Saturday, March 29, 2014

In My Mailbox #126

I haven't blogged much this week. Because I haven't been able to read much after Percy Jackson. <3 But also because I have been crazy sick for days now. I have a cold, I think. Headache all the time. Coughing. Runny nose. NO taste or smell. Sobs. It is upsetting me a lot. And I don't have the energy for anything. Sigh. But I have started reading The Kiss of Deception. Liking it, but not loving it yet. Hoping that will happen :) And hoping I will feel better soonish so that I can actually read more of it :p Sigh. Anyway. I got some awesome things this week :) Though not many books. Hmm. I posted a new Cress Tuesday. <3 And I'm waiting on this awesome MG. And I posted my review for The Demigod Files. <3
What did you get this week?


Robert Pattinson. Heh, I just had to buy myself this gorgeous calendar. <3 It looks pretty awesome. :)
The Lord of the Rings. Best movies. Always. And this calendar is gorgeous. Legolas! My love. So pretty.
The Lightning Thief. Percyyyy. <3 I just had to buy this graphic novel. Cause, you know, Percy.
The Demigod Files. I really enjoyed this one. Percy, my love. Hih. Loving these books so much.
Angry Birds. You can't see all of it, but there is this cute Angry Birds big car. It looks awesome.
How To Train Your Dragon. I was missing these gorgeous plush dragons, hih. <3 They are so cute.
Sunrise. This isn't out yet for a few weeks, but I pre-ordered it and it arrived :) Hoping to read it soon.
Veronica Mars. I have yet to see the movie! Agh. But soonish. I just had to buy this book, though ;p
Soul Screamers Volume Four. I know, I know. I have yet to read these. But I had to own them all, hih.

Movies. A lot of Disney Classics just came out on blu-ray and I had to buy them all, hih. <3 And a few other cute disney movies :) Love them all. Sigh. And.. I have an addiction to buying things :p





The Balance Keepers. I just had to download this cute middle grade book from Edelweiss. <3 Hoping I will love it.. I'm a bit worried about the summary; it seems a bit much, I think, but I really love the cover. Fingers crossed :)






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

Friday, March 28, 2014

Mini Review: The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan

I love everything Percy Jackson. Truly. And I'm so happy to own this tiny book. First, it is beyond gorgeous. That cover is perfection. So pretty. And the pages looks amazing as well. It is pretty short, though. So my review won't be long.

I'm giving this short story book a four star. I loved it, but I also had some issues with the stories; as I didn't find them as good as the books. But I also loved them a lot, because Percy. Loved reading more of him. And a little bit of Annabeth. And a little Nico. He's just all kinds of awesome.

There are three short stories in this book. And a few short interviews, which I really adored. My favorite of the stories was The Sword of Hades. Probably because of Nico, lol. But also because I finally learned who Bob was, as we get to meet him a lot more in The House of Hades. Liked reading that story. I also like Thalia. For the most part, I think ;p

But anyway. This book isn't very long, but it as long enough as I got to read more of Percy. The stories take place between book four and five of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. I think. Most likely. I loved getting to read more of these awesome characters. Sigh. Also loved getting to know more about the dragon from The Lost Hero, hih. Anyway. I really enjoyed this short book and it just made me love these books even more. I'll never get enough of Percy. You should all read this. But you need to read the other Percy Jackson books first :D Which you will not regret. <3

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday #128

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

THE GLASS SENTENCE BY S.E. GROVE

Goodreads Description:

She has only seen the world through maps. She had no idea they were so dangerous.

Boston, 1891. Sophia Tims comes from a family of explorers and cartologers who, for generations, have been traveling and mapping the New World—a world changed by the Great Disruption of 1799, when all the continents were flung into different time periods.  Eight years ago, her parents left her with her uncle Shadrack, the foremost cartologer in Boston, and went on an urgent mission. They never returned. Life with her brilliant, absent-minded, adored uncle has taught Sophia to take care of herself.

Then Shadrack is kidnapped. And Sophia, who has rarely been outside of Boston, is the only one who can search for him. Together with Theo, a refugee from the West, she travels over rough terrain and uncharted ocean, encounters pirates and traders, and relies on a combination of Shadrack’s maps, common sense, and her own slantwise powers of observation. But even as Sophia and Theo try to save Shadrack’s life, they are in danger of losing their own.

The Glass Sentence plunges readers into a time and place they will not want to leave, and introduces them to a heroine and hero they will take to their hearts. It is a remarkable debut.


Hardcover, 512 pages
Expected publication: June 12th 2014 by Viking Juvenile
Pre-Order here.

I really like the sound of this book. I do, I do. I love middle grade books. And I love fantasy books. And this book sounds like it has it all. I just think it sounds awesome and I cannot wait to read it in June. <3 And ah. I'm excited to meet Sophia and Theo :D From the summary, they sound awesome. I'm excited.
What are you waiting for?

