Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday: #8

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine! It showcases books that we can't wait on to come out!
This week I'm waiting on Dreamless by Josephine Angelini!
As the only Scion that can enter Hades at will, Helen descends to the Underworld in search of a way to overcome the Furies and end the cycle of revenge that has cursed the Scions. But she’s running out of time. Each descent weakens her both in mind and spirit. A mysterious stranger might be her only salvation, but the price may be her love for Lucas Delos. 

As an unforgettable love triangle emerges, Josephine Angelini’s compelling saga becomes ever more intricate and spellbinding. The eagerly awaited sequel to the internationally bestselling Starcrossed, Dreamless delivers with a huge emotional impact that will leave readers satisfied—and longing for more.
goodreads.com

I am so excited for this book to come! I loved Starcrossed!
~~Sam :)

RAK November Wrap Up!

Hi everyone!! I just wanted to come and wrap up with November with a quick post!! :) I was very happy to receive some very nice books that I had been wanting for a while! Also I was able to send out two books!!
I sent out The Ninth Daughter to Barbara! 

I also sent out Enchanted to Kylie!

I was very lucky to get some books from extremely kind people! :)
I received Forgotten from Teri @ Dreaming Dreams

I received A Connecticut Fashionista In King Arthur's Court from Beth!


I am very thankful that I was able to send out books, and receive them as well!!! Anne is doing the next RAK month!! :)
~~Sam

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Teaser Tuesday: 11/28


This lovely weekly feature is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading!

Rules:

  • Grab your current read!
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page!
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS
  • Share the title and author!


Teasers:
"Around the world, over the space of days, black hand prints appeared on many doors, each scorched deep into the wood or metal. Nairobi, Delhi, St. Pertersburg, a handful of other cities. It was a phenomenon.
Pg 48, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Laini Taylor

Friday, November 25, 2011

Friday 56: #2

 The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice!
Rules:
  • Grab your current read
  • Turn to page 56
  • Find any sentence that grabs you
  • Post it
  • Add your URL to her Linky!

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
"Rose invited herself along," said Abe. "Just to make sure the rest of us didn't miss anything. Eddie's the one who will be joining you at Amberwood."

I really want to know what Rose is getting into this time!
~~Sam :)

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!


Hey everyone! I wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone out there! Today is a wonderful day! It is a day to be thankful for all the amazing items and people we have been blessed with in our lives. Plus the food, you can't for get the food.

I am thankful for everyone who takes the time to follow mine and Anne's blog. The people who take time out of their hectic days to quickly come over to our blog and read it! Thanks everyone!!

Who else, besides me, does this picture remind you of the Hunger Games? I mean with the Cornucopia, or is that just me? Ya.. I'll stop typing now!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
~~Sam :D

Review: Wildefire

Title: Wildefire
Author: Karsten Knight
Published: July 26, 2011
Source: Bought

Synopsis: From Goodreads.com
 Every flame begins with a spark.
 Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.

Review:
Wow.. Whoa... OMG!!! Those are my reactions upon finishing this book. It was amazing. Wildefire left me speechless, a book hasn't been able to do that in a long, long time. Granted I haven't read a lot of books lately. This book had everything you could ever want, a sarcastic female lead, Gods and Goddesses, and of course, some hot steamy romance.

The cover is what drew me into the book in the first place. It was simple and elegant, with a question of the meaning behind it. I had the hardcover copy and I take off the book sleeve when I read.. and I admit that I was a little loopy on cold medicine, but the texture and pattern on the cover entertained me for about five minutes till my mom asked me what I was doing... :)

The setting and plot were perfect, at least to me. He kept me in suspense at certain parts and kept the story moving at the right tempo so a sick girl could actually stay focused on the story and not on falling asleep. It was a quick read, about one and a half days of off and on reading. The setting was a mysterious prep school called Blackwood, and frankly, I want to go there! But I don't think I could handle the five minute showers...

I absolutely adore Ash. Ashline Wilde was a human mood ring. She is that tough girl that everyone is scared of on the outside, but wants to be on the inside. She isn't scared to throw a punch every now and then, and will fight for a random stranger being kidnapped. Sure, she has her sentimental moments and the moments where she is weak, but it just makes her more realistic, no one can be the strong one all the time.

