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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Winner: Almost-500 Followers Giveaway!


Another giveaway has ended and it's time to announce the winner. Thank you for everyone who participated in our Almost-500 Followers Giveaway! I had fun checking which title got the most vote, of course most vote goes to 'Other' but among the titles most of you choose The Hunger Games. Yeah! It was one of the best dystopian book I've read :)
Move on the the giveaway winner, it took me awhile to list all the entries but finally the list is finished and random org had done its job. And the winner is...


Congratulations Nikita from Leafy Books! I've sent you email and you have 24 hours to response before I pick another winner. I wish I have more books to share, perhaps one day *hint* but for now, if you haven't enter our other giveaways, do it now because those end tonight!
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Monday, May 30, 2011

Blood Red Road by Moira Young



Title: Blood Red Road
Series: Dustlands #1
Author: Moira Young
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Expected publication: June 7th 2011
Pages: Hardcover, 512 pages
Rating: 4.5 - Almost Perfect!

Source: Simon and Schusters Galley Grab

Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Summary:


Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.
Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.
Blood Red Road has a searing pace, a poetically minimal writing style, violent action, and an epic love story. Moira Young is one of the most promising and startling new voices in teen fiction.


Review:

Blood Red Road is an book full of adventure. The adventure start right after Saba’s twin Lugh was taken away by the Crazy King. She sent off to search for him. But It didn’t stop just right there. She encounters many obstacles. She was captured and was forced to fight in the arena. Meet a lot of people who she thinks will only slow her down and encounters a feeling she's not familiar with. Gigantic Worms with claws. And many more.

Saba is fierce fighter. She was force to become independent when she went searching for her brother who she previously depends on. Smart and fearless. Despite her lack of experience in fighting nor knowledge about it. She surprisingly handles everything that was thrown at her. She’s pretty stubborn too. That you as reader would may feel irritated sometimes just like me. Her sister Emmi is exactly like her. Brave, stubborn and fighter she refused to be left alone without a fight. I love each characters here. They are all not the one who complain. They just go and always ready for the worst. I love how mature they are.

The romance and the action are well balanced. They kick ass and even kids do too. That maybe is the thing i like about this book. The gender is never a problem as long as you do know how to fight. Be it old or young. Their adventure just never stops. The plot is well planned. The book is well written Mrs. Young made sure that her readers are well inform. She describes every bits of action and every bits of emotions that flows in the book. To the point that you can’t contain your excitement and then suddenly you want to join Saba in the book and help her. It’s like you are watching a movie inside your head.

The setting. It’s a world where civilization hardly ever exist. People don’t know how to read nor write and how to speak fluently or use the right words or know the right grammar. That said I think it also effects Saba's narration throughout the story. People will do everything to survive their world. Even sell a girl and force them to fight in the arena. The pace is fast. You can never be bore while reading this. Though as the story progresses I come to terms that the first part of the book is more exciting. The rest was..well exciting as well but not much as the first part. As I was able to know how determined Saba was to save her brother from the people who wants to get him. But as her story goes and as she faces more obstacle even though her real goal is to save Lugh. The action was lessen. As the author was focused on building the plot and the setting and as well as the other supporting characters.

The dialect of the book might be a uncomfortable for some of you who wants to read it. As for me, before I could even decide to drop the book it was too late because I am already hooked and all I can do is to continue reading or continue regretting why I didn’t read it. And sooner before I know it I became comfortable with the dialect.

Over all. The plot. The Characters. The adventure. The monsters. The Crazy Villains and the dialect. Wow I never thought I’ll be able to read this all in one book. It gives me a heck of a crazy ride there. I’ll be sure to read the second book.

Kay-c




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Saturday, May 28, 2011

The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder


Title: The Day Before.
Series: None
Author: Lisa Schroeder
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Expected publication: June 28th 2011
Pages: 320 Hardcover
Rating: 4 - Excellent!

Source: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab

Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Summary:

Amber’s life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself.
Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell he’s also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.
The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she’s drawn to him. And the more she’s troubled by his darkness. Because Cade’s not just living in the now—he’s living each moment like it’s his last.
Review:

I never expected anything from this book. EVER. I thought this would be another boy-meets-girl-in-the-campus-after-running-each-other-in-the-beach thing. But it seems that it proves me wrong. Anyhow I was surprised to know that the story is written in verse. At first I thought that maybe this is a compilation of poetry. Though I do like poem but I was just startled thinking that I might have picked up the wrong galley.

Moving on. I love YA contemporary books such as this one. But I never read any books written by Lisa Schroeder nor books written in verse. So I was reluctant to grab it. But oh well.. I found another good contemporary writer~~

The story is about Amber. Who wants to spent some time alone in the beach where she felt comfortable right before the day her life will change forever. Suddenly when she was strolling around she found Cade. The two suddenly made a connection and soon they spent the whole day together talking about anything but personal things and forgetting the past and thinking about their current situation together. Soon that bond turned to affection. (Honestly? I don’t want to drop anything about this book. It’s too good and I want you guys to read it instead.)

