The Scarier the Better!

It's HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love Halloween (it's my favourite holiday) and though I have to work today, it's only in the morning and I have almost the entire afternoon/evening to get ready to trick-or-treat!

Ok, yes, I am much too old to legitimately be going out trick-or-treating, but the plan is to do my three-year-old cousin's make-up all glittery and sparkelly because she's going out as a fairy. Seriously, the costume is cool; it has lights in the dress and it flashes and glows and everything!

But never fear, I'm going to be wearing something. Well, at least my make-up will be slightly done up so that it's both work and Halloween appropriate since I can't dress up to go to work.

Then I'm catching some scary movies with a friend and having an amazing night full of way too much sugar.

So to all you Goblins and Ghouls, have a fantastic night!

In My Mailbox (25)

As always, IMM credit goes to the lovely Story Siren.





This week was a good week in the regard that I only bought one book! Yay me!

I bought Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick. Unfortunately, I bought it after I pre-posted this weeks posts, so I'm unable to add a picture along with this weeks book.

But if you don't know what it looks like already, check it out on Goodreads; it's a gorgeous cover.



So this is what I got I'm my mailbox this week. Let me know what you got in yours!

Social Exhile; the Beginning

She’s So Dead to Us


Written by: Kieran Scott

Released: May 25, 2010 by Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing

Summary: When having money is all that matters, what happens when you lose it all?

Perfect, picturesque Orchard Hill. It was the last thing Ally Ryan saw in the rear-view mirror as her mother drove them out of town and away from the shame of the scandal her father caused when his hedge fund went south and practically bankrupted all their friends -- friends that liked having trust funds and new cars, and that didn't like constant reminders that they had been swindled. So it was adios, Orchard Hill. Thanks for nothing.

Now, two years later, Ally's mother has landed a job back at the site of their downfall. So instead of Ally's new low-key, happy life, it'll be back into the snake pit with the likes of Shannen Moore and Hammond Ross.

But then there's Jake Graydon. Handsome, wealthy, bored Jake Graydon. He moved to town after Ally left and knows nothing of her scandal, but does know that he likes her. And she likes him. So off into the sunset they can go, right? Too bad Jake's friends have a problem with his new crush since it would make Ally happy. And if anyone deserves to be unhappy, it's Ally Ryan.

Ally was hoping to have left all the drama in the past, but some things just can't be forgotten. Isn't there more to life than money?

Well, I expected this book to be good, but I never anticipated it to be great. Of course, I should have known seeing as Kieran Scott is also Kate Brian, so I’m not surprised. Honestly, this was such a great read that I finished it in one sitting while I should have been sleeping. Its high rating on Goodreads is well deserved, that’s for sure.

After reading the description, I knew that I wanted to buy it (several months ago; it took me forever to get around to reading it) but I also figured that it would just be a nice read and that was that. I also wasn’t expecting it to be the first in a trilogy; a fact that pleases me greatly and yet makes me want to scream. But, nope, this was one of those surprise books that kept me engaged with the characters and wanting more.

It’s simple, really, in the content and it contains a lot of high school drama that I never personally experienced but I could completely picture things like what happen in this book happen in real life. Plus, the events are just so well written that you really can picture them anyways, so there’s half the battle won right there.

The characters were ones that I liked reading about immediately. I think that that may have been because Jake and Ally alternate chapters (with every so often there being two or three chapters in a row of the same person), and usually I’m not one for the multiple perspectives. Of course, like all of her writing, this book was flawless in its transitions from person to person and the writing was beautifully done.

But let’s talk about what I hated about this book. I absolutely detested the ending. That being said, it was written as well as the rest of the book but it ended so abruptly that I was left wanting more than was available. Really, it just ends. It was almost as bad as the ending for The Stone Angel... but nothing trumps that book. Point is, it left the continuing story wide open for the next book and May cannot come soon enough because I need to find out what happens during Ally’s summer and with her family and friends. Everything was just left wide open and ties were undone which you may have through to be tied up.

In all, this was great. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a book that goes beyond what you were hoping to have happen. However, I might recommend that you hold off and wait to read it until shortly before or just after the second book comes out. If it’s one thing that I hate about reading books, is that when you’ve read a particularly good one that’s the start to a series/trilogy, you have to wait for the remaining books to come out and you’re almost always left wanting. I’m giving this a 9/10.

Angelic Duty

Halo


Written by: Alexandra Adornetto

Released: August 31, 2010 by Feiwel and Friends

Summary: Nothing much happens in the sleepy town of Venus Cove. But everything changes when three angels are sent from heaven to protect the town against the gathering forces of darkness: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. They work hard to conceal their true identity and, most of all, their wings. But the mission is threatened when the youngest angel, Bethany, is sent to high school and falls in love with the handsome school captain, Xavier Woods. Will she defy the laws of Heaven by loving him? Things come to a head when the angels realize they are not the only supernatural power in Venus Cove. There′s a new kid in town and he′s charming, seductive and deadly. Worst of all, he′s after Beth.

