Second Hand Saturday Giveaway!

Ok folks.. I have decided to crawl out of my hole.. let's see how this goes shall we ?


I will be posting reviews soon, but first I want to get some feedback on what my next giveaway should be :)


Inspired by Reading Teen: Second hand Saturday I have decided to giveaway some of my LIKE NEW hardcover books that I do not give enough love. They are wonderful books :) I just feel that someone else could benefit more from them than me.


So , Vote below on which one you would like to win most!


This giveaway will be up on Saturday December 10th, giving time for votes to come in.

1st in Series- released September 22nd 2009

 17 year-old Kelley Winslow doesn’t believe in Faeries. Not unless they’re the kind that you find in a theatre, spouting Shakespeare—the kind that Kelley so desperately wishes she could be: onstage, under lights, with a pair of sparkly wings strapped to her shoulders. But as the understudy in a two-bit, hopelessly off-off-Broadway production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, wishing is probably the closest she’s going to get to becoming a Faerie Queen. At least, that’s what she thinks... In this fun, urban fantasy, Kelley's off-stage life suddenly becomes as complicated as one of Shakespeare’s plot twists when a nighttime trip to Central Park holds more than meets the mortal eye.

1st in Series- released December 23rd 2008

 

Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.

She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.

In this creepy, compelling breakout novel, Carrie Jones delivers romance, suspense, and a creature you never thought you'd have to fear.

 Stand Alone Novel - released September 18th 2008

Lucy has nine months to break an ancient curse in order to save both herself and her unborn daughter. Inspired by the ballad “Scarborough Fair,” this riveting novel combines suspense, fantasy, and romance for an intensely page-turning and masterfully original tale. Lucy is seventeen when she discovers that the women of her family have been cursed through the generations, forced to attempt three seemingly impossible tasks or to fall into madness upon their child’s birth. But Lucy is the first girl who won’t be alone as she tackles the list. She has her fiercely protective foster parents and her childhood friend Zach beside her. Do they have love and strength enough to overcome an age-old evil?

Though it does may not be clear in the descriptions, all three of these books reference Fairies- just wanted to give a heads up since not everyone catches that. :) Check out goodreads.com and Shelfari for more info on the books!


If you do not see the Poll, please click on " Read More"

Dear Followers

Dear Followers:

I just wanted to give you all A heads up that I will be out of the Blogging world for a little while.
This Thanksgiving 11/24/11, I was given the news that my Father passed away.

I wish that this could be my outlet, I wish that I could immerse myself in books and other worlds and avoid reality. But I can't. I can't seem to find joy in books at the moment.. they all reference things that make me break down all over again.

I'm getting a bit personal I suppose. But I do not want to be seen as the newbie blogger who ignores her blog after only 2 months. Knowing that I have people like you, Book lovers that enjoy hearing my opinions, and sharing the love of books. Means so much to me.

Know that eventually, I will be back with a vengence, and will hopefully have more amazing new books to share with you and the world.

Happy Reading

While I am out of commission I hope you will check out some of my past reviews. Make comments, share responses, give me recommendations. Or just go read a good book for me .

Robert Hampton 11/24/11 <3 

 

Love you Dad

Born at Midnight Winner!

****** Drum Roll Please *******

The winner of my first Giveaway is: 

Midnight !!!

"My favourite supernatural creature are psychics!
Well, if they're considered creatures :P
Otherwise, shapeshifters! :D"

Well Midnight I think you are going to love this book! Some of the main characters have psychic abilities AND there is a highly amusing shape shifting character as well! I think we found a great fit :)

The winner of this giveaway was randomly selected by rafflecopter , The book will be sent out from the Book Depository and will hopefully get to it's new owner soon. 

If Midnight does not respond by 12am on Saturday Nov 25th a new winner Will be randomly selected

As a side note - I am aware that the Google Friend Connect Follower widget was having problems throughout the giveaway, I am told by fellow bloggers this is an issue many have had. Therefor I went with the Honesty policy: if you selected "I did this" for Follow the blog, and you did not show up in my followers, I did NOT delete your entry.  

If you still want to follow the blog ( which of course I would love ) and you do not see your name in the google friend connect, please try again sometime :)  

Thank you for checking out my blog and entering the giveaway! 
More giveaways to come in the future, 
so keep an eye out to try again! 

Happy reading!

Lost Voices

  What happens to the girls nobody sees—the ones who are ignored, mistreated, hidden away? The girls nobody hears when they cry for help?