I love Amber and Cade.. Both wants to escape from their current situation at home. When they are together. The two made a deal that while they are together they shouldn’t ask about each others past nor the reason why they spent the whole day away from all the people they know and what they are hiding. But like Amber I also can’t help but wonder what is Cade’s secret that he desperately wants to hide. Cade is sweet and caring guy. And that is what I like about him. I love how close amber and her family is. I love how sweet and loving she is to her mom and sister. Yet she have to leave them.
The plot was fast. The romance between the two is actually fast if you check the timeline. But its perfect in the whole story. And like I said above the way this book was written is unique enough that at first will make you wonder if this book is a compilation of poetry or not. The book reminds me of ‘If I stay’ well in some way. This book gives you different emotions sadness, loneliness, longing, love and satisfaction.

The book is quick read. I finished reading this maybe 2 hour laps. You’ll be also hooked up with the style of writing and a cute plot.

After reading this. I’m will make sure to read Lisa Schroeder books. I recommend this to those people who love Contemporary YA. Maybe to those who love
Invincible Summer and If I stay.

Kay-c



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Friday, May 27, 2011

Drowning in the Dark by Alisson Karras

Title: Drowning in the Dark

Author: Allison Karras

Publisher: You Come Too Publishing

Rating: 3 stars

Samantha Carver lives with her uncle's family after the death of her father. Although it felt hard for her to adjust, her cousin Terry, always made her feel comfortable. That's why when a girl in her school was killed and Terry was accused to be her murderer, Sam felt her little comfort was torn away, especially because she knew who the murder, or what. Zombie and ghost are new thing for the small seaside town in Oregon but not for Sam, and now she must do something to stop the invasion.

I would give higher rating if only the story was longer and more complex. However it was too short and left me feeling unsettle. Overall the plot was good and the mystery in it was quite interesting. The characters were okay; no one really special except Shane. I think he's the most interesting character in here; when he entered the story, I felt excited. Sam was okay but not special, I've read plenty character similar to her. She develop a little, especially in the way she welcomed her family into her heart, but other than that, nothing much. The action scenes were pretty good albeit a bit rushed especially after Sam gave herself to save Terry.

In short, this is a good story and has many opportunity to develop into better in the future. If you like horror but not a die-hard fan of it and looking for a short reading, this one is for you.

Lynossa
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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Winner - Metrozone Contest


Another giveaway has ended and it's time to announce our winner. Thank you for everyone who had participated in our contest. You guys rock! Without many delays, the winner who will accept the complete series of Metrozone/Samuil Petrovitch series consists of Equations of Life, Theories of Flight, and Degrees of Freedom is...

 

Congratulations Michelle! I've sent you an email and you have 48 hours to respond before I pick another winner. For others who didn't win, don't be sad and try your luck in our another giveaways:

1. Almost-500 Followers Giveaway
2. Clockwork Angels Giveaway
3. The Damned Busters Giveaway

ps: If anyone wonders, the correct answer is: Equations of Life: 5 pictures; Theories of Flight: 5 pictures; Degrees of Freedome: 3 pictures
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Cinder and Ella by Melissa Lemon


Title: Cinder and Ella
Series: None
Author: Melissa Lemon
Publisher: Bonneville Books
Expected Publication: November 8th 2011
Pages: Paperback, 208 pages
Rating: 3 - Fair enough.

Source: Requested at Net Galley

Goodreads

Summary:


After their father’s disappearance, Cinder leaves home for a servant job at the castle. But it isn’t long before her sister Ella is brought to the castle herself—the most dangerous place in all the kingdom for both her and Cinder. Cinder and Ella is a Cinderella story like no other and one you'll never forget.

Review:

We all know Cinderella’s story. Where there is a fairy godmother who would save our heroine, Two evil step sisters and a step mother who ruined our heroine’s life. And glass shoes that saves her from that evil family and of course a charming Prince who would come to save the day and will have a happily ever after ending. Well..FORGET THAT.

Cinder and Ella is not a fairy tale story we all know. Cinder and Ella are sisters. There was no prince( well not really) , no fairy godmother and no step sisters and mother and no glass shoes.
Cinder and ella belonged to a happy family that consist six members. A mother, father and four sister. They lived happy so far as the story starts until one night the prince arrived to and bewitched their father’s mind and one night he disappeared. Making his family worried and wonder if he still lives. Soon after that, their love for each other has banished and replaced by selfishness and greed. Katrina being the eldest among the four is used about getting what she wanted. Cinder became the servant of her own family , Ella became a stranger and invincible having no one but her beloved sister Cinder to notice her existence and Beatrice is growing to be spoiled brat just like her eldest sister who is used of being served their whole lives. Their mother is busy mending her job and only noticed the three sisters and truly forgotten Ella.

The prologue itself was enough to grab my attention. Knowing what the classic Cinderella tale was. I considere trying this twisted story. At first I don’t understand as to why the prince would actually want Ella either. The plot was a mystery even at first chapter. But all I could do is to read and read and find out why and what did our heroine had done. I was skeptical that maybe I wasn’t really paying much attention. And I was about to go back to page one just so I could understand it fully. But then I decided that maybe I was too early for me to do so since I haven’t even finish half way. So I played detective and maintain the question mark on my head.

