Teaser Tuesdays: The Stillburrow Crush (11)


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read.
  • Open to a random page.
  • Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.
  • Be careful not to include spoilers! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away!) You don't want to ruin the book for the others!)
  • Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they liked your teasers.
My Teaser is from Linda Kage's The Stillburrow Crush

The Stillburrow Crush

“That’s it,” I said, and stuck my nose in the air. “I don’t have a crush on you anymore, Luke Carter.” And for emphasis I sniffed out a little “Humph.”

His eyebrows must have shot up on that one because he sounded startled when he said, “You have a crush on me?”

Believe me when I say that you MUST read this book. I've just finished this and oh, it was so freaking good! I am so in love with the characters!

Book Review: Queen of the Dead (ARC)

Queen of the Dead (The Ghost and the Goth #2)
by Stacey Kade
288 pages - Hardcover
Expected publication: May 31st 2011 by Hyperion Book CH
Source: NetGalley/Hyperion Books

Summary:

After being sent back from the light, Alona Dare - former homecoming queen, current Queen of the Dead - finds herself doing something she never expected: working. Instead of spending days perfecting her tan by the pool (her typical summer routine when she was, you know, alive), Alona must now cater to the needs of other lost spirits. By her side for all of this - ugh - “helping of others” is Will Killian: social outcast, seer of the dead, and someone Alona cares about more than she’d like.

Before Alona can make a final ruling on Will’s “friend” or “more” status, though, she discovers trouble at home. Her mom is tossing out Alona’s most valuable possessions, and her dad is expecting a new daughter with his wicked wife. Is it possible her family is already moving on? Hello! She’s only been dead for two months! Thankfully, Alona knows just the guy who can put a stop to this mess.

Unfortunately for Alona, Will has other stuff on his mind, and Mina, a young (and beautiful) seer, is at the top of the list. She’s the first ghost-talker Will’s ever met—aside from his father—and she may hold answers to Will’s troubled past. But can she be trusted? Alona immediately puts a check mark in the “clearly not” column. But Will is - ahem - willing to find out, even if it means leaving a hurt and angry Alona to her own devices, which is never a good idea.

Packed with romance, lovable characters, and a killer cliffhanger, Queen of the Dead is the out-of-this-world sequel to The Ghost and the Goth.


Review:

I had so much fun reading Queen of the Dead. Every page screamed hilarity and excitement. Talk about page-turner! I was so absorbed into the world of Alona and Will I can’t even remember anything that happened outside the book while I was reading it. I commend Kade for being able to write such a fantastic novel that combines humor, drama and romance into a light and easy to read masterpiece.

I loved Alona in the first book, but I loved her even more in this book! She’s still the same old fashion-obsessed cheerleader who makes sarcastic comments. She doesn’t back down against anyone. Be it a battle against bitchy ghosts/ghost talkers or a well-built ghost that cold-cocks dead cheerleaders. And I just love how well-developed her character is in this second installment. She was rather flat in the first book. No development whatsoever, but just hidden goodness finally rising up to the surface. Which eventually hid again. But in Queen of the Dead, I can’t help but feel proud of her. She’s still self-absorbed most of the time, but it’s hard to get mad at her especially when she’s as hurt as much as she’s being impossible. It’s so good to finally see her soften up a bit and show vulnerability.

Will, on the other hand, is finally getting a better grasp with what happened to his father. With the indirect help of Mina, the new ghost talker, he finds another way of ‘helping’ spirits, but in a way that will make him choose a side, between the spirits and the living. As much as I like Alona, I enjoy reading Will’s narrative  more. I’ve read quite a few books that are told from a boy’s perspective, but none of them has the same funny yet soothing voice that Will has.

I am also very happy with the turn of events. I’m surprised and unsurprised at the same time. I kind of have predicted the events before it happened so I shouldn’t have been surprised, but why it happened and what happened after are way beyond my prediction. This also has more depth than the first book. I was expecting the humor before I even started reading this, but the drama? I actually cried! I empathized with Alona despite her tendency to be so selfish. But she made a huge sacrifice that was way too un-Alona and it made me like her even more!

Queen of the Dead has twice the hilarity, drama, romance and depth of its predecessor, The Ghost and the Goth. So many lessons can be learned from here. It just goes to show that this has much more to it that what some people may call a fun but unrealistic romance between a spirit and a living person. Queen of the Dead is about family, love, sacrifice and ultimately, acceptance. I laughed, I cried, I empathized with the characters, and most of all, I freaking want the third book NOW!

