Monday, April 29, 2013

If I Should Die by Amy Plum Giveaway


Woohoo! The blog has reached 50 reviews! This is a big milestone, and in honor of that, I'm doing something special. I recently emailed Amy Plum, author of the Revenants series, to become part of her street team for her upcoming book, If I Should Die. A street team is a group of people who spread the word about a book before it comes out and often give out promotional material. And today, I'm giving away three signed If I Should Die bookmarks and three Until I Die (the previous book in the series) bookmarks. But first, a little info on the author and the series.

Author Info:
Amy Plum is the author of the DIE FOR ME series, a YA trilogy set in Paris. The first and second book, DIE FOR ME and UNTIL I DIE are international bestsellers, and have been translated into eight different languages. The third book, IF I SHOULD DIE will be released in May 2013.
Amy grew up in Birmingham, Alabama before venturing further afield to Chicago, Paris, London and New York. An art historian by training, she can be found on most days either daydreaming or writing (or both) in a Parisian café.
Find the Author At:
Die For Me:
In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.
When Kate Mercier’s parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate’s guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he’s a revenant–an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.

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Until I Die:
Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy.

“The sequel to DIE FOR ME, this book is even better than the first. A thrilling adventure set in the City of Love, there’s a more complex enemy to fight against. With perfect twists and turns in all the right places, this hook ending will leave you dying for more.” (RT Book Reviews)

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If I Should Die:
The final book in the DIE FOR ME trilogy will be released in May 2013!

I will not lose another person I love. I will not let history repeat itself.

Vincent waited lifetimes to find me, but in an instant our future together was shattered. He was betrayed by someone we both called a friend, and I lost him. Now our enemy is determined to rule over France’s immortals, and willing to wage a war to get what they want.

It shouldn’t be possible, none of it should be, but this is my reality. I know Vincent is somewhere out there, I know he’s not completely gone, and I will do anything to save him.

After what we’ve already fought to achieve, a life without Vincent is unimaginable. He once swore to avoid dying—to go against his nature and forsake sacrificing himself for others—so that we could be together. How can I not risk everything to bring my love back to me?

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Now onto the giveaway! Without further ado...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hope everyone likes it!

Saturday, April 27, 2013

The Elite by Kiera Cass

First off, this book KILLED my feels! Like, straight up murdered them! The author, Kiera Cass, said that the feels weren't that bad in this book, but would be major in the final book in The Selection trilogy, The One. If I got this emotional reading The Elite, The One is going to kill me! To prove how much I loved this book, here's how long it took me to read it. It arrived from Barnes & Noble at about 4pm Friday afternoon. I began reading it non-stop until 6pm when I had to leave. I began reading again  a little after 9pm. I had finished the book by 11pm. I stayed up way to late reading the book, but, even though the feels were crazy, couldn't put it down. It was an emotional roller coaster to say the least. I've been waiting for The Elite ever since I read the first book The Selection last year. The Elite did not disappoint.

The main character is America Singer. In The Selection, she is taken from her poor life as a five (it takes place in a future America called Illéa where they have a caste system, one the best and eight the worst) and taken to the palace (oh, and did I forget to mention that the country has a royal family instead of a president) to possibly be the future wife of Prince Maxon. Although America has always disliked the caste system, things happen and America sees things that affect her greatly. Kiera Cass said that chapters seven and eight would be particularly hard on readers feels, and she couldn't have been more right. I think you'll agree with me when I say those chapters are emotionally overwhelming, for the reader as well as America. America proves again and again in the book that she is strong and will fight for what she stands for. Her ideals grow stronger in this book with every passing page. Readers also get a glimpse at what others believe in and out of Illéa. These things only strengthen her ideals and make her a character that all readers will love. What makes America relatable is that she still makes mistakes. Sometimes really stupid ones. Yet, eventually, she is able to own up to them and learn from them, which is an important trait for any person to have. America shows readers strength and weakness, calm and havoc, certainty and doubt, despair and hope.