The plot was slow. The first half of the book is about introductions and stuff. Nothing interesting going on so far and not much action so I was tempted to skip that part and jump down to the real action scene. But that would ruin the story. The plot was finally revealed in the middle. Even so, the mystery wasn’t solved.

The characters are okay. Villains...well they remain villain and I hate them. The story lacks of action. I kept on yawning and my brain wants to stop reading. But the only thing that drives me from reading are the questions. I wanted to know what happened and how will they solve the problems. In the end the ending wasn’t satisfying. Not all questions was answered. And it just ends up like that like a ‘click’. I was eagerly waiting for the battle between the heroine and the villain. But I didn’t know that by just a single threat the villain will back away. All I could say is. It is indeed not the classic Cinderella with a happy every after. But a different story with no happy ending.
'

Kay-c



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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Just one wish by Janette Rallison

Title: Just one wish
Series: None
Author: Janette Rallison
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Pages: Paperback, 272 pages
Rating: 4 - Excellent!

Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Summary:


Seventeen-year-old Annika Truman knows about the power of positive thinking. With a little brother who has cancer, it's all she ever hears about. And in order to help Jeremy, she will go to the ends of the earth (or at least as far as Hollywood) to help him believe he can survive his upcoming surgery.

But Annika's plan to convince Jeremy that a magic genie will grant him any wish throws her a curve ball when he unexpectedly wishes that his television idol would visit him. Annika suddenly finds herself in the desperate predicament of getting access to a hunky star actor and convincing him to come home with her. Piece of cake, right?

Janette Rallison's proven talent for laugh-out-loud humor, teen romance, and deep-hearted storytelling shines in a novel that will have readers laughing and crying at the same time.
Review:

What If you have an adorable little brother who is about to have his operation for his brain tumor in days? What would you do in order to assure him that everything will be alright? Are you going grant his wishes? If so how far will you go?

Just one wish is a story about a sister. Who would do everything for the sake of encouraging his little brother that the surgery will be okay and he will be fine. So in order to do that. She told her little brother that she has a genie and that genie would grant all of his wishes. Then his brother wished to meet his favorite teen actor from California. She then set off an adventure to meet and convince the actor to visit her little brother before the surgery.

I love characters. Annika is a strong willed girl and a reliable big sister. I love how determine she is on granting her little brother’s wish. Even though she knows that she has zero percent on convincing the busy actor. Plus the security is too tight that it’s so impossible to even slip inside the studio and meet him. But even so she didn’t give up. I also like her best friend Madison. She’s supportive to even accompany annika to all craziness she's doing. So does Jeremy, her parents and the Steve. I don’t have anything to say to him. He is an actor what can I say? And I don’t really understands actors even though its well written here. But since I don’t know how being an actor is, I don’t know how to react. But I like him.

The romance is fast paced but you really can’t tell as you read the story. But if you realize the timeline of the story you’ll realize its fast. But oh well it’s cute so I don’t have anything bad to say. The emotions of the characters especially Annika’s family were real and I felt it I was reading the story. There are funny scenes too and it made me laugh like crazy to the point my mother thinks I’m becoming insane. It also has a moral lesson. And If you think about the story really hard. You’ll realize something to it.

This book isn’t like any other story out there like Girl chasing after boy and screaming and all. No. It definitely is not. It’s about the love of a sister to her troubled little brother. And despite all the trouble she is going through she meet someone who is willing to help her to overcome it all. So far I didn’t like the ending. I was really looking forward to a good ending. I’m not gonna spoil you but…oh well.

But despite it all. I enjoyed the story nevertheless. It’s a quick read book that as you start to read it you’ll forgot to let it go. Anyways because of this I sure am adding Janette Rallison in my fave author list.
Kay-c

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Sunday, May 22, 2011

6-Month Bloganniversary: The Damned Busters Giveaway


 What another giveaway? You bet! On the courtesy of Angry Robot, we have one more giveaway. There will be four (yes, four!) copies of The Damned Busters by Matthew Hughes for four lucky winners. It's a wacky and hilarious story about a young guy who accidentally summoned a demon and became a superhero.
How could you win this book? All you need to do is fill this FORM.

Extra entries:
+1 GFC Follower
+1 Twitter Follower
+1 Like us on facebook
+2 Comment in my review HERE
+2 Spread the words

Deadline is May 31st, This contest is open to everyone around the world!
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The Damned Busters by Matthew Hughes

Title: The Damned Busters (Hell & Back #1)

Author: Matthew Hughes

Publisher: Angry Robot

Rating: Three stars


It's a funny story about a mild-mannered actuary, Chesney Arnstruther, who lead up a normal boring life until he accidentally summoned a demon. Refused to sell his soul, he caused a strike in Hell until finally managed to come up with an agreement with the Satan. Maniac of comic-hero, Chesney decided he could use his agreement with Hell for good cause and transformed himself into a superhero, The Actionary.