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Cress Tuesday #22

I must admit that I'm loving sharing all of these Cress Tuesday teasers with you all. Because picking the teaser each week makes me love the book all over again. And makes me even more excited to be re-reading the three books in the near future. Hopefully I'll have the time for that soon, as I need to re-read more about Cinder and Kai, hih. <3 Anyway. If you haven't yet had the chance to read Cress, I'm hoping these teasers will convince you to do that :) And if you have read it, I'm hoping these teasers reminds you how amazing this book was. Sigh. You can see all the previous Cress Tuesday posts here. <3 Hope you are enjoying these (mostly) non-spoilery teasers :)


~

 
She clenched her empty fists. "I don't know. I just know they're all dead. Because of me. Because they helped me." She fell into a crouch, covering her head. Her entire body was burning up with fury.
 
~
My review of Glitches. My review of The Queen's Army. My blog tour post of Cinder.

Was allowed to do this by Marissa and Macmillan; Thank you. <3 Marissa is the best. Check out her amazing website :D I'm also very much in love with the Lunar Chronicles facebook. So pretty. I hope you enjoy the teasers :) There will be one teaser each Tuesday. Can't wait for you all to read Cress :)
The teasers are now from my finished hardcover copy of Cress :D And oh, how it is gorgeous. <3


Saturday, March 22, 2014

In My Mailbox #125

I didn't read that much this week. Since I finished The House of Hades, I haven't felt like reading anything else. I love Percy Jackson so so much. <3 and I just want to read more about him :) October cannot get here fast enough. Anyway. I tried to watch the Percy Jackson movie. I survived 30 minutes. It killed me. It was so damn awful. Barely anything like the book. The book is adorable and cute and funny and heartbreaking. The movie was just bad :p At least for me. Sigh. So I'm a bit sad about that. But anyway. I didn't get that much in the mail this week. Sniffs. But I did get some amazing things. <3 I posted another Cress Tuesday and Waiting on Wednesday and I also read and reviewed Oh So Brave Dragon :) It's been 9 days since kitten's surgery, where she got sterilized. She is finally starting to get back to normal; though that is bad for all my swag :p Sniffs. But anyway. She's removing her body & stitches on Monday, which is good. Have posted some pics on Instagram. <3 What did you get this week?


Ruins. I still haven't decided if I wish to finish this series. Sigh. Read book one ages ago. Still, pretty.
The Son of Neptune. Ah, you gorgeous book. <3 Loved it so much. Need to own all the hardcovers :D
Wii Party U. Been meaning to buy this for ages, as I wanted the black controller, hih. <3 It is awesome.
Let the Storm Break. Gorgeous swag that I got from Shannon since I pre-ordered the books :D Love!
Darren Shan. Signed book that I won from Darren. <3 Thank you! I love his Darren Shan saga books.
Catching Fire. Sigh. I just had to own this one, didn't I? Oh, well. It is very pretty at least, hih :D
Dark Skies. I got this movie for £1,5 when buy CF :D Which is pretty awesome. It looks good, I think.
Plush. You should all know by now that I have an obsession with gorgeous plush animals. And these are Bukowski Design. I love those plushes more than anything at the moment. <3 And I want them all, but so far they only have these here in my town. Grrr. But that's okay. Because these two are so pretty. <3








The signed book. <3









Local Newspaper. Remember that my kitten had surgery 9 days ago? Yeah, when we arrived our local newspaper was there taking pictures. Which we did not know until we got there.. but that was pretty awesome, to be honest. Since they took pictures of my kitten and are writing about it in the middle page of the newspaper today :D That is pretty amazing. And my love looks so pretty, hih. And.. there might be a picture of me in there as well. Right in the middle. With brown hair, and no make-up, lol :p

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

Friday, March 21, 2014

Mini Review: Oh So Brave Dragon by David Kirk

When I heard about this cute book for young readers I knew I had to have it. And then I was lucky enough to get a copy from Macmillan Kids. <3 And it is so pretty. The book is coming out in May, and I think you all need to check it out. It is adorable.

I'm giving it a four star, because I had a few issues with how short it is. While it is so cute, and I love the illustrations, I wish the book was longer. Even just a few more pages with more amazing pictures of that adorable dragon. But even though I wanted it longer, I still really adored it. I'm glad that I read this cute book.

This is a short review for me, because there isn't that much I can say about this book. Because, yes, it is pretty short and there isn't that much writing. But there are some gorgeous pictures of this cute red dragon. I loved reading about him. He do a lot of roaring. And he gets scared. This is about him trying to be brave, and being brave with his friends. I found that to be pretty cute. I enjoyed this short book.

Huge thank you to Ksenia at Macmillan Kids for giving me this gorgeous ARC copy and letting me read and review Oh So Brave Dragon early. <3 This very short book was adorable. Wishing it had been longer, like I said, but I also enjoyed it very much. And I think a lot of young people will enjoy it as well. I know I will show it to my nephew. Because the illustrations were adorable as well. So cute. I liked this book :)

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday #127

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

FOUR: A DIVERGENT COLLECTION BY VERONICA ROTH

Goodreads Description:

Fans of the Divergent series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth will be thrilled by Four: A Divergent Collection, a fourth volume in the Divergent series.

