Saturday, March 31, 2012

Books to movies: The Hobbit

How do you feel when you hear the name Peter Jackson? Anxious perhaps? Or thrilled? Or maybe ready for a joy-ride? I know what I feel. I feel goosebumps, butterflies in my stomach and every good feeling a movie director can produce. Because Peter Jackson has shown the world how brilliant he is not only with LOTR, and King Kong. Now he's also going to do it with The Hobbit!!!

Coming out in December 2012 is part one of prequel to the LOTR trilogy.  It's titled An Unexpected Journey and stars actors we've seen before in the amazing Tolkien-based movies. Orlando Bloom, Cate Blanchett, Cristopher Lee, Elijah Wood, Ian Makkelan and many others will act for us in this epic story.



The adventure has just begun...

Friday, March 30, 2012

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Follow Me Friday is a book meme hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read. #FF is a blog hop that expands your blog following by a joint effort between bloggers. In order to join in the fun, all you need is well . . . A book blog :)


The question this week is:

Do you read one book at a time or do you switch back and forth between two books or more?

My answer:

I'm a single book person although there are times when one book doesn't interest me much and I just pick a second one to compliment it. But that's really rare. I'd rather stick with just one novel so I don't mix up the stories and characters and so on.

What about you? Do you read several books at a time?

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #14


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Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blog post by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights releases we're eagerly awaiting.


My pick this week is:


Title: The Obsidian Blade
Series: The Klaatu Diskos, Book 1
Author: Pete Hautman
Release date: April 10th, 2012

Summary:
The first time his father disappeared, Tucker Feye had just turned thirteen. The Reverend Feye simply climbed on the roof to fix a shingle, let out a scream, and vanished — only to walk up the driveway an hour later, looking older and worn, with a strange girl named Lahlia in tow. In the months that followed, Tucker watched his father grow distant and his once loving mother slide into madness. But then both of his parents disappear.

Now in the care of his wild Uncle Kosh, Tucker begins to suspect that the disks of shimmering air he keeps seeing — one right on top of the roof — hold the answer to restoring his family. And when he dares to step into one, he's launched on a time-twisting journey — from a small Midwestern town to a futuristic hospital run by digitally augmented healers, from the death of an ancient prophet to a forest at the end of time. Inevitably, Tucker's actions alter the past and future, changing his world forever.

Kicking off a riveting sci-fi trilogy, National Book Award winner Pete Hautman plunges us into a world where time is a tool — and the question is, who will control it?


Why I want to read it:
Ooooooh, ooooooooh!!! This sounds like an amazing time-travel novel!!! I really really want to explore it and see what sort of future the author created :))

What are you waiting on this week?

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

In her shoes ~4~

Every Tuesday I will pick a character I've read about recently, perhaps even the week before, and try putting myself in her shoes. What things would I do differently? What have I learned from her behavior? That kind of thing. You are welcome to participate if you want, just please link back, so we could build a nice community of followers. Thanks!!! :)


This week the girl whose shoes I'd like to step into is Ismae Rienne, the main female character in Robin LaFever's "Grave Mercy" novel. I bet you don't wonder why I chose her. You all know how beautiful she is on the inside, how real she is, and how much we all fell in love with her. I loved her independent character, the way she made her own decisions, and most of all I loved it that she used her brain to think and to figure out the world around her. Because of that she was capable of seeing through the court intrigues, the selfish ambitions and the sickening ordeals that were taking place behind the duchess's back.
Also, I loved how cold-blooded she could be when required, and how she grew out of it when she realized that mercy was more valuable than vengeance.
In short, Ismae was the perfect girl for the job she was given, and I was happy for her when finally she found her happyness.

My review, should you feel inclined to read it, can be found here .

Monday, March 26, 2012

Top of the Pile on Monday Morning #13

So, I guess I was kind of on a roll these past 2 weeks. Yeah, you guessed it. I finished up 4 books this week as well!!! So here are my review links:


Review of MOON SPUN by Marilee Brothers
Review of INK by S.J. Davis
Review of GRAVE MERCY by Robin LaFevers
Review of SHADOW MOON by Marilee Brothers


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"Top of the Pile on Monday Morning" is a weekly MEME hosted by Vanya D. - a.k.a. me - here on YA Story Teller. It features up to three books that I plan to read for the week.


I am hosting this new MEME, featured every Monday. If you want to participate, you need to do the following things:

1. Either grab the button or paste the MEME in your post;
2. Tell us about the books you're planning to read this week. Include a picture of them. A blurb (or summary) is not necessary, though if you feel like it, you may certainly share it. Please make this a realistic choice, as we wouldn't want to see repeating titles.
3. Let us know why you chose those books exactly.
4. Follow your host, and link back!
 Thanks!!!

