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Friday, August 31, 2012

Stacking the Shelves (9) - The week of so much EPIC!

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and was inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox posts.
 
WOWZA! This was one crazy book week and I think I need a week off of work to catch up on my TBR...haha. Also, I switched to filming in front of my bookshelf this week. What do you guys think? Is it cool, or distracting?!?

And please, don't mind my crazy facial expressions, I get all weird trying to remember to look at the camera and not the screen :0)
 
 
 
Bought:
 
Speechless by Hannah Harrington (My Review)
Storm by Brigid Kemmerer
Spark by Brigid Kemmerer
Soul Thief by Jana Oliver
Forgiven by Jana Oliver
 
Swapped:
 
Don't Turn Around by Michelle Gagnon (Thanks, Montana!)
Enticed by Jessica Shirvington (Thanks, Sarah!)
 
For Review:
 
The Archived by Victoria Schwab
Origin by Jessica Khoury
The Innocents by Lili Peloquin
Venom by Fiona Paul
Black City by Elizabeth Richards
Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes
Burn for Burn by Jenny Han & Siobahn Vivian
*Check out this video where they talk about writing Burn for Burn*
Temptation by Karen Ann Hopkins (Thanks, Karen!)
The Story of Us by Deb Caletti (Thanks, Angie!)
 
Don't forget to check out ARCycling! It's a really cool program and Jennifer is really awesome for coming up with it!

*Thanks Penguin Teen, Disney-Hyperion, and Simon & Schuster for the great review books!*
 

Defiance by C.J. Redwine


Release Date: August 28th, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Format: ARC (SBB ARC Tours)
Age Group: Young Adult

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.
 
 
When I first read about Defiance, I didn't add it to my TBR and I never intended to read it. Not because I thought it sounded bad, but because this isn't the type of story I typically read. It's not that I don't like fantasy, I just don't prefer it. So I'm sure you are thinking, why did you read it if it's not your style? Well, I kept seeing people insisting that this story was so well written and so different, that it was a must read. I read some early reviews on it, re-read the synopsis and perused the authors website a bit. I decided that it's good to step outside of your reading comfort zone from time to time and that I really did need to read this story.
 
Well, let me tell you, after reading Defiance, I will definitely be picking up more books like this in the future. This book was good. The writing was excellent and kept me glued to the pages. Fantasy still isn't my favorite genre, but if the story is cool enough, I'll be giving more of them a shot. C.J. Redwin has also created some excellent characters. Rachel is fiercely independent and so, so stubborn, but she's also seriously loyal and totally badass. As villains go, Commander Chase was one seriously evil SOB. He intimidated me and I was just reading about him, so I can only imagine what the people in Baalboden felt around him. I also kind of loved him, though, because he certainly kept things interesting and had Rachel and Logan constantly on their toes. And Logan, how do I love thee, you beautiful, noble boy. He looked up to and loved Rachel's father like he was his own, so he took his role as Rachel's protector very seriously. This was made slightly more complicated, by the fact that he was seriously repressing his feelings for her. I loved reading when the two of them were together, but I also liked that a lot of the story took place inside their heads when they were seperated.
 
I will definitely be picking up the next installment of this series, after that ending, I am seriously curious about where things are going to go from here.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday - Hooked by Liz Fichera

 
 
HE said: Fred Oday is a girl? Why is a girl taking my best friends spot on the boy's varsity golf team?

SHE said: Can I seriously do this? Can I join the boys' team? Everyone will hate me - especially Ryan Berenger.

HE said: Coach expects me to partner with Fred on the green? That is crazy bad. Fred's got to go - especially now that I can't get her out of my head. So not happening.

SHE said: Ryan can be nice, when he's not being a jerk. Like the time he carried my golf bag. But the girl from the rez and the spoiled rich boy from the suburbs? So not happening.


But there's no denying that things are happening as the girl with the killer swing takes on the boy with the killer smile...
 