Readers first encountered Tobias Eaton as "Four" in Divergent. His voice is an integral part of Allegiant. Readers will find more of this charismatic character's backstory told from his own perspective in Four: A Divergent Collection. When read together, these long narrative pieces illuminate the defining moments in Tobias Eaton's life. The first three pieces in this volume--"The Transfer," "The Initiate," and "The Son"--follow Tobias's transfer from Abnegation to Dauntless, his Dauntless initiation, and the first clues that a foul plan is brewing in the leadership of two factions. The fourth story, "The Traitor," runs parallel with the events of Divergent, giving readers a glimpse into the decisions of loyalty--and love--that Tobias makes in the weeks after he meets Tris Prior.


Hardcover, 304 pages
Expected publication: July 8th 2014 by Katherine Tegen Books
Pre-Order here.

July cannot get here fast enough. While I had some big issues with Allegiant, I never ever had issues with Four, aka Tobias. Meaning I am DYING for this short-story book. I need to read more from his point of view, as I really adore him. <3 He's awesome. And yeah. I'm just really excited for this to come out :)
What are you waiting for?

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Cress Tuesday #21

Can you believe that Cress has been out for more than a month already? Ahh! So exciting. I hope you all have had a chance to read it by now. <3 But if not, I'm still doing these Cress Tuesdays as I love them and I love sharing Cress teasers with you all. Hope you are all enjoying them too :) I will be re-reading all the books soon. And I cannot wait because this is one of my favorite series. <3 So good. You can see all the previous Cress Tuesday posts here. <3 Hope you are enjoying these (mostly) non-spoilery teasers :)


~

 
She clenched her teeth. Despite what the doctor had said, she couldn't just save herself.
It wasn't only loyalty and friendship that made every fiber of body rebel against the notion
that she could abandon them all. It was the knowledge that without them, she was useless.
 
~
My review of Glitches. My review of The Queen's Army. My blog tour post of Cinder.

Was allowed to do this by Marissa and Macmillan; Thank you. <3 Marissa is the best. Check out her amazing website :D I'm also very much in love with the Lunar Chronicles facebook. So pretty. I hope you enjoy the teasers :) There will be one teaser each Tuesday. Can't wait for you all to read Cress :)
The teasers are now from my finished hardcover copy of Cress :D And oh, how it is gorgeous. <3


Sunday, March 16, 2014

Review: The House of Hades by Rick Riordan

I started reading about Percy Jackson in the beginning on this month. And now I am finished. These books have killed me a little. They were all so damn good. Beyond amazing. And I'm so pleased that I read them. But holy. How will I survive until October for the final book? Waiting for it will be torture.

I think The House of Hades was my favorite of the nine books. Though I also think it was the most heartbreaking. But I'm not sure, because after just finishing it all I can think about is Nico. Hmm. Which is a bit weird, as I'm starting to love him like I love Percy. He just got so much more for me in this book. Sigh.

There is just so much to love in this book. Too much. There is more of Percy and Annabeth. Though, you know, they are now alone in Tartarus. Which I got to read very much about. Which I loved. But holy. It is a lot of creepy. A lot of monsters. And evil things. But there are also a lot of great parts down there. Which I really loved. Sigh. I also enjoyed reading about Bob :)

This book is told from many different point of views. Percy. Annabeth. Hazel. Frank. Leo. Jason. Piper. The seven demigods on the quest. Huh. That is pretty awesome, hih. I loved getting to read from all of them a little, as I adore them all so much. Sigh. Just.. I wish there was a Nico point of view. Hopefully in the last book. Anyway. I still love Hazel. Liked her more in this book. She's still pretty amazing and I loved how her powers got better, or worse. I'm starting to like Jason. And I still really adore Piper.

And Frank. Frank is still pretty much the best, I think. I love reading about him. I loved how he changed in this book, though I also felt that to me, he did not need to change. But I did love it. I just really loved reading about him. Still shipping him and Hazel. <3 Anyway. And Leo. Hmm. I just. I do adore him. I do. But he says some things that I do not approve of. Sigh. But then he got sent to this island for a while. And I liked that part. A lot. And I'm very curious about what will happen next in The Blood of Olympus.

Nico. My love. I adore him so much. Before I started reading these books, I peeked at the ending for this one. And I worried. And then I started reading all the books. And I got to love Nico. He isn't a big part in these books. But he is still the most awesome one. I love reading about his powers. I just love reading about all of him. And there is something about him that we get to know in this book. I didn't suspect it until I started reading this. So it surprised me. And I loved it to pieces. Gah. Nico is amazing.

Then there is Percy and Annabeth. My babies. They are amazing. And oh, how I love reading about them. They have gotten so much bigger since the first book. They have endured so much pain. And I just want them to get their happy ending. Pretty please. But oh, how I love reading about them together. They are adorable and I love the small romance scenes. They just fit together perfectly. Sigh. Yeah, I need more of the romance in the next one, hih. I can't get enough of Percy and Annabeth together.

I.. might have talked a little bit too much about this book. But I can't help it. The House of Hades was an amazing book. I loved it to pieces. There is so much happening. A lot of evil things. Heartbreaking things. But also so much beautiful. I loved reading all of it. And now I am dying for The Blood of Olympus. I need to know how it will all end. I need to know what happens to all the characters that I love. I'm just so excited for it and I know that the wait will be torture. Hoping the time will pass fast.