This week I'm going for the following titles:





Book #1:
Title: Temptation
Series: Solitary Tales, Book 3
Author: Travis Thrasher
Number of pages:336

Summary:The third book in the Solitary Tales series for young adults, Temptation follows the soul-wrenching twists of Chris Buckley's journey as he heads deeper into a darkness that threatens all he loves best.

As a reluctant student at Harrington High's summer school, Chris meets a fun-loving senior girl who offers a welcome diversion from Chris's past. Soon Chris no longer searches for the truth about the town of Solitary. He no longer tries to pierce its shadows. He no longer questions his role in its mysteries. He makes a new choice: he runs. What he doesn't realize is that he's running the wrong way-and is very close to being beyond any choices at all.

Travis Thrasher is the author of more than a dozen works of fiction, including Solitary, Gravestone, Isolation and Ghostwriter. His writing is known for its honesty, depth, and surprising twists. Thrasher lives with his wife and daughters in Chicago.


Why I want to read it: Because I've been postponing it for too long, and it's time I get back to see what Chris has been up to ;)





Book #2:
Title: Flight of the Stone
Series: None
Author: Chris Thompson
Number of Pages: 332

Summary: Flight of the Stone is a fantasy tale full of drama, humour and action along with a little romance.

A desperate Elliot throws a stone to frighten off his pursuers. His actions ignite an alarming chain of events. Witnessing far more than they bargained for, Elliot’s teenage friends Miles and Abbi become drawn into a parallel world laden with excitement, adventure and horror.

As they gradually unlock the hidden secrets of leylines, the three youngsters learn how to travel vast distances in seconds, are terrorised by Fuddles, held captive by the menacing Larc while guided by their virtual mentor, Dylan.

In this other world they discover fascinating things about themselves, the people they live with as well as the world around them. So intense is their journey together they become far more emotionally attached than they ever thought likely.


Why I want to read it: Because I just have to read it.





Book #3:
Title: Half-Black Ink
Series: The Alexa Montgomery Saga, Book 2
Author: Heather Gordon
Number of Pages: 245

Summary: In the past few weeks Alexa Montgomery has had her entire world flipped upside down. She's gone from living a semi-normal teenage life to a life full of vampires and werewolves who all expect her to deliver them from the control of an evil dictator.

Alexa is the last of her kind; a Sun Warrior, and now she has left the safety of Two Rivers to search for her mother, but she's left her sister behind to do so, and Nelly is the one person that she was told that she must always protect. Kayden, a vampire who is Alexa's other half, has followed her on her journey. But, secrets are about to come out, relationships will break and danger lies just up ahead. Will Alexa be able to get through all of this and make it out alive? And, will she be able to protect Nelly from danger when she is so far away?


Why I want to read it: Because I was asked to, and because I'd love to see if the series has improved.

What's on your reading list this week??

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Books to movies: Mirror, Mirror a.k.a. Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

Yes! It's the weekend again - the time when we're free to do our own thing, no? No. I've got classes today, so yeah, you guessed it, it's a scheduled post. Aside from all that, I've got some book to movie adaptations to share with you today.

How about "Mirror, Mirror", the current Snow White and the Seven Dwarves adaptation? It stars no other but my favorite Julia Roberts as... the evil queen!! Yes, I know, she's never played the role of a wicked step-mother before, so naturally, I'm dying to see her perform.

Besides, the decor and costumes are gorgeous, as you can see from the trailer below:

So, based on this trailer, I think that it's going to be a hilarious movie. I mean, just look at the queen of drama!!! She's amazing!! There's going to be humor and action and adventure. Happy watching!!

Friday, March 23, 2012

Follow Friday #9

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Follow Me Friday is a book meme hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read. #FF is a blog hop that expands your blog following by a joint effort between bloggers. In order to join in the fun, all you need is well . . . A book blog :)


The question this week is:

What is the longest book you’ve read? What are your favorite 600+ page reads?

My answer:

 That's extremely easy. The longest book I've ever read was 

 It's 1128 pages, people!!! And it was GOOOOOD!!!

Well, it's not YA, not by a long shot, but still good. 

And my all-time favorite 600+ pages book is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows :))

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #13

I have been so busy with school these days, I had no time to do the meme!!! But I'm going to share my book pick today. I hope you don't mind.



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Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blog post by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights releases we're eagerly awaiting.


