Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey
Published December 8th 2011 by Philomel/Penguin

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon

Shattered Souls started off creepy and refreshing. I really thought it was  good until it became ridiculously slow and a cluttered mess. The premise is interesting but I was put off with some details and it kind of dragged the rest of it down. I really feel bad writing this review but to love this book is beyond me.

So for my review... the writing was outstanding, but it would have been a good story if it was written the other way around. I was also turned off with the plot twists, it just didnt appeal to me anymore..

Our protagonist- Lenzi aka Rose couldnt remember her past lives, to make it simple, her soul was recycled over and over again (dejavu? Fallen series?). She was a Speaker, who can talk to and help the hindred spirits or simply, ghosts find their resolutions and rest in peace forever. ofcourse, she doesnt remember that at all. Now comes Alden, he is the Protector of the Speaker, every Speaker is paired with a Protector(sounds more like Meridian?). Now before Alden came to her life, she had a boyfriend Zak, and I thought he was such an amazing guy, enter Alden and suddenly Zak became an agitated drunk dude like what the eff? I would have loved a love triangle, but this one? Just didn't go well for me. It was unfair and that's when I disliked  Lenzi.

While it wasn't excessively boring to read, I really had a hard time finishing it.  But please don't let my review stop you from reading this book, it just didn't blow me away like I was expecting. I guess its just not my cup of tea. Though I'm still glad most of you had great experience with this book.

 Have a wonderful day!xoxo

The Vampire Stalker by Allison van Diepen

The Vampire Stalker by Allison van Diepen
Published June 1st 2011 by Point

What if the characters in a vampire novel left their world--and came into yours?
Amy is in love with someone who doesn't exist: Alexander Banks, the dashing hero in a popular series of vampire novels. Then one night, Amy meets a boy who bears an eerie resemblance to Alexander. In fact, he IS Alexander, who has escaped from the pages of the book and is in hot pursuit of a wicked vampire named Vigo. Together, Amy and Alexander set out to track Vigo and learn how and why Alexander crossed over. But when she and Alexander begin to fall for each other, Amy wonders if she even wants him to ever return to the realm of fiction.

I enjoyed reading this book, I thought it was a pleasantly easy read and fast-paced. The good thing about this book was the narration and that I kind of connected with Amy, she's also a book lover, who loves this certain book called Otherworld and is kind of obsessed with this hero Alexander Banks character. I don't blame her really, I would be too.

It is hard to tell you the summ without telling the whole lot, but I'll give you a  glimpse of the beginning. So it was set in Chicago. You see, Alexander who happens to be a book character came to life. Ok, so the thing is, he was real, he just came from another dimension, although it was still Chicago, it was totally different from Amy's Chicago. His world was full of Vampires. He was chasing the notorious Vampire of his world when they ended up running into Amy while she's walking on her way home. It would have been the best thing for Amy but then come to think of it, Vigo-the notorious Vampire- was also on the loose, ready to terrorize her world, looking for a feed.

The second thing I liked about the book were the characters.They were pretty good. I like Amy, aside from her being a book lover as I am, -and as you are too- she was believable and I sympathize with her. I like reading her POV. And Alexander, I thought he was cute and I find him funny too at times. I liked the sort of intense dangers, and also the romance too, it wasnt cheesy like I expected, it went well actually.

Overall, I really liked this book. A tiny part of the plot might sound cliche but it didn't really stop me from reading this book. It's up to you how you will handle it like I said I did enjoy it, I was curious of how things happened and how it will end.  I loved the characters and the plot was interesting enough to finish it.

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5 YA Authors Talks about....

