GIVEAWAY! Spring Blog Carnival Giveaway Hop

YAY!  Another giveaway hop!  There are over 200 blogs participating  and I would like to the the hosts of this wonderful event:

Candace’s Book Blog http://www.candacesbookblog
Reading Angel http://www.readingangel.com
Pure Imagination http://www.pureimaginationblog.com
The Book Swarm http://www.bookswarm.blogspot.com


Each blog has different entry rules, so be sure to check each one for the requirements.  You can find a list of all the participating blogs HERE.  I have a linky at the bottom of this post for your convenience. 


AND NOW FOR THE IMPORTANT PART:

I have two books for one lucky person!
 

Glee: Foreign Exchange by Sophia Lowell

In Zanesville by Jo Ann Beard (ARC)

WANT TO WIN THESE BOOKS?
Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with reliable mail service (Book Depository service)
Contest ends on 5.8.11 Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 5.9.11
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is sponsored by me and ONE SET will be available.

PLEASE NOTE:  I MAY opt to send you the book of your choice up to $15 USD if postage is outrageous.

Complete the below form
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Extra Entries
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+1 for each place you social network this giveaway and leave me a link ONCE DAILY

 

REVIEW: Swear by Nina Malkin @simonteen @swoonauthor

Description

Sin is coming... Prepare to Swoon. Torn from her native New York City and dumped in the land of cookie-cutter preps, Candice is resigned to accept her posh, dull fate. Nothing ever happens in Swoon, Connecticut...until Dice's perfect, privileged cousin Penelope nearly dies in a fall from an old tree, and her spirit intertwines with that of a ghost. His name? Sinclair Youngblood Powers. His mission? Revenge. And while Pen is oblivious to the possession, Dice is all too aware of Sin. She's intensely drawn to him—but not at all crazy about the havoc he's wreaking. Determined to exorcise the demon, Dice accidentally sets Sin loose, gives him flesh, makes him formidable. Now she must destroy an even more potent—and irresistible—adversary, before the whole town succumbs to Sin's will. Only trouble is, she's in love with him. What do you do when the boy of your dreams is too bad to be true?

About the Author

Nina Malkin is the author of five YA novels, one novella, and an adult memoir.  Before turning to books, Nina was a journalist specializing in entertainment, pop culture, and lifestyles.  She has held executive positions as an editor and writer at Cosmopolitan, Elle, and Teen People, and her work has appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Seventeen, Real Simple, In Style, and numerous other publications.  A New York native, Nina lives in Brooklyn with her musician husband and assorted felines.  Find out more at ninamalkin.com.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Simon Pulse; 1 edition (May 4, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416998012
• ISBN-13: 978-1416998013

SOURCE:  PURCHASED

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

I enjoyed this very original young adult paranormal. The action was fast paced and the characters were well developed. The author truly has a way with words and I was at first dismayed by the length of this book, it went very quickly and I stayed up way too long to finish it. Candice (aka "Dice") is very likable and Sinclair really reminded me of someone straight out of a Jane Austin novel. The only downfall with this book is that I can't see a sequel in the works.  

UPDATE:  I was wrong -- there will be another installment released in October, 2011 titled Swear!