My pick this week is:


Title: Sapphire Blue
Series: Edelstein Trilogie, Book 2
Author: Kerstin Gier
Release date: October 30th, 2012

Summary:
Gwen’s life has been a roller-coaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she’s been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean. At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice on everything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he’s very warm indeed; the next he’s freezing cold. Gwen’s not sure what’s going on there, but she’s pretty much destined to find out.

Why I want to read it:
Oh, where to begin? The cover looks amazing, just look at that gorgeous dress!! And Big Ben and those explosions in the background, or are they something else?? I need to read book 1 before this one comes out!!!

What are you waiting on this week?

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

In Her Shoes ~3~

Every Tuesday I will pick a character I've read about recently, perhaps even the week before, and try putting myself in her shoes. What things would I do differently? What have I learned from her behavior? That kind of thing. You are welcome to participate if you want, just please link back, so we could build a nice community of followers. Thanks!!! :)


Hmm, today my choice of heroine is a secondary character, who got my attention and won my heart with a slow but steady pace. I'm talking about Beatrice Lovell from "Interrupted" by Rachel Coker.
Beatrice is a middle aged woman, who's gone through a whole lot of hardships in her life - loss of a baby, loss of her husband. But she never allowed her spirit go down. She trusted the Lord and let Him do His thing. Well, He sure did bless her with two wonderful daughters, who gave Beatrice lots of good moments and lots of worries.
That goes especially for Alcyone, who was a grumpy, hurting child with lots of internal issues. And even though she was a tough nut to crack, Beatrice succeeded. Because her love was true and overflowing.
I'd love to be in her shoes because of her ginormous heart and faith.
My review is available here .

So, whose shoes would you like to be in?

Monday, March 19, 2012

Top of the Pile on Monday Morning #12

Yeah, ok. I know it's not morning, but what can I say, I couldn't get to this earlier. Anyway, I'm particularly happy with my reading list this past week because instead of the 3 books I had in mind, I ended up finishing 4. I am absolutely thrilled with my super skillz!! LOL

Oh yeah! And there was this one book that I had left over from the week before, so that makes it 5 books in one week. Awesome, no?

Here are my reviews:




Review of BLUE MONDAY by Nicci French
Review of WHITE WITCH by Trish Milburn
Review of MOONSTONE by Marilee Brothers
Review of MOONRISE by Marilee Brothers
Review of INTERRUPTED by Rachel Coker


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"Top of the Pile on Monday Morning" is a weekly MEME hosted by Vanya D. here on YA Story Teller. It features up to three books that I plan to read for the week.


I am hosting this new MEME, featured every Monday. If you want to participate, you need to do the following things:

1. Either grab the button or paste the MEME in your post;
2. Tell us about the books you're planning to read this week. Include a picture of them. A blurb (or summary) is not necessary, though if you feel like it, you may certainly share it. Please make this a realistic choice, as we wouldn't want to see repeating titles.
3. Let us know why you chose those books exactly.
4. Follow your host, and link back!
 Thanks!!!

This week I'm going for the following titles:



Book #1:
Title: Moon Spun
Series: Unbidden magic, Book 3
Author: Marilee Brothers
Number of pages:246

Summary: Junior's back from Mexico with his movie-star entourage. Beck's using his half-demon charms to "heal" a new girl. Mom's still wacky and now she's dating Principal Hostetler. High school is still an obstacle course of drama queens, bullies and nutjobs. The Trimarks are still a menace, and the moonstone pendant has revealed even more mind-boggling powers. In other words, Allie Emerson's life as the Girl Voted Least Likely To Save The World From Evil has gone from Weird to Super-Charged Super-Weird, and it's about to get even weirder. You're a faery princess. So says the mysterious Ryker, whose handsome talents include turning himself into a hawk. By the way, he and Allie are destined to marry. In faery land--Boundless. If they can save it from forces even more deadly than Trimarks and high school. The third book in the Unbidden Magic series plunges readers into a rich other-world of danger, humor, romance, fable, fairytale and magical destiny.

Why I want to read it: Because of Junior Martinez!!! And of course the weird turn of events where faeries get in the picture :))



Book #2:
Title: Grave Mercy
Series: His Fair Assassin, Book 1
Author: Robin LaFevers
Number of Pages: 564 (HUGE!!!!! Better be worth it!!!!)

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?
ether hanging on to the past is worth losing her chance to be loved.

Why I want to read it: Because seriously... assassin NUNS??? Heck yeah!!!



Book #3:
Title: Ink
Series: None
Author: S.J. Davis
Number of Pages: no information

Summary: “It’s a good day to die.”
My mother holds my arm fiercely.
“But as you grieve for me, listen for
the voices.
Then, you must get the ink.”

