Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read.

 Expected publication: March 6th 2012

Haven Terra is a brainy, shy high school outcast. But everything begins to change when she turns sixteen. Along with her best friend Dante and their quiet and brilliant classmate Lance, she is awarded a prestigious internship in the big city— Chicago—and is sent to live and work at a swanky and stylish hotel under the watchful eyes of a group of gorgeous and shockingly young-looking strangers: powerful and alluring hotel owner Aurelia Brown; her second-in-command, the dashing Lucian Grove; and their stunning but aloof staff of glamazons called The Outfit.

     As Haven begins falling for Lucian, she discovers that these beautiful people are not quite what they seem. With the help of a mysterious book, she uncovers a network of secret passageways from the hotel’s jazz-age past that leads her to the heart of the evil agenda of Aurelia and company: they’re in the business of buying souls. Will they succeed in wooing Haven to join them in their recruitment efforts, or will she be able to thwart this devilish set’s plans to take the souls of her classmates on prom night at the hotel?

     Illuminate is an exciting saga of a teen’s first taste of independence, her experience in the lap of luxury, and her discovery she may possess strength greater than she ever knew.

At first the description did not seem to fit the kinda books I read. But then that one line "they're in the business of selling souls." hooked me. Not to mention Anna over at Literary Exploration  egging me along to read it sooner so we can chat about it ;) It's currently on my shelf, begging for attention. And it will get it soon. !

What are you waiting on this wednesday!? Have a blog post? Share it in the comments so I can drop on by! :)

If I did a swag giveaway

Ok folks if you haven't been following the blog lately ( * you haven't!? whaaa??? *cries* ) I kid, I kid. Anywho.. I have collected some swag recently and adore them! ( swag are things like bookmarks, mirrors, magnets, ect that help promote a book, and are also just cool. Maybe I am the only one who loves these things, seeing the magnets on my fridge are an everyday reminder of awesome books! But.. If I am not alone, I would love to share. 

So tell me, would you be up for a swag giveaway?
*Multiple authors/books
*Multiple Winners




( The books would not be in the giveaway ;) these are just the images I have to show off the swag ) 

And more to come! 

Also I connected with a wonderful blogger on Twitter who makes THESE: 





Seriously, How awesome are they!?

Let me know in the comments if this is something you would be interested in ( The swag giveaway ) and what you think about adding in the awesome bracelet above. ( personalized for the giveaway )

If I get good feedback on this giveaway Idea- It will be held within the next few weeks ( still waiting on more to arrive in the mail ) So please keep checking back in with me! 

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

Take 15 minutes. 
Sit down and prepare yourself, for not only adorableness, But AWESOMENESS. 
Seriously. this short makes me smile to much. Some slightly hidden ideas to it that us book lovers can totally relate to. Share your feedback in the comments, and share like wildfire!



The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore from Moonbot Studios on Vimeo.

Monday, January 30, 2012

The Winner of the Shatter Me Giveaway

And the Winner is : ( selected Randomly using the raffelcopter widget ) 

Drumroll please...... * Pause for dramatic effect * .....
Jazu !!!!!!!!


The question I asked you to answer in the comments was : " How long could you go without human contact?"

Her response: I would like to think I'd be able to make it for quite a long time, but it would depend on whether I was allowed to be *around* other people at the time or if I was cloistered away somewhere. I would probably touch people on accident at first because I'm clumsy, but I would get very careful if it hurt people like in the book. After about a week of no contact I imagine I would become depressed, but I would probably get over it. 

Congratulations Jazu!

 48 hours will be given to the winner to respond. If I do not receive a response another winner will be randomly selected. 

To those of you who didn't win this giveaway: I hope you still go out and snag the book somehow, it really will be worth it!  More giveaways will be popping up on the blog, so please come back to visit! I hope you enjoying following my blog, I enjoy having you here! I'm sorry I was unable to reply to every comment left on the giveaway, it got a bit overwhelming, there were so many! :) I do my best to respond to comments, and would love it if you would pop by some of my other posts so I can have some more book talk. 

Check out my In my mailbox post HERE to see what may be given away next! 

