Friday, December 30, 2011

TOUCH OF FROST by Jennifer Estep {Book Review}

Rating: ★★★★★
Publication Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
Format: Paperback, 336pp
Age Range: Young Adult
Series: Mythos Academy Series, #1
Source: Bought
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy — a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest.

But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why—especially since I should have been the one who died...

I really liked this book a lot. I really love Greek and Norse mythology, and this had it all. <3 And I intensely like the idea that Loki is the bad guy in this. Not many books talk about him, or Thor for that matter. At least, any that I know of.

I felt insanely sorry for Gwen; she's a genuine good-natured girl. And how she's treated in this book just pisses me off to no end. I just want to run up and hug her and pamper her. :)

Logan is just a complete jackass. But he's kickass too. Although, jackass ruled out kickass in my shelves for heroes. The ending of it totally made me dislike him more than the beginning. Maybe my feelings will change in the second book, but probably not by much. But I do hope that there's more to his story like he said in the end of the book. I'd like to know more of his history and why he's slightly bipolar. ;P (That's not in the book, just so you know.)

Over all, this was a pretty interesting book. I really loved the history and research that was in this. Very interesting. :D Since I've got a hard-on for Norse and Greek mythology, of course I'd like it. <3

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My To-Be-Read Pile :)

Just thought I'd show you guys what my TBR pile looks like at the moment, since I haven't been posting hardly anything this month. I need to get these bad boys read before the next month is over! Pressure! ;P
→ Rampant by Diana Pererfruend
→ Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
→ Soul Screamers: Volume 1 by Rachel Vincent
→ Die For Me by Amy Plum
→ In The Forests of the Night by Kersten Hamilton

Plus, I'm sure I'll be reading more books in between that come out throughout the month. :D

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Cover Reveal: THE GIRL IN THE CLOCKWORK COLLAR by Kady Cross

There's no official overview of this yet. But man, this cover is wickedly awesome. I haven't read the first book, but I plan too! I've been hearing wonderful things about them. :D

Publication date: May 22, 2012 
Publisher: Harlequin 
Format: Hardback, 304pp 
Pre-OrderBarnes and Noble | Amazon

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Waiting On Wednesday (#5)

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

This week's anticipated book for me is Lothaire by Kresley Cole. 

Release Date: January 10. 2012
Publisher: Gallery Books
Format: Hardcover, 464pp
Age Range: Adult
Series: Immortals After Dark, #12
Pre-Order: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

ALL FEAR THE ENEMY OF OLD

Driven by his insatiable need for revenge, Lothaire, the Lore’s most ruthless vampire, plots to seize the Horde’s crown. But bloodlust and torture have left him on the brink of madness— until he finds Elizabeth Peirce, the key to his victory. He captures the unique young mortal, intending to offer up her very soul in exchange for power, yet Elizabeth soothes his tormented mind and awakens within him emotions Lothaire believed he could no longer experience.

A DEADLY FORCE DWELLS WITHIN HER

Growing up in desperate poverty, Ellie Peirce yearned for a better life, never imagining she’d be convicted of murder—or that an evil immortal would abduct her from death row. But Lothaire is no savior, as he himself plans to sacrifice Ellie in one month’s time. And yet the vampire seems to ache for her touch, showering her with wealth and sexual pleasure. In a bid to save her soul, Ellie surrenders her body to the wicked vampire, while vowing to protect her heart.

CENTURIES OF COLD INDIFFERENCE SHATTERED

Elizabeth tempts Lothaire beyond reason, as only his fated mate could. As the month draws to a close, he must choose between a millenniaold blood vendetta and his irresistible prisoner. Will Lothaire succumb to the miseries of his past . . . or risk everything for a future with her?

Oh man! I can't wait for this book to come out. I've been wanting to learn more about Lothaire and his evil deeds. <3 This is going to be a glorious book!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

RECKONING by Lili St. Crow {Book Review}

Rating: ★★★★★
Publication Date: 11/1/2011
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Pages: Paperback, 304pp
Age range: Young Adult
Series: Strange Angels Series, #5
Source: Bought from B&N
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

The electric finale in New York Times bestselling author Lili St. Crow's Strange Angels series! 

Nobody expected Dru Anderson to survive this long. Not Graves. Not Christophe. Not even Dru. She's battled killer zombies, jealous djamphirs, and bloodthirsty suckers straight out of her worst nightmares. But now that Dru has bloomed into a full-fledged svetocha - rare, beautiful, and toxic to all vampires - the worst is yet to come. 