Sparrow stumbles between two worlds,
light and dark, love and hate, what is real
and what is in her mind.

When her mother dies on the Reservation,
Sparrow’s world is shadowed with anger
and narrowed by pain. The voices arrive,
but are they real? And how can a tattoo
make her stronger?


Why I want to read it: It's for R2R for one of my Goodreads groups. I heard some negative things about it, but I'm dying to prove them wrong. :))

What's on your reading list this week??

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Upcoming Blog Tour

Good morning, my awesome followers! I wanted to let you all know that on May 10th (yes, I know that's ages away, but I'm so excited, I had to post something :)) ) I will be hosting a stop from the blog tour of "The Shapeshifter's Secret"!!!

It's written by Heather Ostler, a debut author with great imagination. Here's the summary:

Like any sixteen-year-old, Julia's used to dealing with problems. From her overprotective father to her absent mother to a teacher who definitely has it in for her. But everything changes when Julia's reactions become oddly vicious and angry---more animal than human. This action-packed adventure has it all: humor, romance, and a plot that will keep you guessing to the very last page.

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Also, I will feature an international e-book giveaway, so make sure you mark May 10th on your calendars as a sure stop on my blog :)

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Books to movies: The Hunger Games

Morning guys! My super duper followers, I love you all!!! Oh, have you noticed I'm almost at 200 stalkers now?? Only after 3.5 months of blogging?? That's so incredibly awesome, no?

Anyway, today I'd like to engage you in a discussion about the current book to movie adaptations we're all dying to watch. I know what comes to mind right away. It's March 23rd, isn't it? Oh yeah it is!!! But why, what's so special about it?? THE HUNGER GAMES MOVIE RELEASE of course, duh!!!

Yeah, the whole world is waiting for that date, and surely, it can't come fast enough. People have loved Suzanne Collins's books and now they're all dying to watch the movie adaptations. Ok, don't hang or crucify me for what I'm about to say, but I didn't like The Hunger Games, the book. Yeah, I know, I know. I must be crazy, total wacko to not have liked the book. But there it is.

Yet, I think that a brilliant movie could be made out of it, because it has a great potential as a script. So, just like all of you, I'm waiting in anticipation to see it. From the trailers I've watched, I get the feeling that my expectations would be met, perhaps exceeded, and I feel this ... this tingle in my stomach at the look in Katniss's eyes. It's amazing. So, anyway.  Here's the trailer, just so we can watch it one more time :)


And one more:

Friday, March 16, 2012

Follow Friday #8

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Follow Me Friday is a book meme hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read. #FF is a blog hop that expands your blog following by a joint effort between bloggers. In order to join in the fun, all you need is well . . . A book blog :)


The question this week is:

What is the best book you’ve read in the last month? What is the worst book you’ve read in the last month?

Oh, hmmm, just let me check out which books I've read this month (I take it that you mean the past 30 days). *Runs of to Goodreads*
Okay! Got them.
The book that really got my heart beating in this past month was "Solitary" by Travis Thrasher. I know a lot of you have seen this book on my Follow Friday posts, but what can I say - I simply LOVED IT!!! My review can be found here .


And the book that I almost hated was "The book of lost fragrances" by M.J.Rose. I expected so much from that book, and it turned out to be less than mediocre. Here's my review if you want to know my detailed thoughts.


What are your choices for best/worst book of the month?

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Book Reviews: Blue Monday and White Witch

Check out my reviews of the following two books:

1. Blue Monday by Nicci French

Review:Blue Monday (Frieda Klein, #1)


I requested this book from Netgalley, because the cover kind of drew me in. It's dark, mysterious and deep. Just like the book was.

I haven't read any books from this author, but I can safely say that she is really good. I loved the descriptions, the narrative, the voices. I loved the dialogues, the story and the action. It was all combined in a very good way ... (read more)


2. White Witch by Trish Milburn

Review: White Witch

This is yet another book I got from Netgalley to review. I got drawn by the cover and description, because the coven thing really gets to me as fiction reading. Anyway, I liked the story, but the characters were very shallow. There was only kissing and fear and that's about it.

So this is the story of 16-year old Jax who escaped her power-thirsty witch coven ... (read more)

Blog Award!!!

Guess what happened to my blog this week!!! It got an award! Yay!! Isn't it exciting?? Thanks to Mackenzie @ Oh, For the Love of Books I got nominated for the

The Liebster Blog Award is an award for bloggers with less than 200 followers, and its aim is to help these blogs be found by others in the blogosphere.

