Wow, it's been a very long time since I had the time to do an In My Mailbox! :O
Anyways, I only got two books in my mailbox this week--both of which I finished, and found to be very, VERY good. SO good, that in fact, you will be possibly seeing one or two of them given away on this blog soon.
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer - Won from Kristen over at Bookworming in the 21st century
Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl - This was a TOTAL surprise. One of my friends, Annie, went to Comic Con and got this for me. *squeeeeeeeee*
Well, that's all I got this week! I was hoping for my Shadow Hills poster to come, but it didn't. I also got a new cell phone in the mail (mine had broken, but luckily we had insurance to give me a new one) What did YOU guys get? :]
Synopsis: When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul. A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once. While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember.
I think I'm one of the few who haven't WoWed this yet, so here it is! Definitely stoked for this one. Only 201 more days!
I tried to make a countdown widget, but as you can see below, I really, really failed at it. I'd use widgetbox, but the only way for me to make a free one with a background image is through javascript. I am not experienced with that so I found this other site called Counto. It's good, but it takes FOREVER to see the changes you made.
Destiny has finally found the life that she has always wanted. She is about to finish college, has a fiancé that loves her, and a great summer on the West Coast planned with her friend, Stephanie. But her world is turned upside down when an antique clock mysteriously chimes thirteen times and someone attacks them, sending Stephanie and her mother to the hospital. Alone, and without any help from the police, Destiny has no choice but to turn to the one man she had left behind a year ago - her ex-boyfriend, David. Together, they must solve the riddle of the thirteenth chime before the clock strikes thirteen again. Yet as they face their own past and hearts, a trap over half a century old is waiting for them to become its prey. For revenge, fifty years is never too long…
Hey, Emma Michaels here and Kim has been kind enough to let me barrow you all for a guest post! *laughs maniacally* I wanted to give you a heads up about my future release The Thirteenth Chime which is set to be released on Friday the 13th this August! You also get a peek at the latest teaser above ^. Some of you may know me from my book blog http://EmmaMichaels.Blogspot.com where I started doing reviews last December and have been since. Yes, I am a blogger turned author and because of having been a blogger first, I am hoping to do things a bit differently but I need your help. I want for The Thirteenth Chime to make it to the New York Times Best Sellers List but in order to do it I need you. I want to prove that us bloggers have some pull in this industry! As readers we are the audience making us the most important part of the equation. You can have the best book in the world and never get a moments notice without readers or the worst book and get more notice than you ever imagined. I want to prove that we can do it together and get my book out there!!!! Please help me out, any support helps and I also (as a blogger who LOVES swag) put together an amazing swag system for the first few months:
Once the book has been released I have something spectacular planned. For the first few months if anyone who purchases my novel sends me the receipt at Emma@EmmaMichaels.com along with their full name and mailing address I will send them swag! You never know what it might be, you may even get a personal letter from me with it thanking you for your amazing support! If you are someone who has already bought your copy but want more swag then just refer my novel to a friend and if they send me their name and address to receive their swag and include that you referred them and a way for me to contact you so that I can send you your swag, you will get even more! I want you all to know how much your support means to me!
Please help me make it to the New York Times Best Sellers List! Together we can accomplish anything!!!! For more information stop by my blog: http://EmmaMichaels.Blogspot.com or e-mail me at: Emma_Michaels@hotmail.com SincerelyEmmaM@yahoo.com Or Emma@EmmaMichaels.com
I can't find a blurb so far, but after reading one of her books just last week, I'm in love with her writing! I already have all her other books on hold at the library, and I can't wait to go and pick them up!
Stay. It has such a short, but concise title. This one isn't coming til April though. *tear tear* I happen to think all the best books come out in April. (No, it doesn't have anything to do by the fact that my birthday is in April. Go slap yourself. JK.)
Anyone who hasn't checked out Deb Caletti SHOULD. ♥
Synopsis: Three sisters share a magical, unshakeable bond in this witty high-concept novel from the critically acclaimed author of Audrey, Wait! Around the time of their parents’ divorce, sisters April, May, and June recover special powers from childhood—powers that come in handy navigating the hell that is high school. Powers that help them cope with the hardest year of their lives. But could they have a greater purpose? April, the oldest and a bit of a worrier, can see the future. Middle-child May can literally disappear. And baby June reads minds—everyone’s but her own. When April gets a vision of disaster, the girls come together to save the day and reconcile their strained family. They realize that no matter what happens, powers or no powers, they’ll always have each other. Because there’s one thing stronger than magic: sisterhood.
