Amazing Mara Dyer Book Trailer!

I just saw this and I absolutely had to share it! Just wow. There is no words for it's awesomeness-- the music, the characters, the backround are all so perfect. If this doesn't make you want to read the The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer I don't know what will! Check it out here. 

Book Swap!!

I was cleaning out my bookshelves the other day to make way for all my new books, and I now have a whole pile of books I don't know what to do with!! So I decided to do a book trade-- you email me with what book you'd like and what book you'd be willing to trade with me, and we each mail them to each other (but only US. Sorry!). Check out my list below and if you see something that you're dying to have, then email me! I'll trade hardcover or paperback for not-yet-been-released ARCs. Here's my wishlist: http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/4710822-emma-hoke?per_page=100&shelf=must-have-books

ARCS: 

How To Save a Life by Sara Zarr
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor  
The Fox Inheritance by Mary E. Pearson
Hades by Alexandra Adornetto
Plague by Michael Grant
Forgotten by Cat Patrick 
The Iron Thron by Caitlin Kittredge
Timeless by Alexandra Monir
Sweetly by Jackson Pearce

Paperbacks: 

Beastly by Alex Flinn
Gone by Michael Grant
Top 8 by Katie Finn

Hardcover: 

The False Princess by Eilis O Neal
Huntress by Malinda Lo
Misfit by Jon Skovron
Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard

Thanks everyone! My email is thereadinggirl3@gmail.com

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherworldly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages—not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.
When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

My humble thoughts: Quite honestly, I knew this book would be amazing before I even got it-- Laini Taylor is that good (plus, she has killer hair). In my opinion, it's hard to find a book that separates itself from the usual brand of YA paranormal out there. Not to say I don't like those books, but reading Daughter of Smoke and Bone is like breathing fresh air after being stuck inside a box all day. The writing is gorgeous, for one thing. Laini Taylor really digs deep inside her characters emotions, and never uses those boring cliches like 'she was as beautiful as the sunrise' or 'fear gripped him' to name a few. It's just so original and powerful. The story, too, is unlike anything I've read. We read about angels and humans falling madly in love all the time-- but what about angels and devils? The idea made me blink and wonder. The author plays it out perfectly, though. The storyline bursts with mythological lore and imagination, not to mention Karou, who is a fierce, intelligent heroine who isn't afraid to do what has to be done-- she isn't afraid of anything, really. Anyone who reads this would want to be friends with her (but I already took the title of Best Friend, everyone else will just have to be regular friends).

All in all, this book is definitely swoon-worthy. The foreign setting is lovely and realistic, the characters are wonderful, and the plot is fresh and absorbing. Definitely a re-reader, and a book I'll buy as a hardcover in October. I hope they do the cover with the mask, though-- I like it much better than this one I received.

We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

Well, Jenny Han did it again, that's all I can say. Every time I read one of the Summer books I tell myself I won't get so sucked into the story that I have to put it down and take a few deep breathes in order to continue without mentally or physically hurting myself. But I did. I mean this is all in a good way, nevertheless. Belly and Conrad and Jere make me want to tear my hair out sometimes; their love triangle is so absorbing and original. In most books these days, the girl supposedly 'loves' both boys but you can pretty much figure out which one she is going to end up with in the end. Not in this trilogy, though! I was guessing until the very end.

I'm also so glad the author decided to put Conrad's point of view in the last installment. He really kind of bugged me before, with his broody detachment and unexpectedness. I was like Belly, girl, move on already! He's not right for you! But you can really see why he is the way he is in some of the chapters. I actually grew kind of fond of him. He has flaws, and Jeremiah does too, which is what makes the characters so real and wonderful. The simple elegance of the writing is what brings everything to life in these books. And it just has this certain Bellyness about it that I adore. It makes me want to go to the beach and roast marshmallows, build sandcastles and swim till I'm exhausted.