Ok, first I have to address the fact that this author is only seventeen years old and this isn’t her first published work. Granted, it’s her debut in North America, but still, I’m completely flabbergasted over the fact that she’s so young and so accomplished.

Second, this was one of the ARCs that I received through Good Golly Miss Holly’s ARC tour and I am so happy that I was able to get my name on the list for this book.

Honestly, it’s amazing. It took me only two nights of babysitting to read it and I probably stayed up way later than I should have doing it but I couldn’t help it; it was that good. The writing does the story justice and though I tend to steer clear of any noticeable religious books, the way that this story incorporated its beliefs with the story was seamless and at points you were able to just gloss over the religious aspects of the story while still soaking in what it was saying. I mean, it was about angels sent from Heaven to help the world; there is going to my theology in the story no matter what, but this was beautifully crafted.

The characters were written really well too. Though it took about half the book for the antagonist to really enter into the story (and once he was there you knew who he was), but the first half wasn’t lacking in anything before that. In fact, one could argue that the inner character conflict was more than enough for an adversary for an entire novel and it could have been broken into two... but then where would all the fun have been?

There were parts, though, that left me going ‘huh?’ to myself, though. Near the end there was one scene in particular where I was left questioning everything that had happened before in the book and then I just wanted to shake the main character until she had some sense and dignity forced back into her angelic person, but I refrained. And, sure, the character stupidity was addressed and explained a few pages if not a chapter later, but I still thought that that part could have been written differently to still express the same sentiment.

Oh and the sexual tension! I was waiting the entire book for the two main characters to get down and dirty. Yes, I realize that she’s an angel, but the tension was something of legends, let me tell you. It was written so incredibly well that you could picture them side by side in their scenes with bated breath and chests heaving while they do nothing but hold hands and kiss. Really, it was phenomenal how so little could happen but how there was such a huge reader connection to it. Does that even make sense? Oh well, you hopefully get what I mean.

I’m not sure if I will buy this book as a hard copy for myself (oh who am I kidding, I probably will if an opportunity arises with a good price) but I definitely want to read the following two books which are going to be released next year and the year following. I just wish that there wasn’t going to be so much time between. However, from the size of the first book, I can only imagine how long it would take to write then edit the next two books.

In short, I’m going to give this book a 9/10. It not only met but exceeded my expectations and made me want to read more. I would highly recommend this to any girl (or adventurous guy due to romantic content) who wants a good classic romance that will make you swoon which also has a side of adventure and action.

Wind God and Dancing Girl

Ever


Written by: Gail Carson Levine

Released: May 1, 2008 by HarperCollins Children’s Books

Summary: Falling in love is never easy, but falling in love with an immortal god while your days on earth are numbered is almost more than a young girl can bear.

Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine has created a stunning new world of flawed gods, unbreakable vows, and ancient omens in this spellbinding story of Kezi, a girl confronted with a terrible destiny. Attempting to thwart her fate, Kezi and her love, Olus -- the god of wind and loneliness -- embark on a series of dangerous and seemingly impossible quests.

Well, this wasn’t what I expected when I picked up this book at chapters from the clearance shelves. Nope, I was expecting something more along the lines of Ella Enchanted and Fairest. And at first, I was incredibly disappointed and put out, but then I gave it a chance. Granted, this will never be my favourite by Levine, nor will it be one of the top books of hers that I have read, but it was alright. Considering that I had such high expectations, this wasn’t half bad.

The characters took a while to grow on you, or else I just took a long time warming up to them, but once that connection was made, I didn’t want to stop reading. Ok, I’ll admit, I also didn’t want to stop reading because I wanted to finish the book period and it was rather short in comparison to most books. It took a long time, too, to really get to the action, but once it did, as a reader, you needed to know how things turned out even though there are no unhappy endings (that I’ve read) in a Levine book.

The premise of the book was one that I really enjoyed and though it seems incredibly familiar, I can’t even begin to put my finger on why. I imagine that it borrowed from some legend or myth, like some of her other books borrow from fairy tales, but my knowledge of those isn’t up to snuff, so unless someone can tell me, it might be a while before I can find it out. It was incredibly reminiscent of several Greek myths, though; Persephone and Pandora come to mind with small aspects of the book which are similar. Has anyone else read the book who knows what it could be?

The ending surprised me a little. I can’t say too much without giving it away completely, but let’s just say that at the very end I wasn’t fully expecting the chain of events which led to the finale which I did expect. I thought that it was very well written and true to what might have really happened.

In all, this was an alright read. I’m not sure if I would read it again like I do some of Levine’s other books, but I would recommend it to a few people. It was a nice way to spend a night reading, so I’m going to give it a 6/10.

