REVIEW: Radiance by Alyson Noel

Description

Riley has crossed the bridge into the afterlife—a place called Here, where time is always Now. She has picked up life where she left off when she was alive, living with her parents and dog in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. When she’s summoned before The Council, she learns that the afterlife isn’t just an eternity of leisure. She’s been assigned a job, Soul Catcher, and a teacher, Bodhi, a possibly cute, seemingly nerdy boy who’s definitely hiding something. They return to earth together for Riley’s first assignment, a Radiant Boy who’s been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many Soul Catchers have tried to get him to cross the bridge and failed. But all of that was before he met Riley . . .

About the Author

ALYSON NOËL is the author of the Immortals series and seven previous novels for St. Martin’s Press. She lives in Laguna Beach, California, where she is at work on the next book in the Immortals series. Visit her on the web at www.alysonnoel.com.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Square Fish (August 31, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312629176
• ISBN-13: 978-0312629175

SOURCE:  Publisher

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

I read this in just a few hours and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I guess this is a spin off of the Immortal Series, which I have on my shelf, but unread.  If this is any indication of the writing, I am going to pull them out and start them right away.  This is the debut of this series and it starts out wonderfully and I can't wait for the next one.

It is written in such an easy way that you can really believe this is a twelve year old girl and what she is thinking.  I love how she comes into her own and develops skills that make the most out of her personality.  This should get even the most reticent readers on board.  I am glad to add this to my recommended books for younger teens and older kids.  Nicely done!

WANT TO WIN THIS ARC?

Contest is open to anyone with reliable mail service (Worldwide and PO Boxes OK!)
Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 11.14.10
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is sponsored by ME and one book is available.


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REVIEW: The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

 

 

Description

Mackie Doyle is not one of us. Though he lives in the small town of Gentry, he comes from a world of tunnels and black murky water, a world of living dead girls ruled by a little tattooed princess. He is a Replacement left in the crib of a human baby sixteen years ago. Now, because of fatal allergies to iron, blood, and consecrated ground, Mackie is fighting to survive in the human world. Mackie would give anything to live among us, to practice on his bass or spend time with his crush, Tate. But when Tate's baby sister goes missing, Mackie is drawn irrevocably into the underworld of Gentry, known as Mayhem. He must face the dark creatures of the Slag Heaps and find his rightful place, in our world, or theirs.
Edward Scissorhands meets The Catcher in the Rye in this wildly imaginative and frighteningly beautiful horror novel about an unusual boy and his search for a place to belong.

About the Author

Brenna Yovanoff is a debut author who has published in various journals. She lives in Denver, Colorado.

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Razorbill (September 21, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595143378
• ISBN-13: 978-1595143372

SOURCE: Publisher

LOVED IT

This story really defines creepiness and how a seemly normal community has an literally underground magical problem.  Mackie is a replacement child in which the fairy (the author doesn't specifically use that term) switch out a human baby for one of theirs, one mostly likely to die. I feel in love with Mackie and how his family loves him even though he is not really theirs.  His sister Emma states that she decided to care for him by saying "I choose to care for you" and I am paraphrasing here.  I really hope that this will be made into a series since I am still thinking about the characters. You will probably love this one if you enjoy Holly Black.


WANT TO WIN THIS ARC?

Contest is open to anyone with reliable mailing address, yes, that means worldwide!
Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 11.13.10, contest ends on 11.12.10
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is sponsored by ME and Razorbill since they sent me the ARC.
Only one winner!



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Waiting on Wednesday: Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

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

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Description

The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.
Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.
Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win . . . and some will lose everything.
The thrilling conclusion to Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series will leave readers breathless.

About the Author

Melissa Marr is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange, Fragile Eternity, and Radiant Shadows.

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (February 22, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061659258
• ISBN-13: 978-0061659256

 This series is just so amazing.  I can't wait for the next one!

