REVIEW: 13 to Life by Shannon Delaney

Description

Everything about Jessie Gillmansen’s life changed when her mother died. Now even her hometown of Junction is changing.  Mysterious dark things are happening. All Jessie wants is to avoid more change. But showing a hot new guy around Junction High, she’s about to discover a whole new type of change. Pietr Rusakova is more than good looks and a fascinating accent—he’s a guy with a dangerous secret. And his very existence is sure to bring big trouble to Jessie’s small town.  It seems change is the one thing Jessie can’t avoid…

About the Author

Since she was a child Shannon Delany has written stories, beginning writing in earnest when her grandmother fell unexpectedly ill. In 2008 her greatly abbreviated version of 13 to Life (written in just five weeks) won the grand prize in the first-ever cell phone novel contest in the western world through Textnovel.com. Previously a teacher and now a farmer raising heritage livestock, Shannon lives and writes in Upstate New York and enjoys traveling to talk to people about most anything.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; 1 edition (June 22, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312609140
• ISBN-13: 978-0312609146

SOURCE:  Purchased

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

**slight spoilers**

Like all first books in a series, this one deals with a lot of set up, getting to know the characters and setting the scene.  It took about a hundred pages and then it clicked.  Jessie (don't call her Jessica) is trying to be the all around good girl by befriending Sarah, the girl who caused her mother's death by driving without a license.  Before her mother dies, she tells Jessie to save the girl's life.  For some reason, this little plot point stuck with me and the fact that Sarah was the resident "mean girl" before the accident took the meanness away.

Jess has another friend, Amy who tries to keep her grounded and less involved with Sarah.  And then the new boy arrives on the scene.  Pietr has a past and when Jess is required to show him around school, her crush on Derek, the star football player becomes questionable.  A love triangle ensues between Sarah, Pietr and Jess when Jess pushes him to "help" Sarah recover from her brain injury that occurred during the accident that killed her mother.  Also, Jess realizes that there is something not right with Pietr and it is not just the Russian Mafia that is tracking him down. 

This is a nice paranormal romance will probably need several books to complete the story.  I was intrigued enough to want to read the next book in the series.  There is normal romantic teen high jinx, some kissing, some alcohol and a few cuss words.  This is probably better suited to older teens and adults.

WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK? GIVEAWAY CLOSED.

Contest is open to anyone with reliable mail service (Worldwide and PO Boxes OK!)
Contest ends on 1.17.11 and the winner will be chosen by Random.org on 1.18.11
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is sponsored by ME one book is available.This is my gently read copy.

+1 Complete the below form
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+1 Be my friend on GoodReads HERE

+1 Follow me on Twitter HERE

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+1 Follow my other blog: BookHounds HERE

+1 Fan Shannon Delaney on GoodReads HERE
+1 Follow Shannon Delaney's blog HERE
+1 Follow Shannon Delaney on Twitter HERE

And now, for those extra entries you can do each day:

+1 Leave a comment!  I love comments! If you don't follow on GFC, be sure to leave an email address or your the name you used on the form, so I can contact you.

 +1 for each post on twitter, a social networking site, blog, sidebar, etc., just be sure to leave a link.

Disclosure Policy

Most of the books reviewed here are from publishers.  I do buy book and trade with other bloggers.  The source of my review books will always be noted in my review. 

Waiting on Wednesday: The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

"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

Sometimes there's no turning back.  — 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 her 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 that he's also looking for a...  more »n 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.

About the Author

Lisa Schroeder is the author of IT'S RAINING CUPCAKES and upcoming SPRINKLES AND SECRETS (Aladdin, Fall 2011). She is also the author of YA novels I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME (1/08), FAR FROM YOU (12/08), CHASING BROOKLYN (1/10) and THE DAY BEFORE (6/11), all with Simon Pulse. She lives in Beaverton, Oregon.  Find out more about Lisa and her books at http://www.lisaschroederbooks.com/

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Simon Pulse (June 28, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1442417439
• ISBN-13: 978-1442417434

There is just something magical about how Lisa Schroeder writes and I hate having to wait for her next release! 

Book Trailer Tuesday: Discord's Apple Carrie Vaughn Book Trailer

I just got this one in the mail!

AND THE WINNER IS: Firespell by Chloe Neill

JULIE -- I.pearson

An email has been sent to the lucky person named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Thanks to all who entered.

