My Life Undecided - Book Trailer and Giveaway!

I am super excited to share this trailer with you and to be able to host this giveaway. Ever since the premise of this book was released, it's been on my radar... it just sounds so CUTE!



Don't you just love the idea of seeing how it all plays out?? I can't imagine just totally handing control of my life over to anyone else! Such a cool idea for a book. :)

Anyway, as I mentioned, thanks to Zieghost Media, I am able to host a giveaway! If you would like the chance to win Jessica Brody's My Life Undecided, just comment with your name and email address by Wednesday, October 12th. I will choose a random winner on Thursday, October 13th and they will have until Sunday, October 16th to get me their mailing address (US/Canada only, sorry!) so that we can send the book out to you. GOOD LUCK!!

I Met Laini Taylor *squee!* and Have a Signed ARC of The Daughter of Smoke and Bone to Giveaway!!

I was sooooo lucky to be able to meet Laini Taylor in person at RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison, CT. Let me just say that she is AWESOME. Laini was so personable and inspiring and creative. (She even made my YA skeptic mom ask to borrow the book later!)



Laini started out by describing how she got to this tour. Her first two books, a halted attempt at a science-fiction title, how she came to write Lips Touch: Three Times and finally came to publish The Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I was stoked to find out that it is the first book in a trilogy!!

When she read from the book, you really felt as if you were there, in the story. The main character, Karou, is so fully formed that you had no question about her motives...only the intriguing and wondrous world that she lives in! You could hear the rustling of pages throughout the room even before she stopped reading, lol.

Laini was super gracious answering questions, giving great reading advice, and just being a generally hilarious and warm-hearted person. It was amazing to meet her and in a such a cozy environment! When she did the signing, it was great because only about 25 people were there, so we actually got to chat a little with Laini.



I was lucky enough to be able to ask Laini ahead of time if she would sign not only the finished copy of the book, but the two ARCs that I had as well. My friend, Jen from Yabooknerd, was in Vermont for the NELA (New England Library Association) conference, so one signed ARC is going to her, *but* I have another signed ARC to give away!



So, if you would like the chance to win a *signed ARC* of Laini Taylor's The Daughter of Smoke and Bone, leave me a comment with your name and email address before this Friday, October 7th. I'll randomly choose a winner on Saturday, October 8th. Good luck!!

In My Mailbox - October 2, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

*I didn't get to do an "In My Mailbox" last week since I went up to New Hampshire, so this is actually two weeks worth of books!*

For Review:

Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury
Peaceweaver by Rebecca Barnhouse
Hades by Alexandra Adornetto


Cosmic Storm by Dom Testa
Alienation by John Lewis
There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones


The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton

On My Nook:

First Frost by Jennifer Estep

From the Library:

Library Wars: Volumes 5&6
Fairy Bad Day by Amanda Ashby


Vengeance by Kate Brian
Die for Me by Amy Plum
Dear Bully ed. by Carrie Jones


Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
New York to Dallas by J. D. Robb
The Royal Treatment by Lindsey Leavitt


Purchased:

The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
*Signed by Laini Taylor at RJ Julia's for her "Smoke and Bone" tour!
Goliath by Scott Westerfeld
*Signed by Scott Westerfeld - present to myself for my bday!*

Gifted:

Blood Red Road by Moira Young
The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
*Thanks so much to Chelsea from Coffee and Cliffhangers! I won a monthly drawing on her website and got these as well as a copy of Nightshade and a copy of Revolution.

Legend

Legend
by Marie Lu

Publication date: Nov 29, 2011

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets. (description from Amazon.com)

This book got a lot of buzz even before I went to BEA this year. I was stoked to pick up a copy and am so glad I finally got to fit it into my reading schedule! In the sea of dystopias that are now flooding the YA market, Legend is a very strong contender.