The 'rules' for this one are... 
  1.  Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them.
  2. Nominate up to five others for the award.
  3. Let them know via comment on their blog (or you can send them a tweet!)
  4. Post the award on your blog.
  5. (This fifth rule was added by Geeky Tendencies via inspirenordic)...Follow my blog and at least consider signing up for the A to Z Challenge. It is a great way to find new and interesting blogs, it helps people find your blog and helps you meet new bloggers. Who knows? You might reach the 200 follower mark!
Thank you sooo much for thinking of me, Mackenzie!! 
The blogs that I chose to nominate are:
* Caro @ D's Bookworld
** Leanne @ District YA
*** Jennifer @ Dream Reads

Have fun guys! And let's get those followers rollin'! :))

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #12

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Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blog post by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights releases we're eagerly awaiting.


My pick this week is:


Title: Such Wicked Intent
Series: The Dark Endeavor Chronicles, Book 2
Author: Kenneth Oppel
Release date: August 21st, 2012 (Which also happens to be my b-day!! Yay!!)

Summary:
Devotion turns deadly in this second Gothic thriller from Kenneth Oppel.

When does obsession become madness? Tragedy has forced sixteen-year-old Victor Frankenstein to swear off alchemy forever. He burns the Dark Library. He vows he will never dabble in the dark sciences again—just as he vows he will no longer covet Elizabeth, his brother’s betrothed.

If only these things were not so tempting.

When he and Elizabeth discover a portal into the spirit world, they cannot resist. Together with Victor’s twin, Konrad, and their friend Henry, the four venture into a place of infinite possibilities where power and passion reign. But as they search for the knowledge to raise the dead, they unknowingly unlock a darkness from which they may never return.


Why I want to read it:
Oh, where to begin? The cover looks amazing, just look at that gorgeous couple!! And I love gothic thrillers. I confess, I haven't read book 1 yet, but I'm planning on it before this creation comes out ;)

What are you waiting on this week?

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

In her shoes ~2~

Each Tuesday I will pick a character I've read about recently, perhaps even the week before, and try putting myself in her shoes. What things would I do differently? What have I learned from her behavior? That kind of thing. You are welcome to participate if you want.

Today I've picked Jac L'Etoile from "The Book of Lost Fragrances." In the beginning I had the feeling that Jac was a strong female character. She had her career in myth solving, her past that she was trying to forget/overcome/leave behind... But she lacked a proper family, a proper romantic relationship and everything that was supposed to come with it. Usually, women grow strong when they've accomplished everything on their own and I thought and hoped that Jac would be just such a woman. But the moment she met her past love, Griffin North, she gave in to him. On the very same day she forsook her oaths never to think of him or touch him or whatever. I felt so repulsed!! And he was married with a child! She knew that, and still, she disregarded it all! I was so ashamed, so grossed out, I felt like throwing the book out the window! Of course, since it's an e-book and on my kindle, I couldn't do that. I'm not trashing the kindle for some stupid character who couldn't keep herself together.
And that's without saying how I felt about Griffin! I absolutely loathed that guy.  With utter sincerity! I wished I were in Jac's shoes just so I could punch him in the smug cheating plagiarizing face!! The bastard!! Even when he turned out to be Jac's soul mate of ages past, I just wanted him to go to his wife and leave Jac alone.

That's my story for the day. Whose shoes would you like to step in??

Monday, March 12, 2012

Top of the Pile on Monday Morning #11

Here is a quick recap of my reading last week, and the links to my reviews:

Review of FATE FIXED by Bonnie Wheeler
Review of THE BOOK OF LOST FRAGRANCES by M.J.Rose


Yeah, I know, I wasn't able to finish all my assigned reads for the weak. "Blue Monday" will have to be transferred over to my list of readings for this week. It sucks, but I hope to be able to finish it by the end of today, so I'd be free to read my other titles, and of course to WRITE, which I really need to do.

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"Top of the Pile on Monday Morning" is a weekly MEME hosted by Vanya D. here on YA Story Teller. It features up to three books that I plan to read for the week.


I am hosting this new MEME, featured every Monday. If you want to participate, you need to do the following things:

1. Either grab the button or paste the MEME in your post;
2. Tell us about the books you're planning to read this week. Include a picture of them. A blurb (or summary) is not necessary, though if you feel like it, you may certainly share it. Please make this a realistic choice, as we wouldn't want to see repeating titles.
3. Let us know why you chose those books exactly.
4. Follow your host, and register in the links below this post.
 Thanks!!!