Didn't win?  Order your copy from my Amazon link:

AND THE WINNER IS: Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin

JESSICA -- Firefly Book Loft -- be sure to stop by THE FIREFLY BOOK LOFT

An email has been sent to the lucky person named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Thanks to all who entered.

Sorry I am late in posting this, the holidays were quite busy!


Didn't win?  Order your copy from my Amazon link:

Happy Holidays!

I got a book about Picasso's dachshund, Lump! Schatze has a new friend named Frank.

Hope everyone had a special day!

AND THE WINNER IS: Midwinter's Eve Blog Hop

MELISSA  -- melissa@, Be sure to stop by BOOKS R US

If I am not mistaken, Melissa is the author of Ginger High






An email has been sent to the lucky person named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Thanks to all who entered.

There were 279 unique entries and Random.org picked number 85: 
12/21/2010 4:02:00


Didn't win?  Order your copy from my Amazon link:

BookHounds & GalleyCats Launch Our Pet Parade - GalleyCat

WooHoo -- Schatze is internationally famous now!

BookHounds & GalleyCats Launch Our Pet Parade - GalleyCat

Go leave a comment with Schatze love!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

"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

Strange things are happening in Maya's tiny Vancouver Island town. First, her friend Serena, the captain of the swim team, drowns mysteriously in the middle of a calm lake. Then, one year later, mountain lions are spotted rather frequently around Maya's home—and her reactions to them are somewhat . . . unexpected. Her best friend, Daniel, has also been experiencing unexplainable premonitions about certain people and situations.
It doesn't help that the new bad boy in town, Rafe, has a dangerous secret, and he's interested in one special part of Maya's anatomy—her paw-print birthmark.

About the Author

Kelley Armstrong is the author of the New York Times bestselling Darkest Powers trilogy, which includes The Summoning, The Awakening (which debuted at number one), and The Reckoning. 

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (April 12, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061797022
• ISBN-13: 978-0061797026

Book Trailer Tuesday: Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

I just finished this last night -- one word -- AWESOME! 

Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop! ---------- Three Young Adult Novels!

Midwinter's Eve is the longest night of the year so why not spend it entering some great giveaways.

The is a quick hop that runs from 12:01 AM on Tuesday, December 21st to 11:59 PM on Wednesday, December 22nd. 

Each participating blog is hosting their own giveaway with their own entry requirements. All participating blogs are linked up through a Midwinter's Eve linky. After you have entered one giveaway hop to the next giveaway on the list. Please stop by the Midwinter's Eve Blog Hop Page

Special thanks to Inspired Kathy over at I Am a Reader, Not a Writer for putting together this amazing hop!

HERE ARE THE BOOKS:
(you can click on the titles for more information and these are all ARC, so no retail value)

When Mike Kissed Emma by Christine Marciniak

Things I Know About Love by Kate Le Vann

Deadly Little Lies by Laurie Faria Stolarz

WANT TO WIN THESE BOOKS?

Contest is open to anyone with reliable mail service (Worldwide and PO Boxes OK!)
Contest ends on 12.22.10 and the winner will be chosen by Random.org on 12.23.10
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is sponsored by ME one set of books is available.

NOTE:  Postage is due to increase again and if the winner lives outside the US, I may opt to replace this set with the book of your choice from the Book Depository, up to $15 value.


+1 Complete the below form
+1 Follow Me *you must subscribe by GFC or email to enter! 

+1 Be my friend on GoodReads HERE

+1 Follow me on Twitter HERE

+1 Like the SWAMPED Facebook Page HERE 

+1 Follow my other blog: BookHounds HERE 

Matched by Allie Condie over at The Scarlet Letter

A few of you know, that I also post over at West of Mars -- Win A Book, so when I see something good, I usually repost it here as well.

I just saw this one for Matched -- so you might want to jump on over and enter.  I think this is only open to the US.

Please go to THE SCARLET LETTER to enter by January 1!

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

Product Description

It's 1895, and after the death of her mother, 16-year-old Gemma Doyle is shipped off from the life she knows in India to Spence, a proper boarding school in England. Lonely, guilt-ridden, and prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habit of coming true, Gemma's reception there is a chilly one. To make things worse, she's being followed by a mysterious young Indian man, a man sent to watch her. But why? What is her destiny? And what will her entanglement with Spence's most powerful girls - and their foray into the spiritual world - lead to?