 

 
Okay, first thing, that cover is so good! If that doesn't make you want to pick it up, then I just don't know. Second thing, that teaser trailer is making me want to know so much more. And last, but not least, that He Said/She Said synopsis! I was already convinced I wanted to read this book with the previous synopsis, but this new has me pining so hard. I love a story with a good push/pull between the main male and female characters and it's an added benefit that the girl is joining a boys team. That will provide so much glorious tension and love/hate moments! This one doesn't come out until January, so it's still a ways off, but I am counting down the days! HOOKED is definitely on my must read list :0)
 
What are you guys waiting on this week?!?

Monday, August 27, 2012

I joined the #ArmyOfTen and YOU can, too!!


There are people out there that don't want us to be able to read TEN. I know, crazy, right? Well, author extraordinaire, Gretch McNeil, is recruiting soldier for her Army of Ten!

What is this army being recruited for, you ask? We want to get the word out about this awesome book, so everyone knows they need to get their hands on it, whether they can find it on their local bookstores shelves or not!

Who can join this army, you ponder? Anyone who appreciates excellent, if creepy, writing and a fantastic story about some kids stranded on an island and getting picked off one by one!

Why would I want to be a part of this, you question? Well, for starters, the book is great and who doesn't like spreading the word about great books? People in your life will appreciate you for introducing them to the horror stylings of Gretchen McNeil and the world will be a better place for knowing about Meg and her friends. IF that's not enough of a reason for you, then there are also the awesome prizes Gretchen has for everyone who joins her army!

There's awesome limited edition TEN swag up for grabs, plus enough signed books to keep you smiling for a good, long time :0)

So what are you waiting for?!? Whether you've read the book or not, head on over to the The Army of Ten site and JOIN US!

Cover Reveal: Naturals by Tiffany Truitt

Today I am excited to be a part of the cover reveal for the second book in Tiffany Truitt's The Lost Souls trilogy, Naturals! Her books have been blessed with some seriously awesome covers! First, in case you are new to The Lost Souls trilogy, let's meet Tiffany :0)


About Tiffany:  Tiffany Truitt was born in Peoria, Illinois. A self-proclaimed Navy brat, Tiffany spent most of her childhood living in Virginia, but don’t call her a Southerner. She also spent a few years living in Cuba. Since her time on the island of  one McDonald's and Banana Rats (don't ask) she has been obsessed with traveling. Tiffany recently added China to her list of travels (hello inspiration for a new book).

Besides traveling, Tiffany has always been an avid reader. The earliest books she remembers reading belong to The Little House on the Prairie Series. First book she read in one day? Little Woman(5th grade). First author she fell in love with? Jane Austen in middle school. Tiffany spent most of her high school and college career as a literary snob. She refused to read anything considered “low brow” or outside the “classics.”

Tiffany began teaching middle school in 2006. Her students introduced her to the wide, wonderful world of Young Adult literature. Today, Tiffany embraces popular Young Adult literature and uses it in her classroom. She currently teaches the following novels: The OutsidersSpeakNight, Dystopian Literature Circles: The Hunger GamesThe GiverThe Uglies, and Matched.


Tiffany's website:  http://tiffanytruitt.wordpress.com/  

Tiffany on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tiffanytruitt

Alright, let's get to the cover! I know that's what you're all here for :0)

Without further ado......

 

About NATURALS: Tess is finally safe from the reach of the Council, now that she is living in the Middlelands with the rebel Isolationists. With James having returned to Templeton, she easily falls back into her friendship with Henry, though her newfound knowledge of Robert’s chosen one status still stings. Even surrounded by people, Tess has never felt more alone. So she’s thrilled when James returns to the settlement, demanding to see Tess — until she finds out that it’s because her sister, Louisa, has been recruited into Tess’s old position at Templeton, and that the dangerously sadistic chosen one George has taken an interest in her.

NATURALS is the second book in The Lost Souls trilogy, and follows the dystopian hit CHOSEN ONES.

 
 
Excited, yet?!? I know I am! Let me know what you guys think of the cover in the comments :0)

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Stacking the Shelves (8)

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and was inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox posts.
 