  Fourteen-year-old Luce has had a tough life, but she reaches the depths of despair when she is assaulted and left on the cliffs outside of a grim, gray Alaskan fishing village. She expects to die when she tumbles into the icy waves below, but instead undergoes an astonishing transformation and becomes a mermaid. A tribe of mermaids finds Luce and welcomes her in—all of them, like her, lost girls who surrendered their humanity in the darkest moments of their lives. Luce is thrilled with her new life until she discovers the catch: the mermaids feel an uncontrollable desire to drown seafarers, using their enchanted voices to lure ships into the rocks. Luce possesses an extraordinary singing talent, which makes her important to the tribe—she may even have a shot at becoming their queen. However her struggle to retain her humanity puts her at odds with her new friends. Will Luce be pressured into committing mass murder?

This book was.. Beautiful, disturbing, hauntingly addictive. I could go on and on. 

Sarah Porter took Mermaid and Siren lore and twisted it into something that left me.. at lost for words at times. 

In this story mermaids are girls who have had some of the harshest of lives. The ones who feel unloved, unwanted and broken. The lives of these girls will break your heart, and make you understand in part why they turn their hatred and magic on the ships and their passengers. These girls band together like a family, and Luce thinks she finally has a place she belongs. 


The story has a darkness about it that cannot be ignored, not just in the idea of Luce and her friends singing people to their watery graves. But in the characters and their stories. Mermaids of ALL ages, 17 year olds who dealt with the ugliness of the world for so long.. to the Larvae--- Babies.. infants.. toddlers.. those cast aside too soon in life. Outcast and struggling to survive.


Some of the things in this book may not be for the faint of heart. No it does not go into detail.. but I have a vivid imagination.. and some of this story took a toll on me. 


Luce tries to fight her siren urges. She doesn't want to be a heartless killer, but it's in her nature. In trying to change the way the Mermaids use their songs Luce gains some enemies. From the Queen mermaid who saved her life, to a annoying.. spoiled.. and...just horrible new mermaid who could jeopardize everything they have.

While I want to simply Rave about this book.. I have to hold back. There were a few things that bothered me in the back of my mind.. 

Sometimes there was a bit too much detail.. I loved the descriptions of  the mermaids voices when they sang, and how Luce begins to hone its magic. But at times it was overkill. there is also a point in the middle where the story seems to drag.. and not much happens, and then suddenly out of nowhere, new main character! It felt rushed. 

But then oh how I loved to hate that new character. 

I also felt some of the ideas were a bit overly harsh.. I felt that.. even if it did make sense for the characters to act a certain way... I feel like a little bit more "humanity" should have been left in them. And some parts made me hate the characters as they turned away from creatures in need. ( You will understand what I mean if you read the book haha ) 


Overall I really loved this book. Especially after learning its a trilogy! I am hoping some of the issues I had with it will be resolved in the next book. 


For fans of fantasies and fairy tales with dark twists and harsh realism. And of course Mermaids. 

Rating: 4.5/5 .. So close

**Warning** This book does talk about the subject of rape and abuse

The series 

                                July 3rd 2012                                     The Twice Lost                                                                                                                                            July 2013     

                  

Thanks to the wonderful Multnomah County Library for having this book in stock!

Original Language: English
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Country: USA
Publication Date: July 4, 2011
ISBN: 0547482507
Page Count: 304 

You May Also Like

In My mailbox

Books sitting on my desk, or in my Nook, begging me to read them. 

In my mailbox is a meme hosted by The Story Siren used to feature books we have received in the mail, from the library, from friends, or other sources.

( yes.. I know I have an addiction. I should finish all my current books before picking up new ones. But I can't help it. I see a new and interesting book.. and they call to me. I must grab them before I forget! )

~Also some of the books I posted on waiting to be read last week are now being set aside to be saved for the 2012 debut author challenge :) 

Still working on from last library venture:

 

From the library this week: 

Books recieved Via Netgally awesomeness

(A small fraction of the list) 

I am determined to catch up this week :) Are there any books in my list above you are most curious about? Tell me in the comments so I can put them higher up in the TBR pile!

Foreign Cover Friday!

Foreign Cover Friday is a Weekly Meme hosted by The Reading Fever 

Obviously, the covers I chose are not ALL foreign.. but the idea is still there :) 

Last weeks Winner :  

The German Edition of The Hollow!

Up for voting this week : Nightshade by Andrea Cremer !

When asked if SHE had a favorite cover she replied :

"@YA_BookWorm07 Nah, I love them all :)"

For a Description of the book ( as I do not have a review up YET ) Click HERE

                                                #1                                      #2

 English Hardcover Editions

#1 was the edition that I received as an ARC when working at Borders.. I love it :) Not only for nostalgic reasons, but that piercing stare gets to me and the colors add a interesting quality. 