About the Author

Libba Bray has worked as a waitress, a nanny, a burrito roller, and an advertising copywriter. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and son.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (March 22, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385732317
• ISBN-13: 978-0385732314

After finishing up Wake Unto Me -- I thought that I should giveaway my copy of A Great and Terrible Beauty....It has been read once -- looks pretty good still!

WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK?

Contest is open to anyone with reliable mail service (Worldwide and PO Boxes OK!)
Contest ends on 12.31.10 and the winner will be chosen by Random.org on 1.1.11 (ok, maybe the 2nd)
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is sponsored by ME one book is available. I bought this book and didn't realize I already had one, so you get the new one! 


+1 Complete the below form
+1 Follow Me

+1 Be my friend on GoodReads HERE

+1 Follow me on Twitter HERE

+1 Like the SWAMPED Facebook Page HERE 

+1 Follow my other blog: BookHounds HERE

+1 Follow Libba Bray's blog  HERE

+1 Follow on Twitter HERE

+1 Fan on Good Reads HERE

+1 Like on Facebook HERE

And now, for those extra entries you can do each day:

+1 Leave a comment!  I love comments! If you don't follow on GFC, be sure to leave an email address or your the name you used on the form, so I can contact you.

 +1 for each post on twitter, a social networking site, blog, sidebar, etc., just be sure to leave a link.

REVIEW: Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Description

Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch.

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth.

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers.

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Acher to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?

About the Author

Rachel Hawkins is a high school English teacher. She lives with her family in Alabama, and is currently at work on the next book in the Hex Hall series.  (This was taken from Hex Hall, so I can only hope that she is working on another book!)

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (February 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1423121317
• ISBN-13: 978-1423121312

SOURCE: AROUND THE WORLD ARC TOURS

MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

This one picks right up where Hex Hall ended and another book I read straight through in a few hours.  I was lucky enough to read these back to back and now I am left with that empty feeling when I finish a great read and must wait forever to get these characters back into my head.  After reading this I DEMAND a spin off for Jenna!  Her punky pink vampireness really made me want to get her whole back story and find out where she is going.  OK, back to Sophie and her confusing life.

Sophie has a lot on her plate after discovering that her father has never really told her the truth about her genetic history, falling for the wrong, totally bad boy, Archer, and being the target of the Eye.  Seriously, The Eye makes KAOS look like a bunch of geniuses as they try hit after hit on Sophie.  I am still waiting on the verdict for Archer.  I don't think that one will be read until there is a final volume in this series.  Keep 'em coming!

REVIEW: Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach

Description

Caitlyn Monahan knows she belongs somewhere else. It's what her dead mother's note suggested, and it's what her recurring nightmares allude to.

Desperate to flee these terrifying dreams--and her small town--she accepts a spot at a boarding school in France. Only, when she arrives, her nightmares get worse.

But then there are her amazing dreams, so vivid and so real, with visits from an alluring, mysterious, and gorgeous Italian boy from the 1500s. Caitlyn knows they are soul mates, but how can she be in love with someone who exists only in her dreams?

Then, as her reality and dream world collide, Caitlyn searches for the real reason why she was brought to this school. And what she discovers will change her life forever.

From the Back Cover

I see him in my dreams, this mysterious boy.
He comes from
a different time,
a different place,
a different reality.

But there is something that connects us.
We are supposed to be together--bound by the heart of another.
But that's not possible... or is it?

About the Author

Lisa Cach lives in the Pacific Northwest.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Speak (March 31, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0142414360
• ISBN-13: 978-0142414361

SOURCE:  AROUND THE WORLD ARC TOURS

MY THOUGHTS:
LOVED IT

 A true time travel romance that will appeal to all of us girls everywhere. There are bits of Romeo and Juliet mixed with a modern approach that time travels back in history.  The story reminded me a bit of Libba Bray's series, but I liked this one a bit more since the descriptions are to the point and not overly wordy.  I am more of a dialogue person and the conversations are very realistic.

I have read several of Lisa Cach's other stories and she is excellent at mixing up her characters and their actions.  This was a quick read for me and I think those that enjoy a good clean romance will enjoy this one.  There is also a touch of historical and gothic elements which I think are the next big thing. 

Waiting on Wednesday: Cloaked by Alex Flinn

"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

I’m not your average hero. I actually wasn’t your average anything. Just a poor guy working an after-school job at a South Beach shoe repair shop to help his mom make ends meet. But a little magic changed it all.