REVIEW: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Description

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything--including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

About the Author

Andrea Cremer is a professor of history at Macalester College and lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 528 pages
• Publisher: Philomel (October 19, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039925482X
• ISBN-13: 978-0399254826

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS:
LOVED IT, ADORED IT, WANT MORE OF IT

slight spoiler alert!  Please only read the first paragraph if you don't want any hints about the storyline.

This book lives up to all the hype.  I finished it in just two evenings and considering it is well over 500 pages, it was a very fast and easy read.  There were no slow parts at all and it reminded me a lot of the later Harry Potter novels.  I felt the same drive to continue reading this one well into the night. 

Calla, at seventeen, is the alpha wolf of the Nightshade pack and set to marry rival pack leader, Ren, on their eighteenth birthdays.  Shay is the new boy at school and Calla is asked to protect him from harm after rescuing him from a bear attack.   Although Calla is resigned to her fate of  mating with Ren, she doesn't have the same feelings that she discovers she has for Shay.  And there you have the classic love triangle, except that Ren and Calla are only going through the motions.

I found Ren annoying until the very end when he redeemed himself quite nicely by unselfishly rescuing Calla and setting her free to follow her heart.  I have a feeling that Ren will continue to play an important part in Calla's life, but their relationship was more like siblings than lovers.  Calla develops into a wonderfully strong character and again there is more to her than her physical strength and beauty.  Shay is the key to the whole series and it will be interesting to see how this nerdy boy progresses. 

Overall, this book is suitable for anyone over twelve. There are mentions of alcohol, implied sex, but nothing worse than kissing actually takes place.  I didn't get the cover at first, but once I read the book, it all made sense. 

WANT TO WIN THIS  ARC?

Contest is open to anyone with a RELIABLE mailing address, yes, that means worldwide!
Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 11.11.10. Contest Ends 11.10.10
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is sponsored by the publisher and ME!
There will be one winner receiving one book.

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Book Trailer Tuesday: Choose Your Side: ZOMBIES vs. UNICORNS

One of my favorite books this year!

NIGHTSHADE is the winner!

65 people voted!
Nightshade had 45 votes, so that is the clear winner. (69%)
The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May and June came in second with 13 votes (20%)
Five Flavors of Dumb had 5 votes (7%)
Songs for a Teenage Nomad had 2 votes (3%)

Don't ask me to add these up to see if it is correct, I ended up with a cold and my brain is stuffy.
I started to read Nightshade last night and I am already half way through.  This one is a real page turner and has really kept my attention. It also helped my forget about the nasty congestion, aches and pains.  I ended the voting a little bit early since I started the book last night.

REVIEW: Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell

DESCRIPTION

The first book in a dark, edgy new angel series about a girl who finds herself forced to choose sides in the battle between fallen angels, even if that means going against the boy she loves.

When Ellie Faneuil first sees Michael Chase she feels an instantaneous connection. But she does not realize how much they have in common, including the ability fly and to see what others are thinking - not to mention a taste for blood. Reveling in their new powers and their growing feelings for each other, Ellie and Michael are determined to uncover what they are, and how they got this way ... together.
But the truth has repercussions neither could have imagined. Soon they find themselves center stage in an ancient conflict between fallen angels that threatens to destroy everything they love. And it is no longer clear whether Ellie and Michael will choose the same side.

In this electrifying novel Heather Terrell spins a gripping tale of soul-mates, supernatural powers and a truth that will change Ellie and Michael‘s world forever.


About the Author

Heather  Terrell is a lawyer with more than ten years' experience as a litigator  at two of the country's premier law firms and for Fortune 500 companies.  She is a magna cum laude graduate of Boston College with a focus in  History and Art History, and a cum laude graduate of the Boston  University School of Law. She lives in Pittsburgh with her family.

Heather is the author of The Chrysalis and The Map Thief, which will  appear in more than ten countries, as well as Brigid of Kildare.

