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Sunday, November 27, 2011

In My Bag #6


In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren Here's what was in my bag this week, these are items for review, and from the library ....
What's in your bag?
Click Cover for more Information

For Review






Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Review: Shattered Dreams


Author: Ellie James
Publication Date: December 6, 2011
Publisher: Macmillan
Pages:352 pp
Audience: 14-18
Received from: Netgalley
Sixteen-year-old Trinity Monsour wants nothing more than to live a normal life. But that isn’t as easy as it seems. Trinity is different. She is special. She sees visions, and for those she’s seen, it’s already too late.
Trinity arrives on her aunt’s doorstep in New Orleans with virtually no knowledge of her mysterious heritage. She begins settling into life at a new school and even starts making friends. But all too quickly her dreams accelerate; twisted, terrifying visions of a girl locked in a dark room. And when the head cheerleader, Jessica, goes missing, Trinity knows she has no choice but to step forward with what she’s seen.
But people believe that Trinity has information about Jessica’s disappearance not because of a dream, but because she is involved. She is kind-of dating Jessica’s ex-boyfriend, Chase, and Jessica did pull a nasty prank on Trinity. Revenge seems like the likeliest scenario.
Nothing prepares Trinity for the dark odyssey that ensues while searching for Jessica, including the surprising romance she finds with Chase, or the shocking truths she learns, not just about the girl who has gone missing, but the past that has been hidden from her.

This book has an interesting concept with the psychic setting being in New Orleans, and it seems there is a meaning in that choice. This story was a mystery in a lot of aspects with the storyline, the characters and the symbolism. Maybe I am looking too closely at the symbols but I noticed that the James went to great detail to mention the cross that Chase was wearing around his neck, the dragonfly that Trinity wore, her name is a symbol. The thing I would have liked to know is what it all means to the story, if nothing at all. I must admit this story left me wanting for more as much was left unsaid, and then I found out it was going to be a new series, which I was excited to learn.
What we do know is Trinity has psychic abilities that allow her to see and feel what will and is happening to someone. What we don't know is who are all the people that surround her, such as Chase the boy she likes; he is the typical jock crush, possessive, brooding and strange but there is something dark about him that doesn't feel right. Dylan, the son of a friend of her mothers', is mysterious and intriguing. It's the beginning of a love triangle but not quite yet, I will root for Dylan if it happens. All the characters have potential to be great and it would be nice for a some more development to make them richer.
Lastly, the plot was full of twists, turns and dead ends. As soon as I had an idea of who took Jessica, something changed and I was back to guessing. Even the end of the book made me wonder, when we do find out who took her(Jessica) everything happened so quickly.There was a lot said that left more questions. Hopefully, James will address some of the mysteries within her mystery in the next installment, which I look forward to reading.Overall, I liked this book and it was an interesting read for the beginning of a series and I would suggest this to anyone that likes paranormal mysteries.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

In My Bag # 5

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren
Here's what was in my bag this week, these are items for review, and from the library ....
What's in your bag?
Wanted to try something different...Slideshow!!! Let me know what you think..do you like??
Click on the cover for more information on Amazon
 

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Enter for a chance to win Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

 This giveaway hop is hosted by
Welcome and many thanks for stopping by my "station" on the trail to the many blogs participating in this hop, which are listed below. So cast your entry here then hop on over for other chances to win great prizes!

Not so very long ago, Eragon—Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider—was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances.

The Rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaƫsia? And if so, at what cost?

This is the much-anticipated, astonishing conclusion to the worldwide bestselling Inheritance cycle.
 
 Only one entry per person 
Must be a GFC member to be eligible 
This giveaway has ended...winner was Meghan 

Audio Review: Forest of Hands Teeth in 5 words

Synopsis/Photo from Goodreads
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?
  1. Gory
  2. Mysterious
  3. Captivating
  4. Macabre
  5. Passionate

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Review:If I Stay by Gayle Forman


In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces - to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heart-wrenchingly beautiful, Mia's story will stay with you for a long, long time.

I was discussing with my friend that has already read this book that I was going to read it. She told me that the author could have just ended it with this book. True, but I am interested to find out what happens to her after all of this loss she has experienced, how she copes with everything and will the things that remind her of her family be too painful for her to stay.I like how you can feel everything she feels as she remembers different aspects of her life. Honestly, I finished this book last week, but I couldn't bring myself to post about it. This book left me feeling raw, and open because the subject matter is too fresh for me. Though it made me sad, this is a beautiful story.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

In My Bag #4


In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren where book bloggers can share what books came into their home this week. 

Here's what was in my bag this week, these are items for review, and the library ....
What's in your bag?

Click on book cover to view more info.
From the Library....                                                            For Review....




