I have to admit I'm not a fan of superhero stories at all, especially those who wander around in tight clothes. That's why it took me awhile to finish this story, but put that aside, I enjoyed the funny and hilarious moments in this book. It got Tom Holt's feel in it; a somewhat nerdy main character who accept his role as background suddenly become the highlight of the story. At first it all seemed to be simple; chased the bad guy and save damsel in distress, but soon Chesney got caught up in politics and - like most comic hero - met the villain of his story.

You won't find deep and profound characters - the women are quite one-dimensional and the men are stereotypical. As matter of fact, don't expect something deep in this story, it basically just a story to entertain you. To make you laugh or if you're a fan of superhero, to make you imagine what if you got the same chance as Chesney did.

Wacky and hilarious, fans of superhero will enjoy this book.

Lynossa
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In My Mailbox (12)


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 Mailbox:
I bought these books a couple of weeks ago. Some just this week.

Bought:


I've been on haitus for a month and half because I lost my connection in
one snap that even I was surprised. But finally it's back! and so am I.

I never thought I'd had this much books to read. But oh well it's summer
so I got a lot of time to waste <3 unfortunately June is just around the corner! meaning! Classes
will start soon! It's weird that I'm not excited about it. I'm usually excited about this. Anyways

Thanks NetGalley And Simon and Schuster publisher for the awesome Galleys!


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Friday, May 20, 2011

Review: Die for Me by Amy Plum

Title: Die for Me

Author: Amy Plum

Series: Revenants #1

Pages: 341 (Hardcover)

Source: ARC from NetGalley

(Goodreads)



Published by: HarperTeen

Release date: May 10th 2011



Summary:

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.

Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.

Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love?
Review:

I was really excited to read this book! See the cover? Who wouldn’t want to read a book as gorgeous-looking as that? The prologue itself was enough to grab my attention. I knew then that I was in for a real good treat.

I really love the premise of Die for Me. The characters have very distinctive qualities and the revenants are hot! I love zombies but, good-looking undead French boys?? That is a major plus for me! Plum’s Die for Me is a new take on a paranormal romance. But you know what? Oh, I hate this part. All this didn’t work out for me.

The problem is, the romantic development between Vincent and Kate is too fast. They fell in love just after the first quarter of the book. I didn’t have time to feel giddy and excited during their get-to-know phase. So by the time I reached the first half, their relationship just about annoyed me. They still flirt a lot, but it didn’t work out for me. It also made the whole thing a bit unrealistic. I really wish that Plum took the romance more slowly. And while this book oozed with romance, it lacked a great deal of action. The last quarter of the book made up for the lack of action though, but the predictability kind of cancelled that out.

Despite Vince and Kate’s super fast relationship development, its plot is slow. Some of the events by the second half seemed a little forced as well. I found a plothole too that I hope I just overlooked the answer to; Jean-Baptiste asks the police to hand him the revenants’ corpses in exchange for something every time they die. If this happened one too many times before, don’t the police recognize the revenants’ faces? If you have read or are planning to read this book, do me a favor and try to search for the answers to this.

I had high hopes for Die for Me, but I’m sorry to say that it didn’t quite reach to my expectations. However, I’ll still be on the lookout for its sequel. I’d love to give this book another chance.

Mithee
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Thursday, May 19, 2011

Shine by Lauren Myracle

Title: Shine

Author: Lauren Myracle

Publisher: Amulet Books

Rating: 4 stars

When sixteen-year-old Cat finds out that Patrick, her best friend, falls victim into a vicious hate crime, she decides to find out the culprit. Believes that the culprit is one of her townsfolk, Cat starts an investigation from Patrick's closest circle, including her own big brother. After years hiding inside her own shelf after one faithful incident when she was thirteenth-year-old, Cat braces herself not just to accept the possibility someone near him is capable of doing something so horrible, but also to overcome the shadow of her past that has been affecting the way she sees people and the world. 

Some of you probably know that I'm a fan of mystery. When I found this book on NetGalley, I thought: 'Hey, it seems interesting.' and it turns out it's more than interesting. Set in small southern town where most people are redneck and no one dares to say the world 'gay', Lauren Myracle weaves a mind-blowing story about friendship, minority and how to stand up for what you believe. 

The mystery element in this book isn't as much as I hoped for, toward the end I could guess who's the culprit while Cat still struggling to find out. But I still enjoyed this book, I like books with powerful message and this one is. In America where people claim to be the land of freedom and equality, you will still find towns like Black Creek. A town where you hardly can find black people; where the word gay is forbidden to speak off; when bad things happened to you, it might be because you 'asked' for it. 

The characters are interesting however not so special. Perhaps the most interesting is actually the victim himself; especially because all we know about him is from the eyes of his closest people. We know his past from Cat and along the way, together with Cat, we find out about his life after Cat cut all her friendship but never from himself.

I think this is one book that will not only entertain you but will also open your eyes about many things. If you haven't read it, go read it now!