Happy reading!
~The Passionate Bookworm 

January Rundown


 So I have decided that at the end of every month I will try to do quick- blub like reviews- on books that I read throughout the month, yet did not manage to do a full review on. Some of these I will revisit and if I can give them the full review they deserve. But It would be overwhelming to tell myself I have to do a full review on EVERY book I read. 

There is truely no rhyme or reason as to why I didn't get around to the full reviews of these titles, I simply am new to the blogging world still, and not terribly organized. FORGIVE ME!? I hope my quick little incites about my feelings on these books helps even in a little way on you deciding whether or not the book is for you. 

Don't like the quick reviews? Tell me in the comments, I can take ( kind ) criticism :) 


paper back, First, 266 pages
Published December 6th 2011 by Entangled Publishing

 Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. 

 If I don’t kill him first, that is.

5/5

I don't branch out to the sci fi side of YA as much as I would like. However this book seriously has be wondering " Why the heck not!"  Fun and addicting. I loved that the main character was also a book blogger on the side ( not a huge part in the book, but it's fun to hear about her I.M.M's and waiting on Wednesdays ) Also Daemon. Well the description above is fairly accurate, stab worthy, yet, swoon worthy at the same time! I found myself laughing out loud many times. The banter between the two MC's is highly entertaining. And Dee, Daemon's sister: upbeat, perky ( sometimes overly so ) and desperately wanting "normal" friends. I couldn't help but love her. While full of love hate romance this story also kept me on my toes with the Alien action. I thrill ride I couldn't put down! 

I NEED book #2

- side note ( great for fans of the tv show Roswell ! )




Hardcover, US, 374 pages

Published January 3rd 2012 by Harper Collins

 Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers abarbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY




This book threw me in confusion at times, and captivated me at others. Intriguing and compelling, UTNS takes us through the story of someone who has never knows true fear, pain, love, or real life in general. Then is suddenly thrust "outside" to fend for herself.  In the back of my mind I think of this as a unique blend of stories, reminiscent of   the uglies series, Graceling and A little bit of the TV show Caprica mixed in. Note the word "Unique" while the idea still lingers, I never felt like it was overpowering. 

Full of Adventure and action this book tugged at me until I turned the last page. I found myself connecting with each character in a different way and feeling for them as they traversed the dangerous outside world together.

I can't lie; At times the ideas confused me. Felt complicated. But. Overall it still held my attention, and that won it over for me. 

4/5

Hardcover, 323 pages
Published March 2nd 2010 by Hyperion Book CH

 Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters. 


By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

 3.5/5 

Lighthearted and fun, yet with a strong underlying darkness.

Make sense? It was charming. I found myself comfortably following along. Laughing often, and gripping the pages just enough. No it was not the most intense book on witchcraft I have read. But not all have to be. I found the MC unsure and realistic. The supporting characters well done and either highly amusing and engaging, or annoying and strangle worthy- ( in the well written , they were meant to be - kinda way ) I will definitely be picking up book #2 and seeing where Rachel Hawkins takes the characters. Hoping for some more action without straying to far away from the original feel.

Friday, January 27, 2012

In My Mailbox



In My Mailbox is a meme created by Kristi at the Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie. To share what books you have received either for review, from the library, from the bookstore, or from trades.

I made some wonderful connections at the book signing I went to ( see previous post :D ) and One of those amazing people shared some book love with me! Now of course I don't want to be a book hog. So... Some of these lovelies will be shared with YOU my wonderful followers :) Not right away, and not all at once - that would be one big box O.o - But wait and watch :) 

Fall from Grace*
Selection
So Close to you
Illuminate
The Temptation*
Blackwatch*
Arise*
Waking Storm*
Sweet Evil*
172 Hours on the moon*
Drain You
The Darkness shows the star*
Destiny*
Rattled*
Darkness before the dawn*
Until I die
Social Suicide*
Team Human*
Dreamless*
Lost Code*
Endlessly*
Once*
Unraveling*
Switched*
Hemlock*
Partials *
Vanishing Game*
Invisible Sun*
After the Snow*



Some of these, I seriously squealed over haha. others, I hadn't heard of but caught my attention. What do you think folks? Have any you would love to see in a giveaway soon? Share in the comments !

Here are some pics that show their lovely covers :D  
























what books have you snagged up recently ?

Book Signing : Marissa Meyer and Megan Miranda !

