ARC Review: Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

Title: Angelfire
Author: Courtney Allison Moulton
Series: Angelfire #1
Pages: 464 (Hardcover)
Source: ARC from NetGalley
Challenge: 2011 DYAC
(Goodreads)

Release Date: February 15th 2011
Published by: HarperTeen

Summary:

When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.

A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.

While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember.

Review:

So I had this indifferent look plastered on my face the moment I decided that I was going to read Angelfire. And then by the time I really started reading the book until I finished it, the indifferent look was still glued to my face.

I don't want to think that this book took all my emotions away, because that wasn't what really happened. Instead, it was just incapable of eliciting any emotion from me. I think it would've been better if something about the book got on my nerves, at least I would have had a reason to read the sequel with anticipation. Maybe so I can rant about it to my friends. Or anything to talk about the book. But in Angelfire's case, I don't have much to say about it except "it was okay." And obviously, there was nothing I absolutely loved about this book either. So, yeah. The thing about this book is... it was bland. Period. Will was not exciting. Ellie was not exciting. The plot was okay. The premise seemed exciting, but I don't know. It didn't click to me. Anyway, it was also far from horrible.

The biggest disappointment, however, was Will. I was so looking forward to mooning over him (apart from when I used to think that Will was some kind of a Gary Stu. Though that was long before I read the book). I like swooning over YA hotties. (Who doesn't?) They are one of the reasons why I enjoy YA so much. But with Will? No spark. Having read some excerpts before actually reading the ARC, I got the impression that Will was -as I've mentioned- a Gary Stu. He seemed to be ultra powerful and indestructible. (And I was rather turned-off) Which he and Ellie actually were. Ultra powerful, I mean. I guess them being ultra powerful was justified, though. Because like any other warrior going to a battle, they got bruised and punched and hurt senseless as well. They were destructible as opposed to what I perceived them to be. And for that, I am thankful. I just don't like Stu's and Sue's. I mean, who does?

I don't have much to say about the plot. Some parts dragged a little bit. The 'intense' parts didn't get to me. The romance was predictable. That's all. But on the brighter side, I actually like that Ellie is not like the typical female YA MC where the girl is from a not so rich family who has only had one friend in her entire life. Those unpopular, uncool and invisible girls who do not care about how they look. Unlike them, Ellie has a social life. Her family is undoubtedly rich. She goes out with her girl friends and boy friends every Friday nights to watch movies.She wears make-up before going on a mission. She hosts parties, owns an expensive car and wears a sexy nurse outfit for Halloween, but she is no slut. I think that's what separates her from other Supernatural YA female MC's. She is a perfectly normal rich teenager (with family problems) who just wants to be a normal teenager and not kill ugly monsters.

I'm not ecstatic to read the sequel, as all you readers might have guessed already. Though, should I acquire a copy, there is no doubt that I'd read it. I still want to know what will happen to Ellie and Will now that their love turned out to be the forbidden kind. :P

Buy the Book: Amazon / Book Depository / Barnes & Noble

______________________________________________

About the Author:

Courtney Allison Moulton lives in Michigan, where she is a photographer and spends all her free time riding and showing horses. She has always loved reading about ancient mythologies, dead languages, and telling scary, romantic stories. ANGELFIRE is her debut novel. For more information about Courtney, visit her online at www.courtneyallisonmoulton.com.

ANGELFIRE and its two sequels, WINGS OF THE WICKED and HYMN TO THE FALLEN, will be published by HarperCollins / Katherine Tegen Books in 2011.

Stalk the Author: Goodreads /  Website / Blog / Twitter / Youtube

Read Kay-c's take on Angelfire here. :)

~Mithee

ARC Review: Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (4)

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme started by Sheila at Book Journey where we showcase the book(s) we're currently reading.

Secrets and Shadows by Shannon Delany

It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Ha

Mithee: Actually, I have 8 books on my currently-reading list, but I'm focusing on these two the most. I liked 13 to Life a lot, so I was really excited to read its sequel, Secrets and Shadows. On It's Not Summer Without You, however, I had mixed feelings about its first book. I've always wanted to read this series, but didn't want to start until all 3 books have been released. And now that Simon & Schuster is offering free e-galley of its third book, I thought I should grab the chance. I'll be posting teasers of both tomorrow for Teaser Tuesdays. ;P

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (4)

Lies - Michael Grant

Title: Lies
Series: Gone series #3
Author: Michael Grant
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: Hardcover, 447 pages
Rating: 4.5 Almost perfect!

Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Summary:


It's been seven months since all the adults disappeared. Gone.


It happens in one night. A girl who died now walks among the living; Zil and the Human Crew set fire to Perdido Beach; and amid the flames and smoke, Sam sees the figure of the boy he fears the most: Drake. But Drake is dead. Sam and Caine defeated him along with the Darkness—or so they thought.


As Perdido Beach burns, battles rage: Astrid against the Town Council; the Human Crew versus the mutants; and Sam against Drake, who is back from the dead and ready to finish where he and Sam left off. And all the while deadly rumors are raging like the fire itself, spread by the prophetess Orsay and her companion, Nerezza. They say that death is a way to escape the FAYZ. Conditions are worse than ever and kids are desperate to get out. But are they desperate enough to believe that death will set them free?

REVIEW:

Lies is the third installment of Gone Series by Michael Grant. So for those who haven’t read the two first books and doesn’t want to be spoiled. I suggest you to read my first Reviews. Here and Here. And Go buy the book! It’s a kind that you wouldn’t want to miss!

WOW. Again. WOW. Everytime I hear or read “gone” word all I could remember is the Gone series. And then my heart will starting raising to excitement. Michael blow my mind for the third time.But!
I have good news and bad news regarding this installment. Good News is the hunger/food was sorted out (yey!) and the bad news is Drake is back (booo!) plus his immortal (booo!2x2x2x2x throws all the things she can grab to Drake) anyways.

Things are getting tougher for Sam and rest of the Council. More action scenes and more problems to that needs to be resolved ASAP!!

After many incidents that happened aka Worms in a farm fields, Caine’s attact, Human Crew, And Death of some kids in the FAYZ and Drake Merwin’s death.

It has been half a year since the children are forced to live everyday inside the FAYZ scared and hungry. Sam and the council are moving on and trying to live in FAYZ. Hunger was sorted out. More kids discovering their powers yet more kids suffered from the Human Crew’s hands as they continue to roam around the FAYZ freely and hurt those mutants/freaks bad or not. Sam is getting mad at this yet Astrid is stopping him as she wants to make a system out of her leadership. In addition to that Orsay claimed that she is able to see the happenings outside the Fayz wall (which Mr. Grand, had given us a slight Idea of what is outside the wall - Which I still have a hard time believing due to fact that: 1st duh...LIES, 2nd is its orsay. Who knows what Nerezza had put into her mind) not to mention that someone saw Drake walking around the Beach.

New and interesting/scary Characters have been introduced yet again! could they be an ally or eneme? It’s for you to find out! Anyways, Nerezza who turned out to be the ‘darkness’, Sanjit and virtue who are the celebrity children who lived across the island. Old Characters have are crueler and crazy. You wouldn’t really imagine that we are talking about kids here. They all think like adult already. Some would do for the common good and some would do things for their own selfishness and evilness.

Why Lies? Well throughout the story all things revolves around the truth and lie. As I may have mentions above that Orsay claims to see what is happening outside the FAYZ wall and telling every kids that she can talk to their parents outside using her power. That said many have believed and some doubted. Many have taken her word and happily faced their death when they turned fifteen. The council themselves doesn’t know whether to believe or not but they don’t the kids to commit suicide. So they covered up the lie with another lie.

You know the reason why I stick to this book. I want to know what humans esp. kids their age wanted to do in order to survive and live the world where death and life matters. Well that’s a bit confusing aint it? And also the story is a realistic yet fictional. Of course the obvious fiction here is the gaiaphage and the powers that the kids have gained though out the series and the cruelty of the kids, Which I think had gone worst. What I say about realistic is how kids react, would do and feels while inside the FAYZ and who and where should they hold on to? When there are kids like Caine, Drake and Zil who all wants to lead or face them and let them threatened you using this --> "I'll Kill you If you won’t let me rule" I also laugh of some Michaels remakes about the things. Like how Sam would tell Astrid how hot he is. Or what is Sam’s reaction after seeing Brittney sitting in the couch in Howard and Orc’s living room. <-- opps. As always the writing style and plot matched perfectly to that point that you’ll end up gaping to the unpredictable scenes and get mad at those ruthless kids in the story. Every page is a must read as it contains important information regarding the next scenes.