Of all summer books, these are my most definite favorite. I loved watching Belly grow up into a thoughtful, charming young woman. It makes me kind of wistful, thinking about it. Jenny Han captures all the wonder and rawness of life and manages to fit it into a mere couple hundred pages. I'm so sad to see this series end-- and the ending surprised and pleased me, I have to say-- but I hope to see much more of this author's talent in the years to come.

The Hunger Games By Any Other Cover...

I was bored today, so I started looking up different covers for The Hunger Games, just cause I'm so excited for the movie. And let me say, there are some pretty interesting ones out there. Check out these ones!

In German:

I like this one, especially how the girl's eyes and the leaves match. Very striking.

In Italian: 



















Whoa, this one is creepy! In a good way though. Again, love the eyes-- it looks like there's an explosion going on in them!

In Dutch:               

Hmmm. Not a huge fan of this one-- it doesn't really have the intenseness that the other ones do, but still pretty. 

In Swedish:

This one, well, kinda looks like a cover for a video game, though the coloring is cool. And the girl's expression is weird, sorta like she's feeling sick. Which makes sense I guess, but still...

In Russian:




















This cover looks like it focuses mainly on the romance aspect of the book. That'd be great, if it were just a plain old romantic novel, but I feel personally it should show more than that. The book has so much more to offer than a love triangle!

In Chinese:

Oooh, I like this one. It still has the same focus of the mockingjay, but also includes Katniss and Peeta running in the forest. Very awesome. 

In Japanese:

Of course I had to add the Japanese one. Go cartoon characters!

In Serbian:

This one reminds me of the Chinese cover. Again, love how they kept the mockingjay pin, and also how they have the shadows of the tributes underneath it. Very appropriate.

In Romanian:




















Super bright and flashy cover. I don't think it goes along with the book very well, but who knows? It's probably really popular in Romania.

Similar Versions: these ones are basically the same as the cover we know and love, just a tad different.

Spanish:













Turkish:                     

    










Finnish:        

Well, there you go. A totally random post, but I think it's cool to see other countries' view of this beloved book. What one is your favorite?


                     

Juliet Immortal by Stacy Jay

"These violent delights have violent ends And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which as they kiss consume."

—Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The most tragic love story in history . . .

Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn't anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she's fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she's forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love.

 I've been dying to read this book since I first heard about it. It's such an original idea to twist the classic story around like that, plus the cover is so gorgeous and romantic! And it really is a beautiful story Stacey Jay has created. Juliet is such a determined, intriguing, even broken character. Although it's her mission to help people find their true soul mate, she doesn't really believe in love herself. That's why I really admired her for trying so hard to make Ariel's (the name of the girl who's body she possesses) life better, even while desperately trying to stay away from Ben, the boy she's forbidden to have feelings for. Who doesn't love a good forbidden romance? It was a kind of 'love at first sight' thing, but the way the author describes it in the book makes it much easier to understand and believe. And Romeo, O Romeo. I was expecting him to be this evil, deplorable character that dies a horrible and painful death in the end, but there was really more depth to him than I would've thought. Even when he was being a total jerk, I couldn't help but see that shred of humanity left in him. The poor guy was weak, the complete opposite of Juliet. Both of their endings surprised me-- in a good way.

 The writing style was lovely, perfect for showcasing all the character's different emotions. This is one of those books where I can really feel what the character is going through, sometimes even needing to shut my eyes or wince at certain parts like it was a movie. I also liked the way the author used Romeo and Juliet's situation to explain how their 'false' story came to be. Everything just fits so perfectly in this novel. Go Stacey Jay for shaking it up a little! 

 Warning: If you are completely in love with the original story of Romeo and Juliet, you probably shouldn't read this book-- it will just make you mad at the author for trying to change it. I was never really fond of Shakespeare's tragedy, which is why I loved this version so much. Just a little cautionary advice:)

Paranormalcy is Going to The Big Screen!