It all started with a curse. And a frognapping. And one hot-looking princess, who asked me to lead a rescue mission.

There wasn’t a fairy godmother or any of that. And even though I fell in love along the way, what happened to me is unlike any fairy tale I’ve ever heard. Before I knew it, I was spying with a flock of enchanted swans, talking (yes, talking!) to a fox named Todd, and nearly trampled by giants in the Everglades.

Don’t believe me? I didn’t believe it either. But you’ll see. Because I knew it all was true, the second I got CLOAKED.

About the Author

Alex Flinn loves fairy tales and made her two daughters sit through several dozen versions of Beauty and the Beast while she wrote this book . . . then quizzed them on how they thought a beast would meet girls in New York City. She is the author of six other books, including Breathing Underwater, an ALA Top 10 Best Book for Young Adults; Breaking Point, an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers; Nothing to Lose, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults; Fade to Black, an ALA Best Books for Young Adults nominee; Diva; and A Kiss in Time. She lives in Miami.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (February 8, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060874228
• ISBN-13: 978-0060874223

I adored Beastly -- so this one looks like a winner as well! I can't wait for that movie.

AND THE WINNER IS: Thirst No. 1 by Christopher Pike

TANYA -- Tanyaw1224

An email has been sent to the lucky person named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner(s)  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Thanks to all who entered.

Didn't win?  Order your copy from my Amazon link:

Book Trailer Tuesday: 13 to Life by Shannon Delany

REVIEW: The Locket by Stacey Jay

 Description

On her seventeenth birthday, Katie discovers a locket and decides to wear it for good luck. But when her boyfriend Isaac finds out she cheated on him with their mutual best friend Mitch, no less, he dumps her, leaving her devastated.

And then a miracle happens. The locket burns on Katie's chest and she feels herself going back two weeks in time, to the night she cheated with Mitch. At first, Kate is delighted to be a better girlfriend to Isaac this time around. But as other aspects of her life become inexplicably altered, she realizes that changing the past may have had a dangerous effect on her present.

Can she make things right before the locket destroys everything and everyone she loves?

About the Author

Stacey Jay is the author of You Are So Undead to Me and Undead Much. She lives with her husband and three kids in Maumelle, Arkansas, and is also a photographer.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Razorbill (February 3, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595143351
• ISBN-13: 978-1595143358

SOURCE:  AROUND THE WORLD ARC TOURS

MY THOUGHTS
REALLY LIKED IT

I just started reading more time travel romances.  This one is a bit difference since the time travel is only a few weeks time in the present.   This is a sweet romance that will appeal to teens and adults alike.  The main question the book tries to answer is:  Will a do-over really change the outcome in what happens in the overall picture and your future?


 Katie finds herself making out with her long time neighbor and best boy bud, Mitch while she is dating Isaac.  She admits to Isaac that it happened and they break up.  I didn't really like Isaac, so I thought even if Katie could fix this, maybe she shouldn't.  I could plainly see the connection between Katie and Mitch.  There are a lot of missed connections between the two.  Katie tries and tries by using the magical locket to fix things and the more she tries the worse it gets.  The ending resolves all of the issues, but you need to read it for yourself.

 Recommended:  Girls over 13, adults who want a light romance
Sex: Kissing and making out, nothing too graphic
Violence:  Some boy fighting, not very graphic
Like:  Jennifer Echols with a paranormal twist

REVIEW: Firespell by Chloe Neill

Description

New Girl.
New School.
Old Evil.

From the author of the Chicagoland Vampires novels.

A new series about a boarding school filled with something worse than homework.

Lily's parents have sent her to a fancy boarding school in Chicago filled with the ultra-rich. If that wasn't bad enough, she's hearing and seeing bizarre things on St. Sophie's creepy campus. Her roommate, Scout, keeps her sane, but keeps disappearing at night. When one day Lily finds Scout running from real-life monsters, she learns the hard way that Scout is involved in a splinter group of rebel teens.

They protect Chicago from demons, vamps, and dark magic users. It's too bad Lily doesn't have powers of her own to help. At least, none that she's discovered yet...