I've been in a bit of a reading slump the last couple of weeks, but clearly I have not been in a book buying slump...haha. Hopefully one of these will be just the thing to pull me out of my rut. It's been a long week and I'm super tired, so no video, just the pretty picture :0)
 

For Review:
 
Midnight City by J. Barton Mitchelle
*This one has got aliens! It's described as Lord of the Flies meets War of the Worlds. I love me some good alien fiction and this one sounds pretty cool!*
 
Bought:
 
If I Lie by Corrine Jackson
*I have only heard amazing things about this one and it sounds fabulous. I had it pre-ordered, but then I found it early at the store and had to snatch it up!*
 
Inbetween by Tara Fuller
*This is another that is getting all raves from people I know. I like reaper stories and I keep hearing this one is an excellent, unique addition to the mix.*
 
The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson
*I read and really liked 13 Little Blue Envelopes somewhere around 3 years ago. I know this has been out for a while and I was remiss to pick up a copy, but no more! I've got it in my hot little hands and I can't wait to see where Ginny's story goes!*
 
Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott
*This is my favorite of hers and I used to have a copy, but it's gone the way of dunkaroos. I found this at the bookstore for $2.50 and I couldn't not have it on my shelves!*
 
Fury by Elizabeth Miles
*I've read a lot of mixed reviews for this one, but it was also only $2.50, so I snatched it up. I'm intrigued by the synopsis and won't mind waiting patiently on my bookshelf.*
 

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Top Ten Favorite Books I've Read Since The Book Life Was Born :0)

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Every Tuesday they post their top ten lists on different bookish topics.
This week we're sharing our top ten favorite books we've read since we started blogging! This is such an awesome topic and is going to be so hard to choose :0)


IN HONOR by Jessi Kirby: This was my most anticipated book for 2012 and it has become one of my absolute favorites! Kirby is a master at writing relationships and interactions, I always feel like I am a part of the world she has created. And I love her endings :0)

DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE by Laini Taylor: This lady knows how to write and I will read anything she writes in the future. The world she's created here is so vivid and her characters are so unique. This was absolutely unputdownable. So good :0)

CATCHING JORDAN by Miranda Kenneally: I read a lot, but I don't often read a book in one sitting. That's not the case with this one, I sat down to start reading and before I knew it I was done. Jordan's story sucked me in and I couldn't wait to see where life was going to take her. Not to mention plenty of swoony boys and I didn't even mind all the football :0)


WHERE SHE WENT by Gayle Forman: Here is a case where the sequel far surpassed the original, and when the original is the amazing If I Stay, that's really saying something. I absolutely loved reading from Adam's POV and I thought it was so clever having it take place over just a 24 hour period. Mia and Adam are one of my favorite fictional couples :0)

SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL by Trish Doller: For a long, long time Adam from Where She Went was my number one book boyfriend, but Travis has officially taken the number one spot. He's not a perfect guy and he certainly tends to mess things up, but he's got such a good heart and the way he was with his mom was just so adorable. Travis and Harper's story is one I want to read over and over :0)

DUALED by Elsie Chapman: So I've been annoying my friends by talking about how amazing this book is and how much I love it. It's only fair that it be included in the list. Seriously, the whole way through this story I felt like I was right there in the thick of it with West and the action was definitely pulse pounding. I can't wait to read book two, but in the meantime I'll just read Dualed again :0)

TIME BETWEEN US by Tamara Ireland Stone: I LOVE time travel stories. I have always kind of wished I could time travel. So getting the opportunity to read Time Between Us was extremely exciting for me and I completely adored Anna and Bennett's story. It's set in the 90's, which is one of my favorite decades, and is just so unique. Anna is a girl whose only ever wanted to be able to travel the world and Bennett is the boy who can give that to her, no matter how unconventional :0)

SECOND CHANCE SUMMER by Morgan Matson: I had a hard time deciding whether to put this one on the list or her debut, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour, because I love them both and they have prime position on my bookshelf. I decided on Second Chance Summer, because while I am a huge fan of roadtrip stories, the story of Taylor's summer made me feel a whole lot more. Morgan Matson is such a phenomenal writer and she gives us the kind of stories that put you right in the world she's created and make you feel like you are a part of the story :0)