Wish List Wednesday - Number Twenty-Five

So, with the review to come, it's no doubt that today's wish list book is the next in the She's So Dead to Us trilogy. Sadly, I don't know what the title is going to be since Goodreads is listing it as She's So Over Him while Kieran's website is listing it as He's So Not Worth It. So I have no clue which one is which. I'll admit, though, that I like both and depending on what the third one is going to be called, I would like one over the other for better title-flow.

It's also sad that with the book being released between May and Summer (website conflicts again) there's no book cover. I hope that it's as pretty as the first one was; I love the blue and the pearls.

Vintage Tuesdays - Colour Me Intrigued

Ok, so this week I'm venturing away from the normal review of a book and I'm going to ask a question instead;


Has anyone else noticed how, when you're younger the books are really brightly coloured and lovely but that as your grow older, especially the YA books, they become more dark and depressing in their spinal choices only to balance out when they become adult reading?

I recently reorganized my bookshelves and while my BSC books and Sweet Valley books were all pastels and colourful, almost all my other ones were dark and depressing.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my YA books, but if you take out books like the Pretty Little Liars series and a few others, almost all the remaining books have dark and ominous bindings and they all tend to blend together on the shelf.

Now, is this something that’s relatively new to the scene? I don’t remember books being this dark before, so are cover designers changing with the times and appealing their products to those who have a vampire/dark and dreary fetish? Or is this generation of readers just more into the dark and less into the pastels of the ‘80s and ‘90s?

Let me know what you think.

Movie Monday - Big Red

Secretariat


Written by: Mike Rich

Directed by: Randall Wallace

Released: October 8, 2010 by Walt Disney

Rating: PG

Summary: Penny Chenery Tweedy and colleagues guide her long-shot but precocious stallion to set, in 1973, the unbeaten record for winning the Triple Crown. Based on a true story.

So my mother wanted to go see this, which is why last Tuesday I found myself in the movie theatre. I, after having being forced to sit through Seabiscuit with my dad, didn’t really want to go see another movie about a race horse. If I wanted to see race horses, I would renew my license for the track as a groom and go with my dad on race days when our horses are entered.

However, my aunt and cousin went the week before and they loved it. There was some mention of crying, but they cry in any movie, so I wasn’t expecting too much. But, I was pleasantly surprised with this movie.

For one, it kept my eyes on the screen. I think that I only looked at my phone once to see how late it was because we were supposed to go to Costco after, but other than that I don’t think my eyes strayed from the screen. Plus, Diane Lane is one of my favourite actresses for this type of movie and she was wonderful. And the horse was gorgeous.

Oh, and the camera work in this movie is breathtaking. I cringe to think at what it took to get some of the shots that they did since they’re so close and detailed to the action. And the locations where they shot are breathtaking. There’s a real artistry with this movie in its cinematography.

The story itself is one that my dad had told me on long car rides home from horse sales when I was younger. I think this one in particular was told on the way home from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania while the teachers in Ontario were on a strike and I didn’t have school. Hell, even my mom remembers watching the races on the television... and I know that my dad has raced at the tracks in the movie (well, some of them), though I’m not sure if he was there to witness these particular races.

In all, this movie was a great surprise to me, though it probably shouldn’t have been since Disney can’t really make a flop since everything they seem to touch turns into gold. I’m giving this an 8/10. It’s really good for all ages and it would be a great family film.

Amazing Discoveries

If you are stuck in Internet hell like I am - cell phone only unless I can get into town and pre-post - and you're also in need of book knowledge, here's my early Christmas gift to you. Or maybe I'll make it your Halloween treat.

Either way, I have just discovered the most amazing thing since the creation of book blogging; Goodreads Mobile.

Honestly, I almost cried as I shouted the Hallelujah chorus. In fact, here's the link to the next Hex Hall book by Rachel Hawkins - http://www.goodreads.com/m/book/7862667-demonglass. I just finished reading Hex Hall (review will be up shortly, so stay tuned) and I can't wait to read Demonglass. If the pre-release reviews are anything to go by, this will be better than the first.

Now, with any luck I will be able to get to either the library or the local pub where my friends bar tend this afternoon in order to steal their free internet. Fingers are crossed!

In My Mailbox (24)

In My Mailbox always has the credit goes to The Story Siren.




This week I splurged on books. I know I probably shouldn’t have... but I was celebrating my first paycheck from my new job. But to be fair, I didn’t pay full price for any of the books, so it’s all good.



So, this week the list includes;

Elixir by Hilary Duff
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
Changeless by Gail Carriger
Alpha by Rachel Vincent
The Society of S and The Year or Disappearances by Susan Hubbard
Wired by Robin Wasserman
Torment by Lauren Kate



So this is my haul for the week. What’s yours? Leave a link in the comment!