About the Author

Chloe Neill was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest, just close enough to continue transcribing the adventures of Merit and her fellow Chicagoland vampires.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Signet (January 5, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451228863
• ISBN-13: 978-045122886

SOURCE:  PURCHASED

MY THOUGHTS:
LOVED IT

This is a very quick and enjoyable read.  Chloe Neill definitely knows how to craft the perfect spell of a book.  Everything is paced perfectly and the characters are likable, even the villains.  This story doesn't get too much into the bad guys here since the characters are being developed for the series.  The story is pretty much G rated.  There is a little bit of violence, but nothing worse than a Saturday morning cartoon.  The banter between characters is a blast and several of the lines will have you cribbing them for further use of your own.

Lily is dumped in boarding school by her parents without much warning and when she lands at St. Sophie's, she becomes friends with her roommate, Scout.  There is wonderful chemistry between the two and Lily quickly discovers that the school and her friend have some dark secrets.  Lily soon discovers that her own family has some secrets as well.  (You will get to more of that in the second book, HexBound.) Of course, there is all of the high school drama played out as well.  Fans of Marlene Perez's Dead Is series are going to love this one! 


WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK?

Contest is open to anyone with reliable mail service (Worldwide and PO Boxes OK!)
Contest ends on 12.26.10 and the winner will be chosen by Random.org on 12.27.10
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is sponsored by ME one book is available. I bought this book and didn't realize I already had one, so you get the new one! 


+1 Complete the below form
+1 Follow Me

+1 Be my friend on GoodReads HERE

+1 Follow me on Twitter HERE

+1 Like the SWAMPED Facebook Page HERE 

+1 Follow my other blog: BookHounds HERE

+1 Follow Chloe Neill's blog  HERE

+1 Follow Chloe Neill  on Twitter HERE

+1 Fan on Good Reads HERE

 

And now, for those extra entries you can do each day:

+1 Leave a comment!  I love comments! If you don't follow on GFC, be sure to leave an email address or your the name you used on the form, so I can contact you.

 +1 for each post on twitter, a social networking site, blog, sidebar, etc., just be sure to leave a link.

Waiting on Wednesday: Shimmer by Alyson Noel

"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

Having solved the matter of the Radiant Boy, Riley, Buttercup, and Bodhi are enjoying a well-deserved vacation. When Riley comes across a vicious black dog, against Bodhi’s advice, she decides to cross him over. While following the dog, she runs into a young ghost named Rebecca. Despite Rebecca’s sweet appearance, Riley soon learns she’s not at all what she seems. As the daughter of a former plantation owner, she is furious about being murdered during a slave revolt in 1733. Mired in her own anger, Rebecca is lashing out by keeping the ghosts who died along with her trapped in their worst memories. Can Riley help Rebecca forgive and forget without losing herself to her own nightmarish memories?

About the Author

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

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Square Fish; First Edition edition (March 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312648251
• ISBN-13: 978-0312648251

I loved Radiance and the sequel looks just as good!  Can't Wait!

AND THE WINNER IS: Need by Carrie Jones

ERINBERRY -- erinberry12

An email has been sent to the lucky people named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner(s)  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Thanks to all who entered.

Didn't win?  Order your copy from my Amazon link:

Book Trailer Tuesday: ELIXIR by Hilary Duff

Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin

GIVEAWAY EXTENDED TO 12.23.10

Description

Phoebe finds herself drawn to Mallory, the strange and secretive new kid in school, and the two girls become as close as sisters . . . until MalloryÕs magnetic older brother, Ryland, shows up during their junior year. Ryland has an immediate, exciting hold on PhoebeÑbut a dangerous hold, for she begins to question her feelings about her best friend and, worse, about herself. Soon sheÕll discover the shocking truth about Ryland and Mallory: that these two are visitors from the faerie realm who have come to collect on an age-old debt. Generations ago, the faerie queen promised Pheobe's ancestor five extraordinary sons in exchange for the sacrifice of one ordinary female heir. But in hundreds of years there hasnÕt been a single ordinary girl in the family, and now the faeries are dying. Could Phoebe be the first ordinary one? Could she save the faeries, or is she special enough to save herself?

About the Author

Acclaimed author Nancy Werlin was a National Book Award Finalist for Rules of Survival and winner of the Edgar Award for The KillerÕs Cousin. She lives in Melrose, Massachusetts.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Dial; 1 edition (September 7, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803733720
• ISBN-13: 978-0803733725

WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK (ARC)?

Contest is open to anyone with reliable mail service (Worldwide and PO Boxes OK!)
Contest ends on 12.20.10  Extended to 12.23.10 and the winner will be chosen by Random.org on 12.24.10
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.