So I finally went to Another Book signing tonight! My First was back in 2008 with the Amazing Sherrilyn Kenyon. This time it was Double the awesomeness! 

Megan Miranda - Author of Fracture and Marissa Meyer Author of Cinder



Of course I got my books signed :) I also picked up some lovely signed bookmarks to use in future giveaways! What do you think folks? Wanna snatch those up soon ? ;)


 As I bask in there awesomeness :)

 And one of my favorites, I pushed past the pain and awkwardness ( I have issues walking in heels ) and wore my red heels in honor of Cinder!

The Jeans are me and the black Tights are Marissa ! So fun >.<

Such an amazing night :) If you haven't gone to a signing before, you should! It's great to meet the people who weave such wonderful tales for us!

Wanna see what Else I snagged up at the event ? Check out my In my mailbox post coming next! Some lovelies I will soon be sharing with all you :)

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Everneath

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's..


A Story that was so beautifully dark and twisted, I couldn't put it down !

Everneath: Forever Underneath

Mythology is one of those things that I have always wanted to study, but when it finally comes down to it, I set it aside. Don't me wrong I love mythology, however much of the time when it's in it's original form, it's a little overwhelming. Which is why I LOVE it when Authors like Brodie Ashton weave it so wonderfully into new stories that I can follow and connect with !

The characters : 

Nikki : She had a moment of weakness, you know the kind. Where you just want to give up and be done. Only in Nikki's case, she gets her wish in the form of Cole : An everliving who is using her as well.. emotional food I guess you could call it. She has a chance to go home for a short time and she jumps at it. Wanting to repent, to make up for simply disappearing. To try and make the fact that she will be taken back to everneath soon, for good. 

Nikki was a character who I both loved and hated, I know I say that alot but it's true! She makes some decisions that make you think " ummm.. no. just. no. why?!" But then again, she was stuck in the Everneath for the last 100 years, we can't expect her to be totally ok. But I also loved her character and how she fought for every last minute of life she had left to live. 

Cole: Oh cole... * I say seething with rage* How I disliked him! But in the -he was a well written evil character- kinda way :) Cole took advantage of Nikki and her pain, using her in " the feed " 100 years of being fueled by a human in the everneath. Then when she escapes back to earth, he tries to convince her to go back with him! And he is just sneaky enough to get Nikki thinking. 

Cole is very dimensional,  possibly in a - I'm a raving lunatic- kinda way. But still. There are moments when you feel for him and think that he isn't completely dark inside. 

Jack: * pause for swooning break* Yes he is one of those. He is impossible not to love. Nikki up and leaves, no goodbye, no reason. Then she shows back up months later, amidst rumors of her leaving for a drug addiction, and whatever else high school kids can think up. And Still he cares and worries for her. Sure it takes a little while for the trust to build to really see these two in their prime, but it's worth it. 

Jack is a man who will fight for what he wants, and he wants Nikki still in his life. 

A book filled with thrills, romance, mythology and action. 

Now you may wonder why I only rated this book 4/5 when it's obvious I loved it... It was a bit complicated to follow at times. One moment you are reading a chapter set in their present day, next moment we are back months later learning how Nikki took her steps toward the Everneath. While it was wonderful to get the back story, and interesting to see how it all connected, at times it was overwhelming and hard to follow. I felt there were parts that were unneeded and almost took away from the story. 

Now file that away in the back of your mind. 

I highly recommend this book! Brodie Ashton is a debut author who can seriously hold her own. This story will drag you in and refuse to let go until the last page, then there is the kicker... there is a sequel! Which I am so thankful for. The ending of Everneath is one that will leave you breathless and needing more. 

Don't miss out !



Extra: 

I just had to share the gorgeous German edition of Everneath! While I love the original, girls in pretty dresses are getting tired for me. And the way the German cover plays on the story of Hades and Persephone is brilliant! - The Pomegranate is the fruit that Persephone ate while in the underworld, tying her there for part of every year. 





Rating: 4/5

You may also like


                          For my review of
                          Radiant Darkness 
                           click HERE                                                         


Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: Incarnate

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

This week the book on my mind constantly is :

Hardcover, 384 pages
Expected publication: January 31st 2012 by HarperCollins Children's Books 

ISBN: 0062060759 (ISBN13: 9780062060754)

edition language: English

original title: Erin Incarnate
series:  Newsoul #1




  NEWSOUL
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

NOSOUL
Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

HEART
Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all? 