My Wish List - Updated 5.5.14

TITLE	AUTHOR
Americana	Ray Davies
Amplified	Tara Kelly
Anything to Have You	Paige Harbison
The Arrivals	Melissa Marr
Beautiful You	Chuck Palahniuk
Brave New Love
The Bridge from Me to You	Lisa Schroeder
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy	Helen Fielding
Buzz Kill	Beth Fantaskey
Chose the Wrong Guy Gave Him the Wrong Finger	Beth Harbison
Cocoon Band 01	Gennifer Albin
Commando:	Johnny Ramone
Curtsies & Conspiracies	Gail Carriger
Dead River	Cyn Balog
Death and the Girl Next Door	Darynda Jones
Demonosity	Amanda Ashby
Elegy (Watersong)	Amanda Hocking
Empower (Embrace)	Jessica Shirvington
Equal of the Sun: A Novel	Anita Amirrezvani
Eternal: Zachary's Story (Tantalize)	Cynthia Leitich Smith
Evertrue: An Everneath Novel	Brodi Ashton
Fools' Gold	Philippa Gregory
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet	Darynda Jones
Frankenweenie: A Novel
Gasp (Visions)	Lisa McMann
Get Even	Gretchen McNeil
Girl Out Loud	Emily Gale
Guitar Notes	Mary Amato
Hollow City (Miss Peregrine Bk 2)	Ransom Riggs
Horizon	Alyson Noël
How Evan Broke His Head And Other Secrets	Garth Stein
Ignite Me (Shatter Me Bk 3)	Tahereh Mafi
Illusions of Fate	Kiersten White
The Indigo Spell: A Bloodlines Novel	Richelle Mead
The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines Bk 3)	Richelle Mead
Infernal Devices	Cassandra Clare
Infinite	Jodi Meadows
Into the Still Blue	Veronica Rossi
The Inventor's Secret	Andrea Cremer
Jane Austen Goes to Hollywood	Abby McDonald
Just One Day	Gayle Forman
Just One Year	Gayle Forman
Killer Instinct	Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Love Goes to Buildings on Fire	Will Hermes
Love Lucy	April Lindner
Loving on Borrowed Time	Olivia Cunning
Mick Ronson:	Weird - Gilly
Mind Over Magic	Sarah Beth Durst
Monument 14: Savage Drift	Emmy Laybourne
Much Ado About Magic	Shanna Swendson
Never Say Never	Kailin Gow
Oath Bound	Rachel Vincent
Of Neptune	Anna Banks
The One	Kiera Cass
The Originals	Cat Patrick
Panic	Lauren Oliver
Perfect Lies	Kiersten White
Playing Dirty	Jennifer Echols
Precinct 13 (Precinct 13 Bk 1)	Tate Hallaway
Pretenders	Lisi Harrison
The Queen is Dead	Kate Locke
Raising Demons	Rachel Hawkins
The Raven Cycle: Book 3	Maggie Stiefvater
Rebel Belle	Rachel Hawkins
The Redemption of Callie & Kayden	Jessica Sorensen
Rise (Nightshade Prequel Bk 2)	Andrea Cremer
Ruin and Rising	Leigh Bardugo
The Rules	Stacey Kade
School Spirits	Rachel Hawkins
The Selection Stories	Kiera Cass
Shards and Ashes	Melissa Marr
The She-Hulk Diaries	Marta Acosta
Shutdown (Glitch Bk 3)	Heather Anastasiu
Snakeroot: A Nightshade Novel	Andrea Cremer
The Sound and the Furry	Spencer Quinn
Speed of Light	Amber Kizer
Strange Fates	Marlene Perez
Surrender	Elana Johnson
Take Me On	Katie McGarry
Talking Heads' Fear of Music (33 1/3)	Jonathan Lethem
Teardrop (Teardrop Trilogy)	Lauren Kate
This Shattered World	Amie Kaufman - Meagan Spooner
This Side of Salvation	Jeri Smith-Ready
This Song Will Save Your Life	Leila Sales
Throne of Glass #3	Sarah J. Maas
Thunderstruck:	Shannon Delany
Ticker	Lisa Mantchev
Tidal	Amanda Hocking
The Treatment	Suzanne Young - Suzanne Young
Try Me Tempt Me Take Me	Olivia Cunning
Twisted Sisters	Jen Lancaster
Unbreakable (The Legion)	Kami Garcia
Undead and Unsure	MaryJanice Davidson
Undead and Unwary	MaryJanice Davidson
Unite Me:	Tahereh Mafi
Unraveled	Gennifer Albin
The Visible Man	Chuck Klosterman
Winter (The Lunar Chronicles)	Marissa Meyer
The Young Elites	Marie Lu

REVIEW: Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

Description

After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn’t interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be — especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.