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (December 28, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061965707
• ISBN-13: 978-0061965708

SOURCE:  Around the World ARC Tours 

MY THOUGHTS:

LOVED IT

I have enjoyed Heather Terrell's other books, The Chrysalis and The Map Thief.  She brings her same writing skills to this new young adult series. The book weaves romance and mystery together with a nice angelic twist.  The angel theme seems to have really taken off lately.  The writing in this one does elevate it above the crush of similar titles. 

The story is definitely a set up for a series since you get lots of background on Ellie and a little bit on Michael, her romantic interest.  Ellie is brought up to be completely clueless about her heredity and genealogy.  Her guardians try to bring her up to be "good" and put great restrictions on her which she just accepts.  I had the most difficulty accepting that one, that a teen would not try to rebel in the tiniest bit.  She does start to rebel once she meets Michael.   Michael is brought up the same way by his guardians and when he discovers he shares the same paranormal traits of flying and mind reading as Ellie, they connect and try to figure out what else they can do. Then all hell breaks loose.  Ellie's father gives them several clues as to her purpose and with a little luck and research, she figures it out. 

Of course, there has to be an evil element to foil all of the goodness.  There are several "bad" angels who battle with Ellie and I am sure that their story will be even more intense in the next installment.  One minor character that really stood out is Ruth, Ellie's mousy best friend.  I can see her becoming a bigger part of the tale in the future.  Overall, I really enjoyed this one.  I would recommend it for even younger teens since there is not much more that kissing.

Pick my next book to read and giveaway!

Here are the choices -- just vote on one at the right hand side of my blog!

REVIEW: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Description

The sequel to the New York Times Best selling phenomenon, Hush, Hush! Nora should have know her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.
The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?

About the Author

Becca Fitzpatrick's first book, Hush, Hush debuted as a New York Times bestseller. She graduated college with a degree in health, which she promptly abandoned for storytelling. When not writing, she's most likely running, prowling sales racks for shoes or watching crime drams on TV. She lives in Colorado. Find out more at beccafitzpatrick.com.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 432 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (October 19, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416989439
• ISBN-13: 978-1416989431

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS:
ABSOLUTELY ADORED IT

 I was one of those people who was dismayed when Hush, Hush ended, I liked it that much, so I was thrilled that I heard word around the internet that the story would continue.  I was even more thrilled to read Crescendo. Crescendo picks up where Hush,Hush ended and even though that leaves Patch and Nora together, they are soon separated.  Nora's quest for information about her life and the fact surrounded her father's death leads her to become friendly with Rixson.  Rixson does give Nora a few answers, but she will have to continue the search on her own.  So yes, you will have to get the next book in the series, Tempest.

There, did I give anything away?  I hope not.  Overall, I liked this book even better than the first one.  The dialog was even snappier and the personalities of Nora and Patch were better fulfilled.  Marice is the sparkling evil foil to Nora's goodness and their interactions really create a lot of depth in the story.  There is some underage drinking, again nothing worse that you might see on television.  I think this book is best suited to teens older than 13.  Everyone should enjoy this one.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan

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

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Description

Annah knows she has a twin sister, but she forgot her long ago. Back when they went to play in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, she and Elias lost her, and after that there was no going back to the village.
Life's been hard, but Elias has taken care of her, and living in the Dark City can help one to forget the horror of the Unconsecrated—if you try hard enough.
But when Elias disappears, Annah's world crumbles. To her, life isn't worth much more than the walking dead who roam the wasted world she lives in. It's not until she meets Catcher that she cares to start living again.
Yet Catcher has secrets. Dark, terrifying secrets that link him to a past she's longed to forget and to a future too deadly to consider.
Annah must decide: Can she continue to live a world covered in the blood of the living?
Or is death the answer to all her problems?

About the Author

Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, CARRIE RYAN is a graduate of Williams College and Duke University Law School. She currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. You can visit her at CarrieRyan.com.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (March 22, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385738595
• ISBN-13: 978-0385738590

 I loved the first book in the series and have the second one...just need to read it now

BOOK TRAILER TUESDAY: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

I need to read this one! It is getting fantastic reviews and I have a copy just sitting here. I should probably get it together so this can be my next giveaway!