I couldn't put this book down, and when I had too, I kept thinking about it. Karsten had me crying, laughing, and being pissed at Ash's descisions throughout the whole book. He wrote an amazing book that I gladly give 51 out of 51 tacos. I cannot wait till the next book comes out! I will pre-order it as soon as it is avaible. Go read this book, you won't regret it. Check out this interview done by Between the Covers with Karsten, it includes some of my faveorite lines from the book! And now I leave you with Karsten Knight talking about his book!
~~Sam :)


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Justin's Book Blog: Huge Holiday Giveaway

Justin's Book Blog: Huge Holiday Giveaway: I've been planning this giveaway for awhile now, but I have finally figured out how I want to do it. And I wanted to make it a really great ...
- The Final Prize is based on what my follower count is when the giveaway ends. Following is NOT MANDATORY, so if you don't want to follow you don't have too. If you like the blog and want to follow that is fine, and greatly appreciated. -

Starting Amount: $20 Towards the Book Depository

200 Followers: $30 Towards the Book Depository

250 Followers: $40 Towards the Book Depository <---- (Guaranteed)

300 Followers: $50 Towards the Book Depository

350 Followers: $60 Towards the Book Depository

400 Followers: $70 Towards the Book Depository

450 Followers: $80 Towards the Book Depository

500 Followers: $90 Towards the Book Depository

550 Followers: $100 Towards the Book Depository

That is going to be the cutoff as far as the actual credit for the book depository goes but I am also going to have one more option available if I the giveaway happens to reach it.

750 Followers: $100 + 3 ARC's (See images below.)

Follow Me To 1,000 Followers Giveaway

Follow Me To 1,000 Followers Giveaway
Five Alarm Book Reviews

Here Is How It Works <-- Taken directly from her website!

  1. This is the ONLY time that my giveaway required following for an entry, since this giveaway is based on a GFC number and it is to thank my readers.
  2. Your entries stay in the drawing until the giveaway ends on the day that we reach 1,000 followers.
  3. You can win more than once.
  4. At every milestone of 100 additional followers (200, 300, 400, etc.) another winner will be chosen using Random.org.
  5. Followers are also eligible for our Surprise Giveaways in addition to this contest. (No additional entries required)
  6. When 1,000 followers are reached the giveaway will come to an end and our final winner will be chosen for the big prize package, valued at $150.

Prizes at 100 follower milestones will be:

  • $20 gift card or coupon code at 200 followers KATHLEEN BIANCHI
  • $30 gift card or coupon code at 300 followers ASHLEY BARKER
  • $40 gift card or coupon code at 400 followers; ERIN
  • $50 gift card or coupon code at 500 followers; JOSIE NASH
  • $60 gift card or coupon code at 600 followers;
  • $70 gift card or coupon code at 700 followers;
  • $80 gift card or coupon code at 800 followers;
  • $90 gift card or coupon code at 900 followers;
  • and then for the big prize package…

Big 1000 follower prize package will be an assortment of book related items valued at $150 and will be according to availability at the close of contest and adjusted to your personal preference according to your comment answer (see entry form for comment question).

Some ideas to include in your answer:

  • ARC’s
  • New Releases
  • Book Accessories
  • Swag
  • Totes
  • Mugs
  • Gift Card/ Coupon Code
  • Kindle instead of a package of smaller stuff
  • Just say “Surprise Me”
  • Etc.

NOTE: I am getting a lot of requests (especially from international) for Book Depository gift cards.

I love Book Depository but I wrote them and they are not doing gift cards yet. When I get an international winner I will order the books for you and have them shipped. US residents will receive their choice of Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift cards for milestone markers.

Contest Rules:

  • This is my only giveaway that is requires a follow on GFC.
  • 100 interval prizes are international;
  • NEW UPDATE All prizes are international as long as Book Depository ships to your location;
  • Entry verification will be done when a winner is chosen;
  • If the winner has misrepresented themselves during the entry process, another winner will be chosen;
  • Winners will have 48 hours to respond to winner notification via email;
  • If the winner does not respond within the designated time, another winner will be chosen.
  • Remember to Answer in the Comment Section: If you were the winner of the big prize, what are some of the things you would like included in your package.

Bookmark this post and come back to tweet for extra entries.

Winners will be announces here as they are chosen and notified through email.

Waiting on Wednesday: #7

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. It showcases books that we can't wait for!!
This week I am waiting on Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter

The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan--an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and the dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home. 

Once she returns to school, however, Cammie realizes that even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers. Cammie, her friends, and mysterious spy-guy Zach must face their most difficult challenge yet as they travel to the other side of the world, hoping to piece together the clues that Cammie left behind. It’s a race against time. The Circle is hot on their trail and willing stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.
Goodreads.com

I cannot wait for this book! I have read all the others in the series and each one gets to me!
What are you waiting on this week?
~~Sam:)

Monday, November 21, 2011

The Veil



Seventeen-year-old Addison Russell is in for a shock when she discovers that she can see the invisible world of the Annorasi. Suddenly, nothing is as it appears to be--the house she lives in, the woman who raised her, even the most beautiful boy in town all turn out to be more than what they seem. And when this strange new world forces Addy to answer for a crime that was committed long ago, by parents she has never known, she has no choice but to trust Luc, the mysterious Annorasi who has been sent to protect her. Or so he says . . .