Lynossa
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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Review: The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

Title: The Gathering
Series: Darkness Rising #1
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Pages: 359 (Hardcover)
(Goodreads)

Release Date: April 12th 2011
Published by: HarperCollins

Summary:
Sixteen-year-old Maya is just an ordinary teen in an ordinary town. Sure, she doesn't know much about her background - the only thing she really has to cling to is an odd paw-print birthmark on her hip - but she never really put much thought into who her parents were or how she ended up with her adopted parents in this tiny medical-research community on Vancouver Island.

Until now.

Strange things have been happening in this claustrophobic town - from the mountain lions that have been approaching Maya to her best friend's hidden talent for "feeling" out people and situations, to the sexy new bad boy who makes Maya feel . . . . different. Combine that with a few unexplained deaths and a mystery involving Maya's biological parents and it's easy to suspect that this town might have more than its share of skeletons in its closet.
Review:

In The Gathering, our protagonists live on a research island with more or less 200 residents. The place is surrounded by forest which is inhabited by cougars, bears and other wild animals. Rafe is the newest guy in town. Nobody knows where he and her sister, Annie, came from. Maya thinks he’s a playboy and a poser. She doesn’t like him all too well. But after one incident in the forest involving Annie, Maya starts to think that there might be more Rafe than meets the eye. But she also couldn’t shake the feeling that he’s hiding a deadly secret. A secret that, maybe, has something to do with her own past.

The Gathering is the first book in the Darkness Rising series, a companion series to The Darkest Powers series. The Gathering focuses mainly on world-building, so the plot is rather slow-moving. There were a lot of questions that arose from the first half of the book alone, but unfortunately, most of them were not answered. In fact, after reading this book, I got more questions than answers. So this actually feels like an introduction or a prologue to the real first chapter, which is the second book.

The characters are likable enough, though it was a little hard to connect with them at first. Daniel, Maya’s bestfriend, for me was a little unrealistic. He’s too serious, sure, mature and responsible for his age. Maya’s other bestfriend, Serena, who was also Daniel’s girlfriend died a year before but Maya still mourns for her loss. Maya likes tending to injured animals and they seem to heal faster when she’s around. She is witty and sarcastic but tends to be unforgiving to people who have shown her their bad side.

The only (two) thing(s) that ruined this book for me was the whole “mysterious, new guy that the female protagonist should avoid but is too hot to resist” she-bang. I usually don’t mind books with this kind of character, but there was this book I recently read that has the same idea which I really didn’t like. And now, it has affected the part of my brain that says that those type of characters are okay. The plot is very predictable too. It lacked a great deal of suspense.
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Monday, May 16, 2011

Freefall by Mindi Scott


Title: FreeFall
Series: None
Author: Mindi Scott
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Pages: Paperback, 315 pages
Rating: 4 Excellent!

Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Summary:

How do you come back from the point of no return?Seth McCoy was the last person to see his best friend, Isaac, alive, and the first to find him dead. It was just another night, just another party, just another time when Isaac drank too much and passed out on the lawn. Only this time, Isaac didn't wake up.
Convinced that his own actions led to his friend's death, Seth is torn between turning his life around . . . or losing himself completely.
Then he meets Rosetta: so beautiful and so different from everything and everyone he's ever known. But Rosetta has secrets of her own, and Seth soon realizes he isn't the only one who needs saving...
Review

Seth McCoy or better known as DICK has been wicked after his best friend’s death last summer, Around months ago. He’s been blaming himself since then. Everybody has moved on except him.

Freefall is a story about :
Letting go.
Moving on.
And Facing your fears.
It focuses on letting go and facing your fears as there are issues here that needs to be done. The story is believable and well made.

Freefall is a fun read. The characters were all good in their own way, the pace was also moderate. The scenes were realistic. The emotions were normal for someone who is still mourning and moving on. The humor was good! It made me laugh in some scenes there. And the romance was kinda cute. I like how Ms. Scott builds the relationship between Seth and Rosetta. It didn’t start of as “boom! They click”. It was a roller coaster yet it’s cute.

Seth’s character is firstly seen as a very disturb guy trying hard to move on and face the reality that his best friend is dead. He became a drunkard and his confidence suddenly went low. Isaac was everything to him. Without Isaac he is simple Seth. Not wild and away from trouble. It sounds best but when Isaac is around he can be himself. But now that he is gone. He became no one. Not obviously himself. But gradually as the story progresses we come to know him well.
Rosetta’s arrival to his life indeed made a big impact to himself. He became aware that there is another world out there waiting to be discovered. And there is someone who needs to be saved.

I bought the book for a several months ago but I shove it aside thinking that I might cry while reading the story. I thought it was a sad story so I prepared myself. The story started off in a bad way. That turned me off. But forced myself to give it a try. So it took me several try outs and I finally decided to stick with it for some time. And Yep it did worked. And I ended up liking the story.

The first thing that bothers me are of course the characters.
The characters were introduced in a not so good way. But at least it made me aware that this book is about teenagers nowadays. Second the Ending. I was glad that Seth’s issue was solved. But I was really looking forward to Rosetta’s. It left me hanging and made me thought that the ending is rushed. But its not. It’s just fine. The story is good that it made me not aware of how far I am nor what time it is. It wasn’t fast. But it’s just well written. I was savored in the story too much to think of letting it go.
I’ll be sure to look for more Mandi Scott’s book.