I will follow you back!

Hey Everyone....
Thanks so much for following my new blog. 
Please post a link to your blog below if you don't think I am not following you!

I may be listed as Mary or Mary (BookHounds), but you will always see a picture of Schatze in one form or another.  This week, she is a Vampire!

REVIEW: The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller

Product Description

Haven Moore can’t control her visions of a past with a boy called Ethan, and a life in New York that ended in fiery tragedy. In our present, she designs beautiful dresses for her classmates with her best friend Beau. Dressmaking keeps her sane, since she lives with her widowed and heartbroken mother in her tyrannical grandmother’s house in Snope City, a tiny town in Tennessee. Then an impossible group of coincidences conspire to force her to flee to New York, to discover who she is, and who she was. In New York, Haven meets Iain Morrow and is swept into an epic love affair that feels both deeply fated and terribly dangerous. Iain is suspected of murdering a rock star and Haven wonders, could he have murdered her in a past life? She visits the Ouroboros Society and discovers a murky world of reincarnation that stretches across millennia. Haven must discover the secrets hidden in her past lives, and loves¸ before all is lost and the cycle begins again.

About the Author

Kirsten Miller is also the author of the critically acclaimed Kiki Strike book series. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, and she suspects she may have been either Amelia Earhart or Catherine the Great in a previous existence. 

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Razorbill (August 10, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595143084
• ISBN-13: 978-1595143082 

SOURCE:  Publisher 

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT 

What a wonderful story!  Don't throw anything at me, but I liked this better than Twilight.    It is full of intrigue, romance and mystery.  You have to stay up late just to read all of it in one night.  Haven starts out as a  blah character but quickly develops into one you will miss when you put down the book.  Her romance with Iain spans centuries and you won't believe how magically Miller weaves this tale.  There is that great Kirsten Miller dialogue that I loved so much in the Kiki Strike series.  (I really want to know what happened to the rest of the series I was promised!).  

WANT TO WIN THIS  ARC?

Contest is open to anyone with a RELIABLE mailing address, yes, that means worldwide!
Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 11.1.10
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
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There will be one winner receiving one book.

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REVIEW: Jane by April Lindner

Product Description

Forced to drop out of an esteemed East Coast college after the sudden death of her parents, Jane Moore takes a nanny job at Thornfield Park, the estate of Nico Rathburn, a world-famous rock star on the brink of a huge comeback. Practical and independent, Jane reluctantly becomes entranced by her magnetic and brooding employer and finds herself in the midst of a forbidden romance.

But there's a mystery at Thornfield, and Jane's much-envied relationship with Nico is soon tested by an agonizing secret from his past. Torn between her feelings for Nico and his fateful secret, Jane must decide: Does being true to herself mean giving up on true love?

An irresistible romance interwoven with a darkly engrossing mystery, this contemporary retelling of the beloved classic Jane Eyre promises to enchant a new generation of readers.

About the Author

April Lindner is an associate professor of English at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia. Her poetry collection, Skin, received the Walt McDonald First-Book Prize in Poetry, and her poems have been featured in many anthologies and textbooks. She holds an MFA in writing from Sarah Lawrence College and a PhD in English from the University of Cincinnati. Jane is her debut novel.

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Poppy (October 11, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316084204
• ISBN-13: 978-0316084208

SOURCE:  AROUND THE WORLD ARC TOURS

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

I adored Jane Eyre, so this story done with a washed up rock star as Mr. Rochester seemed a natural for me.  Of course, just like the original this one had me in tears in several parts, but I like a book that makes you feel some sort of emotion.  I always think the author has done an exceptional job if they can create emotions with their written word.  The story follows the original plot of Jane Eyre with a few modern twists.  Jane is still fiercely independent and trying to overcome the horrors of her childhood.