Gawd I can't wait for the fourth installment! I kept on wondering what will happen next and what are those new characters will contribute on the next series. Plague seems a sad title esp. that many kids have died in this series alone. I wonder what will Caine do next in order to defeat Sam? I kept on hoping that someday along the series. Caine and Sam will team up against all odds to fight for someone like Drake? Darkness? Zil? whoever?. And! I had the feeling it will come SOON!

Kay-c

Lies - Michael Grant

Sweet Venom Bookmarks Giveaway WINNERS!

The US and international winners of the Sweet Venom Bookmarks Giveaway are....

*drumroll*

#18 - Erinberry (US)

#28 - Rachel (International)

Congrats, winners! You have 72hours to respond to my e-mail. Thanks to all you awesome people who entered the giveaway. And don't forget to check out Sweet Venom on Goodreads and Amazon.

Sweet Venom Bookmarks Giveaway WINNERS!

In My Mailbox (9)

IMM is a meme started by Kristi of The Story Siren with some inspiration from Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.

The idea behind IMM was not only to put new books on your radar but to also encourage blogger interaction. IMM explores the weekly contents of my mailbox & books bought. And sometimes other fun goodies.

Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library.

Mithee's Mailbox:

For Review:

Wither by Lauren DeStefano
A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheenan
We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
Red Glove by Holly Black
Thanks a bunch to Simon & Schuster, Candlewick Press and NetGalley

Bought/Won:

Dairy Queen (#1) by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
The Off Season (#2) by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Vesper (ARC) by Jeff Sampson (Thanks Savannah @ Books with Bite!)

Kay-c's Mailbox:

Stay by Deb Caletti (Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon)
Wither by Lauren DeStefano (Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon)
Invincible Summer by Hannah Moskowitz (Goodreads | Book Depository | Amazon)

(GalleyGrab provided by Simon & Schuster)

In My Mailbox (9)

Review: Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber

Title: Once in a Full Moon
Author: Ellen Schreiber
Series: Full Moon #1
Pages: 304 (Hardcover)
(Goodreads)

Release Date: December 28th 2010
Published by: Katherine Tegen Books

Summary:

Celeste Parker is used to hearing scary stories about werewolves—Legend's Run is famous for them. She's used to everything in the small town until Brandon Maddox moves to Legend's Run and Celeste finds herself immediately drawn to the handsome new student. But when, after an unnerving visit with a psychic, she encounters a pack of wolves and gorgeous, enigmatic Brandon, she must discover whether his transformation is more than legend or just a trick of the shadows in the moonlight.

Her best friends may never forgive her if she gives up her perfect boyfriend, Nash, for Brandon, who's from the wrong side of town. But she can't deny her attraction or the strong pull he has on her. Brandon may be Celeste's hero, or he may be the most dangerous creature she could encounter in the woods of Legend's Run.

Psychic predictions, generations-old secrets, a town divided, and the possibility of falling in love with a hot and heroic werewolf are the perfect formula for what happens . . . once in a full moon.

Review:

Before you read my review, please keep in mind that I did not finish this book. I only reached halfway before I dished it, so all my opinions are based on the first half of the book only.

For me, there are two kinds of annoying books. First is those books with super annoying characters that annoy me so much. Though this annoyance is what drives me to finish the book. You know the feeling of being eager to know what other kinds of annoyingness this character is going to make in the latter parts of the book? That feeling of wanting to know if this character is going to continue being annoying or will finally stop being nonsensical? (Like in Firelight and Fallen). Second is the kind of book with annoying characters and nonsensical plot. Though, instead of these driving me forward to finish the book, I feel like I just want to throw it at the wall and to never see and read it again. It’s really sad, but the latter is what I felt about this book.

Celeste basically spent mooning and obsessing over Brandon the entire time. No matter what she did, she always ended up thinking about Brandon. What if Brandon this, what if Brandon that. I want to kiss Brandon this. I think I’m in love with Brandon that. Not to mention the fact that she was falling in love with a guy she barely knew at all. They never even talked much before she fell in love with him. After exchanging a few glances, she was obsessed about him already. And after he saved her from the wolves, boom! She was in love already. Insert major facepalm here.