Ray Kay (I know, right? Awesome name) announced yesterday he will make his debut directorial on Paranormalcy! Yes, our Paranormalcy by Kiersten White! Gil Alder Production and Reverie Entertainment Partners optioned the book to become a movie a while ago and now it finally has a director. So excited! It should be interesting to see how this all plays out, and they better not mess it up! What does everyone else think? Who would be a good actress for Evie?

Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker

Lacey Anne Byer is a perennial good girl and lifelong member of the House of Enlightenment, the Evangelical church in her small town. With her driver's license in hand and the chance to try out for a lead role in Hell House, her church's annual haunted house of sin, Lacey's junior year is looking promising. But when a cute new stranger comes to town, something begins to stir inside her. Ty Davis doesn't know the sweet, shy Lacey Anne Byer everyone else does. With Ty, Lacey could reinvent herself. As her feelings for Ty make Lacey test her boundaries, events surrounding Hell House make her question her religion.

Melissa Walker has crafted the perfect balance of engrossing, thought-provoking topics and relatable, likable characters. Set against the backdrop of extreme religion, Small Town Sinners is foremost a universal story of first love and finding yourself, and it will stay with readers long after the last page.

I have to admit, I was a little wary of this book after reading all the mixed reviews on it (due to the religious theme). But I'm pleased to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I personally think it's interesting to hear about different religions (has anyone ever read Ally Condie's Being Sixteen? Yes, that Ally Condie). The way the author described Hell House really got under my skin, as it did Lacy's-- she wanted to believe it, but always there was this little nagging doubt in the back of her mind. Her doubts and confusion are easy to relate with-- what teen doesn't question their beliefs and values every once in a while? The simple, strong writing style conveyed the character emotions perfectly, and the romance was sweet and believable. Although it's not action-packed, this novel will have you tense and wondering at the next chapter.

Glamorous Ramblings!

I'm so sorry everyone! I've been neglecting my blogging duties-- but with good reason. I'm in France! As in Paris!! My parents and I are spending the summer down here! And it's gorgeous, let me say. I went to this old movie theater the other day and, being the book nerd that I am, thought of a novel I recently read, Anna and The French Kiss. Who doesn't love that book? Anyway, I don't know how often I'll be able to access a computer to blog, but know I'm trying! It's pretty early here right now-- like four in the morning-- but I couldn't sleep. Jet lag, ugh.

Have an awesome day in the US everyone:)    

Super Awseome Giveaway!!

Who loves winning free books? Amazing books? Well, who doesn't? Check out this awesome giveaway here at A Myraid of Books. It's pretty darn spectacular!

Waiting on Wednesday

 Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking The Spine and which I love participating in!! Here's my much anticipated book:

Wildefire by Karsten Knight 

Ashline Wilde never received an instruction manual on how to be a 16-year-old Polynesian volcano goddess. If she had, it might have contained helpful warnings such as:

• Dreaming about your (thankfully) mortal boyfriend may cause your bed to spontaneously combust
• Oven mitts should be worn at all times during heavy make-out sessions
 

Instead, Ash has to learn these life lessons the hard way as her dormant powers erupt at the most awkward times. In the wake of a hometown tragedy, Ash transfers to Blackwood Academy, a boarding school nestled in California’s redwoods, where a group of fellow gods-on-earth have mysteriously convened. As if sophomore year couldn’t get any worse, her storm goddess older sister, the wild and unpredictable Eve, resurfaces to haunt Ashline. With a war between the gods looming over Blackwood, Ash must master the fire smoldering within her before she clashes with her sister one final time, which leads us to life-lesson #3:

• When warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm. 

*Oh my goodness this book looks so amazing!! Fire has always interested me and Ashline sounds so tough and awesome!! And if the cover doesn't get you nothing will. It comes out July 26th-- hopefully I can wait that long:)

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is hosted by Should Be Reading. Here's mine, from Ann Aguirre's amazing, incredible new dystopian novel, Enclave!

"You could miss someone, but it did no good to fixate on loss. I wished I had the ready words of a Breeder or the ability to comfort with a soft touch. I didn't. Instead I had daggers and determination.