Lizzie is happy about her friend’s burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles’s friend, Will Darcy, who’s snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn’t seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it’s because her family doesn’t have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk — so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway?

Will Lizzie’s pride and Will’s prejudice keep them apart? Or are they a prom couple in the making? Whatever the result, Elizabeth Eulberg, author of The Lonely Hearts Club, has concocted a very funny, completely stylish delight for any season — prom or otherwise.

About the Author

Elizabeth Eulberg was born and raised in Wisconsin before making a career in the New York City book biz. She is also the author of The Lonely Hearts Club and lives outside of New York City.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Point; 1 edition (January 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9780545240772
• ISBN-13: 978-0545240772

SOURCE:  AMAZON VINE

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

This is a wonderful retake on Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, one of my favorite books.  The story almosts sticks to the traditional and witty original of class and age warfare between Lizzy and the rich kids at a private school.   Eulberg deftly portrays teen angst although this version isn't as intense as the original since these teens will get a more than once chance at love and their whole lives are not on the line like the original.  Lizzy is a scholarship student at an all girls' school and her only friends are the other scholarship students, Jane and Charlotte.  Jane drags them to a reception at the local boys' school and there they meet Will Darcy and Charles Bingley.  The girls are subjected to mean girl hazing and typical bad behavior.

The story centers around prom and all of the drama that ensues.  The plot points are simplified but the major ones are hit:  Jane falls sick and the trip to the Bingley's turns into a ski trip.  I really thought this was well done with the clever repartee that Austen is famous for.  Over all if you enjoy remakes, this one should please you although instead of marriage as the end game, the goal becomes the prom. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

REVIEW: In Zanesville by Jo Ann Beard

Description

The beguiling fourteen-year-old narrator of IN ZANESVILLE is a late bloomer. She is used to flying under the radar-a sidekick, a third wheel, a marching band dropout, a disastrous babysitter, the kind of girl whose Eureka moment is the discovery that "fudge" can't be said with an English accent.

Luckily, she has a best friend, a similarly undiscovered girl with whom she shares the everyday adventures of a 1970s American girlhood, incidents through which a world is revealed, and character is forged.

In time, their friendship is tested-- by their families' claims on them, by a clique of popular girls who stumble upon them as if they were found objects, and by the first, startling, subversive intimations of womanhood.

With dry wit and piercing observation, Jo Ann Beard shows us that in the seemingly quiet streets of America's innumerable Zanesvilles is a world of wonders, and that within the souls of the awkward and the overlooked often burns something radiant and unforgettable.

About the Author

Jo Ann Beard is the author of a collection of autobiographical essays, The Boys of My Youth. Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, Tin House, Best American Essays, and other magazines and anthologies. She received a Whiting Foundation Award and nonfiction fellowships from the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation and the New York Foundation for the Arts.

Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (April 25, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9780316084475
• ISBN-13: 978-0316084475

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT


This book is such a love letter to the 70's which is a time I know well.  I still can't figure out the name of the narrator, but I guess it might be "Jo" and maybe this book is a bit of memoir of the author.  Jo is at that awkward period in every girls life which seems to happen around fourteen.  Flea (Felicia), her best friend shares the horribleness of this age with Jo (the narrator).  This should be a hit with adults as well as teens since it describes the angst and anguish that accompany this age.  The girls are so unsure of themselves and it really hits that theme beautifully.  There is also a great deal of humor that accompanies this coming of age story.

Jo's father is a salesman and drinks which puts her family in a destitute situation as well as emotional turmoil.  The girls are separate by cliques at school and also their families which almost brings about the end of their friendship.  I loved how Jo and Flea go from Band Nerds to Popular and back again.  This book will really hit you emotionally and I think most females will identify with the story.  This is best suited for older teens and adults. 