I thought the recasting of Mr. Rochester as a rock star was a stroke of genius.  I mean who else can convey the moodiness of a current character better than a rock star.  There is no questioning why Nico Rathburn is almost bipolar than to make him a musical artist.  Jane comes off vulnerable, yet still strong and develops in a way that she does become Nico's true love.  She doesn't fall into the trap of Rock Star Groupie, but becomes something more.  There are elements of drug abuse and sexual relations so this one is best suited for older teens.  Another rock star romance that I can really recommend!

Contest! The Grossest Room - Win an iPod Touch + more!

From Chronicle Books:

Boys and girls! Win a FREE iPod Touch 32GB, a $50 iTunes gift card, and the entire collection of Worst-Case Scenario Junior books! Just add a video response showing us the messiest, grossest room you can find! The nastier the better!

Contest starts on October 6th 2010 and ends on November 7th 2010.

PRIZES:
One Grand Prize Winner will receive: One iPod Touch 32GB, one $50 iTunes gift card, a Chronicle Books tote bag, and the full collection of Worst-Case Scenario Junior books: including The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Junior Edition, Extreme Junior Edition, Weird Junior Edition, Gross Junior Edition, Middle School, and the Junior Boxed Set.
Two Runners-Up Winners will each receive: One $50 iTunes gift card, a Chronicle Books tote bag, and the full collection of Worst-Case Scenario Junior books: including The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Junior Edition, Extreme Junior Edition, Weird Junior Edition, Gross Junior Edition, Middle School, and the Junior Boxed Set.

RULES:
You must ask a parent if you are under 18.
Only U.S. residents are eligible to win prizes. However anyone can submit a video.
Due to copyright laws, please do not include any music in your video.
Please try to keep your video more than 60 seconds. The video can be live, or a photo slide show.

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.

The Worst-Case Scenario Grossest Room Contest is sponsored by Chronicle Books, LLC.

Contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws. Void where prohibited by law. By entering, entrants agree to these Official Rules. Limit one (1) entry per person. Limit one (1) prize per household. "Household" includes all persons residing together in a single residence, whether or not related.

Contest begins on October 6, 2010 at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time ("PT"), and ends on November 7, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. PT ("Promotion Period"). Winner will be announced mid-November, 2010.

This Contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Apple, YouTube or Google. You understand that you are providing your information to Sponsors and not to YouTube or Google. The information you provide will only be used for administration of the Contest and prize fulfillment. Any questions that you have about this Contest must be directed to Sponsors and not to YouTube or Google.

Get free slime and more at www.chroniclebooks.com/worstcasejunior

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Get Free Slime! From Worst Case Scenario Survival Hanbook - Junior Edition

I just received a copy of this to review, but now you get can slimed courtesy of Chronicle Books.  Just go HERE and complete the form!

REVIEW: Rose Sees Red by Cecil Castellucci

Description

Set in New York in the 1980s, this story of two ballet dancers (one American, one Russian) recounts the unforgettable night they spend in the city, and celebrates the friendship they form despite their cultural and political differences.

About the Author

Cecil Castellucci is an indie rocker, director, and the author of Boy Proof, Beige, The Queen of Cool, and the graphic novels The P.L.A.I.N. Janes and Janes in Love. She currently lives in Los Angeles, California.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Press; 1 edition (August 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0545060796
• ISBN-13: 978-0545060790

 MY THOUGHTS:

LOVED IT

This turned out to be one of my favorite books that I have read this year.  The words just rolled off the pages and into my brain.  I have had this book sitting around since last June and wasn't prompted to read it until I saw Cecil Castellucci read from her entry in Geektastic about how not to act in front of your favorite authors.  She sold me on her writing.  I have to admit the first line of the book was a little depressing and I wasn't inclined to give it a chance.  I didn't even give it the full 50 pages I normally give to all books.  Big Mistake!  Don't make my mistake.  Give this book your full attention and you will be happy you did.  You also won't be able to put it down once you start it.