That would have to do."

Yeah! You tell 'em, girl!
Happy Tuesday reading everyone!

What Happened To Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

It isn't easy being Mclean. Named after the famous Defriese basketball coach by her father, her life consisted mostly of screaming on the bleachers at countless Defriese games and hanging out at the small- but- charming restaurant their family owns. So when her namesake coach retires, Mclean and her father eagerly welcome his replacement, Peter Hamilton. That is, until her mother falls in love with him and leaves Mclean and her father for five-story houses and sleek new cars, as well as a set of twins that takes up almost all of her time. Ever since then, Mclean refuses to see her mother, instead traveling around with her father, whose job as a restaurant renovator keeps them moving from place to place constantly. Every new place is an opportunity to be someone else, drama queen or preppy rah-rah girl. But when Mclean moves into Lakeview, everything changes, from the quirky boy next door Dave, to Luna Blu, the unpredictable diner her dad is put in charge of. And maybe, just maybe, she'll find the real Mclean out here.

In her trademark captivating style, Sarah Dessen once again creates a completely engrossing story that will have readers burning through the pages as soon as they get their hands on it. The characters are hilarious and original, the plot is surprising and delightful-- how can you not like Sarah Dessen? Mclean's struggle with the aftermath of her parents divorce is easy to emphasize with, and her constant transformation between different personalities at every town successfully sheds light on her desperate need to be someone else, even if it's just a facade. In Lakeview, however, she starts using her real name, which allows her to really look at herself and who she truly is. Not the dramatic one, the popular one-- just herself. I liked that overall message of being yourself-- cliché, perhaps, but Sarah Dessen manages to put it in a whole new context that fits in easily with the novel. I don't know what it is about her books, but with every one I go away feeling as if I've learned something important, even while laughing my head off. The romance is, of course, sweet and heartfelt. I like how the author never focuses wholly on the romantic element of the novel, but the protagonist's problems as well, which makes it so much more diverse and interesting.

 Sarah Dessen's books give me a happy feeling, just because I always know it will turn out all right in the end. It's reassuring somehow, to be able to pick up one of her books and know there will be a happily-ever-after. What Happened To Goodbye is no exception-- it will leave you smiling and aching both at once. For all you Sarah Dessen fans out there, you won't be disappointed!

Favorite Quote: "I'd thought that I didn't have a home anymore. But right here, right then, I realized I'd been wrong. Home wasn't a set house, or a single town on a map. It was wherever the people who loved you were, whenever you were together. Not a place, but a moment, and then another, building on each other like bricks to create a solid shelter that you take with you for your entire life, wherever you may go."

** Comes out in stores May 10th!

Waiting on Wednesday

Hello everybody! Waiting on Wednesday is an awesome meme hosted weekly by Breaking The Spine. It's a fun way to share upcoming books you're uber-excited about. Here's mine!

Legend by Marie Lu

The United States is gone, along with its flooded coasts. North America's two warring nations, the western Republic and the eastern Colonies, have reached a breaking point. In the midst of this broken continent and dark new world are two teenagers who will go down in history....

Born into the slums of Los Angeles, fifteen-year old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. A mysterious boy with no recorded image or fingerprints. A boy who should no longer exist. A boy who watches over his family until one evening, when the plague patrols mark his family's door with an X--the sign of plague infection. A death sentence for any family too poor to afford the antidote. Desperate, Day has no choice; he must steal it.

Born to an elite family in Los Angeles' wealthy Ruby sector, fifteen-year old June is the Republic's most promising prodigy. A superintelligent girl destined for great things in the country's highest military circles. Obedient, passionate, and committed to her country--until the day her brother Metias is murdered while on patrol during a break-in at the plague hospital.

Only one person could be responsible.

Day.

And now it's June's mission to hunt him down.

The truth they'll uncover will become legend.