Thursday, November 10, 2011

The Blogger Network


It's like having a big book club 
  
We might not read the same thing, but sometimes we do and we share our thoughts about what we read.I have spent the last couple of weeks researching different blog directories and groups for bloggers. First, I must say for anyone starting a blog, it is going to take a lot of work. I have found that it can be both exhausting yet rewarding once you get things going and get the hang of things, which I'm still dangling. I had no idea that the blog world of books was so vast. When I started this blog it was for me and for a class, so I wasn't really thinking about all the things that could be done with the blog nor did I know much about blogging. I wish I did because I would have had loads of books to share. I don't know what made me decide to do more searching, maybe seeing all these giveaways got me a bit curious. Now, I know that you can to giveaways, tours, and hops....just so much. I'm excited about this and eager to learn how all this works.I am so thankful for those that have decided to join me in this endeavor and I have met some great people on all these sites, which are numerous and I can't begin to name all the ones I've joined. Not just group sites but book sites as well. I am open to any suggestions or advice on doing blog tours, interviews and etc.I'm excited by all the new people that I have met and will meet.Look forward to your thoughts.

My Bookworm Santa Sign ups! (And Giveaway)

My Bookworm Santa Sign ups! (And Giveaway)

This is Secret Santa for Bloggers...I hope you join in the fun.I'm excited!!
The Magic Attic

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Books I'm Anticipating

Click cover to read more about this title
This year seems like a great one for the world of reading and I'm excited about some upcoming releases for the end of this year and 2012. Wow, another year has flown bye! So, there are several books that are on my reading list that I just can't wait to get my hands on and share my thoughts about. They are listed below:


Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
Clockwork Prince/City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
Angel Fire L.A. Weatherly
Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer
Destined by Aprilynne Pike
Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore 
Magic of the Moonlight by Ellen Schreiber
The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima
And of course the next book in the Cassandra Palmer series by Karin Chance


As you can tell this is an incredible list and just can't contain my excitement!!






Monday, November 7, 2011

Book Review: If I Tell

Synopsis from Goodreads
Jasmine Evans knows one thing for sure... people make mistakes. After all, she is one. Jaz is the result of a one night stand between a black football player and a blonde princess. Having a young mother who didn't raise her, a father who wants nothing to do with her and living in a small-minded town where she's never fit in hasn't been easy. But she's been surviving. Until she sees her mom's new boyfriend making out with her own best friend. When do you forgive people for being human or give up on them forever?

Review:Jaz Evans feels betrayed by Simon, the one person that provides a connection to the other half of her heritage, who she just saw kissing one of her best friend Lacey. Not knowing who to tell, she holds on to this until it begins to make her bitter and angry. She feels she can't trust anyone and that before they can get close to her she lashes out and pushes them away. Then walks in Jackson, a boy with a past of his own and the ability to get Jaz to open up a bit about the secret she decides to keep, that is until she feels he is keeping things from her. Can Jaz overcome her the walls she placed around herself and learn to trust? I found this character to be easy to relate to on many levels. Their are many people in this world that grow up in the type of home environment where they are raised by grandparents alongside parents that are seen more as siblings. Personally, I can relate to that and how she feels about her mother, however her situation is just circumstance. Jaz is old enough to make a choice to not let it get her down and it seems at times she can come off as self-absorbed as if she is the only one that is suffering. It is a book about trust and acceptance, this book will make readers think about who they are. Realistic and thought provoking, this is a must read for teens that are having issues with self-worth, trust and being judged.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Dazzling Reads: YA Autumn Giveaway!

Dazzling Reads: YA Autumn Giveaway!: Because this Autumn is full of beyond-awesome releases and because Autumn is my favorite season of the year, I announce my amazing giveaway!...

In My Bag #3

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Here's what was in my bag this week, these are from the library and for review.
What's in your bag?

Click on book cover to view more info. 

Friday, November 4, 2011

Coverday Friday


Why Hello there
I absolutely love this cover, it looks like her hair is on fire. I am naturally a visual person and that is what usually draws me to a cover. The composition, and lighting all make this an awesome cover.
At the other end
Willow knows she’s different from other girls, and not just because she loves tinkering with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into the future and know people’s dreams and hopes, their sorrows and regrets, just by touching them. She has no idea where this power comes from. But the assassin, Alex, does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows more about Willow than Willow herself. He knows that her powers link to dark and dangerous forces, and that he’s one of the few humans left who can fight them. When Alex finds himself falling in love with his sworn enemy, he discovers that nothing is as it seems, least of all good and evil.
The Consideration Game:Behind the 459 pages
 


Behind a Million and One Pages


Thursday, November 3, 2011

What's In My Player #3


                     Synopsis/Photo from Amazon
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?