While not the main focus of the book, there are some odd events in the book that don't quite add up, but I feel will be explained in The One. I can't give complete spoilers, but let's just say some enemies might not be quite as bad as one might believe, or so it's implied. I believe there is more to America and her history then meets the eye, things that even America doesn't know. America has some ideals that even she doesn't seem to realize can be revolutionary. Though it isn't obvious to her, it is to the reader that she is steadily becoming a beacon of hope for the hopeless, in Illéa and beyond. Truthfully, she's exactly what Illéa needs, even if she doesn't realize it yet. The plot in the book is amazing, and leaves just the right amount of questions unanswered that readers can't wait for the final book. At the same time, it has an ending that leaves readers satisfied. There were parts in the book I couldn't bear to read. Not because they were bad, but because they were done SO well. There were parts I knew were coming that were written, developed, and done so well that it was almost painful to read. Scenes so tense, I had to turn away. Scenes of heartbreak, pain, devastation, loss, and, ultimately, hope and promise, that I wanted to look away, but couldn't at the same time. I give this book a full five stars from the bottom of my heart.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Chosen at Nightfall by C.C. Hunter

A pre-warning, this review will contain spoilers for the previous books in the series. Read at your own risk.

Wow. I literally just finished this book. It blew me away. Like, I think I'm on Neptune or something right now, this book was so amazing. Chosen at Nightfall is the final book in the Shadow Falls series by C.C. Hunter. C.C. does an amazing job messing with my feels. She does everything just right, so that I am completely overwhelmed by feels, but in a good way. The book did not murder or harm my feels in any way. Which, let me say, was a welcome reprieve. Books recently *cough*Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare*cough* have simply harmed my heart. Chosen at Nightfall caused my heart to leap and soar, there was some pain, but everything is wrapped up in the end. There are a couple strings left untied, but they will lead perfectly into the sequel series about the main character's best friend Della, which comes out next year.

The main character is Kylie Galen. In short, her father and grandmother are dead ghosts who visit her on occasion, her mother and stepfather are divorced, her mother is dating a man Kylie believes to be a creep, and her grandfather and great-aunt are WAY overprotective. But somehow, she manages to love her family anyway. Oh, and I forgot to mention something. Kylie was dating a guy named Lucas. Turns out, he cheated on her. To his credit he didn't go through with the other girl, and never planned to, but still. And then there's Derek. He may not be the love of her life like Lucas, but he's a steady constant. He's always there when she needs support. In the book, Kylie will choose one of the boys mentioned above. Kylie is a REALLY strong character. She makes a lot of tough decisions sixteen year-olds should not half to make. Yet somehow, she makes them with pride and grace, even though she doesn't always realize it. These decision making skills have also made her the official relationship guru at Shadow Falls (the camp and school she attends with other supernaturals). The fact that she actually has good relationship advice completely baffles her. Kylie is also a strong person who doesn't back down, though this can sometimes (okay, very often) lead to her being obnoxiously stubborn about some things, it also makes her relatable.

The writing in this book is superb. C.C. Hunter is able to perfectly portray the voice of a teenage girl going through teenage issues. Not necessarily normal issues, but teenage issues non the less. The story is powerful and has a clear, and good, message. One of the characters, a woman named Holiday who is like an older sister to Kylie, often talks about people's quests. Meaning, you set a goal for a period of time or for life. Kylie has a reoccurring quest to discovery who she is. This is an issue often addressed by teens. The teen years is really a time when we change, as well as discover who we are. And the author shows just that. Each of the characters goes through a journey in the book and the series, slowly discovering themselves and just what they stand for and how far they're willing to go to make change happen. For more info on the author, check out her Facebook page and website. Also check out the series Facebook page. There's no question about it, I give this book five stars!

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Darkness Before Dawn by J.A. London

This is a book I saw on shelves and while searching for books for a long time. I always looked at it and said to myself, "Nah, not my kind of book." Well, I eventually gave in and read the book. If only to stop it from popping up everywhere saying "Read me!" Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. I loved  Darkness Before Dawn from page one. Imagine opening a book and thinking "Okay, let's get this over with," and then not being able to put it down until you've finished. That is exactly what happened with me. As soon as I finished, I requested the second book from the library. I gobbled up pages faster than dessert on Thanksgiving.