** This book just sounds plain amazing, intense and I can't wait to read it! It's also already in the beginning of a possible movie!

The Iron King by Julie Kawaga

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home. 

 

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change. 

 
But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

The Iron King is a fresh, delightful faery story that I was quite surprised to find myself sucked right into. Julie Kawaga has an original new take on the ever-popular topic of faeries, introducing the idea that the fey are born from the imagination and dreams of humans, whose belief allows them to survive in a wonderfully descriptive realm called the Nevernever. But with our rapidly progressing technological advances, a new kind of fey has been born, one created from the modern-day ideas and thoughts of twenty-first century humans. They are designed of iron, a substance usually deadly to normal fey. I found I thoroughly enjoyed this unusual twist in the story. Meghan is a amusing, strong narrator that kept me thinking what will happen next? each time I set the book down. The way the author describes all the characters, even the minor ones, made them feel very realistic to me, and a few of them were just laugh-out-loud hilarious. The mix of humor and suspense was
both fascinating and entertaining.
The Iron King is a book all faery lovers will definitely want to get their hands on. It is an entirely different, extremely satisfying, and subtlety romantic new series that readers will devour in a matter of days. I can't wait to get my hands on the next installment, The Iron Daughter!

Favorite Quote: "If the entire cheerleading squad turns into mice, Robin, I will be very upset with you. Mortal adolescents are blind and cruel. You know that. You mustn't take revenge, no matter how you feel about the girl. Especially now. There are more worrisome things on the move''.

Other Books: The Iron Daughter, The Iron Queen and The Iron Knight coming November 2011! 

 

Mrs. Everdeen Cast!

That's right! Prim and Katniss's mother has been cast!

Her name is Paula Malcomson. She's been on many T.V. series such as ER, Sons of Anarchy, Deadwood and Caprica. I really have no opinion on her right now. Does she looks the part? Well, she looks like she could have the sort of haggard look I associate with Mrs. Everdeen. Other than that, I don't really know since I've never seen her acting. Hopefully she can pull it off!

More Hunger Games Casting!!

Wow, there's just a sudden burst of casting for The Hunger Games over these past few days!! I'm pretty excited about all these new editions! 

First off,we have Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket. Some of her more well- known movies are The Next Three Days, Definitely Maybe, Spider- Man and Spider- Man 2, as well as the T.V series Scrubs. I personally like her acting and I think she can pull off Effie's bubbly personality pretty well.  
                                                                             

   

Next, there's, Leven Rambin as Glimmer. Leven's career has been mostly centered on T.V series like One Tree Hill and Grey's Anatomy, and as I've never seen her acting before, I'm not sure how well she'll do on the big screen. Glimmer isn't a major character, though, so I trust she can do it. Plus, in my opinion, she looks very much the part!

  

Jack Quaid, son of Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid, was chosen to play Marvel. Now, this is Jack's first spot in the movie industry, which is no surprise given his actor parents. He doesn't really look like I expected Marvel to look, but hopefully he has inherited some of his parents skills! Because of his lack of movie acting, this picture is the only one I could find of him (with his dad).  

And last, but definitely not least, we have Willow Shields as Prim. She's been in very few movie productions, but director Gary Ross says she ''will make an amazing Prim''. Well, the director knows best I guess-- I was really rooting for Kiernan Shipka or Elle Fanning, who have a more delicate look about them and more acting experience. But I'm going to be optimistic! Prim is a very emotionally- challenging role to play, especially in the second two books, so I'm sure Willow Shields has lots of talent to take that on.

 

*There you have it-- the cast of The Hunger Games so far. I absolutely loved this series and I'm hoping hoping hoping that they'll do a good job on the movie. There's so many important scenes they could leave out ( if they leave out Rue and Katniss's scene I will cry)! But, who knows until we see the final product?