Because getting out alive is going to cost more than she's ever imagined. And in the end, is survival really worth the sacrifice?


DRU ANDERSON'S NOT AFRAID OF THE DARK.  BUT SHE SHOULD BE.

Oh my Cheez-Its. That can't be the ending. SO MUCH IS LEFT IN A CLIFFHANGERRR.

*le sigh* I don't want to say much, in fear of spoiling anything. But I will say that this is a somewhat satisfying ending to this series. I do believe I felt more sorry for Graves than anybody. Then Christophe. Hell, I felt sorry for Dru. But then it's like, Well you're kick-ass and stubborn. You'll find a way out of it eventually. And man, there was a lot of action in this one too. I mean, dur. You're going to expect a shit-ton of action in a Lilith Saintcrow book.

I feel like Graves wasn't in this book that much. I mean, I know it's nothing compared to Defiance. But still, this was the final book, and I feel like Christophe somewhat got all the heat. Even though I love him more than Graves. I still like Graves though. c:

There could definitely be a sixth book. And I'm not saying that like, "oh I heard somewhere that the author is writing another book." Noooo. I'm saying that like "there's a lot that's undone" type of way. Lili is notorious for endings like that, it seems. Her books leave you wondering. Big time. I read her Dante Valentine series that came out in one book... And it was weird. But a good type of weird. And it had an ending that was like..."WTF HAPPENS NOW?!" That's how I feel about the Strange Angels series. Like a few questions for instance. (Spoilery!!!!) Is Graves really coming back? Where does this leave Dru and Graves? Where does this leave Dru and Christophe? What's Dru's full name?

UGH. I wish there was a sixth one. :( But this was an awesome finale~

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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

CLOCKWORK PRINCE by Cassandra Clare {Book Review}

Rating: ★★★★★
Publication Date: December 6, 2011
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Edition Description: Collector's First Edition
Format: Hardback, 502pp
Series: Infernal Devices Series, #2
Source: Bought at Walmart
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Walmart

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

Slight spoilery!

I say. That was the best book of Cassandra Clare yet. By far.

So much happened in this one book, I don't even know where to begin. D:

I wasn't expecting a number of things to happen with this one. I've been a fan of Cassie since City of Glass came out in 2009, and she never ceases to surprise me. Especially with this one. I mean, I don't think I've ever been more surprised by a book in my life yet.

One, it tells more about Will's family, and why he's such a jerk. (I think a lot of people will be satisfied with that bit.) I liked that I could see more into his past, because I really wanted to know why he acted the way he did. And lemme tell ya, he had a rough burden on him.

Also. CHAPTER 18. OH MY GODDDDDDDDD!!! If that didn't satisfy Team Jem fans (Which I am one), I don't know what will! HOLY MOTHER OF GOD. I think my heart leaped out of my chest!! I WASN'T EXPECTING THAT ONE DAMN BIT. o_o And the thing that made me even more happier, Tessa said yes. OMFGGGG.

I lol'd when Magnus kissed Will. That's all I'll say on that one. ;)

I feel absolutely sorry for Will at the end. Because after I read about his...situation...I started to like him...a lot. After he got all hyped up and happier than he's been in probably his whole life... And then Tessa had to tell him about...*shuts mouth before spoiler*...that. And her bluntness and the very last paragraph at the end of the book... dkhgsdkl;UGHHHH. That totally tore me down along with him. Because this book will sway you on which Team you're on. I know it did me, but I'm not too far gone from Jem. <3

Also. I really don't like Jessamine. I didn't like her in Clockwork Angel. What she did was really...bitchy. Nyeh.

I don't want to say too much, for fearing of spoiling anything and everything. I feel like I did already. But there's so much that happened in this, my head is still reeling! UGH.

I need the next book. And it's the last one. BAD FEELING.

God, help me.

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Saturday, December 10, 2011

In My Mailbox (#5)

I only got a few books this week. 
1. Across The Universe by Beth Revis
2. Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep
3. Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep
4. Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Prince is Collector's First Edition, and it has Will's letter to his family, and also Tessa's and Jem's first meeting. :D I'm going to start that badboy as soon as possible! (Also, the edition that I got from Books of Wonder still hasn't come yet. I want that poster so bad I can't stand it anymore. D: Plus it's signed by Cassie. That makes it all the more unbearable. </3)


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ANGEL BURN by L.A. Weatherly {Book Review}

Rating: ★★★★
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication date: May 24, 2011
Format: Hardback, 464pp
Age range: Young Adult
Source: Bought
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Willow knows she’s different from other girls, and not just because she loves tinkering with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into the future and know people’s dreams and hopes, their sorrows and regrets, just by touching them. She has no idea where this power comes from. But the assassin, Alex, does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows more about Willow than Willow herself. He knows that her powers link to dark and dangerous forces, and that he’s one of the few humans left who can fight them. When Alex finds himself falling in love with his sworn enemy, he discovers that nothing is as it seems, least of all good and evil. In the first book in an action-packed, romantic trilogy, L..A. Weatherly sends readers on a thrill-ride of a road trip - and depicts the human race at the brink of a future as catastrophic as it is deceptively beautiful.