Also, I didn’t buy the plot. It was hard to. I know fiction is supposed to bend reality, but really? One bite from a wolf will make you a werewolf? It was freaking hard to imagine that there have been only one or two persons to have been bitten by wolves in Legend’s Run when according to Celeste herself, there were ‘packs’ of wolves in the woods. And when was the last time somebody was bitten by a wolf? Yeeaaars ago. The fact that the woods was not far from the school which, I emphasize, is oozing with teenagers who want to fool around and just be stupid was somewhat unbelievable. And while I appreciate that the author chose to go with the old-fashioned human to lycan type werewolf, instead of human to wolf, it was so… nyeh. Maybe if these lycans actually grew in size, complete with bulging muscles and fur all over the body, instead of just sprouting hairs all over your chest and face, I would have considered it. But, hairs? Hairs! That is so not hot. I keep thinking, what if someone bony was bitten? He’ll look totally ridiculous instead of menacing.

And, oh! The characters! Never did I hate so many characters in my whole life! Celeste’s clique was the most horrible group of friends I’ve ever met. They were so high above themselves. Her boyfriend, Nash, was a selfish coward who always put his self first before anyone else, including Celeste. And her friends, Abby and Ivy were the same. They did not care who Celeste loved. They hated Outsiders, and so Brandon shall not be her ‘it’. Mr. Worthington seemed too good to be true, too. He knew about the wolves more than anyone else. And he could also detect the 'extra glow' in Celeste's eyes. Weird.

I was completely disappointed with this book. There were too much coincidences that made this book hardly believable. Nash only happened to tell a scary story about werewolves (which wasn't scary at all), and then Celeste suddenly became obsessed with werewolves, and next, Brandon turned into a werewolf! I've always disliked unbelievable coincidences, but it was too much in this book. I hate to say this but, I was also under the impression that the author lacked research. It was as if everything was written without much further thought. I spotted a lot of parts that could have made sense only if they were given more thought into. Sorry. I really tried to understand the book more, even though I was truly grating inside, but my brain seemed incapable of finding the bright side of this book.

Disclosure: Again, please do keep in my mind that this review is based on the first half of the book only. I have no idea whatever happened in the second half, and will probably never have an idea as I have no plans in continuing the book. If you have read the entire book and think that I should reconsider my decision, please feel free to give me some insights.

Review: Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Mithee's WoW:

Wither (Chemical Garden #1)

by Lauren DeStefano

March 22nd 2011

What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left

The cover is plain gorgeous and the description sounds very enthralling! I so can't wait for Lauren DeStefano's debut novel.

Also, while you're here and Lynossa's exploring the streets of Vietnam with her map and violet backpack (let's wish she hasn't started singing "Lyno, Lyno the explorer" yet)  you may also check out the random happenings in teh blog for the past week. :)

Reviews: Show us some love? :D
Evermore by Alyson Noel (Kay-c)
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (Kay-c)
(ARC) Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton (Mithee)
The Ring of Solomon by Jonathan Stroud (Lynossa)

Giveaway:
Sweet Venom Cover Reveal + Bookmarks  Giveaway US/Int. Ends Feb. 22

Random:
About recent development and where I will be in the next few days [where Lyn blabs about the recent blogging issues and her super exciting trip to Vietnam (with her map and violet backpack!)]

Leave your WoW links on the comments below so we could return the favor. *sends virtual cupcakes to all~

Waiting on Wednesday

The Ring of Solomon by Jonathan Stroud

Title: The Ring of Solomon

Author: Jonathan Stroud

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Rate: 4 stars

The dust clouds slowly settled. Side by side we sat there, wedged into the ground like broken teeth or titling statues. Several of us were gently steaming. Our heads were half-buried in the dirt, our legs sagged in the air like wilting steams.
I spat out a pebble. "I think he forgives us, Farqual," I croaked. "Look, he's smiling."
"Remember, Bartimaeus-we're upside-down."
"Oh, right."