Flowers and Snakes

Toads and Diamonds


Written by: Heather Tomlinson

Released: March 30, 2010 by Henry Holt & Co.

Summary: Diribani has come to the village well to get water for her family's scant meal of curry and rice. She never expected to meet a goddess there. Yet she is granted a remarkable gift: Flowers and precious jewels drop from her lips whenever she speaks.

It seems only right to Tana that the goddess judged her kind, lovely stepsister worthy of such riches. And when she encounters the goddess, she is not surprised to find herself speaking snakes and toads as a reward.

Blessings and curses are never so clear as they might seem, however. Diribani’s newfound wealth brings her a prince—and an attempt on her life. Tana is chased out of the village because the province's governor fears snakes, yet thousands are dying of a plague spread by rats. As the sisters' fates hang in the balance, each struggles to understand her gift. Will it bring her wisdom, good fortune, love . . . or death?

Last spring I read another book by Tomlinson, The Swan Maiden, which I enjoyed but this book surpassed that one and then overlapped it. Honestly, this was so well written that at times it took my breath away. What I mean is, sure some will argue about the actual writing, but the way that it took the original fairy tale of Mother Holle and changed it was flawless.

I loved how it was taken and set in an Indian-type setting (India not Native American, and that’s mostly how the cover depicts it) and with conflicting beliefs which cause the main strife within the book. I also loved how the sister who was inflicted with snakes and toads wasn’t looked upon as cursed any more, really, than her sister who was given the jewels and flowers instead. However, I must admit that I liked Tana’s chapters more than Diribani’s purely because it made for a more captivating story with the sister who had to deal with the snakes than the one with the jewels.

True to fairy tales, there were so many problems that the characters had to face before they got their happy ending. This one also was twisted to show that it’s not always better on the other side of the fence though you still always wonder about it. It was interesting to see how the sisters were always thinking that the other one was having an easier time of things than they were, though the opposite was true.

The look on how one decision can change and entire country was also something that fascinated me with this story and how it was relatable back to history just showed how much research must have been done for such a realistic outcome with the secondary part of the story.



At the end of it all, I just have to give this book an 8/10. Really, it was great and a widely unused fairy tale, which is always fun to read.

Cover Revealed!

Breaking news (from Wednesday, I just haven't been able to post about it)!

They have released the cover for the NEW Sweet Valley book! I so cannot wait to read this and find out, after having read the first chapter that they released a few months ago, what happens.

Isn't is just so Sweet Valley? The release date cannot come fast enough.

See the cover and read the accompanying article here.

Expansion is Bad for Business

Low Red Moon


Written by: Ivy Devlin

Released: September 14, 2010 by Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books

Summary: Avery Hood is reeling from the loss of her parents--and the fact that she can't remember what happened to them even though she was there.

She's struggling to adjust to life without them, and to living with her grandmother, when she meets Ben, who isn't like any guy she's ever met before.

It turns out there's a reason why, and Ben's secret may hold the key to Avery finding out what happened to her parents...

But what if that secret changes everything she knows about--and feels for--Ben?

So I received this book through the Good Golly Miss Holly ARC tour and though it took me a while to read – between moving and starting a new job, reading opportunities were sparse – I did enjoy it. I was also thankful that it was rather short and thus was a quick read.

The characters in this book were alright. I would go as far as to say that they were slightly above average. I wasn’t really pulled towards Avery and though I developed a slight literary crush on the guy, he isn’t so memorable that sitting here without the Goodreads page open on my computer I can remember his name. I also wasn’t pulled towards the book like some are able to do; there wasn’t that je ne sais quoi that compelled me to read on and on throughout the night until the book was finished. If anything, it felt as though I had read the book before (everyone has read Twilight, right?) and the ending was anticipated.

However, the writing in this book is great. To continue the Twilight comparison, even though I wasn’t engrossed with the book, it made me want to read the next one when it comes out (is there a next one?) so that I can see what happens with the town and the wolves and the characters. But, if there isn’t a next book, I don’t think that I would lose sleep at night over it either.

All in all, this was alright. It kept me entertained for a while and offered a good escape from packing/unpacking/brain-melting job training. I’m giving this a 6/10.

Wish List Wednesday - Number Twenty-Four

So, I haven't read the previous book, but it's sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read. And, since it's a part of a series, is it any wonder that book two would make it onto my wish list.

Red Glove

Written by: Holly Black

Released: April 5, 2011 by Margaret K. McElderry

Summary: The cons get twistier and the stakes get higher in Red Glove, the sequel to White Cat.

Even though there isn't much of an actual summary, it's incredibly intriguing. Plus, the cover is fun. I like how the glove disappears into smoke. Or is that fire?

"Literary" Discoveries

So today I was in the city and one of my stops was to Costco.

While browsing the book section, I stumbled across the find of a whole new novel by Nicole Richie the "celebrity". Now, since her first book seemed like a flop (did it place on any bestseller lists?) why on earth would they permit her to release another?