THE DISENCHANTMENTS by Nina LaCour: It seems like I am drawn to contemporary stories told in a male POV more and more. As long as it's written well, it gives a fresh take and it's always fun to see what's going in the guys head. Colby's story is just flat out awesome. I loved going on tour with him and The Disenchantments. The girls in the band were all so unique and it was cool to see them through his eyes. Definitely one for the reread pile :0)


UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi: This one kind of took me by surprise. I thought it sounded like a cool story and I was looking forward to reading it, but it wasn't on my priority list. It should have been! I was so mad at myself for not reading this one sooner, because the world that Veronica Rossi has created for this series is so, so cool. Aria, Perry and Roar are characters that I wouldn't mind spending time with forever. I love it when a book sneaks up on you and becomes a favorite :0)

THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF YOU AND ME by Jess Rothenberg: Honestly, this book had me when the main character died of a broken heart, literally. Brie's afterlife is populated with so many interesting people, places, and experiences. She may be eternally a teenager, but she gets to have a sort of second chance at living. And I just adore Patrick. This story paints such an awesome picture and is such an emotional journey. So much love :0)

No surprise that most of these are contemporary reads, but every single one of them has made it's way into my heart and brain. I love the characters and the stories they have to tell. All of these are on my reread pile and will be for years to come. So I cheated a little, and there are 11, but it was so worth it :0)

Monday, August 20, 2012

One Moment by Kristina McBride

Release Date: June 26th, 2012
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Format: eGalley
Genre: Young Adult - Contemporary

Maggie remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party. She remembers climbing the trail with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can’t she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below–dead?

As Maggie’s memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?

I have a thing for stories that have a main character who can't remember. Whether it's who they are, who someone else is, a specific event, or their whole life, I love reading their journey of finding the memories they've lost. There is so much intrigue when the main character is completely unreliable, because they don't even really know what has happened. I think this story was even more compelling, because Maggie has only forgotten a short amount of time, but in this short time everything in her life has changed.

Things are miserable after Maggie's boyfriend dies and the only person who was with him in the moments before, was Maggie. Some of her friends are trying to protect her, while others appear to blame her, at least a little. I really enjoyed reading Maggie's inner struggle about whether or not she really wanted to remember what happened in those moments before Joey went flying off that cliff. I don't think if I was in her position, I'd be too eager to remember the moments of my boyfriend's death, especially if there could be a chance I was somehow responsible. Of course, on the other hand she feels like she needs to know, because all of the uncertainty is eating away at her.

The emotions in this book were so realistically portrayed. Each of the friends is dealing with Joey's death differently, but you could really feel what they were going through. And there is nothing that happens throughout the story that I couldn't imagine happening in real life. Kristina McBride has penned such a wonderful story with real emotions and excellent relationship dynamics. This is by no means a light read, but it is definitely one I would recommend.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Stacking the Shelves (7)

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and was inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox posts.

Just a photo this week. I've been super busy and didn't have time to film a vlog! Got a couple of goodies, so here we go :0)


Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (Snagged this from work, I've been hearing such amazing things and I couldn't help myself)

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (This is my first Neil Gaiman, I'm really excited to get into it!)

UnWholly by Neal Shusterman (From S&S, which is awesome because I just got Unwind from them a couple weeks ago! I'm going to read them both soon)


What did you guys get this week?!?

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake


Release Date: August 7th, 2012
Publisher: Tor Teen
Format: ARC (SBB ARC Tours)
Age Group: Young Adult

It's been months since the ghost of Anna Korlov opened a door to Hell in her basement and disappeared into it, but ghost-hunter Cas Lowood can't move on.

His friends remind him that Anna sacrificed herself so that Cas could live—not walk around half dead. He knows they're right, but in Cas's eyes, no living girl he meets can compare to the dead girl he fell in love with.

Now he's seeing Anna everywhere: sometimes when he's asleep and sometimes in waking nightmares. But something is very wrong...these aren't just daydreams. Anna seems tortured, torn apart in new and ever more gruesome ways every time she appears.

Cas doesn't know what happened to Anna when she disappeared into Hell, but he knows she doesn't deserve whatever is happening to her now. Anna saved Cas more than once, and it's time for him to return the favor.

