Saturday, May 28, 2011

Review: Fallen Angel

Review: Fallen Angel

Author: Heather Terrell

Publisher: HarperTeen

Source: Friend

Pages: 310

Rating: 4/5

(Goodreads) Summary:

Ellie was never particularly good at talking to boys—or anyone other than her best friend and fellow outcast, Ruth. Then she met Michael.

Michael is handsome, charming, sweet. And totally into Ellie. It’s no wonder she is instantly drawn to him. But Michael has a secret. And he knows Ellie is hiding something, too. They’ve both discovered they have powers beyond their imagining. Powers that are otherworldly.

Ellie and Michael are determined to uncover what they are, and how they got this way . . . together. But the truth has repercussions neither could have imagined. Soon they find themselves center stage in an ancient conflict that threatens to destroy everything they love. And it is no longer clear whether Ellie and Michael will choose the same side.

In this electrifying novel, Heather Terrell spins a gripping supernatural tale about true love, destiny, and the battle of good versus evil.

My Thoughts:

I hadn't heard of this book or author until my friend let me borrow it. Therefore, I had absolutely no idea what to expect from this book but I'm glad to say that I enjoyed it a lot.

Yes this is another angel book, but Heather managed to twist the story and make Fallen Angel slightly different from the "usual" angel plot. For example, rather than a normal girl falling in love with a mysterious boy, Ellie and Michael both had powers and they both didn't know what to do with them. The change was nice and refreshing.

Unfortunately, the beginning of this book was very slow and Ellie and Michael's connection was very rushed. Withing the first hundred pages, they were already sharing each others blood and thinking they were vampires! I wish the author spent a little more time on Ellie and Michael rather than the drama of high school.

The ending of Fallen Angel was action packed and left me dying for the next book Eternity. I'm excited to see what happens with Michael and Ellie and I hope there will be more about their angelic powers.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Clockwork Prince

This morning at 9am, the cover for Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare was released at BEA. I adore all of Cassandra's covers but I have to say, this is one of my favorites. To read more about the cover release, visit Mundie Moms.


What do you guys think? Leave a comment :)

Waiting on Wednesday (16)

Waiting on Wednesday is a fun way to let bloggers spotlight upcoming books. This awesome meme is hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. This week I am waiting on Hourglass by Myra McEntire. The summary is really interesting and thankfully it comes out in just under 3 weeks!


Goodreads Summary:

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.
So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.

What are you waiting on?

Monday, May 23, 2011

Giveaway!

So I think its about time I have my very first giveaway, don''t you?

To celebrate some awesome 2011 releases, I will be giving away ONE copy of any ONE book listed below. This contest is open internationally!


To enter fill out the FORM below (One entry per person). Being a blog follower is not required but is greatly appreciated! The winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced on June 5th. Good luck!

*THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*






Saturday, May 21, 2011

Review: The Near Witch

Title: The Near Witch

Author: Victoria Schwab

Publisher: Hyperion Books

Source: Friend

Pages: 288 (Hardcover)

Rating: 4/5

(Goodreads) Summary:

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.
If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.

And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.
But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.


The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab’s debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won’t soon forget.


My Thoughts:

I have been wanting to read this book ever since I first heard about it! I love witches so this book sounded like a perfect read. Although it wasn't what I expected, I still enjoyed this book.

The plot of this book was very original. The Near Witch was a fairytale in the town of Near until one day it came true. Did she attack people? Did she destroy things? No. She took children from their beds! Because this is so odd, I had to keep reading to find out why.

Lexi was a great main character. Instead of getting in the way or being whiny, Lexi was a strong and brave girl. My other two favorite characters were Magda and Dreska, the two ancient witches. Victoria did a fantastic job at making me dislike who I was supposed to dislike and love who I was supposed to love.

While I loved the plot, the book tended to be slow at times. Not a whole lot actually happened until the end and there wasn't enough about witches as I would have liked.

Overall, The Near Witch wasn't what I thought it was going to be but I still enjoyed it. I adored the writing style and originality and I'll be reading anything else that Victoria writes.


Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (15)

Waiting on Wednesday is a fun way to let bloggers spotlight upcoming books. This awesome meme is hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. This week I am waiting on The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen. The summary sounds fantastic and the cover is beautiful! Too bad the expected publication date isn't until Semptember 27th.

(Goodreads) Summary:

Sasha is desperate to find out who murdered her father. When getting the answer means pledging her soul to Eryx, she unlocks a secret that puts her in grave danger—Sasha is Anabo, a daughter of Eve, and Eryx’s biggest threat.

A son of Hell, immortal, and bound to Earth forever, Jax looks for redemption in the Mephisto Covenant—God’s promise he will find peace in the love of an Anabo. After a thousand years, he’s finally found the girl he’s been searching for: Sasha.