Welcome my lovely readers, today I am featuring 5 YA Authors to talk about how they get themselves focused/in the mood when writing a book. They have been nothing but nice to participate in this post so thank you!  I loved their books and some of you may even be familiar with their work too. But before you continue, please let me greet you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Happy New Year! Also, happy reading! <3X

 Lisa Schroeder - Author of The Day Before, I Heart you,You Haunt Me, Chasing Brooklyn

"If I waited to write when I felt like it, I might be waiting a long time. :) I mean, of course, sometimes I'm excited to get to it, but a lot of times it's really hard and it takes everything I can muster just to open that document. Once I do, I'll often listen to music to help me get going. There are songs that really touch me on an emotional level and I try to tap into those emotions so I can do the same with my writing. When I'm writing a first draft, I usually have a goal to write 1,000 words a day. For me, it's about sitting in that chair until those words are done. Sometimes it happens in an hour, sometimes it takes all day, as I use twitter to procrastinate. But I find that word count goal really helps me." - Lisa

Twitter |  Facebook | Website

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Kelly Keaton - Author of Darkness Becomes Her, Gods & Monsters series

#2 Feb 2012

"I like to let the idea stew in my head for a while before I sit down to write. (Sometimes this 'stewing' period is months or weeks or days, depending.) This is a good way to get me focused because the more I let the idea cook, the more scenes, bits of dialogue, and characterization come to me. I let it all build up until I *have* to write. Then, when I sit down, I'm already so immersed that my focus is all on the work. Other things that I find helpful to get me in the mood are movies, music, and art." - Kelly

 Watch the Book Trailer of Darkness Becomes Her

Find Kelley here: Twitter | Facebook | Website

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Liah Habel - Author of Dearly, Departed, Gone With The Respiration series

October 18th 2011

"I walk a lot, and listen to a ton of music. Walking clears my head - I always seem to recognize plot holes only when I'm on foot, four miles away from my computer, without a scrap of paper to my name! And I like to build vast playlists for all of my characters and find songs that go perfectly with certain scenes. I rarely listen to them when I write (although I do sometimes, I tend to prefer absolute silence for writing), but they help to focus my emotions and guide my writing in the right atmospheric direction. Other than that, I don't outline, but I do jot down notes for each chapter, mini-goals that I have to meet, and by sticking to that list I find that I can at very least get the bare bones of my story idea out. I tend to write fast and loose and revise a lot afterward."
- Lia

Find Lia Here: Twitter | Facebook | Website

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 Jus Accardo - Author of Touch, Deanzen series 

"Some projects are easier than others. There's no prep needed. I get up in the morning and zoom right to work simply because I can't wait to get back to it. TOUCH was like that. My husband had to literally PRY me away from my computer at night. It had all my attention, all my focus, and i wasn't interested in life outside that world until it was finished.
For something that I'm not obsessed with (which to be honest, happens rarely) it takes some prep work. There has to be coffee. That's a given. I don't write--or function, really--without coffee. I can't write in compleate silence, either. Each book has it's own playlist and when I find myself unfocused or my mind drifting out into the middle of nowhere, I click over and poof. Insta-focus! :)" - Jus

 Find Jus here: Twitter | Facebook | Website

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Gemma Halliday - Author of Deadly Cool, Deadly Cool series

"Great question!  I think the biggest thing for me is that I have to be alone.  I totally cannot write with my kids, boyfriend, or friends in the room.  Sometimes I do write at Starbucks, but the hum of strangers doesn’t seem to bother me like the hum of people I know.  Then, I just write.  Some days I’m more in the zone than others, and on those so-not-in-the-zone days I try to focus on other aspects of being a writer – like answering reader mail, tracking sales, doing promo stuff, etc.  Things to stay productive until the creative mood hits me again.  If I’m really, stuck, I go take a walk or indulge in my favorite creative therapy – shopping!" - Gemma

 Find Gemma here: Goodreads | Facebook | Website

Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Series: Under The Never Sky #1
Expected publication: February 7th 2012 by Murdoch Books (Pier9)
/ Harper Collins

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers abarbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY

The first book in a captivating trilogy, Veronica Rossi’s enthralling debut sweeps you into an unforgettable adventure

*Thank you Harper Collins, Netgalley and Murdoch Books (Pier9) for the copy*

Moving,  thrilling and captivating indeed!

So this was what all the fuss about?
To be honest, I started off quite detached because I couldn't grasp the nouns that were used in this book, but after a short while it all made sense. And I couldnt get enough of this book! I was sucked in to this distinct world Veronica has created. I want more of Perry and Aria!!! I find it very original and different from other post-apocalyptic books I've read.  I liked the sci-fi atmosphere going on here too.