Kay-c
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Sunday, May 15, 2011

Winner: In The Arms of Stone Angels Ebook


One of our giveaway had reached its end! That means it's time to announce the winner :) Without many delays, the winner for our In The Arms of Stone Angels giveaway is.... 

Bwyatt! 

Congratulations! I've sent you an email and you need to reply it within 48 hours before I give your email to the publisher. I hope you'll enjoy the book as much - or probably more - than I did! Thank you HarlequinTeen for sponsoring this giveaway!


For those who didn't win, don't be sad we still have plenty giveaways!  Enter now and I wish you good luck :)
1. Metrozone Contest (Prize: The complete dystopian sci-fi from Simon Morden: Equations of Life, Theories of Flight, and Degrees of Freedom)
2. Almost-500 Followers Giveaway (Prize: One book of your choice from the list; including The Knife of Never Letting Go, Invincible Summer, Room, Forbidden, and many more)
3. Clockwork Angel Giveaway (Prize: A copy of Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare)

All Giveaways/Contests are International!

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May is our 6-Month Anniversary: Clockwork Angel Giveaway!


I recently acquired a second copy of a hardcover edition of Cassandra Clare's Clockwork Angel. I was, initially, not going to participate in our 6 Month Anniversary Giveaway (shame on me!) because I must to ship some books to international countries. Well, I thought I must. Turns out, it was all a big misunderstanding. Ha! I bet you don't have an idea what I'm talking about. Still, that means YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN THIS SUPER HANDSOME AWESOMEAZING STEAMPUNK NOVEL BY CASSANDRA CLARE THAT I SOOOOO LOVED #TeamWill! Yeah!

Rules:
- Must be a follower to enter (+2 for old followers; +1 for new followers)
- Comment on this post along with your e-mail address

Extra Entries: (leave links/usernames)
+1 Follow us on twitter
+1 Like us on Facebook
+2 Spread the word
+5 Create blog post for this giveaway
+1 Comment on each review

This contest is open to everyone and ends on May 31st

Don't forget to enter our other 6 Month Anniversary Giveaways!

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Saturday, May 14, 2011

6-Month Bloganniversary: Almost-500 Followers Giveaway!


Awww, it's awfully quite around blgosphere lately. Could it be because everybody is busy preparing for BEA (that we will not attend due to live halfway around the world *sniff*)? Well then, to give more life to the blog and also as part of our 6-Month Bloganniversary celebration, let's start another giveaway! We need another 50-ish followers again to reach 500 followers so it might seems like a bribe but who doesn't like free book? Help us reach 500 followers and one of you will get the chance to have one book from the list below! The giveaway runs from now till May 28!

We've read several awesome stories this year and want to share the love to other people. So one winner will get the chance to win one of these books or a book of your choice as long as the price is under or equal to $10:


The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh



 Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
Room by Emma Donoghue
Invincible Summer by Hannah Moskowitz
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles
Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

*links direct to our reviews

FILL THIS FORM

You must be a follower to enter!
International as long as The Book Depository ship to your country!
Ends May 28th!

Extra Entries:
+1 Follow us on twitter
+1 Like us on Facebook
+2 Spreading the words via twitter
+5 Create blog post for this giveaway
+1 Comment on each review

ps: Tomorrow is the deadline of In The Arms of Stone Angels ebook giveaway (ends 5/15), Don't miss it and enter HERE! And don't forget to enter our Metrozone Contest HERE (ends 5/25)!
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Review: Die for Me by Amy Plum

Title: Die for Me
Author: Amy Plum
Series: Revenants #1
Pages: 341 (Hardcover)
Source: ARC from NetGalley
(Goodreads)

Published by: HarperTeen
Release date: May 10th 2011

Summary:
My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.

Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.

Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love?
Review:

I was really excited to read this book! See the cover? Who wouldn’t want to read a book as gorgeous-looking as that? The prologue itself was enough to grab my attention. I knew then that I was in for a real good treat.

I really love the premise of Die for Me. The characters have very distinctive qualities and the revenants are hot! I love zombies but, good-looking undead French boys?? That is a major plus for me! Plum’s Die for Me is a new take on a paranormal romance. But you know what? Oh, I hate this part. All this didn’t work out for me.

The problem is, the romantic development between Vincent and Kate is too fast. They fell in love just after the first quarter of the book. I didn’t have time to feel giddy and excited during their get-to-know phase. So by the time I reached the first half, their relationship just about annoyed me. They still flirt a lot, but it didn’t work out for me. It also made the whole thing a bit unrealistic. I really wish that Plum took the romance more slowly. And while this book oozed with romance, it lacked a great deal of action. The last quarter of the book made up for the lack of action though, but the predictability kind of cancelled that out.

Despite Vince and Kate’s super fast relationship development, its plot is slow. Some of the events by the second half seemed a little forced as well. I found a plothole too that I hope I just overlooked the answer to; Jean-Baptiste asks the police to hand him the revenants’ corpses in exchange for something every time they die. If this happened one too many times before, don’t the police recognize the revenants’ faces? If you have read or are planning to read this book, do me a favor and try to search for the answers to this.