They’re out for your soul . . . and they don’t have heaven in mind.

When I first picked up this book, I knew it was about angels. I thought it was about loving angels. Caring angels. The kind of angels that you basically rely on. But I was way off. This book holds a new twist of the very definition of angels. These feed off human energy, making their victim tired and weak and loony when they touch them.

The are two reasons why I was a bit reluctant to continue reading this. First, angels in my opinion aren't like that. Considering that I'm a Christian, I like to think that angels are good-natured. And the second there were "Angel Killers." People that are trained to see angels in their angelic form instead of their human one. The AKs kill the angels. And I was hoping for a more...drastic reason for them to kill angels. Them just feeding off humans and leaving them crazier than a shit-house rat seemed like a weak reason for them to actually kill them. I kept reading because I wanted to know if there was something else to the killing of angels.

Another reason why I kept reading; the romance. It has to be the second book that I've read that the main hero and heroine didn't kiss until over halfway towards the end. The tension kept me reading, of course. And when they did finally give in, it was amazing. Emotion seemed to leap off the page. I loved it.

Alex has to be my favorite character. Becaaaause, he's sexy. Everything about him is sexy. I knoooow that I shouldn't just base characters off their looks. But...seriously. Come on. Who wouldn't when you read this bit:

"I jumped as the bathroom door opened. Alex came back into the bedroom wearing a pair of navy-blue sweatpants, his dark hair looking towel-dried. He dropped his clothes on the dresser and went over to his bag, while I tried not to stare at the sight of him with his shirt off -- the toned muscles on his stomach, chest, and arms; the smoothness of his skin, still slightly damp from the shower. With a sideways glance, I took in the faint line of dark hair that crept down from his navel, watched his tanned shoulders moved as he rummaged in in the bag and pulled out a T-shirt. There was a tattoo on his left bicep -- a black AK in gothic lettering."


Yeah.

Anyway... He's very passionate towards Willow. Tender, even. I like that in a guy. Since I'm a passionate person as well, I can relate to his feelings.

Willow seems like a decent role for the heroine. You can tell at the end when she takes control over herself and fights for the ones she loves. I like her. So that's all I'm going to say before I actually think about her flaws (if any), and find a way to dislike her. Like I usually do with lead females.

So this was an awesome book. I'm definitely going to pick the next one up, Angel Fire. And to be honest, I like the UK cover for this better than the US one. I have no idea why. I just do. :)

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Thursday, December 8, 2011

Cover Reveal: THE IMMORTAL RULES by Julie Kagawa

*ominous music plays*
Here it is! :D


You will kill. The only question is when.

In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive.


Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire.

Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.

Set to release April 24th, 2012.

Holy macaroni. This is just perfect. I love the dark and eerie/creepy feel of this cover. Especially with the blood tear and the red eye. Just makes me want to read it right this minute. HarlequinTeen's has done it again with this one. Absolutely perfect for a vampire book. 
I. Can't. Wait.




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Wednesday, December 7, 2011

AWAKE AT DAWN by C.C. Hunter {Book Review}

Rating: ★★★★
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication date: October 11, 2011
Format: Paperback, 400pp
Age range: Young Adult
Series Title: A Shadow Falls Novel Series
Source: Bought at B&N
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Step into the world of Shadow Falls, a camp that helps teens tap into their special…talents. Once you visit, you’ll never forget it—and you’ll never, ever be the same.

From the moment Kylie Galen arrived at Shadow Falls Camp, she’s had one burning question: What am I? Surrounded by vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, fairies and witches, Kylie longs to figure out her own supernatural identity…and what her burgeoning powers mean. And now she’ll need them more than ever, because she’s being haunted by a new spirit who insists that someone Kylie knows—and loves—will die before the end of the summer. If only she only knew who she was supposed to save. And how…

But giving Kylie the most trouble is her aching heart. Gorgeous werewolf Lucas left camp with another girl, but he’s still visiting Kylie in her dreams. And Derek, a sexy half Fae who’s always been there for her when she needed him, is pushing to get more serious—and growing impatient, especially when Lucas returns. Kylie knows she needs to decide between the boys, and it’s tearing her up inside.