While I wasn't sold on the alternating viewpoint chapters at first, after about five I was hooked. Not only are both June and Day fascinating characters, but through their eyes you get to see both sides of a very distrustful and controlling government. The Republic is mostly made up of California and the western coast area of the United States. It is at war with the "Colonies," which seems to be the eastern part of the US. Those who pass the test that all ten year olds have to take, are given an education, training, and good jobs. Those that fail...while they are sent off to "work camps."

Day was one such test failure. Born to a slum, he failed his test, was experimented on, then he escapes to become a master "Robin Hood" style criminal. He scrounges and helps where he can becoming a local hero. When his path crosses with the prodigy and darling of the Republic, June, life gets a whole lot more dangerous...and interesting.

Their characters not only fascinate readers, but seem to enthrall each other. It's not one of those mushy love-at-first sight things though, but an acknowledgment of how much they challenge each other. Each discovers totally new things about themselves and their lives through their experiences with the other. I, for one, am very excited to see what happens in their future fight against the corrupt government!

Full disclosure: ARC from BEA 2011

The Iron Knight - Book Trailer

The Iron Knight
by Julie Kagawa
The Iron Fey, book four

Publication date: Oct 25, 2011

I *love* this series...

If You Like: Stolen

"If You Like…” is a feature highlighting blogger recommendations for books, authors, TV shows, movies, and music based on the things you already know and love.

Okay, so I'm way behind on linking to this, BUT if you liked Lucy Christopher's Stolen, check out these other great books and movies!

If You Like: The Jenna Fox Chronicles

"If You Like…” is a feature highlighting blogger recommendations for books, authors, TV shows, movies, and music based on the things you already know and love.

This week check out some great recommendations for fans of the Jenna Fox Chronicles. I love this series! Science fiction at its best. I'm hoping that Pearson continues to write science fiction in the future.

All These Things I've Done

All These Things I've Done
by Gabrielle Zevin
The Birthright series, book one

In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidently poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family. (description from Amazon.com)

This book *almost* earned a gold star. I LOVED it, overall. Anya is a great character. Overwhelmed by responsibility, emotionally wrung out, and yet she plugs away, pulling through, and maneuvering her way through a dangerous world. The world! Can we talk about how believable Gabrielle Zevin has made this world? Set in 2083, this is obviously in the future, and yet other than knowing about things that have become illegal, it feels as if it could take place tomorrow. There was never a doubt in my mind that this world could become a reality.

The designation of coffee and chocolate as illegal substances has created black market trading, which in turn has created mafia-like families that deal in these substances. Anya is a Ballanchine...and the Ballanchines are Russian chocolatiers. Seeing the Ballanchine crime family's interactions with each other and the outside world was fascinating. I loved how the family was ever present in Anya's mind.

The only thing that Anya considered more in her decision making was her religion. While some could consider this book as Christian fiction (because Anya is a devout Catholic, practicing to feel closer to her deceased mother), it never feels overwhelming. Some books have a religious theme that ends up overpowering the rest of the story. Here, it is just such a strong part of Anya's character that it only adds to the amazing story.

In fact, the only thing that I thought detracted at all from the story was that Anya would occasionally address the reader. The book is framed as a recounting of her early years, written almost as a journal. The reader easily forgets this, though, as the story goes on...until Anya suddenly addresses the reader...then goes back to the story. While not a bad idea in theory, in practice, it disrupts the flow of the story and feels jarring. However, it did not bother me enough to make me love the story any less...it just meant that the book wasn't quite perfect.

I have high hopes that book two in the Birthright series will indeed earn a coveted gold star review. For now, my recommendation? Ummm...READ THIS ONE. It was great! (And if you loved Holly Black's Curseworkers books, you will LOVE this one...)

Full disclosure: Audio book received to review for AudioFile magazine, review copy received from Zeighost Media

Success!!

So, I haven't been blogging as much lately, and even if no one noticed but me, I wanted to explain why. You might remember (or not...who knows) that I am somewhat of an amateur writer. I have participated in NaNoWriMo and I'm in a Writers' Group (with two awesome chicas!! Becca from Alice:Journey of a Fake Writer and Jen from Yabooknerd).