It is 950 B.C.E and King Solomon rules Jerusalem with a steely hand; a hand on which gleams a magic ring of immense and unforgiving power. He assigned one of his magician Khaba to oversee the construction of his temple. The workforces are a bunch of ill-behaved djinns including Bartimaeus, our favorite sarcastic djinn. But after a silly joke - including dressed as pygmy hippo in skirt - Bartimaeus and the rest of Khaba's djinns were kicked from the construction and forced to hunt a group of bandits in the desert. Here he crossed path with Asmira, a loyal and devoted captain to Queen Sheba who was assigned on a deadly task to kill Solomon. Bartimaeus has no intention to help her, until she makes him an offer he can't refuse...

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE BARTIMAEUS!

Ok, enough with the fangirlsm. Yes, I go fangirl over a sarcastic djinni who enjoy himself by mocking everybody and bragging about his past glory - including his record in eating his past masters. I just love everything about Bartimaeus; his mockery, his sarcasm, and his occasionally melancholic state of mind. I always love a character that has much depth that what it seen from the surface and Bartimaeus is just like that. The first time I knew him in the Bartimaeus Trilogy - he seemed to be a typical djinn - if there is typical djinn - but it turned out he was different from the rest.

The Ring of Solomon didn't affect me the way other Bartimaeus Trilogy books did; perhaps because it's too short or the other character did not appeal to me the way the characters in Bartimaeus Trilogy did. Don't get me wrong, I like them but not as much as I like Nathaniel or Kitty (if you'd read Bartimaeus Trilogy, you know them). King Solomon is quite interesting, he's also more than what he appeared to be in front of the mass. Asmira just okay, she's your typical delusional warrior who willing to sacrifice everything for her Queen even though she doesn't understand a thing. Farqual... as usual fighting with Bartimaeus, although it's nice to see them chatted like civilize djinn for awhile.

This is a very nice reading for those of you who miss Bartimaeus. It wasn't as epic as Bartimaeus Trilogy but it's good enough for you to laugh at his mockery and once again to understand his point of view about life. I just wish it was longer so I could read  more about Bartimaeus...

Lynossa

The Ring of Solomon by Jonathan Stroud

About Recent Development and Where I Will Be in The Next Few Days

So... the last few days we've witnessed a lot things happened in book bloggers community. Start from twitter discussion about bloggers only in it for free books, then author went rampage and go all capsy when some bloggers wrote negative reviews about her book. There's also a rumor about agent wont sign in aspiring authors who write negative reviews. You know what I think about it?

I will not address issue number 1 because I've said what I thought about it Manga Maniac Cafe's post in HERE. Issue number 2 will be addressed later; I'm going to talk about issue number 3 first. For me as long as it still rumor, no hard evidence about it, I prefer to be skeptical. Even if it's true, I wouldn't react any different. I would still write my reviews the same way; hopefully with less grammatical errors, typos and more comprehensive details but not less honest that before.

Now for issue number 2, I think everyone in book bloggers community had said what I wanted to say so I wont be the boring person who repeat the same thing over and over again. I just wanted to say if you're stalking this, Sylvia Massara, the moment you write about that grocery list thing, that's when you insult the entire book blogging and reviewers community. Take note of that.

I'm curious about what other authors would say about this issue so I contacted some authors and asked them to add their two cents about negative reviews and how they would react toward it. They are Jess C. Scott (author of The Other Side of Life) and Lori Pescatore (author of Human Blend). And here what they've said about it: 

Jess Scott:

To me, a reader/blogger/customer is free to say or think whatever they want about a book or product. That being said, petty whining and rude/spiteful/mean-spirited comments don't really convey a sense of 'professionalism' (whether you're an author, blogger, or general member of the public).
Personally, I like producing creative work, which I think my target audience(s) would appreciate. People can praise or trash my work, but it makes no difference to my artistic 'vision', which is what really matters to me, at the end of the day. I also believe in courtesy, respect, and diplomacy. As Catherine the Great said: "Praise loudly, blame softly..." 


Lori Pescatore:

Reviews are personal opinions and I have found that most bloggers are qualified to review books. Negative reviews are part and parcel, I think the author who complained most likely needs to grow a backbone. I've received some one star reviews on goodreads, again not everyone is going to like your book. You have to take the good with the bad. I love bloggers and consider them an intricate part of my success.