I had high hopes for Die for Me, but I’m sorry to say that it didn’t quite reach to my expectations. However, I’ll still be on the lookout for its sequel. I’d love to give this book another chance.

Mithee
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Friday, May 13, 2011

Where She Went by Gayle Forman



Title: Where She Went
Series: If I Stay #2
Author: Gayle Forman
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Pages: Hardcover, 264 pages
Rating: 3 Okay

Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Summary:

It's been three years since the devastating accident ... three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.
Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Julliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.
Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.



REVIEW
The story started off in “If I stay” (review) when Mia and her family had a car accident. And she was left alone deciding whether she should follow them or stay.

“Where she went” is the most anticipated sequel of the most heart breaking story “If I stay”.
The story is told in Adam’s POV.

This time it’s already three and half years since the horrible accident. And three and half years since Mia woke up from her coma. And three years since she left Adam alone without a proper goodbye. Making Adam wondering what had gone wrong and what happened. And because of his depression he wrote quite a lot of songs and made his band famous and became a Rock star and had a famous celebrity girlfriend. Despite it all. He is still searching for the answers of his unanswered questions. That only Mia can answer.

The story is as always heart breaking and yet heartwarming. The story is told in the same way the first novel was. Although like I said above the difference is that it’s Adam’s opinion this time.

Honestly? I don’t know where to start. I don’t know what to write. And I don’t know what to say in this book. It’s just perfect. The story is emotionally contained. It’s well written. The emotions are always there to the point that you’ll be always drawn in to the story.

It’s the same as the first book. Mia and Adam met. Then they take a tour and Adam brought us back 3 years ago from where he started another life without Mia in his side. What he’s done and all the emotions he felt for Mia as he is telling his story.

Adam is a perfect boyfriend I have to say. Not perfect “Perfect”. But maybe should I say a right example of a boyfriend? Anyways Adam is supportive and understanding boyfriend. After the accident he made sure that he is there for Mia. Supporting her in her every bits of move and taking care of her. And you wouldn’t hear any complain from him. It’s like his world is Mia. No..His world is indeed Mia. That is why I understand that he is mad at her at Mia when she suddenly left him and cut all her connections with him.
It was understandable. He did everything for her and she suddenly left him with no word.

But I also find it a bit tiring to read. All I could read about is Adam's bitterness and anger. Blaming all this to Mia. It’s three years right ? I know I so sound insensitive. But unlike the first book I think this book is full of bitterness rather than romantic. But I guess that’s what this book is all about. Since it’s about letting go and trying to move on. But it’s just tiring to read a thought where all it said or at least that’s what I interpreted is “It’s all because of her”. I know it’s hard to lose someone you love the most. Especially if you didn’t get a proper closure.

Ugh. I’m contradicting myself I know. But believe me. I don’t know whether I should appreciate the book or not. There is this side that I liked but there is also a side where I don’t like and it’s fighting that leads me what to decide. This book didn’t give me that heart warming feeling that I got from its prequel “If I stay”. It’s lacking.

Kay-c



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Thursday, May 12, 2011

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Title: The Knife of Never Letting Go (Chaos Walking #1)

Author: Patrick Ness

Publisher: Walker Books

Rating: 4 and a half (my maximum score!)

"But a knife ain't just a thing, is it? It's a choice, it's something you do. A knife says yes or no, cut or not, die or don't. A knife takes a decision out of your hand and puts it in the world and it never goes back again. "

Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in an overwhelming, never-ending stream of Noise. Just a month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd and his dog, Manchee - whose thoughts Todd can hear, too, whether he wants to or not - stumble upon an area of complete silence. They find that in a town where privacy is impossible, something terrible has been hidden - a secret so awful that Todd and Manchee must run for their lives.

But how do you escape when your pursuers can hear your every thought? (from Goodreads.com)


---Warning: Contains lots of spoilers---

Dear Mr. Ness,
When I first decide to read your book, I have no idea what I will encounter. I thought it will be another awesome story with awesome action and awesome characters. And it is true; The Knife of Never Letting Go is an awesome story with awesome action and awesome characters. But apparently it wasn't just that. It didn't stop at being awesome, it went further more beyond awesome, I couldn't even find the right word to describe it. How could you? How could you made me care and abandoned me? how could you made me love and broke my heart? How could you gave me hope and stole it away?

I couldn't even remember when was the last time I felt this way. I've read many great books this year but most of them I could see things coming and I've prepared myself for what will come; but not like this. You've wretched my heart, Mr. Ness.

I always have a thing for loyal non-human sidekick and Manchee was my favorite character and you've made me love him and then you took him away and shattered my heart. You've given me hope when Ben opened his arms and embraced Todd, only to be separated again and also when Todd and Viola finally reached Haven, only to find Aaron on their heels as well.