**Have a great day everyone and I'll keep you posted on upcoming casting news!

Teaser Tuesday

Hello everyone! I'm happy to be participating in Teaser Tuesday, a weekly meme hosted by Mizb at Should Be Reading. The book I'm going to share a little snippet of is Inside Out by Maria V Snyder. This book is so amazing, I can't imagine how it slipped my notice before! 

"I do know I felt as if my heart had been shredded when I found you in our storeroom, unconscious and bleeding. And leaving you with Vinco in the holding cells was the hardest thing I've ever done."

I know, pretty cliffhanger-ish, right? I'm only doing that because this book is so awesome! Go buy it, borrow it, steal it-- just read it. It's that good:)

Have a fantastic Tuesday everyone!



Faithful by Janet Fox

Sixteen-year-old Maggie Bennet's life is in tatters. Her mother has disappeared, and is presumed dead. The next thing she knows, her father has dragged Maggie away from their elegant Newport home, off on some mad excursion to Yellowstone in Montana. Torn from the only life she's ever known, away from her friends, from society, and verging on no prospects, Maggie is furious and devastated by her father's betrayal. But when she arrives, she finds herself drawn to the frustratingly stubborn, handsome Tom Rowland, the son of a park geologist, and to the wild romantic beauty of Yellowstone itself. And as Tom and the promise of freedom capture Maggie's heart, Maggie is forced to choose between who she is and who she wants to be.  

Faithful is a eloquent, thoughtfully written historical novel set in Yellowstone National Park in it's developing years, when it was just beginning to be bulit up into a tourist-centered area. Janet Fox manages to capture Yellowstone's beauty and natural ruggedness while weaving in a graceful story of a girl stuck in the web of high society and it's many prejudices. Maggie, in the beginning is a frustratingly worldly young woman whose only thoughts are about finding the right sort of man to marry and how others perceive her. But as she leaves her home in Newport and ventures into the West she changes in ways she never could have imagined. She learns a great deal about her mother and the people in her life who made her who she was. 

Romance, mystery, self-discovery-- all are presented flawlessly in Faithful. Maggie goes from a snobbish, high-society rich girl to a independant young woman who sees with new eyes that love isn't something that can be bought or sold: it must be earned. A definite must- read for history and romance fans, Faithful is a novel that will have you sighing at the last page, wishing for a chance to see Yellowstone in person, and have adventures as wild and enchanting as Maggie's.  

Other Books: Forgiven, coming out June 2nd, 2011!

 

 

 



 

Rue and Thresh Cast!!

Excitement everyone!! We now have our Thresh and Rue! Dayo Okeniyi and Amandla (yes, Amandla) Stenburg were choosen to play the two tributes in the much anticipated movie rendition of The Hunger Games, coming out next year in March! I think they're perfect, especially Rue. I can't wait to see who will be cast next!

Winners!!!

Woo-hoo! I'm so excited to be announcing the winners of my followers contest. Thanks you so much everyone who entered and supported me on this. You all are awesome, and I wish I could send you all a book! And without further ado, I give you the winners!!

Llehn has won herself a copy of Low Red Moon. Congrats!!

And Bea at The Bucket List is the winner of Mockingjay. Congrats!  

So there you have it! I'll be e-mailing the winners soon for their addresses! Thanks again everyone:)

     

Check This Out!

Oh My Goodness! I just found the most amazing contest over at Book Lungs! It's a follower contest, and you can get some amazing stuff. I really don't need the competition (smiley face) but this is just too awesome to not share. Check it out here!

Last Chance for Giveaway!!

Hello all my lovely followers! As you may or may not know, I have a cool contest going on here to win a hardcover copy of Low Red Moon and Mockingjay! And it ends tomorrow, so hurry up and enter by commenting here! I'm super excited and wish you all good luck:)

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, allowing bloggers to share the amazing books they are eagerly anticipating this coming year!

Between the Sea and Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore

For as long as Esmerine can remember, she has longed to join her sister as a siren, the highest calling a mermaid can have. But when her sister runs away to the mainland, reportedly to elope with a human, Esmerine is sent to retrieve her.  