Well, I decided that I have to get serious. I want to publish a book someday and that means I need to buckle down and "Get 'R Dun," as they say...but with better grammar! So, while I will absolutely not give up my reading time, because not only do I consider it important research, but it is the highlight of my day, every day...I have decided to cut back on blogging. Not just actually posting on my blog, but I have also cut back on how often I read my blog feed.

It's been tough! I think I was going through a little bit of blogger withdrawl, BUT in the time that I was using for that I wrote a killer short story! Not only did I write it, but I revised it, and...submitted it for the National Writer's Digest annual contest. *fingers crossed* Realistically, I have no intention of holding my breath anticipating a win. I'm sure a bajillion people enter every year. Having the goal and a deadline, though, really got me to pump it out and make sure all my word choices were sharp, my sentences were concise, and that the characters and plot were developed just so...

Did I mention how *HARD* it is to write a short story?! So hard, but totally worth it. I have a real finished piece that I am eminently proud of and would love to share with the world at some point. For now, I await the decisions of others...and turn back to an older project. :)

All right, off to go read!

Cover Cravings...

Perception
by Kim Harrington
A Clarity Novel

Publication date: March 1, 2012

When you can see things others can't, what happens when someone is watching you?

Everybody knows about Clarity "Clare" Fern. She's the psychic girl in school, the one who can place her hands on something and see hidden visions from the past.

Only, Clare would rather not be a celebrity. She prefers hanging back, observing. Her gift is not a game to her.

But then someone starts playing with her head and heart. Messages and gifts from a secret admirer crop up everywhere Clare turns. Could they be from Gabriel, the gorgeous boy who gets Clare's pulse racing? Or from Justin, Clare's hopeful ex-boyfriend who'd do anything to win her back?

One thing is certain. Clare needs to solve this mystery, and soon. Because the messages are becoming sinister, and a girl in town has suddenly disappeared. Clare needs to see her way to the truth -- before it's much too late.

BTW - This cover matches the new paperback cover for Clarity!

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer - book trailer

Oh My God...aren't you just dying to read this book?? I am.
Thank goodness it's finally out and I can get our Library's copy ASAP!

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
by Michelle Hodkin
Release date: Sept. 27, 2011

The Thirteenth Princess

The Thirteenth Princess
by Diane Zahler

Zita is not an ordinary servant girl—she's the thirteenth daughter of a king who wanted only sons. When she was born, Zita's father banished her to the servants' quarters to work in the kitchens, where she can only communicate with her royal sisters in secret.

Then, after Zita's twelfth birthday, the princesses all fall mysteriously ill. The only clue is their strangely worn and tattered shoes. With the help of her friends—Breckin the stable boy, Babette the witch, and Milek the soldier—Zita follows her bewitched sisters into a magical world of endless dancing and dreams. But something more sinister is afoot—and unless Zita and her friends can break the curse, the twelve princesses will surely dance to their deaths. (description from Amazon.com)

This was a really well done and interesting new rewrite of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. I loved the fact that Zita was a thirteenth and utterly different princess. Her birthright added to the way that she was raised as a servant gave readers the ability to see into both worlds. So much of the story focused on Zita's life, her discovery of her birthright, and the development of her relationship with her sisters.

It was almost as if Zahler wrote a completely fresh story before she finally blended the original fairy tale into Zita's life. The magic was interesting and fun. The characters were strong, especially Zita, who was spunky, loving, and eminently loyal. I loved the relationships that she developed with her sisters, the cook, the witch, and especially Breckin.

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
by Catherynne M. Valente
Illustrated by Ana Juan

Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn’t . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday. (description from Amazon.com)

What a glorious adventure. Valente has managed to merge the feel of an old fairytale with the sarcastic realism of Lemony Snicket. September is a girl who is both immensely loving and emininetly practical. While feeling terrible about leaving her mother, she cannot pass up the adventure of a lifetime! To enter fairyland...who would say no?