The main character is named Dawn. She lives in a dystopian Denver where vampires rule. Denver happens to be ruled by Lord Valentine. There are twelve vampire families total, one for each city left. Lord Valentine is the epitome of all things evil. He is the evil overlord to say the least. Anyway, Dawn's parents die at the beginning of the story and she has to take on their job as the delegate for Lord Valentine. In doing so, she shows great strength and bravery. I known I wouldn't be able to stand up to an evil, and powerful, vampire like that. Dawn really struck a cord with me. While I couldn't truly relate to her, I am in awe at how she handles what her crazy life throws at her. She takes it all in stride. Not to mention the fact that she has amazing taste in guys. What's better than being in love (though she doesn't realize it at first) with her sworn enemy. She has to break down walls she put up for her own good when things turn out to be different than anyone ever imagined. Something Dawn does amazingly well, is find out who the real bad guys are. And when found, they're going to wish the never crossed Dawn Montgomery.

The story is amazing. It's developed and like nothing I've ever seen before. I do have to compare it to Julie Kagawa's The Immortal Rules. If you like that book, you'll love Darkness Before Dawn. It's an amazing mix of dystopian and fantasy, a genre that seems to be ever more present in YA books. And I'm glad about that. It definitely shakes things up a bit. I couldn't put the book down and can't wait to read it again. Check out the author's Facebook page and website for more information on the books. I give Darkness Before Dawn five stars!

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Through the Ever Night is an action and romance packed dystopian novel. It's another one I read a while back and haven't reviewed yet. I read the book back in January when it came out. And let me tell you, it was good! It's the second book in the Under the Never Sky series. Look here to see my review of the first book, Under the Never Sky. At the end of the review, I stated that I couldn't wait for the next book. Let me tell you, it was worth the wait! I gobbled up the book faster than starving man given a plate of food. I was sucked in from page one. The drama feels a bit much at times, sometimes so much so that I want to hide my eyes and be embarrassed for the character, but more often then not, the character(s) realize how crazy they're being and find a way to fix the situation.

The story is told from two different POV's. The first is Aria. Prior to the book, she lived in a pod built to protect her. She is kicked out in the first book and learns how to survive. Now she's gone back and is doing a job for the man in charge. Specifically, to find the Still Blue. The Still Blue is the only place where aether storms (imagine a lightning storm, now make it way worse and way more dangerous) do not strike and it is humanity's only hope of survival. Aria is strong-willed and does what she must to survive. She loves deeply, but makes hard decisions that often benefit her and others safety. She lives with a tribe that neither likes nor accepts her, she is still kind and tries to help. When she saves an innocent life, all that she is rewarded with is more hatred. Aria is so strong, but is viewed as weak. She is able to stand up for her self and do what she believes is right. Because of that, I wish I could be more like her, though not necessarily in her same situation. Now for Perry. He is what is known as a savage. He has lived in the wild all his life and now head's the tribe that Aria is living with. He and Aria also happen to be in love. This results in some adult content in both books. Perry does whatever it takes to protect his tribe and those he loves. Even when others disagree with his methods, he manages to stand up to them and do the right thing. He is a character I love, as I know many others do as well.

This book portrays many things we fear when we think about the future of not necessarily our lives, but the world and humanity as a whole. It shows our fear of what would happen if we were to loose the morals and judgments that make us human. It shows the side affects of if that were to happen. It also shows our fear of messing with genetics along with the world around us. It brings up the question of "how much is too much?" What might have started as a little genetic tweaking becomes something much more and has dangerous side affects. The world is affected by what we did to it. Humanity caused the aether storms (at least from what I can tell) and these same storms are now threatening to wipe us extinct. It shows choices and their consequences. As like with many dystopian novels, this novel shows the answer to the question "What happened if..."