Using magic to transform her tail into legs, she makes her way unsteadily through the streets of New Sweeling. There, she will come upon a friend she hasn't seen since childhood - Alandare, a boy, now a man, who belongs to a winged race of people. Together, Esmerine and Alandare put aside their differences to find her sister, and in the process discover a love that cannot be bound by land, sea, or air.

 

** I love mermaid stories, and I'm so hyped up for this one! The cover is just gorgeous and the plot sounds intrguing. Can't wait for June 7th!

Waiting on Wednesday

Waitng on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, which allows bloggers to showcase the amazing books they can't wait to get their hands on.

Demon's Surrender by  Sara Reese Brennan

The Goblin Market has always been the center of Sin’s world. But now the Market is at war with the magicians, and Sin’s place is in danger. Thrown out of the Market she loves, Sin is thrown together with brothers Nick and Alan—whom she’s always despised.

Alan has been marked by a magician and is being tortured so that the magicians can get to Nick. As Sin watches Alan struggle to protect the demon brother he loves, she begins to see him in a new light—but she and Mae are locked in a fierce rivalry over who will inherit the leadership of the Goblin Market, and a decisive battle with the Aventurine Circle is looming. Mae’s brother, Jamie, is holed up with the magicians, his loyalties in question. And Nick—well, who knows what a demon might do to save his brother? How far will Nick go to save Alan—and what will it cost them all? Find out in this gripping conclusion to the trilogy Scott Westerfeld says is “full of shimmery marvels and bountiful thunder.” 

 

***I love these books and I'm so excited there's going to be a third one! It comes out June 14th!! So excited! The cover is probably my favorite so far-- very dramatic and stark with the orange sunset behind the dark guy:)

Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark

''LOS ANGELES, CA, April 4, 2011- Lionsgate® and the filmmakers of THE HUNGER GAMES are pleased to announce that actor Josh Hutcherson (THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT) has been cast in the role of Peeta Mellark, with Liam Hemsworth (THE LAST SONG) joining the film in the role of Gale Hawthorne in the much anticipated film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ worldwide smash hit novel. Both actors will star opposite Jennifer Lawrence, who it was recently announced will play heroine Katniss Everdeen.

Peeta accompanies heroine Katniss Everdeen into the 74th annual Hunger Games as the male tribute chosen from their native District 12, the most remote and marginalized district of all the subjugated districts of Panem. At the outset of the Games, Peeta publicly confesses his longtime feelings for Katniss, setting up one of the most fascinating fictional rapports of all time with his supposed arena rival.
Though Katniss and Gale have never had a romantic relationship, they share a transcendent bond, often of few words. When Katniss volunteers to participate in the 74th Annual Hunger Games in her younger sister’s stead, they both presume that bond will carry her far through the horrors she will face in the arena, and they each silently hope they’ll be reunited in safety on the other side of the ordeal.''    

                                                             --from Mockingjay.net

Well... I can't really say I'm overjoyed at these actors. They're not exactly how I imagined them. I thought Peeta should be played by Hunter Parrish, and Gale should be played by an actor with a bit more experience. Liam Hemsworth's acting in The Last Song didn't really impress me all that much. And he thinks The Hunger Games is an ''action movie''. Yeah, that's quoted. I was so excited when Jennifer Lawrence got the part, but now, who knows? They could do completely wonderful and blow us all away. Thoughts?

 

Mockingjay and Low Red Moon Giveaway!!

I now have 52 followers!! 52!! I can hardly believe it! You guys are so amazing-- I wish I could thank each one of you personally. But I'll have to settle for giving away some great books, Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins and Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin. I decided to combine the two giveaways because I didn't get many entries for Low Red Moon last time, but now that I have more followers, hopefully there will be more!! Just leave a comment with your e-mail address and which book you'd like to win. Also, you must be a follower to enter and it ends April 14th. Good Luck, and happy reading!!