See, our heroine Aria, - who lives under a cave, in an enclosed city of Reverie -  is called a Dweller. Ok so youre thinking, cave? Yes! Caves but they have this Smarteye, with this high-tech gadget they can go to the virtual spaces where they spent most of their time, otherwise they'll die to boredom. In the Realms, everything is possible.  While on a life-and-death struggle, someone saved her from getting killed. Perry is an outsider, they live in a tribe, Tides. Apparently, Dwellers and Outsiders do not out hangout with each other.  But after this event, both lives and destinies will change forever..

I know most of you are excited and anxious to read this book like I was, but this book was surprisingly good. The characters were well developed, all believable and likeable. We also have two narrators here and that's ofcourse Aria and Perry, and It did work out great for me. Aria, ofcourse started off naive, ignorant from the outside world, but she is a sweetheart, and she grew mature and brave through out her journey. But I get more excited when its Perry's. I'm hyped up when I'm reading his thoughts, I loved this character because there's so much intriguing about him, aside from he can sniff/sense fear, lies, etc. he's also a bad-ass kind of guy, he radiates confidence, courage and most of all he's a very affectionate guy thatI really really loved from a male character. And I can only imagine those cute little canines he got.And my favorite fight was when he was fighting with Reef! It was uber cool.  Roar was a hottie too but not as hot as Perry! *squeals*

And oh dang! I swoon with the ending part, the last bit was overwhelming. Ok no more, thats it! I dont want to ruin it for you guys. I LOVED this book I'm so happy its in trilogy, atleast it wont end soon enough! Veronica did an amazing job! And dying to read the second installment!

Loved this quote:

She absorbed the terror and beauty of him and his world. Of every moment over the past days. All of it, filling her up like the first breath she'd ever taken. And never had she loved life more.

HUSHED Blog Tour Stop: Interview with Kelley York, HUSHED

Hi guys! Today, Hushed Blog Tour stops here at Ficbookreviews.  Please welcome Kelley York, author of HUSHED.

1.  Please tell us a little bit about your self.

My name is Kelley York, and I live in central California. I've been writing for as long as I can remember, but only started in on writing novels a few years ago. I like darker, edgier stories, though now and again a light, fluffy read suits me just fine. HUSHED is the second book I've written, but the first to reach publication.

2.  For those who haven't read this book yet, what can your readers expect about HUSHED?

They can definitely expect a really dark read. HUSHED is darker than a lot of what's out there right now; it's a story about manipulative relationships, murder, and—if I did my job right—a book that will make readers questions themselves when they sympathize with a killer. 

3. Where do you get ideas when creating a character most especially Archer?

I have no honest idea. I get little snippets that pop into my head and expand from there. For Archer, it was the idea that I wanted to write about a boy who killed people for the girl he loved, thinking it was the right thing to do. The character of Archer spawned the entire novel. Everything in it branched off from his original concept.

4.  Did you anticipate how the story would end? Or it just evolve?

Well, it's funny, because I had a vague original idea. But by the time I reached the ending, so much in the book had changed from its original plans that the ending no longer worked. So it came time to write my last few chapters, and I had no clue how to end it. I just...wrote, and what you see is what came. (Some of the ending did get changed, or rather, added onto during edits.)

5. If there was a movie,  who's the actor would you like to play Archer ?

Steven R. McQueen, out of the actors I know of. He's not perfect in terms of looking like Archer, but I think he'd do so well because he's a great actor and has the perfect facial expressions! Honestly, if HUSHED were to become a movie, I imagine some talented just-out-the-gates actor getting the part.

6.  What is the worst part in writing a book?

Revision. I hate revision. Editing I can handle, changing little bits here and there. But major overhauls give me a massive headache and I hate them. It's why I strive to write really clean, concise, solid first drafts in order to avoid a lot of heavy revision later down the line.