This is the second book in the series. The final book, Into the Still Blue, comes out next year. For more information, check out the author's website and Facebook, along with the series official fan Facebook page. I give this book a full five stars!

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

With All My Soul by Rachel Vincent

Oh dear, this book turned me into a blubbering mess. No joke. With All My Soul is the last book in the Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent, so don't read the review if you don't want the previous books to be spoiled! As I was saying, this book turned me into a blubbering mess. But that's a good thing. It made me FEEL things. And the feels where intense! I could easily see the entire thing as I read it. I flew through the pages. I could not read it fast enough. The book was amazing and the perfect ending to the series. Rachel Vincent has shown, yet again, how amazing her books are!

The main character is Kaylee. She's an extremely powerful heroine, though not in supernatural powers alone. She has a strong will and will do anything for those she loves, as is proved by this book. While her strength shows in the previous books, she simply shines in this one. She makes choices no person, much less a teenager, should have to make. She makes HUGE sacrifices. Which is saying something. Kaylee has made many sacrifices in the past, but these are much bigger. Kaylee's a smart cookie though. Let me tell you, she knows exactly what she's doing, even when she thinks she doesn't. She's strong in ways many heroines (or heroes) are not. She's by far one of my favorite characters. The other characters in this book really shine and show their true strengths. From the hidden goodness in Sabine to the obvious humor in Tod. From the buried strength in Nash to the suppressed kindness in Sophie.

I love the story. It's incredible. The characters are so well developed and everything they do, say, and feel are well thought out and well done. Everything happens for a reason. Because of some of the characters, you really need to listen to the wording used. You'd be surprised what one or two words could do or mean. These stories are deep and I can relate to the characters. They feel things that real people feel. At it's core, it's a story of a girl who finds strength in herself and those around her. A girl who takes and uses that strength to make hard choices and tough decisions. And while in real life, many people don't have to make as difficult or life threatening decisions, people do have to make decisions. Especially while growing up. People have to find strength in themselves. And this story shows that very well. For more information, check out the author's website and Facebook page as well as the Facebook page for the series. This book is amazing and I have to say it one last time. It turned me into a blubbering mess. I'm terribly sad to say goodbye to the characters in the book. I want to go up to Rachel Vincent and say "What happens next?" But the story is beautifully resolved and I bet her next book/series (whatever it may be) will be just as amazing. I give this book a full and complete five stars!

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Splintered by A.G. Howard

Okay, first off, I have to say that I'm WAY behind in my reviews. Seriously, I have about twenty books I've been meaning to review. Anyway, Splintered came out back in January and I got my hands on it as soon as possible. I read it, and loved it I might add, and put it on my to-be-reviewed list. It has sat there for, oh, two months now. But I'm finally reviewing it. And it is totally worth the review. Splintered is amazing. It is made of awesomesauce. It's one of the best takes on the Alice in Wonderland tales out there. Oh yes, it' was a take on the Alice in Wonderland tale. The big difference is how much creepier it is. It's like, WAY creepier. But that's okay, because that makes it awesome and original. To give you a taste, imagine the White Rabbit. Now, make it a skeleton rabbit with it's fur peeling off, and you get a picture of what it's like.

The main character is Alyssa Gardner. She is awesome and can totally defend herself. Her mom is insane and she thinks she might be too. Get this, she will kill bugs, and make mosaics out of them. I have to say, no matter how weird that is, it's pretty cool. Alyssa's not exactly popular, nor well liked by everyone. But she does have friends and family who care about her. The reason she's looked at weirdly, is because everyone knows she's descended from the little girl Alice in Wonderland was based on. Life's weird for her, but she takes it in stride, which I love. And that ability serves her well when she falls down the rabbit hole...

The book has a very strong story and plot. I waited for months to read the book, and was not disappointed. All the characters are strong, and I couldn't help but love them all, even when I hate them at the same time. Alyssa was very strong and made the choices that needed to be made, even when she wouldn't like the outcome. I cannot wait for the second book. For more information, check out the author's Facebook page and website. In conclusion, I give this book a full five stars.