Ohh. And also. I cannot just not mention this part. I have this huge obsession with How To Train Your Dragon, and ever since I started reading these books I have been seeing Percy and Annabeth as Hiccup and Astrid. You know, the new older versions of them. <3 And I love that. I love that I picture them like that. Because I love both so much. Sigh. Anyway. I just needed to share that, hih. As I don't usually picture anyone when I read books. But I felt like these characters fit. Which makes me excited.

I can't do a good enough job describing how much I loved these books. I just can't. But know that I did love them. I loved them like crazy. I loved reading about all the adventures the demigods had. I loved learning about the different gods. I loved reading about Percy Jackson. And all of his amazing friends. I just loved everything in these books. Well, except for the fact that they must end. I don't want that. But anyway. I would recommend these books for everyone. I will be judging you if you do not read them :D

Saturday, March 15, 2014

In My Mailbox #124

I am behind on comments. I know. And I'm so sorry. But I will get there. I just need to finish reading about Percy Jackson, hih. <3 I have just started reading The House of Hades :D And gahh. These books are too damn amazing. I have posted a few reviews this week, as I read some books. Which makes me happy, but also makes me behind on lots of things, lol :p But anyway! I got some AMAZING things this week. Sniffs. Amazing package from Macmillan. <3 So happy. And sister and nephew came home, so I finally got my new Nintendo 3DS, hih. <3 I love it. My reviews this week: A Death-Struck Year. The Lost Hero. The Son of Neptune. The Mark of Athena. And other posts: Cress Tuesday. Waiting on Wednesday. Sunrise blog tour interview and giveaway. This is post 20 in March :D What did you get this week?

Package from Macmillan Kids. This was the best package of the week. HUGE thank you to Ksenia at Macmillan for these AMAZING books. <3 I'm so excited about all of them. Mostly excited about The Kiss of Deception, though :D Cannot wait to read it. Sigh. I'll be reading it next week, I'm sure. <3

Divergent. Ah, gorgeous magazine cover. <3 I very much love it. And I am excited about the movie.
The Nightmare Dilemma. Gorgeous hardcovers. <3 I will be reading this book soonish. Hopefully :D
All the Truth That's in Me. I read this ages ago, and I loved it. Stunning book. And gorgeous paperback.
Falling Kingdoms. Official US paperback edition. <3 Looking gorgeous. Will re-read it soonish :)
Breaking Dawn. Heh, I have this obsession with owning all the different editions :p Now I own all.
City of Bones. DVD has been sent in return, and blu-ray has arrived :D It looks very pretty, hih.
iPhone cases. These cases are pretty gorgeous. I love having nothing on my phone, but I needed these.
Cat Winters. Gorgeous bookmarks and bookplates. <3 I loved her first book. Dying for book two :D
Rabbit. Oh, this bunny plush it just too cute and too soft. I love it. And I love this plush brand so much.
Nintendo 3DS. Haven't had time to play this that much, but so far I am loving it :) And it is so pretty.

Kitty. She did not move away when I took this picture a moment ago, lol. <3 She is just adorable.
Mr. Peabody. I won this from a Norwegian facebook page :D SO happy. It looks awesome. I love it.
How To Train Your Dragon 2. Gorgeous puzzles. <33 Kind of thought they were bigger, but I love them.





I got accepted on Netgalley for Deep Blue. <3 Which makes me happy, as I adore the cover and I think it sounds like a good book. Which I'm really hoping that it will be, hih. Have anyone read it yet? <3






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

Review: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

I'm not sure how to describe this book. First, it is huge. It is the first book of the series where I got to read a hardcover and not a paperback, hih. Which I really loved. Though both editions are awesome. But the hardcover is so big. And awesome. And yeah. I loved it. The Mark of Athena was amazing. It was so good.

It gave me all the feelings, though. First, there is Percy and Annabeth. And they are so damn adorable and there is more romance in this book. Yet never enough. I wanted more. But it is so sweet and cute and I loved the few moments. They are just beyond perfect together. Truly. They are so amazing.

Then there is Jason and Piper. And I still adore them. I love how much Piper loves Jason. And I do like them together. But I'm kind of not liking Jason that much. Hmm. Might be because he's kind of competing about being better than Percy. Which is just not possible. But it do annoy a little.. But I also want him and Piper together, because I adore them so much. Mostly Piper :)

And gah. Then there is Hazel and Frank. Whom I really wish would be a couple, because they are too cute. Frank is so adorable and I really, really love him. I also love Hazel. But then there is Leo. Ugh. I do love Leo. A lot. But I do not like that whole Sammy thingy. I don't want him and Hazel together, and it's starting to bother me that it might happen. Sniffs. And, he picks on Frank. Which I do not approve of. Because, yeah, I really love Frank. But I also love Leo. Gah. These characters are just too awesome.

But anyway. There is so much happening in this book. And yet I never ever wanted it to end. Sigh. I won't be able to talk about it all. Because, like I said, there is too much. And all of it is amazing. Sigh. Though the Roman demi-gods are starting to annoy me a little. Hmm. But I also still like them. Curious about that in the next book. Anyway. There are a lot of villains in this book. Like Hercules. He was pretty awful to read about. Then there is the spider woman. Shudders. I really loved reading that part.