While in Fairyland, September meets many interesting and unique characters. She travels to new and wondrous places. She is tasked to retreive magical objects.

While there have been many tellings of a child that enters the fairy realm, Valente makes this feel new and fresh. The characters are intriguing and unlike those I've read before. The aspects of Fairyland are amazing and unheard of in other tales. Each aspect of this story was just another layer that drew me in. One of the best things, though, was that even as I knew that September's story must end well, I appreciated some of the terrible things that she went through to come to a happy ending.

This was no Disney fairy tale.

This was real life and purely magical.

Full disclosure: Review copy received from Zieghost media and the publisher

Hush Hush - Graphic Novel Contest Link

Have you heard? Sea Lion Books is currently working on the graphic novel adaptation of Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush. Though it's not out yet, you can check out some sneak peeks on their website, check out this interview with the author Becca Fitzpatrick, and even purchase a limited edition prologue for the graphic novel (here).

If you do purchase the limited edition prologue, you can also enter a really cool contest.

Once you receive the book, take a picture of yourself with it and email the picture to Sea Lion Books along with a paragraph as to why you should be the next to make a cameo in the next volume of Hush Hush!

The winner will not only get to interact with Patch and Nora in the next Hush Hush Graphic Novel, BUT the illustrator for the graphic novel will also IMMORTALIZE you from head to toe in Patch's arms! Your image will be held lovingly safe in his arms! How awesome is that!!!

SO LET'S RECAP!!!

1. 1,000 limited edition prologues will be available for sale on
www.SeaLionBooks.com. Limit 2 please!

2. Once you receive the Hush Hush prologues you must take a picture of
yourself with it and post the picture on our FB page with a paragraph in
the comments under the picture as to why they should be the next to make a
cameo in the next volume of Hush Hush!

3. The winner gets an interacting cameo with Patch and Nora in Hush Hush
volume 2, and they get a unique one-of-a-kind poster with Patch holding the
winner in his arms.

4. The limited edition prologues will ship the first week of October.




If you love Hush, Hush, this is the chance of a lifetime!

Revolution

Revolution
by Jennifer Donnelly

BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present. (description from Amazon.com)

A long time ago, I read Jennifer Donnelly's A Northern Light. It was great, one of those books that reminds me exactly why I love historical fiction, even if I never seem to want to admit it. When Revolution came into the library, I thought, oh yeah, I'll want to read that eventually and listened to patron after patron after patron come in and tell me how they absolutely loved it. It wasn't until just recently, though, that we got in the audio book and I decided, "hey I never actually read that, so guess I can listen to it instead!"

This book was an amazing pleasure! This is one of my new favorite books. I laughed. I cried. I cried. Oh yeah...I cried. This was one of those books that I would listen to on the way to work and then have to sit in the car for an extra couple of minutes to let my face become less splotchy before running in...and it was sooooo worth it. This was one of those books that had me making excuses to get back into the car.

Aside from a fantastic story with breathtaking emotional upheavals, the historical vividness was mesmerizing, and the blend of contemporary and historical settings was amazing. Donnelly is one hell of a writer. I loved learning more about the guitar and music in general. I loved the influx of scientific facts. I loved all of the familial relationships that were explored. I loved the romance. I loved it all.

This book officially earns a coveted GOLD STAR!





For those of you audio book listeners, this was also a great book to experience in audio format. The narrators were great. There was a sprinkling of guitar music and the lyrics were almost sung. It was engrossing and thoroughly engaging. Very well done.

Absolutely recommended to music lovers, history lovers, romance lovers, readers who love exploring difficult family relationships, readers who love to read about causes, and those who enjoy light time travel. Ummm, basically everyone!

Winner - Dreamland giveaway!

I am pleased to announce that the winner of the Dreamland giveaway (via random drawing at random.org) is...