+1 Complete the below form
+1 Follow Me

+1 Be my friend on GoodReads HERE

+1 Follow me on Twitter HERE

+1 Like the SWAMPED Facebook Page HERE 

+1 Follow my other blog: BookHounds HERE 

+5 if you blog about this!  Please leave a link in the comments!

And now, for those extra entries you can do each day:

+1 Leave a comment!  I love comments! If you don't follow on GFC, be sure to leave an email address or your the name you used on the form, so I can contact you.

 +1 for each post on twitter, a social networking site, blog, sidebar, etc., just be sure to leave a link.

AND THE WINNER IS: Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers BOOKMARK!

HOLLY!  hollyjolly89

JENNIFER - be sure to visit BOOK NOISE


An email has been sent to the lucky people named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner(s)  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Thanks to all who entered.

Didn't win?  Order your copy from my Amazon link:

AND THE WINNER IS: Fallout by Ellen Hopkins

Tammy
tmdahle@
Be sure to visit Tammy's blog THE MUG OF MOXIE

An email has been sent to the lucky people named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner(s)  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Thanks to all who entered.

Didn't win?  Order your copy from my Amazon link:

REVIEW:Steel by Carrie Vaughn

Description

When Jill finds a rusty sword tip on a Caribbean beach, she is instantly intrigued—and little expects it will transport her through time to the deck of a pirate ship. Will a dark enchantment, salty kisses, and a duel with an evil pirate captain leave her stranded in the eighteenth century forever?

Drawing on piratical lore and historical fact, Carrie Vaughn creates a vivid world of swaying masts and swelling seas, where blood magic overrules the laws of nature, romance is in the air, and death can come at the single slip of a sword.

About the Author

Carrie Vaughn survived her air force brat childhood and managed to put down roots in Colorado. Her first book, Kitty and the Midnight Hour, launched a popular series of novels about a werewolf named Kitty who hosts a talk-radio advice show. Ms. Vaughn has also written many short stories. This is her first work for young readers. Ms. Vaughn lives in Colorado.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (March 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061547913
• ISBN-13: 978-0061547911

SOURCE:  AROUND THE WORLD ARC TOURS

MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT



Carrie Vaughn is one of my favorite authors, so when she started to write young adult novels, I was more than thrilled to get a sneek peek at this one.  Steel is just a fun and fabulous read that combines a bit of time travel with historical fiction.  It has great characters and a believable plot.  Well, as far as you can get with time travel and historical fiction. I found myself transported back in time and spent the afternoon googling the pirates named in the story.


Jill is an overachieving sixteen year old that wants to be a fencing national champion.  While on vacation in the Carribean, she stumbles upon a a piece of rusty steel and immediately knows that it is a sword.  She goes for a boat ride with her family and gets washed overboard.  When she comes up, Jill is rescued by a pirate ship in the eighteenth century.  Let's just say that it is a really good thing Jill knows about sword play.

There isn't much romance in this one and only one mention of a drunken situation where the pirates are more gentleman than today's teens could ever be.  There is alcohol consumption, but with the time era, it is acceptable.  I hope the author delves more into this type of story since I really enjoyed it. 





Steel

REVIEW: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

 Description

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

About the Author

Cynthia Hand divides her time between Southern California, where she lives with her husband and son, and southeast Idaho near the Teton Mountains. She teaches creative writing at Pepperdine University. This is her first novel.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (January 4, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061996165
• ISBN-13: 978-0061996160

SOURCE:  AROUND THE WORLD ARC TOURS

MY THOUGHTS:
LOVED IT

I am adding my voice to the mass of people who love this book.   This story approaches angels in a whole different direction that the multitudes of books recently released on this subject.  The whole story is background on Clara and her family and doesn't get to the super-page-turning point until the last 75 pages or so.  Once I put it down, I now can't wait for the next book in the series.  It left me with a ton of unanswered questions.  I really thought the book was looking to conclude at the end of one book, but the author completely surprised me!  This book would have been absolutely perfect except that I thought the descriptions were a little bit too much.  I know that is me since I am more of a dialog person.  OK, so how much longer until the sequel?

