Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Ashen Winter ( Ashfall #2 )

Hardcover, 576 pages

Expected publication: October 16th 2012
by Tanglewood Press

http://www.ashenwinter.com

Series : Ashfall #2

Setting: Illinois (United States) Iowa

 It’s been over six months since the eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano. Alex and Darla have been staying with Alex’s relatives, trying to cope with the new reality of the primitive world so vividly portrayed in Ashfall, the first book in this series. It’s also been six months of waiting for Alex’s parents to return from Iowa. Alex and Darla decide they can wait no longer and must retrace their journey into Iowa to find and bring back Alex’s parents to the tenuous safety of Illinois. But the landscape they cross is even more perilous than before, with life-and-death battles for food and power between the remaining communities. When the unthinkable happens, Alex must find new reserves of strength and determination to survive...
Ashen Winter (Ashfall, #2)
 

Not for the faint of heart, but definitely for  readers who like an intense story. Book #2 has a bit less romance, more near death experiences and new characters that are seriously diverse and interesting.

The story continues and life gets more and more harsh. I love how Mike Mullen does not hold back! Dark, gritty, and heartbreaking. Ashen Winter made me...Uncomfortable. In an amazingly realistic way. 

I would definitely recommend this series for more Upper YA readers, not younger. Some of the content is VERY mature. ( Extreme violence, rape, and Cannibalism ) This is not me trying to tell younger readers " Don't read this!" I just know that if I myself get uncomfortable reading it, some younger readers and parents might be uncomfortable as well. 

One of the truly interesting things about the Ashfall series is it's possibility for reality, and not just in the distant future. All of the events that occur in this story could really happen in real life! The super volcano erupting, slave trades, cannibalism and so much more. But my FAVORITE thing about this story is one of the characters that Mike Mullen brought in for book #2. Ben. Ben and Alyssa are a brother and sister that Alex meets along his travels and they are a unique duo. Ben is a high functioning autistic teen. A character trait which I have yet to find in other YA books I have read. Ben is a wonderful character. Sharing not only his quirky and sometimes dangerous autistic traits, but also the amazing ones that help save not only his life, but the lives of many others in this extreme post-eruption world! 

All in all. If you liked book # 1 Ashfall, you will LOVE Ashen Winter. And if you haven't read Ashfall I highly recommend it! 

Rating: 5/5

Here is a link to my review of Book #1 Ashfall! : Ashfall Review


Monday, September 10, 2012

Mailbox Monday






Ahhh the wonderful and terrifying feeling that comes with adding books to my TBR shelf :)
 Let's see what I have gathered shall we?

Purchased

I snagged up these lovelies from a trade with Braun Books ! Just in time for the Tiger's Destiny Release party! I have already read both and LOVED THEM! 

Borrowing


Shelly over at Tsk Tsk What to Read was super nice and lent me her ARC copy of Tiger's Destiny since I was unable to get a finished copy just yet. Too bad the ending is not included >.<

Traded/Borrowing

A couple of members of Novels, News and Notes from your Northwest Neighbors got together before the Tiger's Destiny Party and traded Books! I am super excited for these! Thanks a bunch to Sarah over at Novel Novice and Mel from Shot InThe Arm !




Gifted

HUGE thanks to Benji over at The Non Reluctant Reader !!! I have already finished this one and my rave review will be up in a day or so!! 





NetGalley 


  Oh my GOSH I am so excited!!!!!!

Nook Freebies



 They all looked interesting! ... And I horde free nook books >.< Lol



.. I think I may have overdone it .... wait.. No I didn't!! I LOVE BOOKS ! haha 

Feel free to leave comments! Have you read any these? Want to? 
Have a Mailbox post? Leave me a link to visit you back! :) 

- Happy Reading!

Friday, August 31, 2012

Their Promise - Novella Release

 
 *Novella*


 Their Promise
One moment can change your life forever.
One moment to find love.
One moment to lose it.
Author's Website







 I have been a Brina Courtney fan ever since I read the first Chapter of reveal ( #1 in the Crypid tales series ), and then wanted to bow at her feet when I finished Capture. So it's no surprise that I was jumping on the bandwagon to check out her first YA contemporary! 