*Spoilers if you haven't read book one*


This was such a great second book! I love Cas, maybe even more this time around, and his gang. Since Anna was sent somewhere, I assumed it was hell, at the end of the first book, Cas is desperate to try and save her. He keeps having visions of her and each one of them is stranger and creepier than the last. Anna is a ghost, but I think that Kendare Blake did an excellent job of making her seem like a real person and the way she portrayed Cas' feelings for Anna was excellent. The boy is in love with a ghost, one who has been sent to hell, and his friends are trying to help him move on. Obviously, the outcome here looks pretty bleak from the jump, but it has such a satisfying ending.

I think Thomas is absolutely one of my favorite people in books. He's just so great and will pretty much do anything for his friend. I'm not so sure I could be so unwavering in the face of constant danger. Carmel, on the other hand, doesn't seem to deal with the danger as well. I can't really blame her, but she makes a decision in the beginning of the book that kind of ticked me off. I'd say she definitely makes up for it, though. There is a new girl on the block this time around, too, and she gets the jump on Cas right away. I was pretty back and forth about whether or not I should trust her character, and she pretty much remained in a gray area for me, for most of the book. I also really like that we got to learn more about Cas' ghost-hunter heritage and some of the history behind his athame. He's been hunting for so long, it's just a part of who he is, but it was nice to see how that all came about.

I love this world and I love the way Kendare Blake tells a story. I know that we are done with this specific world, but I can't wait to read more of what she has to offer. If you haven't read Anna Dressed in Blood, I definitely recommend it. It's a great, spooky story with some serious edge and Girl of Nightmares is even better. Just be sure to read these with all the lights on :0)

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

RENEGADE: The Musical


Coming to the stage this fall is the mesmerizing world of Elysium and everyone's favorite girl, Evelyn. Be prepared to see this story come to life, in a whole new way, with sweeping melodies and modern choreography.


Seven epic musical numbers with lyrics written and dance routines choreographed by, the one and only, Justin Timberlake.


"When this opportunity was first brought to me, I knew I couldn't pass it up. This has been a once in a lifetime experience and I am so fortunate to be able to honor the writing of J.A. Souders."

Justin has brought his best to this show and we promise you've never seen anything like it.




We've also gathered some of the hottest young talent around to star in this production and it promises to be like nothing you've ever seen before!



*Please don't mind my silliness. This all originated from a joke between a fellow blogger, the author and myself on twitter. You've gotta love the internet :0) *

Monday, August 13, 2012

Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Release Date: August 28th, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Format: ARC
Genre: Young Adult-Contemporary

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.

But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself.


Mean girls. We've all seen or dealt with them in school. In the words of School House Rock, knowledge is power, and Chelsea collects all of the information about people that she can. Then her and her friends spread these rumors like wildfire and systematically humiliate the other students in their school. It keeps them popular, because no one wants to be on the bad side of the kids who could potentially ruin your life. At first I wasn't so sure about Chelsea, because she seemed to thrive on spreading gossip and behaved like those people deserved whatever they got. She was kind of a bitch, but not completely unredeemable. When she tells a pretty big secret at a party, she almost instantly regrets it and tries her hardest to convince everyone it's not a big deal and to leave it alone. After it ends up getting someone seriously hurt, Chelsea doesn't ever want to be responsible for spreading peoples secrets again. So she takes a vow of silence. Kind of genius, in my opinion.

Her vow started out a little selfish at first, while she didn't want to be responsible for anyone else getting hurt, she was more concerned about what she lost as a result of what she said. She really just wanted her friends and her status back, but as her ex-friends wage war against her, she starts to realize that maybe being a part of that group was never really something she enjoyed.

Asha and Sam are two kids that decide to take a chance on Chelsea and give her a place to belong again. I think Asha is the most genuine character I have ever read. She sees the good in everything and believes people always deserve a chance. Asha accepted Chelsea almost immediately, vow of silence and all, and never let her spend too much time thinking about what happened. Sam is just excellent. He's a little nerdy and a lot swoonworthy, such a nice guy who befriends Chelsea despite some very big reasons not to.