Even though the story is set in 80's, it feels modern and up to date.  Yes, there is some alcohol and a hint of sex, but much less than anything you would see on television.  Rose is "every teen", as she is insecure, a bit depressed and searching for herself.  She makes a bold move to get away from her bossy best friend, Daisy.  by opting to go into the Performing Arts high school rather than the science one Daisy where is headed.  Yrena, a teenage Russian dancer,  lives directly across from Rose where they can each see the other but have never made contact until one fateful night.  Yrena's free spirit takes Rose out of her comfort zone and propels her directly into life.  This book is perfect for those younger teens that are struggling with their own identity and I highly recommend it.

WANT TO WIN THIS AUTOGRAPHED ARC?

Contest is open to anyone with a reliable mail service -- worldwide!
Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 10.31.10
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is sponsored by ME and 1 book is available.


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Waiting on Wednesday: Forever by Maggie Stiefvator

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

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Description

The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stiefvater.
In Maggie Stiefvater's SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. In LINGER, they fought to be together. Now, in FOREVER, the stakes are even higher than before.  Wolves are being hunted.  Lives are being threatened.  And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Press (July 12, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0545259088
• ISBN-13: 978-0545259088

MY THOUGHTS

So Linger left me wanting more and I only have to wait until next July to get it.  I hate waiting a year in between books. 

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Tyhada's Bookshelf: Giveaway: Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis

Here is another new blog with a hot giveaway! Go enter right now!

Tyhada's Bookshelf: Giveaway: Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis

Book Trailer Tuesday: CRESCENDO by Becca Fitzpatrick (FallenArchangel)

The Romantic Type: Followers

This is a new blog for Romance. Help Katie out and go check out her new blog.

The Romantic Type: Followers

OC Book Fest: Rose Sees Red author Cecil Castellucci

Cecil Castellucci

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with  Cecil Castellucciat the recent OC Children's Book Fest.  She has written an article for the LA Times that highlights Young Adult books that prominently feature music.  You can read the article HERE.  Cecil worked at Epitaph Records in LA and it turns out we have mutual friends.  She knows what she is talking about when it comes to mixing music and the written word.

I bought Beige and have it on my nightstand to read soon.  I am reading her latest, Rose See Red and will be giving my ARC away on my Young Adult blog starting tomorrow.  Check back for a link.

Description

"Castellucci mixes details of the L.A. punk scene with memorable characters and witty dialogue...Consider this pure Nirvana." — Booklist

Exiled from Canada to Los Angeles, Katy can't believe she is spending the summer with her father—punk name: the Rat—a recovered addict and drummer for the band Suck. Even though Katy feels abandoned by her mom, even though the Rat's place is a mess and he's not like anything she'd call a father, Kathy won't make a fuss. After all, she is a girl who is quiet and polite, a girl who smiles, a girl who is, well, beige. Or is she? From the author of BOY PROOF and THE QUEEN OF COOL comes an edgy L.A. novel full of humor, heart, and music.

About the Author

Cecil Castellucci is an author, filmmaker, actress, and singer-songwriter. She says, "When I first moved to Los Angeles from Montreal, I wrote in a café owned by Eric Melvin from NOFX, had Thanksgiving dinner with Tim Armstrong from Rancid, and had my taxes done by a guy who was in the Circle Jerks. Everyone was So-Cal Punk crazy and I felt so . . . beige. I wondered what it would be like to grow up around adults that cool, especially if you were plopped into that scene when it wasn’t yours." She lives in Los Angeles.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick; Reprint edition (March 10, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763642320
• ISBN-13: 978-0763642327

OC Book Fest: Fallen and Torment author Lauren Kate

Lauren Kate was the true rock star of the day.  She had the longest lines for autographs.  I could only get out that I thought her books were fabulous.  I was tongue tied.  She did tell me that there is a book 4 coming!  YAY!  She also had on some killer boots.  You can read my review by clicking on the GoodReads widget on the right side of the blog.

OC Book Fest: School of Fear author Gitty Daneshveri

Gitty Daneshveri is the author of a new series called School of Fear.  She talked me right into buying the first in the series and I had her sign it so when I have read it, I will give it away to one lucky reader.