Rating: 5/5 stars! 

Disclosure: I received this e-ARC from the publisher (Hyperion Books via NetGalley) for free in exchange for an honest review.

In My Mailbox (11)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

 The Stillburrow CrushBlood Red Road (Dustlands)Wildefire
PossessionSometimes It HappensLove Story
From the library:
From S&S Galley Grab:

I got Jennifer Echols's LOVE STORY. YAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!! I didn't realize it was available on Galley Grab until I saw it in someone's IMM last week. They put it on the more adult e-galleys section. I didn't know this was adult. But anyway, I'm so excited to read this! I also got The Stillburrow Crush from the library. I've finished reading it and it was sooooooo good. I'll be posting my review next week.


What did you get in your mailbox this week?

Book Review: Matched

Matched (Matched #1)
by Ally Condie
384 Pages - Hardcover
Published November 30th 2010 by Dutton Juvenile
Challenge: Dystopia Reading Challenge
Source: Bought

Summary: (from Amazon)

For Cassia, nothing is left to chance--not what she will eat, the job she will have, or the man she will marry. In Matched, the Society Officials have determined optimal outcomes for all aspects of daily life, thereby removing the "burden" of choice. When Cassia's best friend is identified as her ideal marriage Match it confirms her belief that Society knows best, until she plugs in her Match microchip and a different boy’s face flashes on the screen. This improbable mistake sets Cassia on a dangerous path to the unthinkable--rebelling against the predetermined life Society has in store for her. As author Ally Condie’s unique dystopian Society takes chilling measures to maintain the status quo, Matched reminds readers that freedom of choice is precious, and not without sacrifice.

Review:

And so I have finally read Matched! Let me start this off by telling you how bored and tired I was when I started reading this; so I was really, really bored and mentally exhausted. Ever had those days when you have nothing better to do than to sit on the couch and stare at the walls with eyes wide open until you remember that normal people blink? Those days when not even a book could pull you out of the world of boredom…  I know this is a little embarrassing and I have no idea if normal people actually do that when they’re bored out of their life. But.

The point is, upon further reflection, I realized that nothing exciting actually happened in Matched. I was already bored when I started reading this and by the time I finished it, there was no change in my mood. There might have been a couple of breath-taking moments, but as a whole, the events just… fell flat. I read a lot of mixed reviews about Matched, but almost all of them agreed that Matched’s focus is on world-building. I was expecting that, really. But I didn’t expect for it to focus on just that. Sure there was family, friendship and romance. But I didn’t even get that last one! The beginning of their romance is very realistic but the ‘when’ is not. I was aware that something was happening between Cassia and Ky. Still, the revelation that they have fallen for each other seemed so sudden for me. Which is really weird. Because the entire book is all about developments and realizations of all kinds. The way they seemed so sure about their feelings, I wish there was more development between them before the confessions.

However. Ok, this is where I praise Condie’s genius. Cassia’s character development is astounding. The journey to her growth might have been boring for me, but it amazed me how well-developed she has become and still have space for more development. And oh, the writing is just spectacular! I might have a grudge on the plot’s lack of action and power to pull me inside its bubble, but I can’t help but admire Condie’s writing. It's just gorgeous! If you don’t plan to read this book because of the plot’s lack of action and potential boringness, then do it for Condie’s writing. You will not be disappointed.

Rating:
Plot = 3/5 stars
Writing = 5/5 stars
Total =  4/5 stars!

Waiting on Wednesday (12): Epic Fail

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My WoW:

Epic Fail
by Claire LaZebnik
Expected publication: August 2nd 2011 by HarperTeen

Summary:

At Coral Tree Prep in Los Angeles, who your parents are can make or break you. Case in point:

• As the son of Hollywood royalty, Derek Edwards is pretty much prince of the school—not that he deigns to acknowledge many of his loyal subjects.

• As the daughter of the new principal, new-girl-on-campus Elise Benton isn’t exactly on everyone’s must-sit-next-to-at-lunch list.