Now.. I am not a contemporary fan to be honest. Mostly just because... well it's too.. real! I tend to be an emotional person and get really sucked into the stories and end up far too attached. 

BUT this was Brina's writing and I had to give it a shot. 

Cried, glared at the pages, shook my fists. And wished for more! 

I will always hesitate when opening a contemporary book. But I have faith now that if Brina Courtney is writing it, I won't be disappointed, and all the emotions will be well worth it. 

It is a heartbreaking story that will have you totally invested in the characters. The only downfall is that it is a novella! I want more Brina! MORE haha. I cannot wait to see what else this Author has in store for us readers. Whether it be paranormal or contemporary, I will be waiting in line.

Check out the trailer, Drop by the other tour stops and see if this Novella is right for you!

Scroll down to find a list of the other tour stops AND a giveaway!



Grab a copy for yourself from B&N or Amazon for only .99 cents!

Buy From B&N

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Glitch: Review


Glitch (Glitch #1) by Heather Anastasiu

Paperback, 371 pages
Published August 7th 2012 by St. Martin's Press
 

**I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest reviews, all thoughts and opinions are my own! 
Big thanks to St.Martins Press and Netgalley!**

 In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

Glitch (Glitch, #1)


I had an immediate connection with this story. From the first chapter I just KNEW it was going to be awesome! Thankfully my gut feeling was right.

One of the ways I would describe this book is.. The Giver by Lois Lowry Meets Uglies by Scott Westerfield. I am not saying I feel like it was a complete mesh of the two stories. But it has moments that were reminiscent of each that really worked well combined!

Heather Anastasiu did a wonderful job creating a story where I could FEEL the emotions radiating off the pages. When Zoe glitches, it's like she is really living for the first time. Experiencing everything with a sense of wonder. Like, a blind person seeing a sunset, or def person hearing music for the first time. As Zoe felt these emotions I felt these emotions. And it made my feeling towards "The Community" even more intense everytime her glitches stopped and she went back to being a mindless drone like everyone else.

This story seriously has it all. Romance, Action, adventure, drama and so much more. The author created characters that were dynamic and not run of the mill, which I loved, even if it made me HATE one of them.

There was.. a few awkward parts. Where it was hard for me to get past the fact that, that probably was how a guy in this situation ( having sexual feelings for the first time ) would have acted and spoken, and the fact that the wording was just... so .... WEIRD. But I don't want to spoil it. Let's just say I had a grimace on my face.

I easily moved past this aspect as the author continued to weave a tale that had me biting my lip and turning the pages.

The world created in Glitch is one that was easy for me to imagine coming true. This could be because of how many NOVA shows my boyfriend has me sit through ( There is some CRAZY science out there guys ) As well as the perfect world building that had me sucked in!

The twists and turns will keep you on your toes. The Romance will have you swooning and outraged. And the Overall story will have you begging for more!

Rating : 4.5/5 !

Does this sound like something you are interested in? Why or why not?! I love hearing feedback in the comments!  

Have you already read Glitch and Loved it? You can PreOrder Override NOW ! It Releases in February 2012!

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Noctalis Blog Tour




You know your already drooling just looking at the covers. 
No? Maybe it's just me.
 I love the purple against the block and the rich gothic feel! 
Let's just take a look at the descriptions then shall we?

( Keep an eye out through the post for a " hidden " word! It will be used in a scavenger hunt giveaway found on the last tour stop!)




Book #1 ( Noctalis Series )



Seventeen-year-old Ava-Claire Sullivan isn't one for doing the expected. Especially when she finds out her mother's cancer is terminal. After a crying session in the local cemetery where she's attacked by one strange guy and saved by another, she doesn't call the cops. Because those guys definitely weren't your average hooligans.

And the one who sort-of saved her? Well, he's odd. He doesn't seem to breathe or smile or have anything better to do than wait in the cemetery for Ava to come back. Which she does. Call it morbid curiosity. Even after he warns her that he's dangerous, she can't stop wanting to see him, talk to him, be with him.