I loved Hannah Harrington's debut Saving June and I was so excited for Speechless, well it didn't disappoint! This one has a whole different vibe to it, but I think it was just as excellently written. I urge everyone to pick it up and give it a read! Definitely a new favorite :0)


Friday, August 10, 2012

Stacking the Shelves (6) - With Unicorns!!!

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and was inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox posts.

So did everyone have a wonderful Book Lover's Day? I celebrated by buying books, of course :0)

 

Won:

Tangled by Erica O'Rourke
Dance of Shadows by Yelena Black

Bought:

You Are Here by Jennifer E. Smith

Plus adorable Magic the Unicorn :0)

What's in your mailboxes?

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Tune in Tuesday (1) - The Echo Friendly

So I am doing something completely new this week! I've seen the Tune in Tuesday posts hosted by Ginger at GReads! for quite some time, but this is my first time joining in! Since I've been spending more time listening to music than anything else, lately, I figured now was the time :0)

This feature is all about showing off some of our favorite music and just spreading the love of music in general. And for me, believe it for not, I am even more passionate about my music than I am my books. Inconceivable! (Bonus points if you know that reference...haha)

For my innaugural post I am going to share a recent song obsession of mine, which is by a new band, whose full album isn't even available yet. I actually heard this song during the end credits on HBO's hilarious show, Girls. I definitely want you to check out the song, but you should also check out the show, if you haven't already. I am listening to this song non-stop right now and it is so perfect for me in so many ways. The band has one other song on Spotify right now, which is also great, and I can't wait for their album! So, without further ado, I give you The Same Mistakes by The Echo-Friendly!

 

I hope you guys enjoy! What are some of your favorite songs right now?!?

Monday, August 6, 2012

Ten by Gretchen McNeil

Release Date: September 18th, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Format: ARC
Age Group: Young Adult

And their doom comes swiftly.

It was supposed to be the weekend of their lives—an exclusive house party on Henry Island. Best friends Meg and Minnie each have their reasons for being there (which involve T.J., the school’s most eligible bachelor) and look forward to three glorious days of boys, booze and fun-filled luxury.

But what they expect is definitely not what they get, and what starts out as fun turns dark and twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine.

Suddenly people are dying, and with a storm raging, the teens are cut off the from the outside world. No electricity, no phones, no internet, and a ferry that isn’t scheduled to return for two days. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on each other, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?

Oh my gosh! Ten is the first book that I've read by Gretchen McNeil and you better believe that I will be pulling Possess off of my shelf soon, to give it a read, too!

Reading Ten was kind of like reading a horror movie in book form, it actually kind of reminded me of that tv show from a few years ago, Harper's Island. Not that the story was the same thing, but the format was similar. A bunch of people, in this case teenagers, stranded on an island with a rising body count and an unknown killer. I really enjoyed the mystery running throughout the story and how the killings tied in with the creepy journal that Meg found.

There was such a great assortment of characters trapped on the island and that definitely made the interactions between all of them, especially when people started dying, a lot more entertaining. The kids were from a couple of different schools, so they didn't all know each other, which added to the trust issues and made accusations fly a lot faster. I was actually really surprised how much of the death we actually get to experience in the book. I kind of expected a lot of it to be a little glossed over, but Gretchen McNeil didn't shy away from death scenes and some of the murders were quite inventive.

I can honestly say that I didn't accurately guess the real murderer until just before our hero/heroine figures it out and that, to me, is the mark of an excellently told mystery. If you are a fan of horror or love a well done and satisfying myster, I definitely recommend Ten. It's a fantastic read, but you might want to keep your lights on :0)

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Stacking the Shelves (5)

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and was inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox posts.

Hey ya'll! I hope everyone is having a great weekend and had a wonderful book week! This was a small mail week for me, but the few books I got are pretty darn awesome :0)

 

For Review/Won:

Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook
The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

Bought:

The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin


Thanks for stopping by! What did you guys get in the mail this week?