7. Your top 5 favorite young adult books you have read so far?

That's hard! And it changes on my mood, too. Some of the most consistent ones, though:
(1) GONE, GONE, GONE by Hannah Moskowitz
(2) WARM BODIES by Isaac Marion
(3) HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE by Diana Wynne Jones
(4) BROTHER/SISTER by Sean Olin
(5) WITH OR WITHOUT YOU by Brian Farrey

8.  Are you working on a new book right now? If so, please tell us a little bit about it.

I can't say too much about it since I'm still in the early(ish) stages. But it's another LGBT novel and it's pretty dark, though not as dark as HUSHED.

9. Any last thoughts for our readers?

HUSHED, while a dark story, is one I think people who don't always like darker books might enjoy regardless. It's about murder and pain and manipulation, yes, but there's an underlying thread of hope and love that drives the entire story. Whether people love it or hate it, my goal was to present a book people would consider different from the norm.
____________________________________________________________________________

 Author Bio:

Kelley was born and raised in central California, where she still resides
with her lovely wife, daughter, and an abundance of pets. (Although she
does fantasize about moving across the globe to Ireland.) She has a
fascination with bells, adores all things furry - be them squeaky, barky
or meow-y - is a lover of video games, manga and anime, and likes to
pretend she's a decent photographer. Her life goal is to find a real
unicorn. Or maybe a mermaid.

Within young adult, she enjoys writing and reading a variety of genres
from contemporary with a unique twist, psychological thrillers,
paranormal/urban fantasy and horror. She loves stories where character
development takes center stage.

Kelley's website: http://www.kelley-york.com/blog
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Hushed synopsis:

He's saved her. He's loved her. He's killed for her.

Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn't protect his best friend, Vivian, from
what happened when they were kids, so he's never stopped trying to protect
her from everything else. It doesn't matter that Vivian only uses him when
hopping from one toxic relationship to another - Archer is always there,
waiting to be noticed.

Then along comes Evan, the only person who's ever cared about Archer
without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more
Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is.

But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders
Archer's committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn
him in if she doesn't get what she wants...And what she wants is Evan's
death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption.

'Kelley York delivers in this impressive debut. I was at the edge of my
seat waiting to see what would happen next! Bottom line, this was
unputdownable!!!' --- YA Fantasy Guide ---

'How exciting that we live in a time when gay teen protagonists can be
just as screwed up as straight ones -- and their stories just as creepy!'
--- Brent Hartinger, award-winning author of Geography Club and Shadow
Walkers ---

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by breakingthespine

You guys! I'm so excited to read these books! Aside from having an oh so gorgeous covers, they also have a very interesting synopsis too. Vampires, blood, the dead and graveyards, eeeh.

Silence by Michelle Sagara

Expected publication: May 1st 2012 by DAW Hardcover

“It began in the graveyard. Ever since her boyfriend Nathan died in a tragic accident Emma had been coming to the graveyard at night. During the day she went through the motions at her prep school, in class, with her friends, but that’s all it was. But tonight was different. Tonight Emma and her dog were not alone in the cemetery. There were two others there—Eric, who had just started at her school, and an ancient woman who looked as though she were made of rags. And when they saw Emma there, the old woman reached out to her with a grip as chilling as death….”

 Awww and look at that cute dog. xxx So whats yours ? let me know and leave your links to your WOW below. Thank you! X

 Darkness Before Dawn by J. A. London
 Expected publication: May 29th 2012 by HarperTeen

This electrifying new trilogy blends the best of paranormal and dystopian storytelling in a world where the war is over. And the vampires won.

Humans huddle in their walled cities, supplying blood in exchange for safety. But not even that is guaranteed. Dawn has lost her entire family and now reluctantly serves as the delegate to Lord Valentine, the most powerful vampire for miles. It isn’t until she meets Victor, Valentine’s son, that she realizes not all vampires are monsters....

Darkness Before Dawn is a fresh new story with captivating characters, unexpected plot twists, a fascinating setting, and a compelling voice. Written under the name J. A. London by a talented mother-son team, the trilogy is perfect for fans of True Blood and the House of Night and Morganville Vampires series.