Dark Days of Supernatural Summer 2011 Tour! @harperteen

Waiting on Wednesday: Soul Thief by Jana Oliver

"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

Riley Blackthorne’s adventures continue in the second spellbinding Demon Trappers novel, as she battles demons… and a love that could destroy her

At the start of the second thrilling installment of the Demon Trappers series, 17-year-old Riley Blackthorne has about had it up to here. After the devastating battle at the Tabernacle, trappers are dead and injured, her sweet boyfriend Simon is gravely injured, and now her beloved late father’s been illegally poached from his grave by a very powerful necromancer. Add to the mix: Ori, one sizzling hot freelance demon hunter who’s made himself Riley’s unofficial body guard, and Beck, a super over-protective “friend” who acts more like a grouchy granddad, and Riley’s almost ready to leave Atlanta altogether.
But as the demon count in Atlanta increases, the already crippled Trappers Guild has its hands full, and, when the Vatican finally sends its own Demon Hunters to take care of the city’s “little” problem, pandemonium breaks loose. Only Riley knows that she might be the center of Hell’s attention: an extremely powerful Grade 5 demon is stalking her, and her luck can't last forever. As Riley’s life becomes a dangerous balancing act, will she be strong enough not to tip? And who will be there to catch her if she falls?

About the Author

JANA OLIVER is an award-winning author who lives in Atlanta, GA. She’s happiest when she’s researching outlandish urban legends, wandering around old cemeteries and dreaming up new stories. 

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (August 30, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312614799
• ISBN-13: 978-0312614799

TY TY TY -- I only have to wait until August!

BOOK TRAILER TUESDAY: ILLUSIONS by Aprilynne Pike

AND THE WINNER IS: Hoppy Easter Blog Hop

SUEFITZ -- suefitz
Be sure to visit BOOKS BOOKS THE MAGICAL FRUIT here


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.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR THE EMAIL FROM BOOKHOUNDS @ HOTMAIL REQUESTING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!

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

REVIEW: Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready

Product Description

Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to. Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift.
As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart.

About the Author

Jeri Smith-Ready has been writing fiction since the night she had her first double espresso.  A constant stream of caffeine has resulted in six published novels, including Wicked Game and Eyes of Crow, whichhave each won multiple awards in the fields of fantasy and romance. Jeri had her teen fiction debut in May 2010 with the Simon Pulse release of Shade, a paranormal love story featuring a world of spirits only the young can see.  The sequel, Shift, will follow in 2011. Her latest novel is Bring on the Night (Pocket Books, August 2010), the third installment in her fun and sexy WVMP RADIO urban fantasy series. The fourth WVMP book, Let It Bleed, will be released August 2011. Jeri holds a master’s in environmental policy and currently lives inMaryland with her husband, cat, and the world’s goofiest greyhound. When not writing, she can usually be found--well, thinking about writing. Find her at www.jerismithready.com or at ttp://twitter.com/jsmithready.

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Simon Pulse (May 3, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416994084
• ISBN-13: 978-1416994084

SOURCE:  NetGalley

MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

You know how a song gets stuck in your head?  Well, this completely happened with this book since I am still thinking about it.  Just to warn you, as soon as you finish it, you will want another one and yes, it ends with a bit of a cliffhanger so just be prepared to sit, tap your fingers and start to stalk the author asking her when the next book is coming out. So now I am going to try and write a spoiler free review. 

Aura is in the middle of a triangle between Logan, who came back from Shade and is now just Ghost and Zachary, who she is spending more time with because of a school commitment.  She finds herself really dwelling on Zachary more and more and how his history intertwines with her own.  Together with the help of a teacher, they start to uncover their own beginnings.  Logan has a spectacular send off, but is he really and truly gone?  I never thought it was possible for a ghost to grow up, but Logan accomplishes that towards the end of the book.  So, I am going to make you read the book to get the answers, but it is well worth it.

AND THE WINNER IS: If a Dog Could Blog

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.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR THE EMAIL FROM BOOKHOUNDS @ HOTMAIL REQUESTING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!