This week I'm going for the following titles:

Book #1:
Title: White Witch
Series: none
Author: Trish Milburn
Number of pages: 188

Summary: Witchcraft Is Her Family’s Business.No One Quits The Family And Lives To Tell About It. “Jax” Pherson has power, enough power to know her future will end in service to the dark coven her father controls. Unless she can stay hidden in a small community in the mountains of North Carolina. She must find a way to live without magic and deny the darkness she feels welling up inside her—the same dark power that fuels the covens around the world. All she wants is a normal life. A boyfriend. Friends. Some place to belong, but all too soon Jax’s barely begun new life hangs in the balance when she discovers that the boy she’s attracted to is sworn to kill her kind. He’s a hunter with good reason to kill everything that goes bump in the night. Even the most fleeting use of her power is tantamount to signing her death warrant and will bring both hunter and coven down on her. But can she walk away when her friends are threatened by an old evil? Something created by the magic of witches? Jax’s only hope of survival is to convince the boy she loves to forget everything he’s ever been taught and help her find a way to fight the covens. To believe there is some good in her.

Why I want to read it: Because the cover looks awesome, and the summary made me want to just grab it and read it :))

Book #2:
Title: Interrupted
Series: None
Author: Rachel Coker
Number of Pages: 320

Summary: Can love really heal all things? If Sam Carroll hadn't shown up, she might have been able to get to her mother in time. Instead, Allie Everly finds herself at a funeral, mourning the loss of her beloved mother. She is dealt another blow when, a few hours later, she is sent from Tennessee to Maine to become the daughter of Miss Beatrice Lovell, a prim woman with a faith Allie cannot accept. Poetry and letters written to her mother become the only things keeping Allie's heart from hardening completely. But then Sam arrives for the summer, and with him comes many confusing emotions, both toward him and the people around her. As World War II looms, Allie will be forced to decide whether hanging on to the past is worth losing her chance to be loved.

Why I want to read it: Because I love real love stories, and this one sounds like IT!!!

Book #3:
Title: Moonstone
Series: Unbidden Magic, Book 1
Author: Marilee Brothers
Number of Pages: 236

Summary: A sickly mom. A tiny house trailer. High school bullies and snarky drama queens. Bad-guy dudes with charming smiles. Allie has problems. And then there's that whole thing about fulfilling a magical prophecy and saving the world from evil. Geez. Welcome to the sad, funny, sometimes-scary world of fifteen-year-old Allie Emerson, who's struggling to keep her and her mom's act together in the small-town world of Peacock Flats, Washington. An electrical zap from a TV antenna sets off Allie's weird psychic powers. The next thing she knows she's being visited by a hippy-dippy guardian angel, and then her mysterious neighbor, the town "witch," gives her an incredible moonstone pendant that has powers only a good-hearted "Star Seeker" is meant to command. "Who, me?" is Allie's first reaction. But as sinister events begin to unfold, Allie realizes she's got a destiny to live up to. If she can just survive everyday life, in the meantime.

Why I want to read it: Bad-guy dudes? Witches? Saving the world from evil? Of course I want to read it!!!

What's on your reading list this week??

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Cover Reveal: Reached, a.k.a. Matched 3

You might've seen this one already, but I just noticed that Reached, that is Matched book 3 has acquired a cover!! What do you think about it? Isn't it super amazing??

Cassia has now completely broken her bubble, and it's time to walk out of it. But we know that every act against a carefully built society comes with a bunch of consequences. What will they be for Cassia, Xander and Ky? What will be the cost for their freedom?

It's too early for a summary, since the book is to be published in November, but we'll wait patiently till they're ready to give it to us....NOT!!! C'mon guys, hurry uppppp!!!

Friday, March 9, 2012

Follow Friday #7

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Follow Me Friday is a book meme hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read. #FF is a blog hop that expands your blog following by a joint effort
between bloggers. In order to join in the fun, all you need is well . . . A book blog :)

The question this week is:

Have you ever looked at a book's cover and thought, "This is going to be horrible!", but instead left you pleasantly surprised? Show us the cover and tell us about the book.


This question doesn't make any sense. Why would I pick a book that I think would be horrible and read it? I sure wouldn't spend any time on it at all. It would make more sense to pick a book that I think I'd like and read that instead, don't you agree? 
Besides, usually it happens the other way around. You PICK a book based on a pretty cover, but when you start reading it, it turns out to be awful. Of that I can give so many examples it's not even funny. It's rather sad actually.
Sure, I've read books with plain looking covers, but they're so deep with meaning and so breath-taking that I never considered them horrible at all. For example, 
 this cover looks really plain. I mean seriously, a lonesome tree, on a completely white background.... And it's full of meaning. I was intrigued by it's simplicity from the moment I saw it and knew that I just had to read it. It proved to be an amazing book.
Oh, by the way, I posted chapter 2 of my e-novella yesterday. You can check it out if you feel like it ;)

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Mother's Day: A booky day?