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Faking Faith by Jossie Bloss

Faking Faith by Jossie Bloss
Published: November 8th 2011 by Flux
Buy: Amazon | Book Depository

After a humiliating "sexting" incident involving a hot and popular senior, seventeen-year-old Dylan has become a social outcast—harassed, ignored, and estranged from her two best friends.
When Dylan discovers the blogs of homeschooled fundamentalist Christian girls, she's fascinated by their old-fashioned conversation themes, like practicing submission to one's future husband. Blogging as Faith, her devout alter ego, Dylan befriends Abigail, the group's queen bee. But growing closer to Abigail (and her intriguing older brother) forces Dylan to choose: keep living a lie or come clean and face the consequences.

Wow. just wow.  A compelling contemporary YA book.

I dont even know where to start with my review. After I finished reading this book, my jaw's aching because I was trying to hold my tears back. It's not because it was horribly horribly sad, but something touchy and inspiring. Jossie Bloss did a great job writing a wonderful story. The originality of the concept was just refreshing. She created characters with two different perspectives/beliefs in life but somehow managed to pull it out together neatly, and I have enjoyed it thoroughly.

The story was so intriguing and absorbing that I couldnt put it down. The story includes beliefs, religion, family firiends, forgiveness love etc. I guess some of you would think this is not the book for you or youd be weary picking this book up, since I mention religion up there. But as long as your open-minded with this kind of stuff then you will be alright.  I'm just glad I came across this book, I never thought Id enjoy this book so much. I was all giddy with excitement and nervous, when Dylan faked Faith.  I grew loving Dylan or Faith after all those stupid things she'd done and what she've been through, shes a very loveable character. Dylan - after making a couple of bad decisions, a sexting scandal and had put her family in shame- found herself pretending to be someone else. She faked her identity, she became Faith. What Dylan did was really gutsy and ... scary. And then she met Asher, Abigail's brother. I was like how screwed up was she?

I thought the ending was so good yet sad in a way. I wanted resolution and not just an indication of what  could have happen after. But I loved FAKING FAITH. And I hope you will enjoy this incase you happen to pick this book up one day.As much as I want to tell you more about this book, Id have to stop here. This could be in a movie I guess it would be a really good one. I recommend this to everyone.

I love this quote:

Because you fight it out, and stumble, and write bad poetry, and pick yourself up again, and at the end, hopefully, someday youre sitting with your kid on her bedroom floor, talking about how you screwed everything up too.

All These Things I've Done

 All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zavin
Series: Birthright #1
Published: September 6th 2011 by Pan Macmillan Australia
Buy: Amazon | Book Depository

Sixteen year-old Anya becomes the head of a mafia family after her parents are both murdered by rival gangs. Although Anya is embrolied in the criminal world, she is determined to keep her brother and sister out of the mafia family, but her father's relatives aren't so keen to let them go. When Anya's violent ex-boyfriend is poisoned with contaminated chocolate – chocolate that is produced illegally by Anya's mafia family – she is arrested for attempted murder and sent to the notorious jail on Manhattan Island.

Eventually she is freed by the new D.A. in town, who believs she has been framed. But this D.A. is the father of Win, a boy at school to whom Anya feels irresistibly drawn, and her freedom comes with conditions. Win's father wants to be mayor, and he can't risk having his ambition jeopardised by rumours spreading that his son is seeing a member of a notorious crime family. Anya knows she risks the safety of her family by seeing Win again, but the feeling between them may be too strong to resist..

*Thank you Pan Mcmillan for the review copy*


More WIN pleaseeeeeeee?!

So here in this futuristic time, Chocolate and Coffee banned and Alcohol allowed for underage, email sending has a postage and books being recycled into essentials like toilet tissue and money ? Never heard of this before. But come to think of it, the possibility of this to occur in real life and in our not so distant future really bugs me. I really really love my cup of coffee!!!

But where was the plot? While I was reading this book, I kept asking myself that same question over and over again. But I was totally engrossed with the protag's narration that the plot didnt bother me anymore. While having a little depth in the plot, I really did enjoy this book and I  really like the author's unique writing style.

Characterization was great. Anya is one of the strongest protagonist in the book I've ever read so far. Shes flawed, rational, independent, and a family oriented person. I could relate to her in a way and felt really connected to her thoughts and feelings. I love my family so much too specially my little sister(well, not so little anymore) Id do anything to protect them.  Funny, my dad used to or rather always tells us too that Family first before anything else and trust me, that is so true.  And for the love of chocolate, Win was freaking awesome, I loved this guy, he is totally the coolest ever. I also dig the starcrossed lover thingo. Anya's family came from a Mafia and Win's dad a police? Very interesting. Natty too is so adorable.