#2 I also love, The Darker shade of purple I feel gives it that extra "oomph" and I like that they toned down all the glitter

                                                                        

                                              #3                                     #4

                       French Edition                            Possibly Australian Edition?

            Lune De Sang - Translation: Bloodmoon

        #3: I LOVE this one. The blue shades really add to the nightly feel of it and adds to her piercing stare.Plus I just think its snazzy haha

#4: I like this one alot as well. The way the girl looks is a wild and animalistic.. a nice fit :)

                                     

                                              #5                                     #6

English Paperback Editions

#5: This one is ok .. not my favorite, but it was a paperback and they tend to tone them down, feels like a MM edition to me.. but to each their own. 

#6: This one has great potential, but doesn't do it for me overall. Maybe if the Chin of the wolf and the girl had matched up? I'm just being picky. I love the dark purple and the fact that the girl looks normal with a wild hint in her eye. But it just didn't all pan out for me. 


All in all. My vote goes for #3: French Edition . Which is your favorite?  Vote Below!  

If you do not see the Poll, please select " Read More "  :)

Between The Sea and Sky Prequel comics!

Found on Jaclyn Dolamore's Blog : 

Ever wanted to see a little more of Esmerine and Alan's childhood? Well, I drew a series of comic strips about it, and here's the first one. This one is the worst, because I started out with a fine tipped pen and I didn't like the first panel at all. If I were truly an artist, I would have redrawn it. But I'm lazy. 

So I didn't. It gets better from here.

I have to say.. I thought these were super adorable. And after reading the book I really wanted to know how Esmerine and Alan met and became friends! So this was so fun to find. I kinda want to have a copy of the book Between the Sky and Sea.. With these little comic strips as the Prologue :)

Keep in mind this is when the characters are children. In Between the Sky and Sea they have grown up and matured and the story is fun as well as wonderfully written :) 

To read My review of Between the Sky and Sea ( Released  October 25th 2011 ) Click HERE !

Born at Midnight Giveaway !!

I have been wanting to do a giveaway since I started this blog. I think that it is a wonderful way to spread the joy of reading! 

Born at Midnight is a book I haven't been able to stop talking about since I read it, therefor I think it makes a perfect choice for my first giveaway! Please spread the word and let everyone have a chance at winning this book! 

 

Kylie Galen has had a lot of crap tossed in her lap. Her parents are getting a divorce. Her boyfriend broke up with her because she wouldn't put out. Her grandmother died and now Kylie's acquired a stalker. Unfortunately, she's the only one who seems to be able to see the stalker. And that gets her sent to a psychologist's sofa. The kooky psychologist gets Kylie sent to Shadow Falls Camp. Kylie and her parents think it's a camp for troubled teens. They thought wrong. It's a camp of supernaturals: vampires, werewolves, fairies, witches and shape shifters. And if she believes the camp leader, Kylie is one of them, too.

To read my review of Born At Midnight Please Click HERE

To enter the giveaway simply complete form below! 

Out of Fairness : If you select " I did this" On any of the options    

( Leave a comment, Follow the blog or Tweet about the giveaway.) And you did not actually do so, 

your entry for that option will be deleted.

*** I did not make Following the blog mandatory because I know I have "Followers" not on Google Friend Connect, However it does get you an extra entry in the giveaway and of course you get to Follow ME and get awesome recommends and reviews :) ***

Christmas Recommendations, From You!!

Following in the footsteps of my good friend and fellow blogger Jacki-bookhog.blogspot.com I would like to ask for your opinions! 

What book do you want to recommend be left under the tree this year?: 

What about this book makes you want to share it with the world?

Share in the comments and I will add it to a follow up blog later in the month!

- Also be sure to leave the Authors name ;) 

 “A book is a gift you can open again and again.”

  Garrison Keillor

Every Other Day

" The crunching sound wasn't pleasant, and the hellhound's breath was killer, but other than that, I wasn't really bothered. People like me? We didn't feel pain."

Every other day, Kali D'Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to public high school. She attends pep rallies. She's human.

And then every day in between . . .She's something else entirely.

Though she still looks like herself, every twenty-four hours predatory instincts take over and Kali becomes a feared demon-hunter with the undeniable urge to hunt, trap, and kill zombies, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures. Kali has no idea why she is the way she is, but she gives in to instinct anyway. Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism.