Yet romance will have to wait, because something from the dark side of the supernatural world is hiding in Shadow Falls. It’s about to threaten everything she holds dear…and bring her closer to her destiny.

Awesome sequel to Born at Midnight. :D It was pretty neat that Kylie showed symptoms of a few different species. I'd love to know what the hell she is!

My thoughts on the characters
Derek was okay until a little more than halfway through the book. Jerk.
Miranda is adorable. I want to squeeze and hug her.
Della is funny as hell. I can relate to her though.
Kylie is...I don't even know. I will by the last book, hopefully.
Lucas is...ugh. <3 Team Lucas all the way~

Can't wait for Taken as Dusk~

/end short review because I'm lazy and tired.

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(I'm sorry for the short review, just didn't really have a lot to say on this book. But it was an enjoyable read. c:)

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Waiting On Wednesday (#4)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at  Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
So, my most anticipated book this week is City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare.


Publisher
: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication date: May 6, 2012
Format: Hardback, 496pp
Age range: Young Adult
Buy: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

In Book 5: City of Lost Souls, the Shadowhunters struggle to piece together their shattered world after a betrayal by one of their own leaves them reeling.


I'm pretty sure that there will be an official overview of the book sometime soon, since the cover is to be released around Christmas. (Which I'll made a separate post on that when it does come out.)

Can't wait for this to come out!!! I've been a fan of the series since 2009. <33 *squee!*

Also, Clockwork Prince is out! I should be getting mine hopefully this week. It was supposed to ship yesterday, but something went wrong with the credit card and it shipped today. Eh. I ordered it from Books of Wonder in New York when Cassie posted that they were selling signed copies of CP, that also comes with a Shadowhunter poster. And now, it says a Clockwork Prince key chain or the poster. Plus, Walmart and Barnes and Noble have special first editions...that's I wanted...but I wanted the poster and the signed version more. ;P Oh well. At least the special content will be on the net in 6 months. *slowly dies inside*




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Sunday, December 4, 2011

WHEN COPPER SUNS FALL by KaSonndra Leigh - Book Trailer

Hi, fellow bloggers! So KaSonndra Leigh released her book trailer for her debut book, When Copper Suns Fall on her website. She was kind enough to let me be her first reviewer, so she gave me an e-ARC of her book! She's a very kind person. :) I think you guys will be in for a treat when it comes out Tuesday. ;) (December 6th, 2011)

Enjoy the trailer! It's very mystifying.


About the author.
KaSonndra Leigh lives in Durham, North Carolina. She's completed her Master of Fine Arts in creative writing and is now looking forward to playing CLUE more often. She lives in an L shaped house (see Karmic Requests under the essays section) where she's created a secret library complete with fairies, venetian plastered walls, and a desk made out of clear blue glass. For more information, see the six word memoir to the right...

Favorite TV Show: Xena Warrior Princess
Favorite Movie: The Matrix
Favorite Music: Sarah Brightman
Favorite Book: The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Favorite Food: Italiano
People I Most Admire: Nezetta Tomlinson Wall - R.I.P.

Hope you guys enjoy her book when it comes out! I know I did. :D Make sure to get a copy~

My review of When Copper Suns Fall.



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Thursday, December 1, 2011

In My Mailbox (#5)

So I got some new books I ordered from Barnes and Noble today and yesterday. :D These books are mostly just catching up books. Meaning I got the sequel, or getting books that I've been wanted to a long time. Here they are!
Angel Burn - L.A. Weatherly
Die For Me - Amy Plum 
Eyes Like Stars - Lisa Mantchev
Reckoning - Lili St. Crow
Ghost Town - Rachel Caine
Rampant - Diana Peterfreund 
Awake at Dawn - C.C. Hunter
The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance - Various
The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance - Various
Soul Screamers: Volume 1 {My Soul To Lose\My Soul To Take\My Soul To Save} - Rachel Vincent
The Pledge - Kimberly Derting
In the Forest of the Night - Kersten Hamilton
On Top
The Demon in Me - Michelle Rowen
Hounded - Kevin Herne
Moon Called - Patricia Briggs

Can't wait to start reading these! <3


In My Mailbox is a weekly meme created by Kristi over at The Story Siren. :)



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