With the threat of Eryx looming, Jax has to keep Sasha safe and
win her over. But can he? Will Sasha love him and give up her mortal life?

What are you waiting on?

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Review: Need

Title: Need

Author: Carrie Jones

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Pages: 306 (hardcover)

Source: Bought

Rating: 3/5

(Godreads) Summary:

Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.

She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.

In this creepy, compelling breakout novel, Carrie Jones delivers romance, suspense, and a creature you never thought you'd have to fear.
 
My Thoughts: 
 
I was really excited to read this novel because it involved pixies! Sure I have read a few books in which pixies were the background creatures, but never a main creature. To my misfortune, I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would.

The plot of the story was OK. Nothing too original- a new girl falls for a guy who isn't what he seems- but it did have a few twists and turns that kept me reading. The beginning was really slow but it picked up by the end.

I did not like Zara as a main character. She was sort of (for lack of a better word) stupid when it came to decision making. When someone told her to do something to keep herself safe, she never obeyed and put herself in harms way. People were constantly having to help her making her a burden.

One thing I disliked most about Need was the dialect. It was so unrealistic that I found myself wanting to laugh at some of the things Zara said! For most of the book I was thinking "I don't know a teenager who would ever talk like that."

Overall Need isn't one of my favorites but it is a fun read and I learned tons about phobias! I'm still not quite sure rather I will read the next instalments of this series... What did you think of this book?

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (14)

Waiting on Wednesday is a fun way to let bloggers spotlight upcoming books. This awesome meme is hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. This week I am waiting on Summer's Crossing by Julia Kagawa -Puck's story! This will be book #3.5 in the Iron Fey series. I absolutely love this series and can't wait until Iron Knight is released. Thankfully Summer's Crossing come out in less than a month to satisfy my craving.

Goodreads Summary:
 
A Midsummer's Nightmare? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts.
Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist. An ebook exclusive novella from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.
 
 
Mark your calendars for June 1st! What are you waiting on?

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Cover Love

Almost a week ago, Becca Fitzpatrick's cover to Silence was released! I love this series and for those who haven't read the first two, Hush Hush and Crescendo, I suggest you do so. While you are at it, mark your calendars for October 4th - the release of Silence.


Goodreads Summary:

The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever



All of the covers to this series are beautiful but I think this one is my favorite! What do you think?

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Review: Veiled Innocence

Title: Veiled Innocence (The Soul Cycle)

Author: Krystle Jones

Publisher: Pesante Press

Format: Ebook

Source: Author

Review: 4/5

(Goodreads) Summary:

Vishka should have died the night her empire fell. Alone and desperate, she makes a pact with a beautiful stranger for the power to avenge her people. But every bargain has its price...
Lianora never placed much stock in the gods; she especially never believed the Accalian lore that spoke of a lost ancient magic, a magic woven from the fabric of people's souls. So when she discovers the teardrop necklace, she thinks it to be nothing special - until the visions begin, glimpses of a legendary empress's past and the approach of a great evil. One that may be far closer than she realizes.
What Rowan wants more than anything is freedom. More by force than choice, he serves the crumbling gothic metropolis of Accalia as Black Knight, charged with the protection of the city. When a vicious murder occurs in the dead of night, he never dreams the beautiful woman with dark eyes and flowing, black hair could be a prime suspect. A woman who hasn't aged for over one thousand years, driven to Accalia in pursuit of an avenging god of death bent on rebuilding his usurped kingdom with the souls of the living.

 When Accalia falls prey to a devastating attack, the three unwilling allies are forced together. Now they must figure out how to kill a god. But how do you kill the embodiment of Death?


For me, the beginning of this book was really slow. Not a lot happened and it took me a while to get through. Fortunately, when I reached the second half of the book I couldn't put it down!

I thoroughly enjoyed all of the different characters. I think my favorite was Rowan who is a troubled Knight that joins Lianora (pretty name!) on her journey to save Accalia. I found myself getting excited when the book changed to his POV. In the first half Vishka was boring to read about because I didn't quite understand what was happening or who she was, but by the end of the book I liked her a lot.

The plot of Veiled Innocence can be a little slow at times but the last half of the book is really fast paced. There was a lot of action and tons of twists and surprises! The one thing I wished there were more of was the connection between Lianora and her lover Gabriel.

Overall I'm glad I had the chance to read this book an Krystle's fantastic writing style. The ending was a real cliff hanger and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. For more about the author visit her blog: http://krystlejones.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (13)

Waiting on Wednesday is a fun way to let bloggers spotlight upcoming books. This awesome meme is hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. This week I am waiting on Possession by Elana Johnson. I have been hearing a lot of good buzz about this book and the cover and summary are definite attention grabbers!

                                                          (Goodreads) Summary:

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.
But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.
This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.
 
 
Mark your calendars! This one comes out June 7th 2011. What are you waiting on?