Sunday, January 22, 2012

Giveaway : Shatter me

Giveaway Time !

So today I sat down and realized, it's been too long since I have had a giveaway! This week I am giving away a copy of a book that has not left my mind since I read it in the beginning of this new year... 

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi


So here is the deal 

* International- So long as you are on the list at The Book Depository, To find out, click HERE 

*ONE winner will be selected to receive a new hardcover edition of Shatter me purchased from The Book Depository

* Winner will be selected randomly using Raffelcopter

* Just fill out the Raffelcopter Form below to enter ! ( If you do not see it, wait a few minutes or refresh browser ) 

*Please make sure to fill it out IN FULL, if you select " I did this " But the info is not there, I cannot give you credit for the entry. 

Good Luck all!


Friday, January 20, 2012

Foreign Cover Friday

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! 
 
Up This week:
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
 

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?
 
To see my review of The Forest of Hands and teeth click HERE 
( This was one of my FIRST reviews, so I apologize for the formatting  and such :) 


English Hardcover

                          English Paperback #1       English Paperback #2       English Paperback #3


                          German Edition              French Edition               Czech Edition



                                               Spanish Edition               Polish Edition
 
My Thoughts:

Surprisingly I liked quite a few of these!

Though the English hardcover not really draw me in at first, I cannot deny that it does work with the feel of the book, however out of the English editions #1 is wonderful! I really feel like she is traveling though the woods frightened. The other English paperbacks...meh.

The  German Cover really draws me in with the colors,if the girl were not in a fancy dress this would be one of my favorites,it just throws me off.

The French Cover also really has the feel of the book. The wire fence, and the way the looks terrified,but curious.

The Czech and the Spanish Covers really don't work for me. The pretty girls in fancy dresses or covered with flowers...no..

Now the Polish is by far my favorite ! The Colors are awesome and really drew me in. Then we have the forest on one side and the water on the other, connects back to parts in the book. And the girl is great. You can see the worried look on her face, the dirt on her hands, and the hint of infection in her veins to make you wonder. Seriously, if I could read polish, I would buy this edition!

What do you think of the covers?! Share in the comments below, and if you have read the book I would  love to see your feedback in my review!


Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Vampire Academy

Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . .
Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever...








I really wanted to LOVE this book. Seriously, It has had  such wonderful reviews and has been recommended to me many times over. But for me, it was only OK. 

There was a lot to the story so much in fact I found myself pausing at times, thinking back to definitions of certain things, the differences between the Moroi, Dhampir's and the Stigoli. Of course there is nothing wrong with a book that makes you think. This story was definitely not the "fluff" that you might come to expect from many of the YA Vampire themed books. In that aspect it was a win for me. It had a slight high fantasy feel to it, teetering on the edge of YA and adult fantasy.

However SOMETHING, was just.... missing for me. I can't put my finger on it. I finished it, I loved many aspects.. and most of the characters were great! - Though I have to say.. Rose and Lissa were very back and forth for me, loved em, then they annoyed me, then back to love. Rose had a very big personality, very outspoken. But when it came down to actually fighting, which is supposedly going to be her job.. she keeps falling short. I kept pulling out of the story, setting it aside and coming back to it later. Lissa in the beginning is very sweet and fun to learn about, when the magic starts to take her over.. meh.. It was very hard to remember that I liked her.

So this is my dilemma, I  liked it, but nothing stood out, yet at the same time, I can't find specific things to pick on ! I am going to pick up book #2 and see where the story goes. I am hoping Rose can start kicking some ass and that Lissa becomes more likeable for me. 

Do I recommend this book? Yes and no. You may be one of those who love it..or you could be like me and it may fall just shy. I got my copy from the library.. oh such a wonderful source! So if you are thinking about giving it a shot.. but just are not sure try that, or borrow from a friend :)  

Rating: 3/5 

( UPDATE : Book #2 in the series is a HUGE step up! If you even "kinda" liked book #1, be sure to give Frostbite a chance! ) 

Be aware this story does have some stronger sexual content 

To see a review from a blogger who loved this book check out  Katie's Book Blog