As for the plot, it lacks of definite conclusion and climax. Like what my blogger friend Shirley said, it's more like of random stuff that  happens. More like situations and some backgrounds. But like Ive said, I did like and enjoyed this book. It has so much potential and Id say that I am curious and intrigued with the second installment of this series.

Unwind by Neal Shutterman Movie!

As usual, I was surfing the net when I came across Neal Shutterman's site and found out that film adaptation of  Unwind is currently in production. Freaking awesome! I loved Unwind and its also one of my favorite dystopian books I have read so far! If you arent familiar with this book, well get it now before the movie

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
Series: The Infernal Devices #2
Published: December 6th 2011 by WalkerbokAustralia
Buy: Amazon | Book Depository

 In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.
With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.
Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?
As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

*Thank you WalkerBooks for the review copy and to my friend for my ebook copy*

Heart-breaking. Humorous, Compelling.
Oh my freaking Angel!I enjoyed this book thoroughly, it lived up to my expectations and I loved it to the highest level. I should say some of the loose ends were all tied up and you'd also get something of a resolution, and I am quite happy with it, though there's still more mysteries, more questions that I think are yet to be answered in the coming books! I cannot, I musnt miss that!

I feel like a proud mama after I finished this book. I loved Cassandra Clare's style of writing, its so charming, loved how the story flow. I was bombarded with so many emotions, hurt, jealousy, betrayed, joy, fear, disgusted, astonished, it made me laugh and it made me sad, all in one book. I loved the feel of Victorian-set. The characters were stronger and more interesting. I really like Tessa, and while I think she made a snap decision, I cannot blame her for that, and dang, it happens all the time in real life. As for James and William, ahhh, loved them both they both rock! As of now, I don't think I'd be able to afford to lose either of them. That's how yummy  hot they are lol.  Henry also is one of amusing characters and Bridget here, you see she's the cook who replaced Agatha, who loves to sing dreadful, disturbing songs that cracked me up. Jessamine, how annoying was she? But still, I feel bad for her.

So you ask me, team James or William? I know, there will be point in time that I will have to answer that, so I guess I'd give one now, but it could change later on, who knows? To be honest, I'm really more in to Will's type. I don't know why but I like a sarcastic, arrogant, funny and aloof kind of guy, but! BUT with a soft heart underneath his dark and manly appearance. Not only that, there's also a scene that I think gave him more points ahead. So I guess my answer would be William. *pulls hair* But you see I hate this question and I hate my self for answering that, because I loved James too. If that makes any sense. I'd rather leave it to the author and the characters and go with the flow and just get on with it.

The ending was sort of surprising, I didn't see that coming. I'm ready for the next. So bring it on! Nuff said!

A great sequel and unputdownable. A page-turner,you'll wish you were part of their world!  


Excerpt: ::::))))

Will sat where he was, gazing at the silver bowl in front of him; a white rose was floating in it, and he seemed prepared to stare at it until it went under. In the Kitchen Bridget was still singing one of her awful sad songs; the lyrics drifted in through the door:


"Twas on an evening fair I went to take the air,
I heard a maid making her moan;
Said, 'Saw ye my father? Or ye my mother?
Or saw ye my brother John?
Or saw ye the lad that I love best,
And his name it is Sweet William?"

I may murder her, Tessa thought. Let her make a song about that.

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SHATTER ME by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Series: Shatter Me #1
Published: November 2011 by Allen & Unwin 

 Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.

*Thank you Allen & Unwin for the review copy.*

Sexy, dark, gritty, inspiring, emotionally intense. A must-read.
SHATTER ME was just absolutely FASCINATING, Its impossible not to get lost in this book. I have to admit, I was kind of unsure what to expect when I started reading it. And it was wow...  And gosh. I'm telling you, the cover is just one of the beautiful covers I've seen this year.