When Kali notices a mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of these creatures. Kali has twenty-four hours to save her and, unfortunately, she'll have to do it as a human. With the help of a few new friends, Kali takes a risk that her human body might not survive. . .and learns the secrets of her mysterious condition in the process.

This books kicks off with a serious bang. While Every Other day does feature some creatures we have come to know well in the world of YA, Jennifer Lynn Barnes pulls in an array of creatures that have been out of the limelight: Hellhounds, Basalisks, and most dominantly the Chupacabra. 

This book introduced me to characters I instantly connected with. Skylar, Kali's newfound friend who introduces herself as the School Slut, and who is also just " a little bit" psychic. Quirky and endearing with her upbeat ways, I couldn't help but root her as Her brother Elliot puts down her so called psychic abilities, and her brother's Girlfriend Bethany steals her tampons and paints slut on her locker. 

I came to adore Bethany though, her bratty ways are redeemed as she Kali and Skylar form a seriously unlikely bond. 

I also loved that this book does not shy away from the blood and gore. Killing preternatural Creatures is a messy business, and Kali does not hold back.

Being so full of action and I latched onto this book and it was over far to fast for me.

* What I needed more of*: 

-The relationship between Kali and her inner- Monologue/Love interest Zev. I am still left unsure how I feel about him.

-The relationship between Kali and the Chupacabra. I'm still curious about the over all connection. How does it really affect Kali's abilities? * spoiler- highlight to see : Will the Chupacabra stay with her forever? How does having TWO change her.

- Skylar's Brothers: There are so many! Each Introduction to them by Skylar left me wanting to know them further. Though we are introduced to 2 of them.. I feel like I am still left wanting more. Why does Elliot date someone so obviously horrible to a sister he seems to adore. What does read really think about his job? * spoiler, highlight to see: How does he meet up with Zev !? And what happens next!?

" Sometimes, I felt like if I could just fold myself up into a small enough ball, my body would collapse on itself like a star, and I could Supernova myself into a new existence."

Maybe I am just picky. Maybe I am too used to Sequels. But I seriously want more of this book! I feel like there is so much more we can learn about the characters. 

I really enjoyed this book. 

If you are looking for something that does not have a love interest as the basis of the story, that gives you supernatural characters while remaining original, and will have you gripping the pages 

to see what happens next:  pick this one up!

"I probably didn't look like the ultimate predator. Or, for that matter, an environmental terrorist. Depending on the day and who you were talking to, I was both." 

Rating: 4/5

On a side note, I tweeted Jennifer Lynn Barnes to see if Every Other Day was going to have a sequel, as I really felt that the ending was left open for one. 

 @YA_BookWorm07 No Every Other Day sequel planned yet (I wrote it as a standalone), but @melissa_marr is campaigning for one.

Loving Melissa Marr's response ! :

 Silly @jenlynnbarnes You NEED to write a sequel to EVERY OTHER DAY. Tell her, @ya_bookworm07 (& everyone else)...

So come on readers! When Every Other Day Comes out on December 27th read it!.. And then come back and not only let me know what you think of the book.. Also let me know if you agree that a sequel should be made!

Big thanks to the Folks at Netgalley and Egmont for the opportunity to read this as a Digital ARC :) 

Publisher: Egmont USA
Country: USA
Publication Date: December 27, 2011

Foreign Cover Friday!

Foreign Cover Friday is a weekly meme hosted by The Reading Fever where foreign covers of the books we know and love are spotlighted and discussed. To join, either pick your favorite foreign cover, or pick many foreign covers, and start discussing!

This Weeks Featured Cover is:

The Hollow by Jessica Verday

 

Hardback English version

I hate to admit it, but the original is not my favorite! It feels to over the top. Too much make up, and the shiney effect makes it feel a little mermaid - esk to me. * This could be because I recently read a mermaid book..

 German Edition

"Warre Liebe ist unsterblich"

Translation: True love is immortal.

Now this one I LOVED. Slightly Haunting, highly romantic. Understated beauty. If it wasn't in German.. it would be mine. Doesn't totally fit the book. love it anyway.

                                               #1                                       #2

English Paperback Editions

While they do have a simplistic beauty to them.. it's almost.. too simplistic, at least for me. The left reminds me of something we could see on a Mass Market Paperback Romance. I needed just a little bit more.The right however fits quite well. The colors are haunting and a great match, plus it leaves you to picture the main character on your own, rather than having an image pushed on you.

What are your thoughts?! Do you have a favorite? Tell us why in the comments! Then look on the left side of the blog ( underneath the Visitor counter ) and answer in the Poll!

Haven't read the book? Check out my review : The Hollow Trilogy Review