The book is told from the point of view of Annabeth. Which I adored. Loved getting to know her more. And Percy. Whom I also love beyond words. And Leo. Who I do love, but he did some things that bothered me. And Piper. Who is just too adorable. The characters in this book are all amazing and I loved reading about them all. Yes, I do love Percy the most, though. And Annabeth. They are the most important ones for me. <3 Sigh. But yeah. The writing in this book is beyond amazing as well.

I won't say more about this book. Just about that ending. It was so damn cruel. Truly. I am very happy that I have The House of Hades right next to me so that I can start it right away. Needs to know what will happen next. But then.. then it will be over and I must wait until October for the final book. I'm not sure I can wait that long. Gah. And be that long without Percy.. Hmm. We'll see how that works, lol. But anyway. The Mark of Athena is an amazing book. Full of exciting things. And some romance. I loved it.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Review: The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

These books are killing me. Truly. They are just so good. And yet they are breaking my heart and I'm feeling it will only get worse. Sobs. But I'm loving them to death. They are amazing. Beyond amazing. Sigh. And The Son of Neptune was amazing. I'm also pretty much in love with the cover. The best scene.

The writing in this book is just stunning, like the previous books. Well, I love the writing. A whole lot. I love the way the books are written. I love the different point of views, though there are only three in this book and I wanted so many more, to be honest, hih. But the writing is amazing, regardless. Love it.

Though I must admit to being a tiny bit confused about the Greek/Roman parts. It is beyond interesting. And I totally understood it. I'm just not good with the names :D As I still don't really know anything about the gods, just what I have read in these books. But it is enough and I might read more about them all once I finish this series. Probably. I do want to know more :)

There are new characters in this book. And I loved them all. Gah. This is just too good. These books are just too amazing and I'm so happy that I'm reading them. Sigh. Anyway. There is a lot of Percy in this book. And my god. I just love him even more now, hih. <3 He has lost his memory, though. Sniffs. But he's still awesome. And we see some new characters. Hazel. I love her story. She's amazing. And Frank. He is too cool. I loved them so much. I ship them. But I worry now, with the ending.. But I also hope.

I was a little sad that there was no Annabeth in this book. That there was no Jason, Piper and Leo. But I'm excited that they will also be in the next book. And I'm dying to get started on that one. It will be the best, I think and hope. So excited. But oh. There is just so much to love in this book. There is so much happening. And there is so much Percy and everything is just amazing. But my god. There is also a lot of heartbreak and sad scenes and I loved those the most, I think. It's just so real, in a way. And so good.

I won't say any spoilers about this book. Just that there is so many amazing characters. And that the plot is so damn great. I really loved it. To pieces. Sigh. It is just so damn good. Ella was adorable. And there is a little bit of Tyson! Dies. He's still awesome. A lot of villains. And I loved reading all of it. These books have my heart. And I'm just so glad that I have read them. So excited to read the next ones. I don't think I ever want to leave this world. It's just too exciting and loving and just so good.

Sunrise Blog Tour: Interview with Mike Mullin + Giveaway

Today I'm a part of the Sunrise by Mike Mullin blog tour :D And I'm so excited! It's been a while since I read Ashfall and Ashen Winter, but I really enjoyed them both. And I cannot wait to read Sunrise, the final book in this trilogy. I'm very excited for it. And really hoping I will love it :) Anyway. For this blog tour I'm having an interview with Mike Mullin :D Which I'm loving, to be honest. Hih. Thank you so much Mike :) You are awesome. And huge thank you to Books With Bite for the chance to be a part of this blog tour. Hope you all enjoy the interview :D International giveaway at the end. <3 Good luck everyone :)




Interview with Mike Mullin :) 

1. His biggest book inspiration for the Ashfall trilogy.
The idea for Ashfall started with another book—Bill Bryson’s A Short History of Nearly Everything. I found it on a display at Central Library in downtown Indianapolis. Dozens of novel ideas lurk within its pages, but the one that stuck with me was the idea of a supervolcano eruption at Yellowstone. A few weeks after I read it, I woke at 3:30 am with a scene occupying my head so completely I was afraid it would start spilling out my nostrils and ears. I typed 5,500 words, finishing just before dawn. Then I put the project away and let it gestate for eight months. When I returned to it after researching volcanoes and volcanic ash, I realized the inspired scene I wrote in the middle of the night wouldn’t work, and ultimately that whole section had to be scrapped. The only word that remains from that draft? Ashfall.

2. His best experiences with his bookish fans.

There have been so many! During my library talks I read a bit of page 4 and 5 of ASHFALL. I try to make a big dramatic performance out of it to make it more fun to listen to. During a talk in De Motte, Indiana, the whole front row (mostly teenage girls) started holding hands, rocking back and forth, and moaning like they were in religious ecstasy or something. It was so funny that I stopped to ask them what they were doing. Evidently, it’s what they do every time they’re super-excited about something. They were a fabulous audience!

 
3. A moment where/if he fanboyed over a book or author.

When I got the handwritten letter on hotel stationary from Richard Peck with his blurb for ASHFALL, I jumped and danced and screamed like the most joyous four-year-old you’ve ever met.