*All links go to Goodreads*

Thursday, August 2, 2012

"Ask Trent" from Sherry Soule's Moonlight Mayhem #MMBlogTour


To celebrate the release of author, Sherry Soule’s new YA novel, MOONLIGHT MAYHEM, the second thrilling novel in the Spellbound series, Sherry asked one of her favorite fictional heroes, Trent Donavon to stop by today. He has started his own advice column “Dear Trent”. Since several people have asked Trent for help with some very interesting questions, he’s generously taken time away from his demon hunting duties to answer them. Trent is a blunt dude who tells it like it is. Pasted below are some of the emails sent to him. Enjoy!



Question 1:

 Q: Dear Trent,

I joined the Navy to see the world. I’ve seen it. And I miss my mom. Now how the heck do I get out?

Thanks,

Wanna Go Home


A. Dear Wanna Go Home,

Well, I think you’re kinda stuck, dude. Best to ride it out and have your mom send you some books like the Spellbound series to help the time fly by.

Best of luck,

Trent



Question 2:

 Q: Dear Trent,

My mom asked me to babysit my younger brother and sister this weekend. I hate babysitting them! Anyhoo, I found them playing a game called, "Knife Jab" in the kitchen. This game involves jabbing a knife into a wall socket. Instead, I suggested a game called, "Zappy Toaster", which is similar but requires thrusting a metal object into a toaster while it’s plugged in. So, are either of these games dangerous?

Sincerely,

Hate Babysitting


A. Dear Hate Babysitting,

Well, jabbing a mental object into a toaster could give you a strong electric shock. So not good! Not only are these games dangerous, but possibly illegal and your siblings could get seriously injured. A more important question is why your mom would be stupid enough to leave you alone with them in the first place.

Best of luck,

Trent

Question 3:

 Q. Dear Trent

I suspect that my girlfriend has been fooling around, and when I confronted her after taking pictures of her kissing another guy at school, she denied everything—and said it would never happen again.

Respectfully,

Lost in Love



A. Dear Lost in Love,

My advice? Once a cheater—always a cheater. Dump that girl and find a nice one who’ll treat you right, like my awesome GF, Shiloh.

Best of luck,

Trent



Question 4:

Q. Dear Trent,

I think my friend, Charlie might be possessed or something. He can control the weather. He is inhumanly fast and strong. And sometimes when Charlie gets mad, his eyes turn completely black like a shark. It’s totally freaking me out.

Regards,

Friend-Possessed



A. Dear Friend-Possessed,

Uh, it sure sounds like something weird is going on. My uncle Tony says that most paranormals cannot enter houses of worship or walk on sacred ground. Try taking Charlie to a church or graveyard—to see what happens, or douse him with holy water—and if his skin sizzles, you’ve got major trouble. Let me know how it goes, because you may need to contact the Paranormal Research Group aka PRG blog.

Best of luck,

Trent



Have any questions for “Dear Trent” about the series? Just post them in the comment section and he’ll answer your enquiry within the next 48 hours. NOTE: Trent accepts no liability for anything resulting from his so-called sage “advice”.



Hope you enjoyed this humorous post. Now go feed your mind and read a book! Preferably mine. J

Book Blurb Info:
Shiloh Ravenwolf thought she was getting used to the supernatural events of Whispering Pines, but the full moon has brought another surge of threats to her coastal town. Ferocious wolves, deadly necromancers, and shambling zombies have descended upon the neighborhood, and Shiloh must gain control of her magical abilities—fast! But it sucks that Shiloh has a crippling fear of the dark. As a demon slayer, this can be an epic problem.
When her classmates are attacked by a mysterious creature and her father is murdered, Shiloh vows vengeance. Forcing her phobias aside, she forms an unlikely coven of supernaturally gifted teens to help her eradicate this menace, but Shiloh’s battling a different monster within herself. She’s struggling not to become the very thing she fights: evil.

But with demon blood inside her—anything can happen…



Places you can cyberstalk Sherry Soule:


Official Spellbound Series Universe: http://thespellboundseries.blogspot.com/

Twitter @WriterSherry: http://twitter.com/writersherry

Book Trailer/YouTube: http://youtu.be/5uqVXKygvUs



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