So these authors had stated their opinions. If some bloggers worry that this whole issue will develop into authors vs book bloggers/reviewers, you can rest assure that it wont happened. There are many authors out there who appreciate what we're doing. By this post I hope the issue will ended soon, the said author will learn her mistake or go weeping somewhere else private. As for book bloggers, perhaps it's time for us to improve ourselves; not only in writing reviews but also related to asking free books to authors and publishers.

Last, I'm going to brag about my upcoming vacation! Wooohooo! I'm going to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam for few days with my friends. That will be my first out-of-country vacation with them and I'm looking forward for it. I probably will post some of my travel notes (and what book I read in my journey because I will be sitting on a plane for more than 3 hours, either sleep or read!). I hope I'll have a great time because I really need it this time!

See you guys later!

Lynossa

About Recent Development and Where I Will Be in The Next Few Days

Sweet Venom Cover Reveal + Giveaway

This is our very first time participating in a cover reveal, and we are very ecstatic to be one of the blogs to have the honor of revealing the cover of Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs. :))

So readers, without further ado, I give you Sweet Venom!!!

Gorgeous, is it not? Sweet Venom is expected to be released on October 2011. You may also check out Sweet Venom's page on Goodreads, Facebook and Tera's website. Though, there's only a minimal information about the book so far.

Here's the teaser line:

"Three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in a world where monsters lurk in plain sight."

The Characters:

The three main characters are Grace, Gretchen, and Greer. You can see their character collage in this Books, Boys, Buzz... post

ALSO, Tera offered bookmarks to giveaway to 2 lucky readers!

.

Fill out this FORM to enter

2 winners will be chosen. 1 from US and 1 international.

Winners will be drawn on Feb. 23 so be sure to fill out the form by Feb.22. Winners will be contacted via e-mail and announced on the blog. *Comments do not count as entries, but will be very much appreciated.

Sweet Venom Cover Reveal + Giveaway

Follower Love Hop Giveaway Winner!

Wow! Thank you for everyone who participate in our Giveaway Hop. I've received total 365 entries, one for each day in a year, lol. Some of you enter the giveaway only by commenting. Comments on reviews are extra entries but you still have to fill the form. If you didn't fill your information in the form, I didn't include your comment as entries.

So without further delay, this is our winner:

Sylvia

Congratulations! I've sent you email, please respond within 24 hours or I will draw another winner.

Follower Love Hop Giveaway Winner!

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Anna And The French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton
Pages: Hardcover, 372 pages
Rating: 4.5 Almost perfect

Amazon | Goodreads | Book Depository

Summary:
Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.
As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?

Review:
Okay…before I let you know my official review. I had to say this out loud.
Ready?
…okay.

-GOSH! NO WONDER PEOPLE SUDDENLY WANTS TO GO TO PARIS AFTER READING THIS!!
-NO WONDER PEOPLE WENT CRAZY FOR A WEEK WHEN THEY ARE DONE READING THIS!!
-NO WONDER PEOPLE SUDDENLY WANTS THEIR OWN ÉTIENNE ST. CLAIRE! !
-NO WONDER!!!!!!!!
.
.
.
Done! :D

Moving on.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

In My Mailbox (8)

IMM is a meme started by Kristi of The Story Siren with some inspiration from Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.

The idea behind IMM was not only to put new books on your radar but to also encourage blogger interaction. IMM explores the weekly contents of my mailbox & books bought. And sometimes other fun goodies.

Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library.

Mithee's Mailbox:

Bought:

The School of Night by Alan Wall
Love Lessons by Jacqueline Wilson
Blue is for Nightmares (#1) by Laurie Faria Stolarz
White is for Magic (#2) by Laurie Faira Stolarz
*I bought the first two books at Book Sale for la little over than $3! Mwahaha~ I just hate how they stick the price tag stickers on the dust jackets. Gah! I dunno how to remove the sticky residue from School of Night!

For review:

Silver Smoke by Monica Leonelle (Thanks Monica!)
Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly (Thanks NetGalley and Candlewick!)
*For those who did not know, Angel Burn is not the second book in the Angel Trilogy. It is only the US version of the first book. :P

In My Mailbox (8)

Evermore - Alyson Noel

Title: Evermore
Series: The Immortals #1
Author: Alyson Noel
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: Paperback, 356 pages
Rating: 2.5 - It's fine. You may take it or leave it

Amazon | Goodreads | Book Depository

Summary:

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch. Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste…

Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition. He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets. Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head. She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is. Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.