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I know, I know. You think I'm crazy, but in Bulgaria today is Mother's Day. Tradition says that March (or as they call it here Grandma Martha) is the female month, because during March the weather changes as much as a woman's moods. There is some truth to that if you think about it ;)

So, I thought I'd post a title that has a really strong sense of a woman.  Here's what I'm talking about:


The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. I have not yet found the time to read it, but the summary has grabbed my attention. Check it out:

A deeply evocative story of ambition and betrayal, The Paris Wife captures a remarkable period of time and a love affair between two unforgettable people: Ernest Hemingway and his wife Hadley.

Chicago, 1920: Hadley Richardson is a quiet twenty-eight-year-old who has all but given up on love and happiness—until she meets Ernest Hemingway and her life changes forever. Following a whirlwind courtship and wedding, the pair set sail for Paris, where they become the golden couple in a lively and volatile group—the fabled “Lost Generation”—that includes Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, and F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.

Though deeply in love, the Hemingways are ill-prepared for the hard-drinking and fast-living life of Jazz Age Paris, which hardly values traditional notions of family and monogamy. Surrounded by beautiful women and competing egos, Ernest struggles to find the voice that will earn him a place in history, pouring all the richness and intensity of his life with Hadley and their circle of friends into the novel that will become The Sun Also Rises. Hadley, meanwhile, strives to hold on to her sense of self as the demands of life with Ernest grow costly and her roles as wife, friend, and muse become more challenging. Despite their extraordinary bond, they eventually find themselves facing the ultimate crisis of their marriage—a deception that will lead to the unraveling of everything they’ve fought so hard for.

A heartbreaking portrayal of love and torn loyalty, The Paris Wife is all the more poignant because we know that, in the end, Hemingway wrote that he would rather have died than fallen in love with anyone but Hadley.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #11

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Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blog post by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights releases we're eagerly awaiting.


My pick this week is:

Title: Grave Mercy
Series: His Fair Assassin # 1
Author: Robin LaFevers
Expected publication date: April 3st, 2012

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?


Why I'm waiting on it: Because who doesn't like pretty assassins, poisons and NUNS??? And on top of that, the cover is just amazing! I will definitely be reading this book, seeing that I was invited to by Netgalley, like probably many of you were. 

So how about you? What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

In her shoes #1

I've been thinking for a while now what to post on Tuesdays, and I came up with this idea. I haven't see it done anywhere before, so I hope it's unique. I call it "In her shoes", and here's what I have in mind:

Each Tuesday I will pick a character I've read about recently, perhaps even the week before, and try putting myself in her shoes. What things would I do differently? What have I learned from her behavior? That kind of thing. You are welcome to participate if you want.


For today I've picked Aiofe Grayson from The Nightmare Garden by Caitlin Kittridge. I read the book last week and gave it only 3 stars, because the lead heroine wasn't really the person she had the potential to be. If I were in her shoes, I'd try to listen to my loved ones more, because they are the people who really care about me. Like her brother Conrad, who had always been defensive of her. Or her father, who had been keeping an eye on Aiofe even though he'd left her mother long ago. I wouldn't require of my friends to go risk their lives just because I felt like I had to calm my conscience. And I definitely wouldn't unleash a destructive horde of creatures upon the world in hopes that they'd turn back time so I could somehow repair what I'd done to the world in my foolishness. And for crying out loud, I wouldn't let my boyfriend get captured by a band of misfits and their stupid leader, so that he could play with my feelings however he wants.

Well, whose shoes would you like to step into??

Monday, March 5, 2012

Top of the Pile on Monday Morning #10

Here is a quick recap of my reading last week, and the links to my reviews:

Review of STARTERS by Lissa Price
Review of A DEAD RED HEART by R.P. Dahlke
Review of THE NIGHTMARE GARDEN by Caitlin Kittredge


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"Top of the Pile on Monday Morning" is a weekly MEME hosted by Vanya D. here on YA Story Teller. It features up to three books that I plan to read for the week.


I am hosting this new MEME, featured every Monday. If you want to participate, you need to do the following things:

1. Either grab the button or paste the MEME in your post;
2. Tell us about the books you're planning to read this week. Include a picture of them. A blurb (or summary) is not necessary, though if you feel like it, you may certainly share it. Please make this a realistic choice, as we wouldn't want to see repeating titles.
3. Let us know why you chose those books exactly.
4. Follow your host, and register in the links below this post.
 Thanks!!!