Jessica Edwards!!

Jessica, check your email...you have until Thursday, September 22nd to contact me with your mailing address so we can send the book out to you. Congratulations again!

In My Mailbox - September 18, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

From the Library:

Stepping on Roses: Volume 1
The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann


Rocket Girls: The Last Planet by Hasuke Nojiri


The Dark Hunters: Volume 3
The Dark Hunters: Volume 4

On My Nook:

Radiant Desire by Inara Scott
Frost Moon by Anthony Francis
*Thanks to Netgalley!*

Birthday Goodies!!:

Hourglass by Myra McEntyre
*Thanks to my lovely husband!!*

I also pre-ordered Scott Westerfeld's Goliath (signed!) and Maureen Johnson's The Name of the Star for my birthday. I CANNOT wait until they come in. I'm dying to read both!

A wonderful birthday week, book wise! Did you get anything great this week?

Cover Craving...

Insurgent
by Veronica Roth
sequel to Divergent

Publication date: May 2012

I LOVED Divergent and cannot even tell you how excited I am for the sequel. It's going to be fantastic! Anyway, I love this new cover. The swirly tree is amazing, and I bet pretty awesome in person.

For more info, you can check out Veronica Roth's cover reveal interview with Entertainment Weekly here. *I love the joke about the third book's title...lol!*

The Phantom Limb

The Phantom Limb
by William Sleator and Ann Monticone

Isaac is the new kid in town. His mother, Vera, is in the hospital with a mysterious illness, and the only person left to care for Isaac is his distant grandfather. Friendless and often alone, Isaac loses himself in his collection of optical illusions, including a strange mirror box that he finds in his new house, left behind by the previous tenants. Designed for amputees, it creates the illusion of a second limb.

Lonely Isaac wishes someone would reach out to him, and then someone does—a phantom limb within the mirror box! It signs to Isaac about a growing danger: someone who has murdered before and is out to get Vera next. The only way Isaac can solve the mystery and save his mother is with the help of the mirror box. But can he trust the phantom limb? (description from Amazon.com)

This was a book that had a really unique and potentially awesome premise, but the execution fell a little flat. There were parts that were confusing and not too well explained. Most of the characters were one-dimensional and in some cases a little unbelievable. Plot devices were dropped in deus ex machina style to make things work. It's a real shame that this was William Sleator's last book (he passed away in August).

Full disclosure: review copy received to review for SLJ

The Last Werewolf

The Last Werewolf
by Glen Duncan

Meet Jake. A bit on the elderly side (he turns 201 in March), but you’d never suspect it. Nonstop sex and exercise will do that for you—and a diet with lots of animal protein. Jake is a werewolf, and after the unfortunate and violent death of his one contemporary, he is now the last of his species. Although he is physically healthy, Jake is deeply distraught and lonely.

Jake’s depression has carried him to the point where he is actually contemplating suicide—even if it means terminating a legend thousands of years old. It would seem to be easy enough for him to end everything. But for very different reasons there are two dangerous groups pursuing him who will stop at nothing to keep him alive. (description from Amazon.com)

Though the plot of this book was good, and intriguing enough that I wanted to know how things were going to end, this was not my favorite werewolf book. I had a couple of problems with it.

It was super introspective through the first half and I felt like it draaaagggeddd... Part of the problem may have been that I listened to this as an audio book and though the narrator perfectly matched Jake's character, the pacing was such that I had a hard time telling when the thinking stopped and the action started.

Though I don't think of myself as a prude, I did find myself bothered by the language in this book. Swearing is by no means off limits and especially not for emphasis, but Duncan relies totally on graphic language. He used the c*nt word quite frequently and I cringed every single time.

But, those were things that bothered me! They will not bother every reader. It's a strong, interesting adult book that many readers will love. *The ending is a killer, too!!

Full disclosure: Audiobook received to review for AudioFile
2011 Shifter Reading Challenge