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

REVIEW: Glee: Foreign Exchange by Sophie Lowell

Product Description

Can Rachel Berry rock a beret? McKinley High goes international and invites a French glee club to town - ooh la la! In this hilarious culture-clash story, Kurt gets an entourage, Finn falls for a new girl, and Puck realizes that some suave moves are lost in translation.

In this second original novel, you'll get more mash-ups, more show-mance, and more Sue in a brand-new story officially approved by the creators of Glee.

Glee Original Novels - they're almost as exhilarating as a slushie in the face!

Includes a full page of Gleetastic tattoos.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Poppy; Original edition (February 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316123617
• ISBN-13: 978-0316123617

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

Very rarely does a television show translate well into written word, but Glee:  Foreign Exchange is pitch perfect.  I really felt like each voice of the cast was captured perfectly and the story flowed just as well as a television script. That said, there is no music that makes this book sing like the television show.  It would have been wonderful if there would have been snippets of the song available online to go with the book.  As far as this being just a young adult novel, it is better than most with an easy to follow and enjoy storyline.

McKinley High is hosting a group of foreign chorus singers from France and each member of the group has unique experience with this exchange.  Kurt meets people that are more fashionable than he is, Finn finds a new love, Puck's sexiness doesn't translate and Rachel meets her match.  Sue has some great barbs about Mr. Shu's hair -- those quips are just spectacular! Brittany delivers several spacey one liners that amaze me.  This is the perfect read for anyone who adores Glee as much as I do. 

Waiting on Wednesday: Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh

"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

While Varen remains a prisoner in the dream-world, Isobel is haunted by his memory. He appears to her in her dreams and soon, even in her waking life. But is she just imagining it? Isobel knows she must find a way back to Varen. She makes plans to go to Baltimore. There, she confronts the figure known throughout the world as the Poe Toaster—the same dark man who once appeared to Isobel in her dreams, calling himself “Reynolds.” Isobel succeeds in interrupting the Toaster’s ritual and, in doing so, discovers a way to return to the dream-world. Soon, she finds herself swept up in a realm which not only holds remnants of Poe’s presence, but has also now taken on the characteristics of Varen’s innermost self. It is a dark world comprised of fear, terror, and anger.
When Isobel once more encounters Varen, she finds him changed. With his mind poisoned by the dream world, he becomes a malevolent force, bent on destroying all—even himself. Now Isobel must face a new adversary, one who also happens to be her greatest love.

About the Author

Kelly Creagh is a 2008 graduate of Spalding University’s MFA in Creative Writing program. When not writing, haunting bookstore coffee shops, or obsessively studying Poe, Kelly's passions include the ancient art of bellydance. She lives with her squirrely, attitude-infused terrier, Annabel, in the heart of Old Louisville, Kentucky’s largest and spookiest Victorian neighborhood. Visit her at KellyCreagh.com.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum (January 17, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1442402040
• ISBN-13: 978-1442402041

GIVEAWAY: Happy Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop

 THIS IS STOP #7

Welcome to the Happy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop! which is to thank all of my lovely followers and runs from 12:01 AM on Wednesday, April 20th to 11:59 PM on Monday, April 25th, midnight.

Each participating blog is hosting their own giveaway with their own entry requirements. All participating blogs are linked up through the Eggstravaganza linky HERE. After you have entered one giveaway hop go to the next giveaway on the list.

Special thanks to Inspired Kathy over at I Am a Reader, Not a Writer for putting together this amazing hop! Please thank the co host of this event Once Upon a Twilight HERE
Here are the next few blogs on the hop:

6. BookHounds (Int)
7. FOREVER YOUNG (adult) (Int)
8. A Foodie Bibliophile in Wanderlust (US)
9. Minding Spot (US)
10. The Well-Read Wife (US/Can)

NOW THE REALLY IMPORTANT PART:
I have two YA ARCs up for grabs...

 

Karma Bites

 Reapers are the Angels

WANT TO WIN THIS  SET OF BOOKS?

Contest is open to anyone with reliable mail service (Worldwide and PO Boxes OK!)