-from amazon.com

I genuinely enjoyed this book. It was very sweet and honest, and in a way it reminded me of the first few episodes of The Nine Lives Of Chloe King; the pure growth and innocence of it. Addy has a very strong and clear voice throughout the novel, which is a good thing. We get to learn through her, and we get to learn everything, unlike some books of the modern age. To some, this may be a heavily cliched book that you've read a million times. But it really isn't. Yes, Luc is a hot guy that comes in and saves the day, but in the end I didn't really focus on how hot he was. I was focusing on how brave he was and how he cared for Addy. Yes, Addy is a strong female character who is an orphan. Like all the other orphan characters though, it is one of their defining traits. Yes, there is a magical world that you don't know about, and this one is just as breathtaking as the others.

In the end, I give this book 42 out of 51 tacos because I'm fairly certain that it can only be bought off Amazon and maybe a few other things you'll catch if you read it. Although I'm pretty sure those are just me. If you want a quick and easy read that will leave you hungry for more... You're already online. Go order it now!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

IMM #4

In My Mailbox is a way to showcase the books we got recently got! It is hosted by The Story Siren!


Bought:
Sophie & Carter by Chelsea Fine
Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

For Review:
Insight by Jamie Magee ~ From Author
Embody by Jamie Magee ~ From Author
Image by Jamie Magee ~ From Author
Wandering Stars by Marlon Pierre-Antoine ~ From Author
Untraceable by S.R Johannes ~ From Author

Gifts/ Won:
Dark Lullaby by Marya Calvani
Wingless By Holly Hood  ~ Rebecca @ Kindle Fever
Spellbound By Margeaux Laurent
Forgotten By Cat Patrick ~  Teri @ Dreaming Dreams
A Connecticut Fashionista in King Arthors Court by Marianne Mancusi ~ Beth
Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon ~ Gwenyth
Dirty Blood By Heather Hildenbrand ~ Wendy at A Cupcake and a Latte
Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz ~ Gwenyth 
Daughter of Smoke and Bone By Laini Taylor ~ Jessica @ I Read to Relax

I just want to say thanks to everyone who either gave me books or who was kind enough to send me some through RAK! I am sorry that I forgot where I got a few books! I know I've been bad with IMM lately and I am really sorry!
~Sam:)

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Review: The Bronze and the Brimstone


Synopsis: Goodreads.com


Title: The Bronze and The Brimstone
Author: Lory Kaufman
Published: June 7, 2011
Source: Review book

What could go wrong in the 14th-century 
for three time-traveling teens? 
How about – EVERYTHING! 

Hansum, Shamira and Lincoln, three teens from the 24th-century, are trapped in 14th-century Verona, Italy. They’ve survived many deadly experiences by keeping their wits about them and by introducing futuristic technology into the past. Principal among these inventions is the telescope, which brought them to the attention to the rich and powerful. 

But standing out can get you into unexpected and dangerous situations. The nobles of Verona now believe Hansum is a savant, a genius inventor, especially after he brings them plans for advanced cannons and black powder. Being the center of attention is great, but the potential for trouble is now exponentially greater because people are watching Hansum’s every move. 

Meanwhile, artistic genius Shamira has fallen for a Florentine artist with bloody and disasterous consequences. Lincoln, considered an incompetent back home in the 24th-century, has blossomed – at least until he’s shot in the head with an arrow. And Hansum, after secretly marrying his new master’s beautiful daughter, Guilietta, is offered the hand in marriage of lady Beatrice, daughter of the ruler of Verona. To refuse could mean calamity for all the teens. 

Amazingly, none of this is their biggest challenge. Because a rash illness is spreading across Verona – and it is threatening to consume everyone. 

Do they have a future in this past? 




About Lory Kaufman


“I write Post-Dystopian fiction. After society’s collapse, which is imagined in so many great dystopian stories, humans will either fade into history, with the dinosaurs, or, if it learns the right lessons, society will go on to construct a civilization to last tens of thousands of years. History Camp stories are the exciting adventures of young people doing the latter.” -Lory Kaufman
On the artistic side of Lory’s career, he’s written, acted and directed children’s theatre and musical theatre. He enjoys art, especially sculpture. He loves science fiction and historical fiction and he has been deeply involved in the green movement all across North America. All this shows through when you read his work. Lory has three grown children and works and lives in Kingston, Canada.