So thank you Mr. Ness for making me looked like an idiot for shedding tears on the train, for not giving me a warning that this is NOT a train novel, or airport novel, or any public-area novel; that this is the kind of novel that will consume all my mind and attention. And after all that you've done to me, you can guarantee two things for sure, the first one is that I'm going to read The Ask and The Answer PRIVATELY and the second one is you got yourself one devoted fan right here because even after you wretched my heart, just like Todd and Viola, I still have hope.
Though I'm not sure you'll consider yourself lucky or what for that.

Lynossa
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Monday, May 9, 2011

The Long Weekend by Savita Kalhan

Title: The Long Weekend

Author: Savita Kalhan

Publisher: Andersen Press

Rating: 4 stars 

Sam focused.
Gradually, he made out the words. Words he didn't particularly want to hear. Maybe that's why his ears weren't working properly. They knew he didn't want to hear what Lloyd was saying. But he heard the words, and once he'd heard them he couldn't get them out of his head.
'Isn't this your car we're riding in?'

Sam and his friend, Lloyd did one simple but fatal mistake when they got into a sparkling white Mercedes after school, each one thought the car belonged to the other's father. The car took them to a huge mansion filled with up-to-date gadget and games where they tried to fool themselves that it was a surprise party. Surprise indeed. Trapped in the middle of nowhere, chased by lunatic and armed with nothing but his own wit, Sam determined to get him and Lloyd out of there in one piece.

Written in simple prose, The Long Weekend plunged me into the scariest nightmare anyone could have. Only one stupid mistake led to series of terrifying experiences. I'm not really a fan of horror, but I like psychological books and I don't mind that kind of horror (I love Silence of the Lambs!). This one falls into that group, imo.There wasn't anything too graphic so it's quite suitable for teenagers. However the tension and the horror of being chased and the possibilities of what would happened if they were caught was almost unbearable. My eyes were glued to the pages and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Luckily this book was quite short, even more I read it on weekend so it only took awhile for me to savor it; but even so I still think about it for awhile after I read it. The message in this story is powerful and I love it.

Those who love good thriller and looking for a short reading - but still powerful - you should read this book. It was great!

Lynossa
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Saturday, May 7, 2011

Wordsworth Classics Reading Challenge: May Update


For my Wordsworth Classics Reading Challenge participants, I hope you don't think I'm neglecting you! I was just a tad busy that's all :)
So how's your progress so far? I have to admit I failed in reading The Tale of Two Cities and now I move on to another classic, The Adventure of Tom Sawyer. I haven't finished it yet, I'm still in page 144 when Tom and Becky were lost inside a cave. I've read it years ago and I'm glad to say I'm still enjoying this book as much as - or probably more than - before. I still love Huck more than Tom though :)
So what about you? Read any classic in the past month? You can tell me your progress in comment and link your review if you've reviewed the book.

ps: While you're here, don't forget to enter our giveaways!

Lynossa
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Thursday, May 5, 2011

6-Month Bloganniversary: In The Arms of Stone Angels Ebook Giveaway

This giveaway is a part of our 6-Month Blogging Celebration. 

To be honest, I'm not an ebook fan; I prefer printed copy to ebook, but I admit ebook is handy and very helpful. I like ebook because it doesn't take space on my already crowded bookshelves. I started reading ebook since late last year, especially to read egalley.

Last month I got the chance to read In The Arms of Stone Angels from NetGalley. It was awesome and I really enjoyed it. You could check my review HERE. That's why I want to share the fun and excitement I felt when I read this book with you. I'd contacted HarlequinTeen and they had agreed to give one ebook copy of this great book to one lucky winner.


Rules:
1. One entry per person per household
2. You can gain extra entries by:
(+1) be our follower
(+1) follow us on twitter
(+2) tweet about this event
(+2) comment in my review

For this giveaway, all you need to do is submit your entry in this FORM. You can get extra entry by spreading the words and be our followers, that's it! Deadline is May, 15 GMT time. Good luck!

While you're here, don't forget to enter our contest: Metrozone Contest. The prize is the complete series of Metrozone/Samuil Petrovitch by Simon Morden!
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Monday, May 2, 2011

April is NetGalley Month Wrap-Up Post!


April is gone and that means the end of April is NetGalley Month, hosted by Emily in Red House Books. Previously I made a list of eGalley I wanted to read in April. Here are the list:

Those That Wake by Jesse Karp (I didn't read it, I wanted but then I was sidetracked by other title)
In The Arms of Stone Angels by Jordan Dane (Done, my review is HERE)
The Enterprise of Death by Jesse Bullington (Didn't read it)
Bumped by Megan McCafferty (I read several pages but the narration turned me off, I might try it again one day)
Invinsible Inkling by Emily Jenkins (Done, but haven't written the review so far)
The Restorer by Amanda Stevens (Done, my review is HERE)
The Goddest Test by Aimee Carter (Still on TBR list)
Theories of Flight by Simon Morden (Done, my review is HERE)
 Shine by Lauren Myracle (Still on TBR list)

I managed to finish 4 books on the list, which I think pretty good although I wish I could read more. I was sidetracked by other books and also my works. I'm planning to join in again on July!

 Lynossa
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