Admittedly, this one looks like it could be somewhat decent since its not going to read like a fictionalized biography of her life. And I would probably check it out of the library if it happened to show up there.

Without access to non-cellular internet, I can't link the Goodreads page, but author search her name and check it out. Let me know if you would pick it up.



Oh, and the new Rick Riordan is out! I was too excited when I saw it sitting on the table in the store.

Movie Monday - Two Hot Monser-Hunting Brothers

So, every so often I stray from reviewing actual movies to reviewing television shows. This week, that's what I'm going to do mostly because I want to gush about said show.

Supernatural

Created by: Eric Kripke

Summary: Two brothers battle the forces of hell and their spawn so that they can make the world a safer place. Oh, and they're super hot and witty while doing it.

Every time that I watch this show I'm literally talking/yelling at the television because I get so into it. Just last night I was yelling at Bobby while he was trying to get his soul back. I was completely engrossed and acting like an idiot, but this is one of the few shows that can get that from me.

Right now I'm re-watching the end of season three (I need to get a new fifth disk) as well as watching the current season as the episodes come out each week. As soon as I can watch the season three finale, I'm going to start on the fourth season.

This show is my new millennium of Buffy (which I also love, FYI), only with two really attractive men who I can oogle over. So, of course, I give it a well deserved 10/10.

In My Mailbox (23)

As always, IMM credit goes to the lovely Story Siren.




Well, this week has a grand total of three books. First, I caved and bought Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare becasue I could get it for 25% off plus an additional percentage off... so it was money well spent.

I then went to the library and checked out Toads and Diamonds by Heather Tomlinson and The Maze Runner by James Dashner. These are both books that I'm really excited to read and I've already started to read Toads and Diamonds; it's great, by the way.

So this is the grand total in my mailbox this week. Let me know what's in yours!

When the Temperature Drops... Again

Linger


Written by: Maggie Stiefvater

Released: July 13, 2010 by Scholastic Press

Summary: In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love - the light and the dark, the warm and the cold - in a way you will never forget.

Ok, so I read Shiver a few weeks ago and it was alright, so when I noticed this book at the library I scooped it up anticipating that it would as an ok read like the first one was. Sadly, it didn’t live up to the first in my books and I wasn’t able to get into reading it.

I mean, there’s only so much that can happen now after the first book and after reading the first few chapters, then the last few pages, I had a strong sense of what I was going to not miss by not reading the book. I also didn’t want to have to deal with the ever-changing perspectives as the chapters dragged on. Sure, in the first one it was nice to have the alternating view points between Grace and Sam, but to add in Isabelle and Cole to this equation was almost enough to make me scream.

Maybe in a while if I notice it again on the library shelf I might pick it up again and attempt to read it, but for now it really isn’t worth my time when it seems like I have so little of it left in a day to read for pleasure. I’m giving it a 2/10 for now. Who knows, I may try reading it again and love it to bits.

Attention Mongers

Wicked Girls: A Novel of the Salem Witch Trials

Written by: Stephanie Hemphill

Released: June 17, 2010 by HarperCollins

Summary: Wicked Girls is a fictionalized account of the Salem witch trials based on the real historical characters, told from the perspective of three young women living in Salem in 1692—Mercy Lewis, Margaret Walcott, and Ann Putnam Jr.

When Ann’s father suggests that a spate of illnesses within the village is the result of witchcraft, Ann sees an opportunity and starts manifesting the symptoms of affliction. Ann looks up to Mercy, the beautiful servant in her parents' house. She shows Mercy the power that a young girl is capable of in a time when women were completely powerless. Mercy, who suffered abuse at the hands of past masters, seizes her only chance at safety. And Ann’s cousin Margaret, anxious to win the attention of a boy in her sights, follows suit. As the accusations mount against men and women in the community, the girls start to see the deadly ramifications of their actions. Should they finally tell the truth? Or is it too late to save this small New England town?

So, I was really excited to read this book because I remember studying all about the witch trials in grade 11 English when we read The Crucible by Arthur Miller. I remember that I did a presentation using candle wax as a form of fortune telling.

Anyways, exited as I was, as soon as I cracked open the book once I got it home from the library, imagine my surprise when everything was written in verse.

I know this makes me miss out on a lot of amazing literature, but I’m just not a fan of fiction written in verse. I tried to read a bit of this book, but it also changed perspective every page or so with the beginning of a whole new set of lines, so I just set it aside and didn’t bother trying anymore.

One thing that I really did enjoy about this book was the history bits at the beginning and the end of the novel. There were blurbs on each character featured in the book and about how their story in real life differed from that within the book. It also gave their final histories after the whole witch trial ordeal was over.