4. His feelings about finishing the trilogy.

Mixed. I’m excited to be writing something new, but I already miss Alex and Darla.


5. What he wishes the fans will take away from the series. (What they will be feeling after finishing all three books.)

I’d like to give my readers the gift that Heinlein, Asimov, Cormier, Blume, and Peck gave me: A few hours of diversion in a childhood that was sometimes kind of crappy. The opportunity to live other lives vicariously through their writing. A few new thoughts, and lots of familiar feelings.


6. What he will be writing about next, and if he could share more about it :)

I’m about 30,000 words into the first draft of SURFACE TENSION, a young adult thriller. It’s about a teen who sees a group of terrorists crashing an airplane from the ground. He’s the only one who knows how they’re doing it, and they want him dead.

The Yellowstone supervolcano nearly wiped out the human race. Now, almost a year after the eruption, the survivors seem determined to finish the job. Communities wage war on each other, gangs of cannibals roam the countryside, and what little government survived the eruption has collapsed completely. The ham radio has gone silent. Sickness, cold, and starvation are the survivors’ constant companions.

When it becomes apparent that their home is no longer safe and adults are not facing the stark realities, Alex and Darla must create a community that can survive the ongoing disaster, an almost impossible task requiring even more guts and more smarts than ever—and unthinkable sacrifice. If they fail . . . they, their loved ones, and the few remaining survivors will perish.

This epic finale has the heart of Ashfall, the action of Ashen Winter, and a depth all its own, examining questions of responsibility and bravery, civilization and society, illuminated by the story of an unshakable love that transcends a post-apocalyptic world and even life itself.



Mike Mullin’s first job was scraping the gum off the undersides of desks at his high school. From there, things went steadily downhill. He almost got fired by the owner of a bookstore due to his poor taste in earrings. He worked at a place that showed slides of poopy diapers during lunch (it did cut down on the cafeteria budget). The hazing process at the next company included eating live termites raised by the resident entomologist, so that didn’t last long either. For a while Mike juggled bottles at a wine shop, sometimes to disastrous effect. Oh, and then there was the job where swarms of wasps occasionally tried to chase him off ladders. So he’s really glad this writing thing seems to be working out. Mike holds a black belt in Songahm Taekwondo. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife and her three cats. Ashen Winter is his second novel. His debut, Ashfall, was named one of the top five young adult novels of 2011 by National Public Radio, a Best Teen Book of 2011 by Kirkus Reviews, and a New Voices selection by the American Booksellers Association

Where to find Mike Mullin: Website - Twitter - Facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is sponsored by Books With Bite. It is one complete set of The Ashfall Series
(Ashfall, Ashen Winter & Sunrise) from The Book Depository.
Please make sure they ship to your country. Open to everyone!

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday #126

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

THE KISS OF DECEPTION BY MARY E. PEARSON

Goodreads Description:

In this timeless new trilogy about love and sacrifice, a princess must find her place in a reborn world.

In a society steeped in tradition, Princess Lia’s life follows a preordained course. As First Daughter, she is expected to have the revered gift of sight—but she doesn’t—and she knows her parents are perpetrating a sham when they arrange her marriage to secure an alliance with a neighboring kingdom—to a prince she has never met.

On the morning of her wedding, Lia flees to a distant village. She settles into a new life, hopeful when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assasin sent to kill her. Deception abounds, and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—even as she finds herself falling in love.

 
Hardcover, 496 pages
Expected publication: July 15th 2014 by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Pre-Order here.

I'm very much in love with this book cover. It looks so pretty! Sigh. And the summary. I really think I would love this book. I really hope that I will love it. It just sounds so awesome and interesting and just like my kind of book. Excited about romance, hih, but worried about triangle. Hmm. But even so, I'm really excited for this book and I do think that I will love The Kiss of Deception. <3 It's just so pretty.
What are you waiting for?

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Cress Tuesday #20

Can you believe that Cress has been out for more than a month already? Ahh! So exciting. I hope you all have had a chance to read it by now. <3 But if not, I'm still doing these Cress Tuesdays as I love them and I love sharing Cress teasers with you all. Hope you are all enjoying them too :) I will be re-reading all the books soon. And I cannot wait because this is one of my favorite series. <3 So good. You can see all the previous Cress Tuesday posts here. <3 Hope you are enjoying these (mostly) non-spoilery teasers :)


~

 

Groaning, Torin rubbed his fingers over his temples. It had been a long time since Kai had
seen that expression on his adviser. The expression that indicated he thought Kai was a moron.

~
My review of Glitches. My review of The Queen's Army. My blog tour post of Cinder.


Was allowed to do this by Marissa and Macmillan; Thank you. <3 Marissa is the best. Check out her amazing website :D I'm also very much in love with the Lunar Chronicles facebook. So pretty. I hope you enjoy the teasers :) There will be one teaser each Tuesday. Can't wait for you all to read Cress :)
The teasers are now from my finished hardcover copy of Cress :D And oh, how it is gorgeous. <3


Monday, March 10, 2014

Review: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

Oh, how I am loving these books by Rick Riordan. They are all just so amazing. But they mess with my heart, which I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not. No matter, though. Because I love reading these books. And I really loved The Lost Hero. Probably as much as I loved the first five books. Sigh. So good.