To find out more about Lory visit www.history-camp.com



Review:
Part One: The first book was kind of boring. Its mostly a recap of what happened in the last book. He is just going over some basic information. Of course an unexpected little surprise happens and the Podesta wants more out of Hansum. But that's just the basics. Nothing much is happening. The first book is only about 50 pages, and barely anything important (at least to me) happens in these 50 pages.


Part Two: This book got a bit more interesting. It was faster paced and I was able to pay attention and enjoy it a whole bunch more than the first book. There was so much going on in this section that it was hard to keep up, plus the names were confusing and similar, so I often got the characters confused. Hansum was with the Podesta and well.. lets just say, the Podesta is very two-faced. I lost all my respect for the Podesta when he did the things he did. This section of the book was filled with lies, trickery, and things blowing up. :) 


Part Three: This section just summed things up. Tied up loose ends, and had a bit of drama mixed in. The little action that did happen kept me on my toes, and cause a bit of emotions in me. The Black Plague had come earlier than expected, and the outcome is quite sad. A crazy master, a money hungry priest, and a little too much to drink do not add up to a good combination, you'll figure out the reason behind that if you read the book!! I was very disappointed in the ending, it could have came with a little more bang to it. It was just like *insert non-spoiler ending here* THE END! I seriously stared at the book for a few minutes and was like "That's is? Really?!" 


I would recommend this book to people who like time-travel books and the olden days. This book was much better than the first, and the third book is coming out soon. I give this book a 31 out of 51 Tacos! Thank you to Lory Kaufman for asking me to be apart of this book tour and I hope your next book gets better!
~~Sam :)

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Blogger Love!


Hey everyone!! Paper Cuts is being featured on Nightly Reading! I am honored to be apart of Blogger Love and everyone should go check out her blog! She has an amazing blog! I won't post a copy here! So if you want to go and read an interview with me and a review I have done then go check it out!!! :)
~~Sam:)

Waiting On Wednesday: #6


When Psyche receives a prophecy gone horribly wrong, she learns that even the most beautiful girl in Greece can have a hideous future. Her fate? Fall in love with the one creature even the gods fear.

As she feels herself slipping closer into the arms of the prophecy, Psyche must choose between the terrifyingly tender touch she feels almost powerless to resist and the one constant she's come to expect out of life: you cannot escape what is destined.

Destined is a fresh and heartachingly romantic retelling of the Cupid & Psyche myth from debut novelist, Jessie Harrell.



This book looks absolutely amazing! I can't wait to read it. The cover is just gorgeous!
What are you waiting on this week?
~~Sam:)

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Review: Wandering Stars


Synopsis: Goodreads.com

Title: Wandering Stars
Author: Marlon Pierre-Antoine
Published: October 1, 2011
Source: Author Request Copy
Version: eBook


Alice Valdez is a normal seventeen year old girl living a mundane post high school life that consists of work, sleep, hanging out, and more work - but it all changes when a chance encounter on the beach one night leads to a series of haunting dreams that bring her face to face with the most ancient evil the Universe has ever known. 


What do you do when the man you care for is none other than the Devil himself? Wandering Stars follows one girl's journey into the arms of darkness and into Hell itself - all in the name of love.



Review:
I was drawn into this book instantly. Wandering Stars has been on my to be read pile for about a month, and I finally got a chance to pick it up and thoroughly enjoy it, which it was! My first impression was wow! I wanted to be there with Alice when she saw two strange men talking in a strange language on a sandy beach in the dark of night.


I really like the cover. It is simple with non of the in your face images. I like the fact that its just two people with their backs to each other and a simple black backdrop with stars on it. The plot seemed to be a little rushed. The parts that I would want to be stretched out, seemed to be rushed. Then the parts that you would think would be short so you could get to the action, those moments were elongated, more than they should be.


Lets begin with Alice. She is a quiet girl with only a couple close friends. Then she meets Lucas, or the Devil as you soon find out. She was a very motivated character and very loving. She loved her best friend Evelyn, she loved Lucas, and of course she loved her mom. Her mind was taken over by Lucas and that was just a little annoying. but understandable. She would go through the depths of Hell for Lucas, and would do it over and over again.