However, in the end, this book really disappointed me; I think that this is an amazing subject for a YA book and I only wish that it would have been in a format which I would have enjoyed more. Overall, I’m going to give this a 2/10. I really wish that this was a higher rating, but in the end it just didn’t appeal to me at all.

A Day Where Something was Accomplished

So, this isn't a regular post; between helping a friend paint and organising my bookshelves, I grew lazy and didn't want to travel into town just to steal internet.

I really hate being without readily available real internet that doesn't come from my phone.

Does anyone out there have one of those internet sticks? What do you think of them? Let me know because I need some sort of high-speed in order to not completely lose my marbles a la Tootles.

Hopefully I can head to the library for a few hours tomorrow and make use of their wifi before I have to work...

Wish List Wednesday - Number Twenty-Three

With Hunger coming out within the next few weeks (I can't remember the exact date), it's not as if I've read it already but I already know that I want to read the next in the series.

Rage

Written by: Jackie Morse Kessler

Released: April 18, 2011 by Harcourt Graphia

Summary: Missy didn’t mean to cut so deep. But after the party where she was humiliated in front of practically everyone in school, who could blame her for wanting some comfort? Sure, most people don’t find comfort in the touch of a razor blade, but Missy always was . . . different.

That’s why she was chosen to become one of the Four Horsemen Apocalypse: War. Now Missy wields a different kind of blade—a big, brutal sword that can cut down anyone and anything in her path. But it’s with this weapon in her hand that Missy learns something that could help her triumph over her own pain: control.

A unique approach to the topic of self-mutilation, Rage is the story of a young woman who discovers her own power, and refuses to be defeated by the world.

Doesn't that sound absolutely amazing? And that cover is wickedly gorgeous. I'm having complete cover-lust over it. I hope that it's close to what the final cover will look like.

Plus, one god thing is that they're not making us wait an entire year for the second book like the sneaky publishers sometimes like to do!

Vintage Tuesdays - The Unicorn Queen Time Traveller 1

Swept Away

Written by: Joshepha Sherman

Released: November 5, 1988 by Ballantine Books

Summary: When her eccentric friend Dr. Reit invents an amazing transport into other worlds, Sheila McCarthy accidentally falls through the portal into the kingdom of Arren. There, Sheila finds herself part of a band of warrior-women. Astride unicorns, they gallop toward a dazzling city made of marble. But will they arrive in time to stop the evil king and his wicked wizard henchman from carrying out their deadly plans? And will Sheila ever be able to return home?

I read this way back in elementary school, like grade 5 or something, when I stumbled across it at the school library. Of course, at time time, I was obsessed with unicorns and whatnot (still am actually... sort of) so I grabbed it up and read all about Shelia and her adventures.

Sadly, at the time, that library didn't have the full series of books, so I was more than pleased that, while in high school, I stumbled across them again at a public library near where my dad lived. However, even then they didn't have the last few books to read.

At last came the day where I stumbled across them on the Internet where someone typed them up. Now, I know that this is illegal (which is why I'm not sharing the link), but I had to find out what happened in the series! But this review is about the books, and not the context in which I read them, so I'll get back on track.

This is a classic '80s book. It's completely too young for the age group that it aims at now, but it's still a fun read to spend some time enjoying. In fact, I almost always try to scour used book stores for copies of the books so that I can have them for myself. Alas, they're hard to find so that's never happened... yet. I'm not giving up the hunt.

So, for that reason, this book is a complete 10/10. I know that a lot of people would disagree with me, but to me it's more than just a book; it's a childhood memory.

Happy Thanksgiving!

To all my fellow Canadian readers and bloggers, have a happy Thanksgiving full of turkey.

I'm off to eat a big dinner myself, so there's no regular post today.

In My Mailbox (22)

As always, a disclaimer regarding IMM goes towards The Story Siren.

This week, I splurged a bit and actually bought a book! Recently, Maria V. Snyder came out with her latest book in the Glass series (trilogy?), Spy Glass, so when I saw it and realized that I could get it at a good discount... well, I had to buy it to complete the other Glass books that I have.

Now I just have to get around to reading said books...

But isn't the cover just gorgeous?

Fred is a Girl's Name Too, Three

Fish Out of Water

Written by: MaryJanice Davidson

Released: November 25, 2008 by Jove

Summary: Fred the Mermaid has taken the bait and chosen to date Artur, Prince of the Black Sea, over human marine biologist Thomas. And just in time. The existence of the Undersea Folk is no longer a secret, and someone needs to keep them from floundering in the media spotlight. Fred has all the right skills for that job, but has a hard time when her real father surfaces and tries to overthrow Artur’s regime.

As the final installment of the Fred series, I was both disappointed and relieved. Disappointed because it ended, and Fred is one of my favourite Davidson characters, but relieved because it ended well.

Still, I would have liked to read more about Fred and her complicated life full of action, adventure, romance, and tail fins. I'm giving this an 8/10.