There is no Percy in this book. Which broke my heart a bit. But I'm okay with it, because there are a bunch of new characters and I loved them all so much. And, there will be Percy in the next one. There better be. But oh. I loved the writing. And I keep forgetting to mention: these books make me laugh a lot.

There are a few of the old characters in this book as well. We see a bit of Annabeth, whom I still adore. But not enough, sigh. We see a bit of Chiron. And Thalia. And we learn something about Percy. That he is missing. And gah. There isn't too much focus on that part in this book, which made me a little sad. But I also really loved the plot and story in this one. It's very good.

The new characters are Jason, Piper and Leo. And the book is written from all three point of views. Which I loved. As all three characters are amazing. Though I wanted to get to know Jason a bit more, as he has lost his memory in this book. So I don't get to know that much about him. But I did like him. A lot. And Piper. Sigh. She's adorable. I really loved her! And Leo. Ah. He's maybe the best. I really loved reading about him and the things he could do. He was pretty amazing. Sigh. I just loved all three.

There is a big plot in this book. And I won't talk about a lot of the things that happen. Just that it is all so damn exciting. And despite the book being 557 pages long, I was never bored. And I just wanted more and more, like always, lol. But anyway. There is so much in this book. There is so much to love. And a lot of heartbreak, like always. But I loved it. I loved all of it so much. I loved getting to know the new characters and see what they could do. And I loved reading about the new monsters. Sigh.

There is also a new villain in this book. Far worse than Kronos. Which was all kinds of awesome, to be honest. I cannot wait to read more of that. Think it will be awesome. Sigh. Though, yeah, I fear a lot of heartbreak. But anyway. I really loved The Lost Hero. It is exciting and fun and cute as well. I think you would all love it. Though, yeah, do read the Percy Jackson books first, as you need to know what happened first :D Sigh. I just have a lot of love for these books and I cannot wait to read the rest.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Review: A Death-Struck Year by Makiia Lucier

I'm not sure how I felt about this book. It was pretty easy for me to read, which was good. And I did enjoy the writing. But I also felt that the book was a bit dull. To me, there wasn't all that much happening. Which is why I'm rating this book with a three star. I did enjoy it, but I didn't love it, like I wanted to.

A Death-Struck Year is written from the point of view of Cleo. Whom I liked. She's pretty sweet. But I just, I didn't feel much for her. My issue with this book is that I felt like it could have been better. It was pretty good, yes, but some things were a bit boring for me. And I wished they had been better. Sigh.

This book takes place in America in 1918, with the Spanish Influenza. Which is a time I have enjoyed reading about, like In the Shadow of Blackbirds. And I did enjoy it in this book too. But everything is about the flu, with Cleo working on the sick people. Which was interesting enough, but ended up getting quite boring for me as nothing really happened. Okay, sure, lots of people die. Which was sad, but I didn't truly care that much.

We learn about Cleo's family; she lives with her older brother and his wife. Her parents died when she was six. Which was just all kinds of awful. But I also felt detached from that as well. Grrr. Which sucks, as that part could have been pretty amazing for me to read about, as I love heartbreak. But there just wasn't enough of it. Hmm. But I did like the book. Sort of. I did like the writing and the characters. And the story isn't all that bad. But not that great, either. Just a lot of the same. At least it was for me.

I'm not sure what to say in this review of mine. I had some issues with this book. There was just not enough happening for me. Sigh. But I did like reading about Cleo. For the most part. And I liked Kate and Hannah. But I didn't really feel enough for them, to be honest. Then there is Edmund, who is the love interest. There is so little romance in this book, that I'm not sure I liked it. I loved Edmund's back story, but even that there was way too little about. I want my heartbreak, and I want a lot of it :)

I don't think I will say much more about this book. It was interesting, as I enjoy reading about the time period. But yeah. It was also not the best, which makes me sad. There are a lot of deaths in this book. It made me sad, but I also couldn't bring myself to care too much about them all. I enjoyed reading about Cleo's brother, but there wasn't all that much about him either. Sigh. It may sound like I didn't enjoy this book all that much (A) But I didn't hate it, and that is good. I did like reading it, mostly.

Huge thank you to the publisher, HMH Books for Young Readers for accepting my review request via Netgalley. <3 Even though I did not love this book, I'm glad I read it. And I will be buying the hardcover. Sometime. When I have the money for it :) Anyway. I do think other people will enjoy this book. Because A Death-Struck Year is an interesting story with good writing and interesting characters :) I just didn't love it, which makes me sad. But I did enjoy it a little, which was good. So I am happy that I read it.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

In My Mailbox #123

This have been a busy week. Busy life, and busy reading :D I have read a lot. Like the first five Percy Jackson books. <3 That I loved loved loved. Will be starting the next books soon :) My reviews for The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, The Last Olympian. And I also read The Forever Song :D Which I also really loved. <3 Sigh. New Cress Tuesday teaser. And I shared the cover for Winterspell. <33 And Mortal Gods :D With an awesome guest post by Kendare Blake. And I'm waiting on Mortal Danger. <3 I'm planning on reading A Death-Struck Year next; so hoping I will like it :) Though first I need to get started reading it, hih. What did you get this week?