I loved books like this!  She wrote the series based on her own childhood fears that started with spiders.  She recounted how she sprayed Raid in a series of patterns through out her bedroom to protect her from them.  She said it got so bad that she was spraying Raid in her hair which then started to fall out.

Description

Everyone is afraid of something...

Madeleine Masterson is deathly afraid of bugs, especially spiders.

Theodore Bartholomew is petrified of dying.

Lulu Punchalower is scared of confined spaces.

Garrison Feldman is terrified of deep water.

With very few options left, the parents of these four twelve year-olds send them to the highly elusive and exclusive School of Fear to help them overcome their phobias. But when their peculiar teacher, Mrs. Wellington, and her unconventional teaching methods turn out to be more frightening than even their fears, the foursome realize that this just may be the scariest summer of their lives.

About the Author

Former Contrafilms Director of Development, Gitty Daneshvari is the author of the adult novel The Makedown. This is Gitty's debut children's book, and it was inspired by her many childhood fears. She hoped that one day they'd help her, and, as it turns out, they did. She lives in New York.

Carrie Gifford spent many years teaching and directing children's theater before starting Red Cap Cards with her husband. Her signature pencil-and-ink style is inspired by her childhood memories. She lives in Los Angeles.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031603326X
• ISBN-13: 978-0316033268

Signed copy of HUSH, HUSH and CRESCENDO (arc) by BECCA FITZPATRICK

I adored Hush, Hush and I just finished Crescendo.  I was lucky enough to attend the Orange County Book Fest last Sunday and had Becca Fitzpatrick sign my Hardback copy and my ARC to give away on my blog.  I will have a review of Crescendo (even better than Hush, Hush) up soon.  This series would make a wonderful movie! 

 

Becca Fitzpatrick at the OC BookFest on October 3, 2010

Here are some of the things Becca talked about there:

The third book, Tempest, will be out next year.

She doesn't like roller coasters -- they make her nervous and throw up.

Her favorite color is red. 

Her favorite authors are Sandra Brown and Diana Gabaldon.

Her favorite young adult author is Lauri Halsi Anderson.

She makes up stories for her children. (I hope she writes those down!)

She writes every night from 7 to 9:30 after her children are asleep.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

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Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 10.31.10
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is sponsored by ME.
Only one winner!

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Contests

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Test

Book Trailer Tuesday: The Karma Club by Jessica Brody

Description

Madison Kasparkova always thought she understood how Karma works. Do good things and you'll be rewarded, do something bad and Karma will make sure you get what you deserve. But when Maddy’s boyfriend cheats on her, nothing bad comes his way. That’s why Maddy starts the Karma Club, to clean up the messes that the universe has left behind. Sometimes, though, it isn’t wise to meddle with the universe. It turns out Karma often has plans of its own.

About the Author
Jessica Brody is the author of two books for adults. This is her first book for teens. She lives in Los Angeles, California.

Details

* Reading level: Young Adult
* Hardcover: 272 pages
* Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); First Edition edition (April 27, 2010)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0374339791
* ISBN-13: 978-0374339791

I met Jessica Brody at the Orange County Book Fest and she mentioned her trailer, so I thought I would share.  I have a lovely book mark she signed that I will send to a lucky reader.  That should be posted later today!

Contact Me

Bookhounds@live.com

About Me

I love to read and always have.  I started blogging to keep track of all the books I read and to get recommendations from other readers.  I read about 4-5 books each week and in the last year started reading young adult books which is ironic since I am no longer a "young adult".  These books have really captured my attention and those of my friends who are also "older" adults.

I love my dachshund, Schatze, my husband and my son, who just graduated with a business degree from USC.  He now is working full time in the music industry. Update:  My husband is now out of retirement and working with my son!

If you are a publisher and would like me to feature your book, host a giveaway or possibly review a new release, send me a note at Bookhounds@live.com 

I am not accepting self published books currently since I am behind in my reviews.


  I also blog at BookHounds for romance, chick lit, non fiction and anything else that strikes my fancy.