When Elise’s beautiful sister catches the eye of the prince’s best friend, Elise gets to spend a lot of time with Derek, making her the envy of every girl. Except she refuses to fall for any of his rare smiles and instead warms up to his enemy, the surprisingly charming social outcast Webster Grant. But in this hilarious tale of fitting in and flirting, not all snubs are undeserved, not all celebrity brats are bratty, and pride and prejudice can get in the way of true love for only so long. Fans of Susane Colasanti (When It Happens), Polly Shulman (Enthusiasm), and, of course, Jane Austen will love finding out if Elise’s love life will be an epic win or an epic fail.

Why am I waiting for Epic Fail: This looks like of those books with an annoying main female character but with lighthearted storyline. I love those kinds of books and I hope this doesn't live up to its title. -cringes-

Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop


The Splash Into Summer Giveaway Hop is hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Page Turners. It runs from May 25th to 31st.

Enter to win either of these two:
MatchedEnclave


Contest is now closed!

 Congrats to Isabela (bela......@yahoo.com)


Rules:
- You DO NOT have to be a follower to enter.
- Open to US residents only
- Must fill out the FORM to enter
- Giveaway runs from May 25th to 31st


Extra Entries: (links are at the top of the sidebar)
- Be a GFC follower +1
- Be a Twitter follower +1
- Like me on Facebook +1
- Friend me on Goodreads +1


Also, don't forget to enter my ARC giveaway of Kady Cross's The Girl in the Steel Corset! Open to US/Can residents. Ends May 29th. (Closed)

Teaser Tuesdays (10): Solid


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read.
  • Open to a random page.
  • Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.
  • Be careful not to include spoilers! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away!) You don't want to ruin the book for the others!)
  • Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they liked your teasers.
My teaser is from Shelley Workinger's Solid.

Solid

Undeterred, Jack cracked, “Did you think you just brought me along for my good looks?” Because that would be a bad reason? I wondered.

I'm halfway through this book. So far so good!

Book Review: The Unfinished Song - Initiate

The Unfinished Song - Initiate
by Tara Maya
Kindle Edition
Published December 22nd 2010 by Misque Press
Source: Author

Summary:

DEADLY INITIATION

A DETERMINED GIRL...
Dindi can't do anything right, maybe because she spends more time dancing with pixies than doing her chores. Her clan hopes to marry her off and settle her down, but she dreams of becoming a Tavaedi, one of the powerful warrior-dancers whose secret magics are revealed only to those who pass a mysterious Test during the Initiation ceremony. The problem? No-one in Dindi's clan has ever passed the Test. Her grandmother died trying. But Dindi has a plan.

AN EXILED WARRIOR...
Kavio is the most powerful warrior-dancer in Faearth, but when he is exiled from the tribehold for a crime he didn't commit, he decides to shed his old life. If roving cannibals and hexers don't kill him first, this is his chance to escape the shadow of his father's wars and his mother's curse. But when he rescues a young Initiate girl, he finds himself drawn into as deadly a plot as any he left behind. He must decide whether to walk away or fight for her... assuming she would even accept the help of an exile.

Review:

The start of the book was a little confusing for me. So many unfamiliar terminologies were mentioned at the first few pages. It took me about fifteen minutes of reading before getting a grip on the story. But once I got a better grasp, the reading became more fluid, although there were still a lot more unknown characters and tribes that were mentioned after that.

Anyway, I was really surprised by this book. This is told in third person, but there are some parts that are told in second. I love the second person POVs! It has that hypnotic quality to it that's so mesmerizing despite how morbid that part of the story is. There are hell lots of characters here and other terms that could be easily forgotten, so if you're planning to read this, I suggest that you take down notes for good measure.

Kavio and Puddlepaws are my favorite characters. I was eagerly anticipating for Kavio moments. He is a strong, intimidating character and he makes me giddy! Puddlepaws is a cute, adorable kitty owned by Dindi. There is less than little romance between Kavio and Dindi. And I must say that this is what really disappointed me in this book. I was waiting and waiting for them to meet. And when they finally met, I all but swooned! Nothing romantic happened between them. They didn't fall in love at first sight. But you just cannot deny that there are sparks! Sparks! This also has an evil cliffhanger and an even more evil teaser of the sequel. Definitely recommended to all fantasy lovers. :)

Rating: 4.5/5 stars!

Disclosure: This e-book was received from the author (via Amazon) for free in exchange for an honest review.

In My Mailbox (10)

 In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

EnclaveShe Smells the Dead (Spirit Guide, Book 1)Spirit Storm: Spirit Guide #2
Bought:
For review:

I keep forgetting to buy Enclave but finally! I'm gonna stop reading NetGalley books for now so I can read the books I got for review. Thanks a bunch to E.J. Stevens for Spirit Guide #1 & #2!