Also, this was my least favourite cover of the three. Though I like the colours, it does nothing for me and it's missing the same je ne sais quoi that the others have.


And another thing, what's the verdict on doing series and related books all in a row for reviews? Inquiring minds want to know!

Fred is a Girl's Name Too, Two

Swimming Without a Net

Written by: MaryJanice Davidson

Released: November 27, 2007 by Jove

Summary: As Fred the Mermaid tries to fit in with her own kind, she finds herself hooked on both Artur, the High Prince of the undersea realm, and Thomas, a hunky marine biologist. She's also caught between two factions of merfolk: those happy with swimming under the radar-and those who want to bring their existence to the surface.

Another amazing mermaid Fred book by Davidson. I laughed, I gasped, I sighed. In short, I loved it. The conflict in this reminds me a little of that within the True Blood/Southern Vampire realm by Charlaine Harris.

Davidson really does have the ability to write amazing female characters (though they can tend to be a little whiny at times) along with great story lines. I'm giving this book too a 9/10.

Plus, aren't these covers just fun and gorgeous? I think so.

Fred is a Girl's Name Too

Sleeping with the Fishes

Written by: MaryJanice Daavidson

Released: November 28, 2006 by Jove

Summary: Fred is not your ordinary mermaid. She's not blonde. She's not buxom. And she's definitely not perky. In fact, Fred can be downright cranky. And it doesn't help matters that her hair is blue.


While volunteering at the New England Aquarium, Fred learns that there are weird levels of toxins in the local seawater. A gorgeous marine biologist wants her help investigating. So does her merperson ruler, the High Prince of the Black Sea. You'd think it would be easy for a mermaid to get to the bottom of things. Think again.

I lived this book. Fred is an amazing character with a great voice and the entire concept was a good one. It's books like this that make me love and want to read Davidson's stuff. I give it a 9/10; it's definitely one that I'll read again and recommend to any friends of mine who want to laugh as they read and still be able to sigh at the romance.




*** On a side note, I'm experimenting with shorter reviews. Let me know what you think and if you would prefer the longer and more in-depth ones.

Wish List Wednesday - A Heaven-sent Trio

I've only just finished reading Halo by Alexandra Adornetto (stay tuned for a review) and it only made me want to keep reading about the characters. Luckily, Hades comes out fall 2011 and Heaven follows fall 2012.

Sadly, that means that it's going to be quite a while that I have to wait to read the next two books, but I suppose I'll just have to be patient.

This is What They Do...

So Perez has been another wealth of knowledge for me; meaning it's the first place where I find out about upoming movie news.

This time it's all encompassing yet another book being turned into a movie.

Sometime in the near future, Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter (is that the right title?) Is being adapted for the big silver screen.

If you want more info, click this like here http://m.perezhilton.com/blog/134256/ and I'm headed back to being slowly killed by a three-year-old jumping on me.


Seriously, though, this kid is heavy. Even as I'm typing this she's taken up camp on my back, forcing me to hunch over in two.

Vintage Tuesdays - Girl Wonder

Matilda

Written by: Roald Dahl

Released: some time before I was born... I think...


Summary: A small girl has large special powers which she uses to help her friends and schoolmates.


Ok, first off, without regular internet I can't get all the information that I want to make my reviews post how I want them. So bear with me here. Plus, it's hard to type on a blackberry for an extended period of time.

Anyways, this was one of the books that I had to read for Children's Literature in third year and it was the first time ever reading it period; don't ask how I overlooked this book for so many years because I have no idea and I loved the movie. Thankfully it was a part of the curriculum and I was able to thoroughly enjoy reading it.

I loved the characters and the illustrations that go along with every Dahl book that I've read. Matilda was depicted so differently than in the movie and it made me love the book even more because of it. The story was different in and of itself too, so really it was like experiencing something completely new.

As far as children's books go, this one is tops and it's up near the top of the lost of potential books that I am considering buying a cousin of mine when she turns 9 (I think. It might be 8.) next month. I definitely believe that it is one of those classic children's books which will forever live on through the years, though you will also never be too old to read it either. For that reason alone, this book is more than worth a well deserved 10/10.

Movie Monday - Fashionista Barbie

Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale

Written by: Elise Allen

Directed by: Willian Lau

Released: recently

Rating: G --» obviously. It's freaking Barbie.


Summary: Barbie gets fired and dumped all in the same day, so she heads to her Aunt's fashion house. Once there, she helps transform some clothing and the day.




So I'm on baby-sitting duty for my cousin's three-year-old until Wednesday (which is why there's no photo; I have to use only my phone for internet and posts), hence this choice in movie this week. However, I must admit that I have a soft spot for Barbie since I grew up with her. Plus, has no one else seen Barbie and the Rockets? I completely had the Kristy doll.