This week I'm going for the following titles:

Book #1
Title: Fate Fixed

Series: Erris Coven #1
Author: Bonnie Wheeler

Summary: When Lexie Anderson’s mother suddenly announces she is marrying a Romanian immigrant, Lexie willingly leaves behind her busy life in Connecticut for her penance in “The Moose Capital of the World.” Small town living is strange enough, now Lexie must cope with her overbearing stepfamily monitoring her every move. They disappear into the woods at night and keep a strange secret locked in their shed. Her once calm mother is now having violent outbursts and Lexie’s little sister is hearing sinister sounds coming from the forest behind their new home. Lexie’s biggest surprise comes when she discovers the boy she has been dreaming about since her accident is living in Maine. Despite Torin’s questionable reputation, Lexie cannot resist the physical and emotional attraction pulsating between them. Animals and people in town are turning up dead and Lexie learns the strange new world she lives in has real life monsters. Just when she decides she wants to be with Torin forever, she must fight to protect her mother and sister from being harmed by a formidable evil.

Why I  want to read it: Well, first of all, the cover looks really enchanting. And second of all, I love witch/coven stories, so I really hope I'd enjoy this book :)

Book #2
Title: The Book of Lost Fragrances
Series: Reincarnationist #4
Author: M.J.Rose

Summary:  
A sweeping and suspenseful tale of secrets, intrigue, and lovers separated by time, all connected through the mystical qualities of a perfume created in the days of Cleopatra—and lost for 2,000 years.

Jac L’Etoile has always been haunted by the past, her memories infused with the exotic scents that she grew up surrounded by as the heir to a storied French perfume company. In order to flee the pain of those remembrances—and of her mother’s suicide—she moves to America, leaving the company in the hands of her brother Robbie. But when Robbie hints at an earth-shattering discovery in the family archives and then suddenly goes missing—leaving a dead body in his wake—Jac is plunged into a world she thought she’d left behind.

Back in Paris to investigate her brother’s disappearance, Jac discovers a secret the House of L’Etoile has been hiding since 1799: a scent that unlocks the mysteries of reincarnation. The Book of Lost Fragrances fuses history, passion, and suspense, moving from Cleopatra’s Egypt and the terrors of revolutionary France to Tibet’s battle with China and the glamour of modern-day Paris. Jac’s quest for the ancient perfume someone is willing to kill for becomes the key to understanding her own troubled past.the ancient perfume someone is willing to kill for becomes the key to understanding her own troubled past.


Why I want to read it: To be honest, I haven't read any of the 3 prequel books, but the summary and title sound so intriguing, I couldn't stop myself from requesting the book from Netgalley. Now that I have it, I'll be reading it with enthusiasm (hopefully!).

Book #3
Title: Blue Monday

Series: Frieda Klein #1
Author: Nicci French

Summary: Monday, the lowest point of the week. A day of dark impulses. A day to snatch a child from the streets . . .

The abduction of five-year-old Matthew Farraday provokes a national outcry and a desperate police hunt. And when a picture of his face is splashed over the newspapers, psychotherapist Frieda Klein is left troubled: one of her patients has been relating dreams in which he has a hunger for a child. A child he can describe in perfect detail, a child the spitting image of Matthew.

Detective Chief Inspector Karlsson doesn't take Frieda's concerns seriously until a link emerges with an unsolved child abduction twenty years ago and he summons Frieda to interview the victim's sister, hoping she can stir hidden memories. Before long, Frieda is at the center of the race to track the kidnapper.

But her race isn't physical. She must chase down the darkest paths of a psychopath's mind to find the answers to Matthew Farraday's whereabouts.

And sometimes the mind is the deadliest place to lose yourself.


Why I  want to read it: Well, I thought it sounded like a nice mystery. So, ta-da!

What books will you be reading this week??

Friday, March 2, 2012

Follow Friday #6

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Follow Me Friday is a book meme hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read. #FF is a blog hop that expands your blog following by a joint effort
between bloggers. In order to join in the fun, all you need is well . . . A book blog :)

And this week's question is:

What book would you love to see made into a movie or television show and do you have actors/actresses in mind to play the main characters?


My answer:

I'd love to see the Soul Screamer series go to TV show. And yes, I have just the actors for the job!

Nash: Ryan Phillippe



Tod: Zack Efron


Kaylee: Christie Burke



How about you? Which book do you want filmed?