Review: This book was absolutely fantastic. While it wasn't as great as Audrey, Wait! it seems just as real as it. I have two younger sisters myself, so I could totally relate to this book, minus the magical powers part. April was just terrific--probably my favorite out of the three. I just want to befriend all three sisters. Their high school lives are absolute chaos, but with their powers, it makes them feel better. They don't realize they are capable of something much, much more. The romance part just made this book even more fun to read. Thinking about this book makes me squee with delight.
All three sisters have different personalities, which help them stand out. I wasn't sure if the magical part of this book could be pulled off, but it did. It was super hilarious and witty!Sometimes, though, I would forget to read the headings and not realize it was April I was reading about and not June, or some other combination. Or maybe I'm just absent minded...The pacing was good, despite some parts that dragged out. Sometimes, I just felt like the plot line lacked depth. Otherwise, I loved it! The three sisters really are strong together rather than by themselves. This novel will melt your hearts, but not without making you laugh first.
What I thought of...
The Beginning: I love them already!!
The Middle: Perfect tongue-in-cheek story!
The End: Awwwwww.
Favorite part:
"Yeah, well," I said. "You have no idea how crazy I am. I should be wearing yellow CAUTION tape. I'm that bonkers." He laughed again. He had a really deep, hearty laugh. "So what's your name?" "April." Julian nodded. "Well, I'm sorry I littered, April." "Well, I'm sorry I yelled at you."
Hey all! It's time for another giveaway...a 50 dollar CSN stores gift certificate!
If you're like me, you'll probably spend it on a bookshelf, or maybe a desk. If not, maybe a table lamp? Either way, this gift certificate will be giving you something special. Recently, I had the chance of reviewing something off the site, and now, they are giving me another awesome chance at giving away something for YOU guys.
Synopsis: The year is 2041, and sixteen-year-old Molly McClure has lived a relatively quiet life on an isolated farming island in Canada, but when her family fears the worst may have happened to her grandparents in the US, Molly must brave the dangerous, chaotic world left after global economic collapse—one of massive oil shortages, rampant crime, and abandoned cities.
Molly is relieved to find her grandparents alive in their Portland suburb, but they’re financially ruined and practically starving. What should’ve been a quick trip turns into a full-fledged rescue mission. And when Molly witnesses something the local crime bosses wishes she hadn’t, Molly’s only way home may be to beat them at their own game. Luckily, there’s a handsome stranger who’s willing to help.
Restoring Harmony is a riveting, fast-paced dystopian tale complete with adventure and romance that readers will devour.
Review: I've always wanted to read this book after seeing a review from my friend. I couldn't find it anywhere at my B&N, so it took me a while until I found it at an indie. While I didn't love this book like I thought I would, it was certainly refreshing! I can't imagine a world without electricity. The world Anthony creates is alluring, but at the same time, it's also very shocking. Not only that, but it's so believable too! Restoring Harmony was a beautiful story with a powerful message. Its characters shined all around.
Molly, to me, was a good character. She's naive and grows throughout the book, which is entertaining. I liked how she would play the fiddle. I'm glad she brought it with her as it usually saves her. The most important thing I enjoyed reading about was Molly's family. They felt SO real. But Molly was only 16! How could her parents just allow her to go on her own to such a bloody, rubbishy place called America? She's so young! The romance between her and Spill also lacked in a sense, and he seems just too old for her. Still, I haven't read anything like this in such a long while! I'm so glad I did. Overall, this was a nice dystopian novel. Dark at some points, but with a light shining throughout, Restoring Harmony should be read.
What I thought of...
The Beginning: My attention was caught, but it kinda wavered a bit.
The Middle: It was good, but it wasn't GOOOOOOOD. Still, I really liked reading about all the predicaments she got herself in.
The End: It was satisfying, but I would have liked to see more interaction between her family.
(No favorite part/line from book because I lent it to my friend)
Synopsis: Perfect, picturesque Orchard Hill. It was the last thing Ally Ryan saw in the rear-view mirror as her mother drove them out of town and away from the shame of the scandal her father caused when his hedge fund went south and practically bankrupted all their friends -- friends that liked having trust funds and new cars, and that didn't like constant reminders that they had been swindled. So it was adios, Orchard Hill. Thanks for nothing.
Now, two years later, Ally's mother has landed a job back at the site of their downfall. So instead of Ally's new low-key, happy life, it'll be back into the snake pit with the likes of Shannen Moore and Hammond Ross.
But then there's Jake Graydon. Handsome, wealthy, bored Jake Graydon. He moved to town after Ally left and knows nothing of her scandal, but does know that he likes her. And she likes him. So off into the sunset they can go, right? Too bad Jake's friends have a problem with his new crush since it would make Ally happy. And if anyone deserves to be unhappy, it's Ally Ryan.