Contest ends on 4.25.11 midnight and the winner will be chosen by Random.org on 4.26.11

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 has increased 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.

To Enter:
Complete the below form

Follow Me

Extra Entries:

+1 Follow me on Twitter HERE

+1 Like my new facebook page BOOKHOUNDS HERE

+1 You can also social network this TWICE daily for up to FOUR extra entries, just leave me a link with a way to contact you in the comments section.

REVIEW: The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

Description

Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on…

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps.  The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood.  And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers’ Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart – and her life?

About the Author

JANA OLIVER is an award-winning author who lives in Atlanta, GA. She’s happiest when she’s researching outlandish urban legends, wandering around old cemeteries and dreaming up new stories.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; Original edition (February 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312614780
• ISBN-13: 978-0312614782

SOURCE:  AMAZON VINE

MY THOUGHTS

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

 This is such an amazing read!  I didn't want to put it down once I started it.  There is always a point when you start to read books like this, ones that involve world building, the acceptance of creatures other than humans, and if the lead is strong enough to carry through a whole concept of saving the world.  Riley provides just such a voice in this story where she doesn't start out strong or knowledgeable.  The story opens with Riley trying to catch a library fiend -- a demon that is bent on destroying books and she takes control after a few missteps and gaffs.  This is the first insight that Riley is just not an ordinary girl and that she may just have special gifts.  I still don't know if she has anything extraordinary going on, but I had that feeling throughout reading this first installment in the series.  That and the demons called her by her name which turns out to be truly creepy and insightful but the reasons for this are not given in this book.  I hope this will be developed in the next one.

So Riley is trying to become a demon trapper, which in this world is a necessity and helps balance good and evil.  Her father has her as his apprentice and just when Riley thought she was making progress a demon kills her father, which makes her an orphan.  She is such a likable character that you will find yourself cheering for her as she figures things out and crying with her as her loss of family becomes apparent.  She is now apprenticed to an unlikable character and he makes her miserable while Beck, her father's previous apprentice tries to help her out.  There is a  mini love triangle starting here, although Riley doesn't realize her previous crush on Beck still exists and develops an attraction to another apprentice Simon, who she describes as an angel. This is a wonderful dystopian tale that takes you to Atlanta in 2018 and will have you trying to solve the mystery of the holy water that no longer protects you from demons. 

BOOK TRAILER TUESDAY Monster High by Lisi Harrison

GIVEAWAY! City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (Damaged Book)

Description

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder—much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It’s hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing—not even a smear of blood—to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? This is Clary’s first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It’s also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace’s world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .
Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare’s ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

About the Author

Cassandra Clare made her fiction debut with The Mortal Instruments series, which has been on many bestseller lists. Cassandra lives in an old Victorian house in western Massachusetts with her husband, their cats, and lots and lots of books. Visit her website at CassandraClare.com. Learn more about The Mortal Instruments series at mortalinstruments.com. Learn more about The Infernal Devices at theinfernaldevices.com.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry; First Edition edition (February 19, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781416955078
• ISBN-13: 978-1416955078

I dropped this book.  It was new, read twice, but now the cover has a crease :(  I can't even get a good picture of the crease, so use your imagination.

WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK?

Contest is open to anyone with reliable mail service (Worldwide and PO Boxes OK!)

Contest ends on 5.2.11 midnight and the winner will be chosen by Random.org on 5.3.11

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.

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AND THE WINNER IS: Zan Gah 1&2 by Allan Shickman

VIDISHA -- vidishamun


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PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR THE EMAIL FROM BOOKHOUNDS @ HOTMAIL REQUESTING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!

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AND THE WINNER IS: Shimmer by Alyson Noel

ANITA   ayancey

 
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.

PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR THE EMAIL FROM BOOKHOUNDS @ HOTMAIL REQUESTING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!