Let the Storm Break. Ah, you gorgeous book. <3 This is a series that I need two copies of, hih :)
Divergent. Got a new one, since previous was damaged. This new one is not, and it is gorgeous. <3
17 & Gone. I really enjoyed this book. And now it is in this gorgeous paperback and it is so so soft.
The Winner's Curse. Best book. Best cover. Most gorgeous hardcover. Sigh. SO MUCH LOVE! <3
City of Lost Souls. Official US paperback :) But ohh. Has it not been as much as two years? Hmm.
Spellspinners. Signed bookmark that I won from Jean. <3 Thank you so much. It is very pretty.

Divergent. I did not know that there was UK and US editions. Grrr. Must buy US as well, hih :) Soon.
Thornado. Ah, another gorgeous little dragon. <3 Sniffs. I need them all. They are so cute and awesome.
City of Bones. Just ignore this. I ordered blu-ray, got wrong, so sending in return to get the right one :)
Jack the Giant Slayer. I love this movie. So much. And then the 3D was on sale :D So I needed it. <3
Taken 2. I'm not sure why I have yet to watch this movie, as I loved the first one.. Hmm. Soon, I hope.
The Walking Dead 3. Finally got to buy this, as it was on a little sale. I do pretty much love this show.
Red Riding Hood. It's been ages since I saw the first movie, but I seem to remember that I liked it :)
The Wizard of Oz. I have this in blu-ray, but since it was 3D sale I just had to get it, hih. So awesome.

Death Sworn. Oh, how I loved this book. It is amazing! And this hardcover is just so gorgeous. Sigh.
Rebel Spring. I must read this soon. I must I must I must. This is the UK paperback, which is gorgeous.




Born of Deception. Very happy that I got this via HarperTeen on Edelweiss :D I really loved the first book. Just need to re-read it, I think, before I read this one. <3 But I am excited. So that is good. Really hoping it will be an amazing book :) Keeping my fingers crossed for that. <3 






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

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Review: The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa

I've been waiting a few years for this book. And now I finally got to read it. And I have to say that I was not disappointed. The Forever Song was just what I wished for and an amazing ending to this awesome trilogy. I'm so very happy that I read it. <3

I think the writing in this book is pretty amazing. Sigh. Julie is an awesome author. And an even more amazing person. I adore her. Anyway. I didn't re-read the first two books before starting this one. But that is because I remembered it all. Mostly. And I will be re-reading the entire trilogy in some months. Excited.

I'm not sure what I can say about this book. I want to talk about all the spoilers. But I will not. I will, however, say that this book made me happy. And I think most people will be pleased with it as well. Okay, sure, it is beyond heartbreaking most of the time. But it is also so amazing. The story is very good. The characters are awesome. And the writing is pretty amazing as well. I think you will all love The Forever Song. Like I did.

This book continues with Allison's journey to find and stop Sarren before he can reach Eden. Before he can destroy everything. Again. She's travelling with Jackal and Kanin. And ohh. I still pretty much like those to. Kanin is pretty amazing. Though he does not speak all that often, lol. But I do love what he says when he does speak. He do some awesome things in this book. Made me like him more. And Jackal. Still an asshole. Yet I grew fond of him. He also do a pretty good job of protecting them all.

And Allison. Oh, I still adore her so much. She's an amazing character. And I loved reading from her point of view. I won't spoil much. Or anything. But oh. She is heartbroken in this book. Because something awful happened at the end of The Eternity Cure. The most awful thing. Allie listened to Zeke get tortured and die. It was so damn awful to hear. I had my hopes, though, and I won't say if that worked out or not. But oh. It was so much pain in this book. So much heartbreak. And lots of bloody tears.

Allie changes a lot in this book. She gets distant. She grows cold. Which was pretty awful to witness, but I did not blame her. But she gets better. Sort of. Won't say more than that. Just, sigh. This book was so good. And there is just so much happening. There are so many deaths. So many awful Rabids. And we see a new version of the virus. Which was pretty awful, to be honest. But so interesting. Gah. How I adored this book. I'm so glad that it ended up being amazing, like I hoped and wished that it would be.

I won't say more about this book. And I hope I haven't spoiled anything. Just, oh. The Forever Song was a glorious book. I loved it a lot. And I'm just so happy with it. There is so much happening. There is a lot of action scenes in this book. A lot of killing. A lot of talking as well, hih. There is just a bit of everything in this book. Which I loved. Anyway. I think that is all I can say. Now I'm just going to wait for April 15th, and my pre-ordered hardcovers to arrive. <3 They will be so pretty. Can't wait to own it.

I think you should all read The Forever Song. It is a thrilling book. It is a perfect ending to an already perfect series. Though you will be left wanting more. And I would not mind more books from this series. <3 There does not have to be, though. But I want it. I want it so much. I want more of Allison :) Huge thank you to Julie for the chance to read The Forever Song early via Netgalley. <3 And huge thanks to the publisher as well :) You are all amazing. And I'm so glad that I read this trilogy. It's awesome. <3