There's something about Peter that provides a much-needed escape from her mother's diagnosis and her tenuous relationship with her father. Even her best friends Jamie and Texas don't know what it's like to face death. But Peter does. He already has. He also made a promise a long time ago that could destroy both of them.

When everything in your life is falling apart, what are you willing to give up to hold onto the one thing that could last forever?
I have a feeling I'm going to get teary eyed during this one o.O hopefully some swoonworthy guys can save the day!
Book #2 ( Noctalis Series )
SPOILERS FOR BOOK #1 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ava-Claire Sullivan still doesn't follow the rules. She shouldn't have let Peter Claim her, turning her into his own personal blood bank. She shouldn't have told Tex Peter was immortal because now her best friend won't shut up about hooking up with Peter's equally immortal brother, Viktor. And she shouldn't have fallen in love with Peter.

Too late.

Sometimes, love kills. One promise Peter made nearly a hundred years ago could do it. A kiss, a touch could be the end of him. So all she has to do is not let him fall in love with her. Easier said than done.

But Ava's going to find a way for him to be free, even if it kills her. Or makes her immortal. There's no way she's losing Peter in addition to her mother. No freaking way.

What would you do when the one you love would die if they loved you back?

ooooh the drama! Could it be any more intriguing !?

Want to know more? Want a chance at some fun giveaways?! Of course you do ! So Just follow the links below and check out some awesome reviews and extras!  

 Tour Schedule


August 1 - A Soul Unsung *Review, Ava & Peter relationship playlist*
- Bengal Reads - Interview
August 2 - Beth Art from the Heart *Character Interview - Texas*
August 3 - What's Beyond Forks? *Reviews, Deleted Scene, Giveaway
August 4 -The Book Lover's Report *Review & Giveaway
August 5 - megan talks books *Playlist for Ava
- Jenn Renee Read *Review Nocturnal *Promo Nightmare
August 6- Love of Books *Playlist Peter & Giveaway*
August 7 - FireStarBook *Character Profile Peter*
- Turning the Pages *Review
August 8 - Howling Books and Design *Reviews
- whoopeeyoo :D Review
August 9 - Lovey Dovey Books *Deleted Scene*
- Chapter by Chapter *Character Profile Ava & Giveaway
August 10 - Starry Night Book Review *Reviews*
- Swoon Worthy Books *Review
August 11 - The Pararomance Club *Review & Character Interview Ava*
August 12 - Beth Art from the Heart *Reviews
- *Sucked into Books* Review
- Bookishly Devoted *Reviews & Interview
August 13 - Paperback Princess *Review
- Kissed by Ink *Review
August 14 - Waiting on Sunday to Drown *Review, Character Profile Texas
- Reviews by Molly* Review & POV-Chpt frm Peter book 1
August 15 - booksbooks&morebooks *Character Interview with peter and ava, Review, Giveaway
August 16 -
August 17 - Sweet Southern Home *Lay of the Land
August 18 - In Which Ems Reviews Books *Reviews
- The Cover (and Everything in Between) *Review
August 19 - For The Love Of Film And Novels *Deleted Scene & Reviews*
August 20 - Always YA at Heart *Lay of the Land
August 21 - Doctor's Notes *Review
- Sarah Elizabeth's bookshelf *Review & Interview
August 22 - Book Breifs *Review & Deleted Scene
- Escaping One Book @ a Time *Review
August 23 - A Bibliophiles Thoughts on Books*Review
- Readers Eden *Interivew
August 24 - My Pathway to Books *POV book 2
August 25 - Little Read Ridinghood *Review & Interview
August 26 - Book Breifs *Review
August 27 - Always YA at Heart *Review
August 28 - BeLoved Books *Review & Giveaway
- Intriguing Reads *Review
August 29 - Paperbook Princess *Character Interview Viktor
August 30 - The Passionate Bookworm
August 31 SupaGurl Books *Reviews & Tour Wide Scavenger Hunt Giveaway*