Review:

The story is about Ever, who lost her family from the car accident caused by a deer. But luckily or maybe unfortunately Ever survived the accident. And ever since that day when she woke up from the accident she started having this weird ability to see people's aura, read their minds and see ghosts. Well at least just her sister's ghost: Riley. Ever transfered to another school and lived with her aunt Sabrine; her father's twin. And having her power made it harder for her to get in contact with people or even touch them. Because if she does she will eventually know their whole life story. So she decided to hide herself inside her hood and listen to her ipod just to distract herself from ever supernatural that is happening around her. Until Damen arrived.

Well? What can I say? I don't pretty much like the story but just forced myself to finish it in one night or if not...then I won't be able to finish it.

I hate how Ever easily give in to every Damen's plea. I hate how easy she is to be manipulated by Damen. And Damen himself for being such a manipulative j***.

Damen on the other hand despite what I think of him as a manipulative one. I still think he is charming and that is why Ever fell for him. And gosh~ I hate it. He is also sexy and a mysterious kind of guy or a puzzle kind of one that you wont get tired of solving. Yet there is an end to it.

Ever is pretty only if she acts like a teenager and not a freak girl. Really. She is I just hate how she tried to cover her pretty face under her hood. But oh well...I guess it was better that way so Damen could be the only one to see her.

There are no interesting characters at all! And the story is a bit predicted. And I also think that the story is a bit common. Though you'll be confused and dizzy about how suddenly things turn out this way and that way. But yeah. I pretty much predicted some which disappoint me because I expected something to this book.

But even though I didn't like the story. That doesn't mean you wont too. Who knows you might like it. So I would still recommend this book to those who are interested. To those who loves mystery/romance YA books. =)

Kay-c

Evermore - Alyson Noel

Waiting on Wednesday (7)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Kay-c's WoW:

Title: Stay
Author: Deb Callite
Pages: Hardcover, 352 pages (Goodreads)

Release Date: April 5th 2011
Published by: Simon Pulse

Summary:
Clara’s relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it’s almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he’s willing to do to make her stay.
Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won’t let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....
Kay-c~

Waiting on Wednesday (7)

Followers Love Giveaway Hop

This is the first time I'm participating in giveaway hop. I'm not a fan of romance or any lovey-dovey thing, but I love our followers! That's why I'm giving away $10 worth book from The Book Depository or $10 gift voucher from Amazon, depend on where you live.

To enter the giveaway, all you need to do is be a follower and fill out this FORM. After all this is Follower Love Hop Giveaway.

You can gain extra entries by commenting one of our reviews. Pick one review and leave meaningful comment to get +2 extra entries. Many comments are appreciated but only one comment will be counted. I'm trying to keep this as simple as possible.

Enter the giveaway and enjoy hopping around!

Followers Love Giveaway Hop

Orange Girl by Jostein Gaarder

This review is part of Loving the Review Challenge hosted by Brandi of Blkosiner's Book Blog and Sniffly Kitty of Sniffly Kitty's Mostly Books. Basically all I need to do it post my review with the banner and link it to Siffly Kitty or Brandi's blog.

Title: Orange Girl

Author: Jostein Gaarder

Publisher: Orion Publishing

Rate: 4 and a half stars

“My father died eleven years ago. I was only four then,
I never thought I’d hear from him again, but now we’re
writing a book together.”

To Georg Røed, his father is no more than a shadow, a distant memory. But then one day his grandmother discovers some papers stuffed into the lining of an old red pushchair. The pages are a letter to Georg, written just before his father died, and a story, The Orange Girl. But The Orange Girl is no ordinary story – it is a riddle from the past centering around an incident in his father’s youth. One day he boarded a tram and was captivated by a beautiful girl standing in the aisle, clutching a huge paper bag of luscious-looking oranges. Suddenly the tram gave a jolt and he stumbled forward, sending the oranges flying in all directions. Since that day, his father became obsessed with finding the identity of the Orange Girl, and now, from beyond the grave he is asking his son to help him solve the puzzle...