Review: Reading this book was like getting high on chocolate--addicting and delicious. I couldn't stop reading it once I started! And once I did, let me tell you, the ending made it difficult for me to sleep even when I was done. This story is told in both Ally and Jake's point of views. The voices are really distinctive, leaving me with awe. Their relationship throughout the story was my highlight of the week! I absolutely loved their characters. At first, they didn't make quite a good impression, but as I kept on reading, I understood them more and more, Jake especially.
When the characters felt sad, I felt sad. When they were happy, i was happy. I don't think I've ever had such connections to book characters before. I absolutely love all the characters in this book, even the mean and snotty ones. They al had history, and weren't cookie-cutter clean. It's such a shame that some of them use their big awesome brains to bring down Ally. Every time they humiliated her, I just wanted to stick a knife in them and turn it like a doorknob. In this book, nothing's like the surface. Everyone has to read into the lines, and find out who everyone really is. It's the change in character that I really liked about Ally and Jake.
I've never read any work of Scott, but after this book, I'm planning to go to the bookstore this week and grab anything I can see. It's light and funny, which is just what I need for a perfect summer read. I cannot wait for the sequel--seriously, I can't. I'm still thinking about the ending right now. So many questions to be answered!!! Jake and Ally forever!
What I thought of...
The Beginning: I was hesitant at first, but after sticking with it, I actually started to like the characters.
The Middle: Absolutely hilarious!
The End: WHAT THE HECK?!! WHAT KIND OF ENDING IS THIS?!!!!! (I mean this in a good way...)
Synopsis: Nimira is a music-hall performer forced to dance for pennies to an audience of leering drunks. When wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to do a special act - singing accompaniment to an exquisite piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it is the start of a new life. In Parry's world, however, buried secrets stir. Unsettling below-stairs rumours abound about ghosts, a mad woman roaming the halls, and of Parry's involvement in a gang of ruthless sorcerers who torture fairies for sport. When Nimira discovers the spirit of a dashing young fairy gentleman is trapped inside the automaton's stiff limbs, waiting for someone to break the curse and set him free, the two fall in love. But it is a love set against a dreadful race against time to save the entire fairy realm, which is in mortal peril.
Review: I don't think I've read anything quite like this before. I've seen great reviews for it, but hadn't had the chance to pick it up until I saw a copy at my library. I actually think I'm one of the few who just read it now. Let me tell you, this novel is a great piece of work! I made the mistake of thinking I could put it down so I started it at one in the morning, only to find myself completely lost in its world by the end, not even noticing it was 3. When the automaton first began to speak, I was REALLY creeped out! But who could blame me? It was late at night and here I am reading about a talking machine. Of course, shortly after, I learn he's much more than that.
Throughout the book, I rooted for Nim! She's not feisty, but she knows how to make very good choices--and she's strong. She knows how to save herself. The only thing I didn't like about this novel was how fast the love happened. I just didn't see it! Heck, I didn't even know she was in love with him until she told him, herself. But the magical aspect of the book makes up for everything. Wherever it is taking place, it obviously is unlike any other. The writing itself was beautiful. I recommend it to anyone with a keen desire for mystery, magic, and romance.
What I thought of...
The Beginning: It draws you in pretty quickly.
The Middle: I was panicking all the way through.
The End: I need the sequel right away!!!! AHHHH. It can't end like this.
One year ago, on this date, I posted my first post! I've met wonderful people during this past year. I've just woken up, and I have a huge feeling I should have typed this post up a few days ago instead. Anyways, thanks for following, commenting, or even just reading this blog. I appreciate all the comments, and I read every single one of them. This blog is like a home away from home. I realize I should post more often and such, but really, I just enjoy blogging in general. I don't blog for anything at all, except to get my opinion of a book out there in the world. And everyone who's posted a review that has ended up on my Google Reader, thank you! You see, every one of your reviews influenced me to go to the library or the bookstore and pick that book up. If I didn't see it on there, being the ignorant person I am, I wouldn't have reviewed it on this blog, or had the joy of reading it at all.
I remember the week of July 11, 2009. I'd been looking for contests for Catching Fire, and BAM, I saw *book blogs*, and seriously, they took my breath away.
I don't want to list the achievements I've made or any facts about my blog because in the end, it doesn't really matter. What matters is being able to blog at all. (Seriously, it amazes me that I stuck with this blog for a year so that's enough of an accomplishment xD) So thank you for even reading this post!