The story was somehow believable I literally shudder at the mere thought of living in this cruel and terrifying  world the author has created.  Tahereh's writing is beautiful. Plot was well  thought out. It was also something familiar yet so unique. If that makes sense.The characters were intriguing. Juliette, I'm so fond of her, I find her mesmeric thoughts compelling.  From a vulnerable "freak" girl turned superhero? Just exhilarating. And ofcourse, how can I forget Adam? Ahhh, I've got 3 words for this guy. Hot as Hell. Period.

What about Kenji?I laughed out loud with this guy, he lightens up the mood when he's in the scenes, and for that I adored him, his "spectacular face" did it too. :D Wonder whats going to happen next, It would have been a interesting love triangle if he gets involved.

Overall, loved this book. Loved the plot, loved the characters, loved everything about it. Heres to Tahereh Mafi! This book is something you shouldn't miss. Loved it, dying to read the second installment.  <3 Definitely recommended!


Excerpt:

I tried so hard to fix what I'd ruined. I tried every single day to be what they wanted. I tried all the time to be better but I never really knew how.
I only know now that the scientist are wrong.
The world is flat.
I know because I was tossed right off the edge and Ive been trying to hold on for 17 years. Ive been trying to climb back up for 17 years but its nearly impossible to beat gravity when no one is willing to give you a hand.
When no one wants to risk touching you.

PicturePerfect & Red by Kait Nolan

Hey guys, I was surfing the net when I came across this gorgeous photo of a wolf (looks like one I hope) and a girl who seems to be portraying Red Riding Hood.  And I thought this was really a picture perfect. Has a potential for a book cover too. Why not put a real wolf instead right? :)

I loved how the moment was captured in this picture. I feel like you could already create a plot for your book just by looking at this photo. Red Riding Hood fell in love with the Big Bad Werewolf?

In My Mailbox 23

Hosted by The Story Siren

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Series: Unearthly #2

Expected publication: January 1st 2012 by Harper Collins

Clara Gardner knew that as a part angel she would one day have to fulfill her purpose, rescuing Christian from a forest fire...what she never considered was what might happen if she were to fail.

Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend Tucker, Clara must deal with the repercussions of what happened the day of the fire as the two boys vie for her heart. And, as she is drawn further into the world of angels and part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain after a shocking revelation, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning...

 *Thanks HarperCollins and Netgalley for the ARC of Hallowed*
A great sequel! Absolutely speechless and gutted and happy all at the same time after reading this book! HALLOWED is way better than the first book UNEARTHLY.  I literally had goosebumps with some scenes. I also cried, I tried not to, but I failed. I devoured this novel so quickly. Up until now, I couldn’t get this book out of my mind. 

Cynthia was able to capture fascinating characters, and since its Clara’s POV, I really feel for her, man, I mean it was so realistic. I felt like someone’s crushing my heart so hard. And the ending was a killer, I switched teams in this book without me realizing it and ended up torn between the two. Also, revelations will surprise you, from unfulfilled purposes to family conflicts.

Ugh I cant wait to read the 3^rd installment and see how it will turn out! We can only hope book 3 will be as good as this one. Also, a good coming-of-age story.

If you enjoyed UNEARTHLY #1, then you will surely love HALLOWED. 

When Posting Comments....

I know this isnt about books but I want to tackle one thing that I think would help a little bit to get your post a comments from your readers.

I love writing comments to my blogger friend's, and I would go all day doing that when I'm free. But sometimes my comments would go poof! because I thought it was already published but then its not because I've already closed your blog and had moved on to another blog. *gutted*

Why? Because there is "word verfication for comments" before your comments can be saved/published. I don't want to say that this is a bad idea, but in my own case, Ive had so many comments that were just gone to waste because of these word verifications. And I guess, some of you doesn't have unlimited internet so that's another thing, its loading up too instead of getting it published straight away, and also if you don't have the time of the day for posting comments and waiting for it to load and then write the verification words before you can publish it. IF you are worried about the spammers, there's also a solution for that as well, or atleast you could somehow control it.

For those who want to get rid of this stuff, here are  the easy steps on doing it:

Im Featured at Feature & Follow Friday!