Few days ago Kay-c asked me what book should she read if she wants to start reading philosophy book. I immediately said' Jostein Gaarder's!'. Jostein Gaarder was the reason why I read philosophy book in the first place. I read Sophie's World years ago and I was hooked! So I started reading his other books. Orange Girl isn't my favorite Gaarder but that doesn't mean this book isn't worthy of your time. On the contrary, I think this is one of the must-read book; especially if you're taking interesting in philosophy. In my opinion every book that made you thought about the meaning of your life was in some way engaging you in philosophical thinking; and this book is one of those books. However unlike Sophie's World, philosophy in this book was presented subtly and you barely realize it. That's why I consider this as a very good start if you want to read philosophy novels.

The character, Georg, was cute and very smart. Most of Gaarder's books feature kids as his main character and he's good at creating believable characters. The plot was a bit slow in the beginning but as you progress in reading you will discover many interesting things; beautiful things and sad things. I was completely blown away by the ending, it was so sad but it make sense to me, it kinda complete my imagination of Georg's father and it didn't disappoint me at all. I think this story will capture the heart of everyone who experienced the lost of a beloved person.

Lynossa

Orange Girl by Jostein Gaarder

In My Mailbox (7)

IMM is a meme started by Kristi of The Story Siren with some inspiration from Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.

The idea behind IMM was not only to put new books on your radar but to also encourage blogger interaction. IMM explores the weekly contents of my mailbox & books bought. And sometimes other fun goodies.

Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library.


Kay-c's IMM

I got these books a couple of weeks past and I was lazy to post it here until now. :D

Bought:

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository)
Blue moon by Alyson noel (Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository)
Unwind by Neal Shusterman (Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository)
If I stay by Gayle Forman (Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository)
Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles (Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository)
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository)
Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles (Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository)
Vampire Beach 1 by Alex Duval (Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository)
Stolen by Lucy Christopher (Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository)

Given:

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare (Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository)

From Netgalley

Unearthy by Cynthia Hand (Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository)
The Betrayal of Maggie Blair by Elizabeth Laird (Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository)
The Paris Secret by Angela Henry (Goodreads)

Thanks NetGalley~

Lyn's Mailbox:

I didn't buy any book this month, I stayed away from bookstore because I'm going on a trip after Valentine with my friends so I'm keeping my money (at least until the trip is over). But I received several books I've won from bloggers!

Johnny Oops by Arthur Levine (I won it from contest in Read, Review, and Recommend)
The Curious Incident of the Dog in Night-Time by Mark Haddon (I won it from Project Fraeya)

See those shinny books? I wrapped it with plastic cover as soon as I get them out of the package :)
Thank you Fraeya, Kate Evangelista and of course Arthur Levine (who personalized and signed my Johnny Oops copy, awesome!)

In My Mailbox (7)

Book Blogger Hop (5) & Follow Friday (9)

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee. Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer of Crazy-For-Books.

Hello~ guys! Jee, it’s me Kay-c!
Wow. It’s been long since I last posted! College really took all my time to blog! And well some personal problems too but all are sorted out now and I'M BACK!! though it's not that I left, but you know...back from blogging and I feel good =D
And also, it's sad to say that I'll be on my own for now. Hey, come to think of it. The three of us doesn't have much time to blog. Mith has her connection cut, Lyn's busy working and I am busy with my school. Well I don’t know if you guys noticed that were not posting anything lately. And it's been long since we all answered the blog hop questions complete! I too miss them. We are trio after all.

Anyhow. It's been a boring week! Well since we did not post anything this week at all. But we are working on it =D


QUESTION: "What are you reading now and why are you reading it?"

Kay-c : I'm currently reading Anna and the French Kiss. I honestly have read this 3 times now. I just can't get a hold of some scenes and be giddy. I can't help but get addicted to it. My review will be out soon. And you'll find out how crazy I am while reading this. Jee.

REVIEWS:

This week:

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles - Kay-c

Last week:

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen - Mithee
Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde - Lynossa
Jane by April Linder - Mithee
Liberty, Life and Pursuit of Sausages by Tom Halt - Lynossa

Book Blogger Hop (5) & Follow Friday (9)