To celebrate, I am giving away prizes. You don't have to be a follower to enter!
Prize 1: $25 dollar giftcard to a bookstore of your choice
So in spirit of Amy & Roger's Epic Detour being about road trips, let me show you several pictures of the California freeway! The drive was only about 35 minutes long, and my 8 year old sister insisted on taking these pictures of the road! There's actually more, but I figured you'd rather hear about the signing.
Anyways, prior to the signing, I was freaking out on Twitter.If you were online at the time, you'd probably see me tweet things like, "OH NO. WHAT IF I HAVE A PANIC ATTACK AND PASS OUT." Unfortunately, readers, that did not happen...but mountains of awesomeness did! I literally do not have words for this special night. I'm actually typing this an hour after I left the signing. Plus, I am using a thesaurus because I just can't think of any more words. I am speechless!
Wow, I babble a LOT... So once we arrived, we sat in one of those comfortable chairs at Vromans. This was actually my first bookstore signing! So I was pumped up, a nervous wreck, and excited. Lots of emotions, right? Ah, when I got there, I wasn't sure if it was
Morgan Matson going around talking to people, but then it was! She looked so crazy beautiful in real life I didn't notice her from the book jacket.
I tried taking lots of photos but then my stupid camera starting making everything super bright. The photo to the right is the only one that wasn't blurry. (Note to self: Bring better camera next time.) But see? Doesn't she look amazing?
Morgan Matson was is absolutely the sweetest person ever. She knew how to make everyone laugh, and the room was just abuzz with her bubbly personality. I actually calmed down a bit due to her presence. My heartbeat slowed down, which was good. She read a little part of her novel (The cabin in Yosemite part which was HILARIOUS)
Anyway during the Q&A, she was asked a bunch of questions like, Would she write a screenplay for the book? (She's hesitant about it, and sorry fans, no film options yet *tear*) What her playlist was like, How she was inspired to write this novel with her roadtrips, and What the age range was for the book. There were more questions, but the dumb ol' me can't remember anymore, but all questions were answered very cleverly with a dash of humor! :) I wish I'd spoken up more though!
...OH AND GET THIS, SOME PERSON ASKED ABOUT BOOK TRAILERS (in general)!!! She mentioned the two she had (one from the lovely librarians and the one from me!) Of course, being the shy one, I didn't speak up. It'd be rude to just pipe up during the Q&A, wouldn't it? Ah well, it's too late now. But I was SO happy when she mentioned mine. There was a lot of freaking out although I didn't show it on the outside. I am quite the expert at looking plain boring. See, this is WHY I blog, read, and love books. No one is as nice as an author--sorry best friends!
You can see the beginning of her talk below! Unfortunately, it gets cut off because my camera ran out of memory. I needed pictures so I stopped. Please put down the pitchforks! I guess this isn't a good time to mention that my hands were shaky too...
So when it was time to line up for the signing, my heart began to pound more and more. But as I introduced myself as the one who made the trailer, everything began to slow down. (Thank goodness...) She was more than happy to sign my things! (I had found postcards in my house for some reason! Ha! I didn't get anything for a reader on here though. I was too worried it was too much...Oh and they sold some at the bookstore too. I should make note of that. Yeah I'm babbling again... )
She was incredibly friendly and I think I may not just have a new favorite book, but a new favorite author too! I wish I had talked more, but it was okay. I expressed my love for her book...sorta. I took a picture, and then I left to the YA section! I must say, their selection beats any other chain store!
This just might be the longest post I've written on the blog, but it doesn't even describe how happy I was to be at her signing! I realized that even if it was across the country, I would have gone. Road trip, anyone? ;)
Hello, my fellow readers of the universe. As you may know, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour is a favorite of mine ♥ and many other readers. Let's face it. Every single word, picture, and page in that book is pure genius! And if you haven't read it already, go now! Yes, NOW. If that doesn't have you convinced, then read the many reviews online! Mine is here #shamelessplug...ooh, look! This review is also amazing. And this one. Are you clicking? You should be clicking. Alright, review linking time is over. Maybe just one more ;)
Well, that was surely a mouthful xD What was I going to say again? Oh right. I hope you're reading every word I'm typing out and not just clicking on the video below. Aha! I caught you! Yes, you in that shirt! (Even if everyone wears shirts ...)