Clara is a really strong character, but it bothered me that she would blindly follow the path her mother and tradition has laid out for her.  It isn't until her visions uproot the family and they move to Wyoming that she really becomes a person in her own right.  When she meets Angela and Wendy, her two new BFFs, there is a true dichotomy of good versus evil.  Wendy is so sugary sweet, while Angela has a tiny, little pitch fork, being part fallen angel.  I think Angela might play a more important role in the next book.  There is of course, the evil elements in the Black Wings, those fallen angels, who aren't quite demons.  There is an excellent point made that there really isn't true good or true evil, only shades of each.

There is of course the all important Love Triangle in the form of Tucker and Christian -- ok -- there are a few name plays going on here, but it works.  Christian is a complex character and again there is more than meets the eye with him.  I can't wait to see if Angela and Christian have some sort of angel club happening in the next installment.  

This is probably safe for most children over 12 years old since there is not much more than kissing.  There are references of rape which helps the evil angle. I don't remember any overt alcohol or drug references.

 

REVIEW: Entice by Carrie Jones

Description

Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever. But that's not quite how things have worked out. For starters, well, Nick is dead. Supposedly, he's been taken to a mythic place for warriors known as Valhalla, so Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. But it's taking time, and meanwhile a group of evil pixies is devastating Bedford, with more teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys need all the warriors they can find. But how to get to Valhalla? And even if Zara and her friends discover the way, there's that other small problem: Zara's been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to go with her? Especially since she hasn't turned into just any pixie. . . She's Astley's queen.

About the Author

CARRIE JONES loves Great Pyrenees dogs, Skinny Cow fudgsicles, and potatoes. In addition to the New York Times bestsellers Need and Captivate, Carrie is also the author of Girl, Hero; Love (and Other Uses for Duct Tape); and Tips on Having a Gay (Ex-)Boyfriend. Carrie grew up in Bedford, New Hampshire, where she once had a séance with uber-comedian Sarah Silverman. She now lives in Ellsworth, Maine.
www.needpixies.com
www.carriejonesbooks.com

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books (December 14, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599905531
• ISBN-13: 978-1599905532

SOURCE:  AROUND THE WORLD ARC TOURS

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

**slight spoiler alert**
This one will have you hanging AGAIN at the end.  I am really beginning to hate it when that happens.  I thought I would finally get a bit of closure between Nick and Zara, but now Zara has thrown a wrench in the happily ever after by becoming a bit more friendly with Astley.  Zara concludes this book being more confused than ever!  There were a few slow parts in the plot, but by the end you will be satisfied that you finished it and demanding the next in the series.

Waiting on Wednesday: Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley Cartwright and David Leslie Johnson

"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 body of a young girl is discovered in a field of wheat. Her flesh mutilated by telltale claw marks. The Wolf has broken the peace. When Valerie learns that her sister has been killed by the legendary creature, she finds herself at the center of a dark mystery, one that has plagued her village for generations. It is revealed that the werewolf lives among them, and everyone in the village immediately becomes a suspect. Could her secret love Peter be behind the attacks on her town? Is it her betrothed, Henry? Or someone even closer to her? As the men in the village hunt for the beast, Valerie turns to her grandmother for help. She gives Valerie a handmade red riding cloak, and guides her through the web of lies and deception that has held her town together for so long. Will Valerie discover the werewolf's identity before the town is ripped apart? This is a dangerous new vision of a classic fairy tale, the happy ending could be hard to find. 

About the Author

Sarah Blakley-Cartwright is twenty-two years old and is a recent cum laude graduate of Barnard College, the greatest place on earth. She is the recipient of the 2008-2009 Mary Gordon Fiction Scholarship Award and the 2009-2010 Lenore Marshall Barnard Prize for Prose. She splits her time between New York and Los Angeles. Despite what the book may say, she actually prefers wolves to people.

Raised in Mansfield, Ohio, David Leslie Johnson began writing plays in the second grade and wrote his first screenplay at age nineteen. A graduate of Ohio State University in Columbus with a bachelor of fine arts degree in photography and cinema, Johnson worked as a production assistant on the Academy Award-nominated film The Shawshank Redemption, and spent five years as an assistant to the film's director and writer, Frank Darabont. Most recently Johnson wrote an original screenplay for the film Red Riding Hood, directed by Catherine Hardwicke and he has several projects in development. Johnson lives in Burbank, California, with his wife, screenwriter Kimberly Lofstrom Johnson, and their son, Samuel.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Poppy (January 25, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316176044
• ISBN-13: 978-0316176040

Full disclosure:  I know one of the authors....