it. If you have read Cinder, then you need to read Scarlet. Ends on kind of a cliffhanger, but nothing way too evil, just a bit heartbreaking. Just made me that more excited for Cress. Also, I adore Marissa. And I cannot wait to see what she will write once she has finished these four books. I'm just so excited for it all :) Can't quite believe how much I loved these books. Just so much love and hurt and gah. It was so perfect.

Sharing two teasers from Scarlet, a teaser about Thorne. Whom I kind of adored this second time. He is not a love interest, at least not for Cinder and Scarlet, so I feel okay with adoring him :) And a teaser from Scarlet's point of view. From a scene I just loved so much. Sigh. Adore. Curious about my The Lunar Chronicles collection? Swag, signed books, books, hoodie. You can see it all up on my pinterest right now :) Anyway. You need to read Cinder and Scarlet. You must. Perfect books. So perfect. <3

~

Her irritation made her prettier, and Thorne cupped his chin, studying her. He'd never met a cyborg before, much less flirted with one, but there was a first time for everything. ~ page 32

~

Then he was pulling her toward him and bundling her up in his arms. Scarlet gasped as Wolf buried one hand into her mess of curls and kissed her back. ~ page 242



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