As you may also know (or not...it's been quite a long while) I have a liking for making trailers. But it doesn't show since I've previously made only one titled Two Way Street? Ring a bell? No, okay. I promise all my trailers are NOT going to be about road trip books (even if they pwn), I just happened to really love Amy & Roger's Epic Detour! It is my favorite read this year
Onward! Thank you if you've actually read all this. Please take a minute to pat yourself on the back. I really appreciate you enduring my ramblings that are not funny at all even if I hope to have that effect. Now, before you watch this trailer --or even after-- yes, I know, my trailer is really off. It's not even as third as good as the real book itself. But comments are appreciated--either below this posting or on the YouTube video itself. And I want to thank those lovely people who watched this vid beforehand and told me what to fix!
...and now...
*drum roll*
Well, that's it. Hope reading this post wasn't too much trouble!
---Oh! If you live in SoCal, hop on over (or drive...though, I prefer hopping) to Vroman's to meet the lovely author herself THIS Friday, July 9th at 7 p.m.! If you are, please let me know as I'll be there too. Lil' ol me. I hope I won't be bringing TOO MUCH for her to sign :( Only a book, a few postcards (for three of my blogging friends!), and a map or two (one for me and a reader on here, or maybe just the reader, or no map at all since I don't want to push it) Tell me, readers, is that a lot? :( I've only been to one other signing, which wasn't really a signing ...just a book festival... Call me a noob, please give me some advice on this and where to buy postcards...
One Night That Changes Everything by Lauren Barnholdt
Rating: 5/5
Synopsis: Eliza is in a full-blown panic. Her notebook has been stolen—the one that lists everything she wants but is afraid to go after. And the absolute worst person in the world has it: her ex-boyfriend, Cooper.
Like it’s not enough Cooper was lying to Eliza for their entire relationship, now he and his friends are blackmailing her. They’re giving her just one night to complete the most humiliating tasks on her list or they’ll post her secrets online—including the ones that aren’t just about her.
Eliza’s sure of only one thing: she isn’t going down without a fight. Cooper may have what’s left of her dignity, but she’s not the only one with something to hide …
Review: For all of those who've never ever read this book, started it, or even heard of it, I suggest you slap yourself right in the face. RIGHT NOW. I am proud to say that once I saw it was in stock at my B&N, I begged for a ride there. Even if it was the middle of the night.
While it isn't as amazing as Two Way Street (nothing in my heart besides A&R'S Epic Detour beats it!), One Night That Changes Everything is definitely one of the best books. EVER. See that summary above? You think it's good? Well, it's even BETTER. Barnholdt perfectly captures the teen voice in all of our souls into Eliza, a perfectly flawed and strong heroine. I wish I knew a girl who wrote all her fears down into a purple notebook. Anyway, moving forward!
The plot goes into full force in the first three chapters, leaving me and hopefully some of you guys addicted. I like how the summary doesn't tell you what Eliza's fears are-that way they really are unexpected. It doesn't stop there though. Soon, the pages are flying with hilarity, suspense, romance, and lots and lots of brilliance! And for the secondary characters in this book...not really happy with Eliza's friends. They're there for her, but I feel like she could do better. As for Cooper? Ha. One of the best YA boys this year.
I am SO glad I bought this book because I'm never going to be the same again. I read this book the same night I bought it, and it changed everything! (see what I did there? xD) I lost a whole heck of a lot of sleep, but who CARES?! With such a refreshing plot, I'm DYING for Barnhold's next YA novel, ACES UP. To all those have the ARC, I ENVY you. It's going to be agony waiting a whole month.
What I thought of...
The Beginning: Hooked right away. But what else is new with Barnholdt's books? They're addicting. They're remarkable. And they know how to draw you in.
The Middle: Hahahahahahaha. I didn't expect ANY of this. XD
The End: I. WANT. MORE. WHY IS THIS SO SHORT? I'M SUING AMERICA!!
Favorite part from book: (Yes it is between Cooper and Eliza. Because they are awesome.)
He smells like soap and shampoo and that same yummy smelling cologne. Wait a minute. I give the air another sniff.
"Are you...are you wearing the cologne I gave you?" I ask incredulously.
"No." He gets a panicked look on his face and takes a step back.
Hey all. I'm a high school senior, also a journalist. Currently the entertainment editor of my school newspaper. I enjoy chicken nuggets, chocolate pie, and good books.
If you were online at the time, you'd probably see me tweet things like, "OH NO. WHAT IF I HAVE A PANIC ATTACK AND PASS OUT." Unfortunately, readers, that did not happen...but mountains of awesomeness did! I literally do not have words for this special night. I'm actually typing this an hour after I left the signing. Plus, I am using a thesaurus because I just can't think of any more words. I am speechless!
Morgan Matson going around talking to people, but then it was! She looked so crazy beautiful in real life I didn't notice her from the book jacket.