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, which allows bloggers to share the books they're eagerly anticipating to be released in 2011. I love doing this and checking out all the upcoming books bloggers find to share with everyone! Here's mine!

Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari

A thrilling tale of adventure, romance, and one girl's unyielding courage through the darkest of nightmares.

Epidemics, floods, droughts--for sixteen-year-old Lucy, the end of the world came and went, taking 99% of the population with it. As the weather continues to rage out of control, and Sweepers clean the streets of plague victims, Lucy survives alone in the wilds of Central Park. But when she's rescued from a pack of hunting dogs by a mysterious boy named Aidan, she reluctantly realizes she can't continue on her own. She joins his band of survivors, yet, a new danger awaits her: the Sweepers are looking for her. There's something special about Lucy, and they will stop at nothing to have her.

This sounds so intriguing and intense! I love the title and how it's implied the next words will be, as the nursery rhyme goes, ''we all fall down''. Books about the end of the world just fascinate me for some reason, in a wow-that-could-totally-happen-to-us kind of fascination. Plus this cover just completely draws me in-- I love how it shows the two kids with all the destruction looming over them. Very powerful!! This book comes out June 1st, 2011.

Have a wonderful reading Wednesday everyone!

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs. But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?

Raised by Wolves is by far one of the the best werewolf novels I've read out there. Barnes takes the meaning 'werewolf' to a whole new level, melding common mythology and ingenious, believable new ideas into a seamless narrative that made me laugh and exclaim in the oddest of places. The wolves aren't sugarcoated either-- I found their animalistic, dominant natures to be totally realistic, much closer to their true wolf selves than human. I really liked the underlying message of being your own person, not letting others control you, yet still being part of something larger than yourself; it gave the book a deeper, more mature feel. The overall writing style was quite easy to read and very descriptive, allowing the reader to really get a sense of the characters and community in the story, and the twist at the end will keep you wide-eyed and ready for the next installment.

I loved all the characters in this book. Their personalities were written so perfectly: Bryn especially made me grin with her shrewd, sarcastic observations, lightening up the most dire of situations. Even the more minor characters, like Lake (Bryn's reckless, faithful friend) were bursting with individuality. Devon loved Broadway, Lake named her gun Matilda, ecetera. You can really relate with all of them, which I think is important in a book. Rebellious Bryn learns a lot from when we first meet her in the beginning, to the last scene in the end. Her identity is called into question, and she realizes she is strong enough to break away from the restrictive pack bonds that she is constantly fighting against. Her feelings of Callum's betrayal are very easy to relate to, as he is more of a father figure to her than anyone else. The only problem I had with the character relationships was between Bryn and Chase. Their sudden connection seemed a little forced, and although Barnes gives us plausible reason for this, I still felt Chase should have been more developed before he and Bryn were suddenly thrust into their intricate 'bond'. Although I have to admit, I was pleased Bryn didn't turn into one of those dependant, washed-out girls that rely completely on male companionship throughout the story-- the author manages to throw the romantic element into the story and still keep Bryn's snappy personality in there too. She was a breath of fresh air.

My Favorite Quote: "Lake breathed out a happy sigh as she approached the row filled with guns. "Matilda was my first, but ladies, you know how to make a girl want to stray." (I love Lake!)

About the Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes (who mostly goes by Jen) was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has been, in turn, a competitive cheerleader, a volleyball player, a dancer, a debutante, a primate cognition researcher, a teen model, a comic book geek, and a lemur aficionado. She's been writing for as long as she can remember, finished her first full book (which she now refers to as a "practice book" and which none of you will ever see) when she was still in high school, and then wrote Golden the summer after her freshman year in college, when she was nineteen. Jen graduated high school in 2002, and from Yale University with a degree in cognitive science (the study of the brain and thought) in May of 2006. She spent the 2006-2007 school year abroad, doing autism research at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. (from Goodreads)

Upcoming Book: Trial by Fire, sequel to Raised by Wolves, coming June 14, 2011! So excited!!