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

Waiting on Wednesday: The Magnolia League by Katie Crouch

"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

When her free-spirited mother dies in a tragic accident, sixteen-year-old Alexandria Lee is forced to leave her West Coast home and move in with a wealthy grandmother she's never known in Savannah, Georgia. By birth, Alex is a rightful if unwilling member of the Magnolia League-Savannah's long-standing debutante society. But white gloves and silk gowns are a far cry from the vintage t-shirts and torn jeans shorts she's used to.

Alex is the first in decades to question the Magnolia League's intentions, yet even she becomes entangled in their seductive world. The members enjoy youth, beauty and power...but at what cost? As Alex discovers a pact between the Magnolias and the Buzzards, a legendary hoodoo family, she discovers secrets-some deadly-hidden beneath the glossy Southern veneer.

New York Times bestselling author Katie Crouch's poignant and humorous voice shines in this enchanting and mysterious story about girls growing up in a magical Southern city.

About the Author

Katie Crouch was raised in Charleston, South Carolina, where she attended Cotillion training but never was a debutante. She studied writing at Brown and Columbia Universities and now lives in San Francisco. Katie's second novel, Men and Dogs, was published by Little, Brown in April 2010.

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Poppy (May 3, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316078492
• ISBN-13: 978-0316078498

BOOK TRAILER TUESDAY: The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan

REVIEW: Dead is Just a Rumor by Marlene Perez

Description

As the creepy little town of Nightshade prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary—on Halloween, of course—many of its paranormal residents are receiving mysterious blackmail letters. Psychic teen Daisy Giordano and her sisters set out to find out who is behind the threats. But launching an investigation isn’t easy for Daisy with her overprotective father watching her every move. Though she’s is happy to have him back after the years he spent being held captive by an anti-paranormal group called the Scourge, Dad is having difficult time adjusting to home life—and the fact that his little girl is now a senior in high school. He even disapproves of Daisy’s boyfriend, Ryan. Can their relationship take the strain?

And Daisy’s got even more on her plate: A talented amateur chef, she has won cooking lessons with celebrity chef Circe Silvertongue. After nosing around (with a little help from Circe’s pet pig), Daisy begins to suspect the temperamental chef’s secrets aren’t only in her ingredients. . . .

The fourth installment in this favorite series is full of surprises and scares!

About the Author

MARLENE PEREZ is the author of Dead Is the New Black, Dead Is a State of Mind, Dead Is So Last Year, Love in the Corner Pocket, and Unexpected Development, an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. She lives in Orange County, California.  www.marleneperez.com

Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Graphia; 1 edition (August 23, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9780547345925
• ISBN-13: 978-0547345925

SOURCE:  PURCHASED

MY THOUGHTS

LOVED IT

I have been recommending this series since I first discovered it and the latest installment is a wonderful addition.  I just don't know why it took me so long to read it.  It was the first book I bought for my new e reader.  Each book has Daisy solving a crime with her psychic powers, although her powers didn't really evolve until the second book in the series, Dead is a State of Mind.  You can easily read this one without having read any of them, but I think it adds to them by reading them in order.  

Daisy is the youngest of the Giordano sisters and each are paranormally gifted.  Daisy's psychic and kinetic abilities are just now really beginning to develop and she makes full use of her limited powers in solving a blackmail mystery that has visited the town of Nightshade, CA.  Daisy's father has recently returned to the family after being held by the Scourge, an anti-paranormal group.  Her father is still recovering from the effects of his capture and he reacts to Daisy as if she is still twelve, her age when he disappeared.  He disapproves of her were boyfriend, Ryan, who is also the chief of police's son.  

Daisy wins cooking lessons with a famous television chef, Circe, who adds more than just ingredients to her famous food.  Part of the story deals with the famous Jukebox, Lil,  at Slim's Diner which plays songs to communicate with Daisy which leads to what will happen in the next installment, Dead is Not an Option, or at least I hope!  Daisy helps unravel the blackmail mystery and maintains her loving relationship with her parents.  There is only some kissing and nothing else much to worry parents.  I highly recommend this to everyone since it is such an enjoyable series that will appeal to even the pickiest of readers.