Also, don't forget to enter my ARC giveaway of Kady Cross's The Girl in the Steel Corset! Open to US/Can residents. Ends May 29th.

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

Book Trailer: The Girl in the Steel Corset

The Girl in the Steel Corset's trailer is out!



I'm currently holding an ARC giveaway (closed) of The Girl in the Steel Corset. I will give 3 more extra entries if you comment on the video on YouTube. Leave your YouTube username AND e-mail address on the comments and I will add up your entry to your total. But first, you have to fill out the FORM to be entered.

ARC Giveaway: The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross


This contest is now closed.

Congrats scoot @ see scoot read!

Thanks a bundle to Harlequin for sponsoring the giveaway. :)

Rules:
- Open to US & Canada residents only.
- You DO NOT have to be a follower to enter.
- You must fill out the form below to be entered.
- Giveaway ends May 29th 2011 (may change without prior notice)

Extra entries:
+2 Comment on my review of The Strange Case of Finley Jayne
+2 Comment on my review of The Girl in the Steel Corset
+2 If you follow Kady Cross on Twitter. She has goodies to giveaway once she reaches 600 followers by the end of the month.
+1 If you like me on Facebook
+1 If you follow me on Twitter
+1 For each time you spread the word
Want an additional 3 extra entries? Read this!

Book Review: The Girl in the Steel Corset (ARC)

The Girl in the Steel Corset (The Steampunk Chronicles #1)
by Kady Cross
336 Pages - Hardcover (477 Pages - eARC)
Expected publication: May 24th 2011 by Harlequin Teen
Source: ARC from NetGalley

Summary:

In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one…except the "thing" inside her.

When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch….

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits: Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.

Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help—and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.

But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on—even if it seems no one believes her.

Review:

The Girl in the Steel Corset picks up where The Strange Case of Finley Jayne left. After Finley’s departure from the Morton’s, she is offered a position as a lady maid in the August-Raynes’s household. Finley thinks she couldn’t get into much trouble by being a lady maid. So when a lord tried to force himself upon her, she knew then and there that she would be unemployed for the nth time in as many months. After that, Finley finds herself under the care of Griffin King, the Duke of Greythorne, along with others who have superhuman abilities like her.

In the prequel, I didn’t quite catch the difference between Finley’s two personalities. I didn’t give much thought into it either but in TGitSC, her two personalities are given more emphasis and thus, became more distinct. But I'm not sure if I like the shy Finley. Her badass self is definitely more interesting. Though I also don't like how she's so compelled to any kinds of trouble.

Cross's writing is as compelling and twice as witty as in the prequel. TGitSC is action-packed, fascinating and hugely entertaining. The world that Cross created is vivid and imaginative. Her characters are very likable and easy to connect with. They have really interesting back stories that support the present story. The romance, also, is very realistic. There is a love triangle here, but I think everyone could guess who Finley's really going to end up with (I hope).

TGitSC is told in third person POV. Practically all the characters, even some of the minor ones have their own POV so it could be a little confusing when the POV switches from one character to another. This is also a very lengthy read. Goodreads says that this has 336 pages but the eARC has 477. But anyhow, lengthy or not, Kady Cross's The Girl in the Steel Corset is one novel you must not miss.

Rating: 5/5 stars

Disclosure: This e-ARC was provided by the publisher (Harlequin Teen via NetGalley) for free in exchange for an honest review.

Download The Girl in the Steel Corset's prequel, The Strange Case of Finley Jayne, for free!

Waiting on Wednesday (11): Hades

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My WoW:
Hades (Halo #2)
by Alexandra Adornetto
August 30th 2011

Summary:

Even the love of her boyfriend, Xavier Woods, and her archangel siblings, Gabriel and Ivy, can’t keep the angel Bethany Church from being tricked into a motorcycle ride that ends up in Hell. There, Jake Thorn bargains for Beth’s release back to Earth. But what he asks of her will destroy her, and quite possibly her loved ones as well. Can he be trusted in this wager? And what does Jake have Xavier believing about Beth’s fate that may result in an act of betrayal that will leave Bethany – and readers – wondering if Xav is so good after all?

I probably hate Beth for letting herself be tricked into riding that kind of motorcycle but I still want to know what happens after Halo!
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