Then there's Lucas. You don't get inside his head much, but you do hear a few thoughts. He wants to be free from his Curse and somehow Alice is key to that. Though you never fully figure out how she is. He keeps saying that he is this evil person, which I mean is understandable being the Devil, but he doesn't show that through his actions. He is sweet, caring, and considerate. He wants nothing but the best for Alice and I don't see how you can think hes a devil for that. 


There were parts of the book that didn't seem to fit in with the story, like these weird letters about an unknown darkness in the New World. They were never fully explained to the readers. I hope there is another books so this can be fully explained!


All in all I enjoyed this book! I liked the characters and the story line. I give this book 39 out of 51 Tacos! I want to thank the author, Marlon Pierre-Antoine, for giving me a chance to read this book. I would recommend it to anyone! I hope that he writes another book to continue the story and elaborate more on what happened at the end!
~~Sam:)

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Portrait of a Book: Blog Tour: Eternal Starling Author Interview & Gi...

Portrait of a Book: Blog Tour: Eternal Starling Author Interview & Gi...: ETERNAL STARLING by Angela Corbett A love so strong, even eternity can’t separate them. Evie Starling has lived a relatively unevent...

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Review: Everything We Ever Wanted

Title: Everything We Ever Wanted
Author: Sara Shepard
Published: October 2011
Source: Once Upon A Twilight Book Tours


Synopisis: BN.com

A recently widowed mother of two, Sylvie Bates-McAllister finds her life upended by a late-night phone call from the headmaster of the prestigious private school founded by her grandfather where her adopted son Scott teaches. Allegations of Scott's involvement in a hazing scandal cause a ripple effect, throwing the entire family into chaos. For Charles, Sylvie's biological son, it dredges up a ghost from the past who is suddenly painfully present. For his wife Joanna, it forces her to reevaluate everything she's hoped for in the golden Bates-McAllisters. And for Scott, it illuminates harsh truths about a world he has never truly felt himself a part of.
But for all the Bates-McAllisters, the call exposes a tangled web of secrets that ties the family together: the mystery of the school hazing, the event that tore Charles and Scott apart the night of their high school awards ceremony, and the intended recipient of a certain bracelet. The quest to unravel the truth takes the family on individual journeys across state lines, into hospitals, through the Pennsylvania woods, and face-to-face with the long-dormant question: what if the life you always planned for and dreamed of isn't what you want after all?

Review:
I usually love Sara Shepard, I think she is an amazing writer and enjoy her books a lot. Except there was something about this book that I couldn't get through. It makes me extremely sad when I can't finish a book because it makes me feel like I'm letting down the author, and Yara from Once Upon a Twilight.
I got about 70 pages in and the book just wasn't holding my attention. My thing with books is if they don't hold my attention by page 50, I'm done. I have given the book ample time to get interesting and captivate me, so if it doesn't then sorry! You're done! 
That's what happened with Everything We Ever Wanted. I couldn't follow the book and when I can't follow a book I get confused and give up. The beginning started out well enough, but I got the characters confused and the flashbacks were mixed in and all jumbled up. Or at least to me. 
The characters were very static. They didn't seem to have any motivations, just were dull and life-less. They acted like they didn't care about anything and were a happy go lucky family in an old creepy house.
The synopsis had originally captured my attention. It seemed mysterious and interesting, but none of that was evident in the book. In the pages I read, they were just covering up everything and ignoring the White Elephant in the room. 

 Thank you Yara for giving me the opportunity to read it. I might pick it up again at a later time, but for right now it doesn't interest me. In no way am I telling you not to read this book. It's not highly recommended by me and not my cup of tea. Remember that I am a book blogger and this is my opionion. It wasn't meant to hurt anyone and 

~~Sam



Wednesday, November 02, 2011

RAK: Novemeber

Random Acts of Kindness is hosted by Book Soulmates
Rules: Taken from Book Soulmates

  • Please sign-up each month that you can participate (and by participate, we mean give as well as receive).
  • Show off your participation by grabbing our RAK button (code is in the right sidebar).
  • Create a wish list (on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog etc) and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
  • If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger directly for their information.
  • Once you receive a RAK, send us an our new email to [rakbybooksoulmates @ gmail . com] so that we can update the Google Doc. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU SEND EMAILS TO THIS ADDRESS!
  • E-book participation is limited to files being gifted directly to a person from the e-book store. Amazon's Kindle Store is set up to allow this, as well as the Kobo store and we believe Barnes & Noble with Nook as well.
  • At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K by making a "RAK Wrap-Up" post.  This post should include who you SENT gifts to as well who you RECEIVED gifts from :)


If you want to participate then go to their website and sign up! Its as easy as that!
This is my second month participating and I love it! :)
~~Sam :)




 
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