Anyways, this movie was cute. It was your typical Barbie movie with the happy ending and the up-beat music. I'm mostly just happy that it was captivating enough to keep her entertained. Heck, even I was entertained... Though flairies (the fashion fairies in the movie because no Barbie movie is complete without fairies of some kind). My twelve-year-old cousin who was off sick from school really enjoyed it too.

In all, this was a great one. If Ken in this movie was real I would totally be smitten for him. I'm giving this a 7/10. I would watch it again too.

In My Mailbox (21)

IMM credit goes to Kristi at The Story Siren.



So, this week my mailbox was blessedly empty except for library books, which is more than ok with me. My book-ban is still supposed to be in full-force... but there are always little oversights from time to time.

Still, here's what I grabbed from the library;

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
I read Shiver a week or so ago and I wanted to find out what happened next so when I saw this on the shelf I grabbed it up.

Wicked Girls by Stephanie Hemphill
I haven't read too many reviews on this book but I have heard whispers of good things so I decided to read and decide for myself.


And I grabbed up Graceling by Kristin Cashore on audio book. I lost all my entire library when my computer crashed, so this is the first step towards re-building it.

Vampires Not Wanted

Insatiable

Written by: Meg Cabot

Released: June 8, 2010 by William Morrow

Summary: Sick of vampires? So is Meena Harper.


But her boss is making her write about them anyway, even though Meena doesn’t believe in them.

Not that Meena isn’t familiar with the supernatural. See, Meena Harper knows how you’re going to die (not that you’re going to believe her; no one ever does).

But not even Meena’s precognition can prepare her for what happens when she meets—then makes the mistake of falling in love with—Lucien Antonescu, a modern-day prince with a bit of a dark side . . . a dark side a lot of people, like an ancient society of vampire-hunters, would prefer to see him dead for.
The problem is, he already is dead. Maybe that’s why he’s the first guy Meena’s ever met that she could see herself having a future with. See, while Meena’s always been able to see everyone else’s future, she’s never been able look into her own.

And while Lucien seems like everything Meena has ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, he might turn out to be more like a nightmare.

Now might be a good time for Meena to start learning to predict her own future . . .

If she even has one.

I got this from the library and it made me incredibly happy. I had wanted to read this ever since it came out but I didn't want to shell out the money for it and I could never find it at any other libraries. But, lo and behold, when I walked into my library a few weeks ago it was there in the 'new fiction' box.

What drew me to this book in the first place was that it was rather anti-vampire in mood while still being about vampires. It made me laugh if anything. It also made me giggle while reading and it further cemented my love of Meg Cabot's writing.

Meena was a likable character and Lucien made me melt. The supporting characters were all also really well done and they made me feel surprisingly strong emotions towards them.

I'm giving this book a well-deserved 8/10. I can't wait to read more Cabot in the future.

No Parole 1

Privilege

Written by: Kate Brian

Released: December 23, 208 by Simon Pulse

Summary: Most girls would die for a life of privilege...


Some would even kill for it.

Ariana Osgood ruled exclusive Easton Academy -- until she was arrested for murdering Thomas Pearson. She's spent the past two years at the Brenda T. Trumbull Correctional Facility for Women plotting her escape and is determined to get a second chance at the glamorous life she left behind. And Ariana will do anything to get her way....

From the author of the bestselling Private novels comes a new series about the dark world of wealth, secrets, and Privilege

.


Well, it was a few weeks ago that I read this book, I'm that back-logged on reviews, but I still remember it, which is the good thing.

This was not a book where I went into it and got what I expected. In fact, I was so floored by this book not being what I thought it was that I annihilated it in one night. I loved it and it made me want to read the next books in this series as well as the Private novels which are the beginnings to this story.

I loved the characters. I wanted to be in that whole social setting and become friends with Ariana (only not be one of the ones who ends up back stabbed) and the entire ending was mind-blowing. I never saw that coming to the extent that it did. Maybe that's because it was late at night when I was reading... but still.

In the end, I really enjoyed reading this book and it only makes me want to read more of Kate Brian's work. It's definitely a series that I'm going to search the library for and, if worse comes to worse, buy the books myself. I'm giving this a 9/10.

WINNERS! From My First Ever Contest

So, the long-awaited time has come and it's about to unveil the winners of my first contest!

And I chose the names completely fairly; I wrote all entries on slips of paper, put them in a glass bowl, shook them up, and chose three. Oh yeah, I'm high-tech like that. I suppose that would be more old-school wouldn't it?

Anyways, here they are in order. Once I have a moment of time, I'm going to e-mail you, in order, and find out who gets which books. So keep an eye on your mailboxes and let me know as soon as you can.

And the winners are...

1. Angie
2. justpeachy36
3. Inspired Kathy


Congratulations to you all. I'll message you soon and send out the books as soon as I can after that!




Also, stay tuned later this month for another contest!!! I don't know what it will be, but it's going to happen!