Gripped into Books

Forsaken by Jana Oliver

Forsaken

by Jana Oliver

Pages: 448
Release Date: February 7th 2011
Publisher: MacMillan Children's Books
Buy the Book: Amazon

Riley has always wanted to be a Demon
Trapper like her father, and she's already following in his footsteps as one of the best. But it's tough being the only girl in an all-guy world, especially when three of those guys start making her life more complicated: Simon, the angelic apprentice who has heaven on his side; Beck, the tough trapper who
thinks he's God's gift, and Ori, the strikingly sexy stranger who keeps turning up to save her ass. One thing's for sure - if she doesn't keep her wits about
her there'll be hell to pay...

My Thoughts
At first when I picked up Forsaken, I didn't think it will be a book that I would enjoy reading. The first few pages didn't get me into reading it. However, when I really got into the book and into Riley's world, it sure was something.

My views changed as I continued reading the book. I loved how the narration was divided between Riley and Beck giving the book a much better anticipation. I really connected with Beck. And Riley. And all the other characters. They just were different. Good different :)

As you can guess, Beck was one the one that stood out for me. Yeah he’s got a hell of a lot of issues but all in all he’s a great guy. I think probably because of the way he handles everything, even though he messes up sometimes ...that’s what I love about him.

Jana sure gave alotta action. Very intense stuff here. There were quite a few times where I was really freaked out; I guess it’s because of the detailed descriptions and because its about these creatures and demons, it does get a little too messy sometimes!

I am glad to know that it’s part of a series. I am really looking forward to the ones that follow. Escpecially so I can get to read more about Beck's character and see how his secrets are uncovered! I can't wait to read Forbidden.

In My Mailbox (13)

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In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Before I fall by Lauren Oliver

I've read Before I Die and Delirium and what can I say ...I was blown away! Lauren's writing is ah-mazing!!!

Review

Cain, The Quest by Elizabeth Loraine

Virals by Kathy Reichs

I can't wait to read Virals, it looks and sounds really appealing :)

What's in your mailbox?

Author Interview: Elizabeth Loraine

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Elizabeth Loraine

Elizabeth is currently writing a YA book series revolving around the life of vampires- The Royal Blood Chronicles.
(The links are to my review)

Katrina: The beginning

The Protectors

The Dark Prince

Cain, The Quest

This interview is to celebrate the release of the newest book Cain, The Quest
____________________________________

Cain, The Quest by Elizabeth Loraine
Cain, the Quest is book four in the vampire series Royal Blood Chronicles. royal blooded vampires are fighting evil in both this world and the underworld kingdoms of Althar in order to protect all the peaceful races, including humans.

Book four follows Cain on his journey ot find himself and define his role in his hopes to become worthy enought to join those that are helping the Five Protectors in this fight. The sactuaries protecting the peaceful races are in grave danger! Join us.
Cain, the Quest is as exciting and intriguing as the first three books. Elizabeth Loraine has you turning pages as fast as you can to find out what lies ahead. If you like strong female lead characters, this is your series. Many series of this genre tire as they get to books three and four, however this series has you begging for more. Elizabeth Loraine brings you into the world of each book with her beautifully descriptive writing style.

Hang on, hold your breath, it's another fabulous ride! ________________________________________________________________

What made you write about this particular subject knowing that vampires are somewhat on the hit list right know, proving to be quite a bit of competition?

I know what you mean about the genre. But I was of course a reader first. And I love this genre, but as a reader I could not find a series that interested me anymore. I was so tired of what seemed to be the same story with different characters told over and over again. The modern teenagers, vampires falling in love with humans. The same kind of modern stories, etc. I wanted to read something different! I longed to know more about the long lived vampire characters. I was much more intrigued by their past. What they had done in their long lives. Who had they met, what made them the way they are today? Events in their past had to have influenced their lives of today. That’s what I wanted to read about. When I couldn’t find it. I decided to take on that challenge. Why I thought I could when I had never written anything in my life before I don’t know.

In what way did you make The Royal Blood Chronicles different from the rest?

It’s a historical look at not only my characters lives, but the change in the world around them and how the vampire race fits into that world. How they weave vampires into every aspect of it in order to protect themselves from those that would harm them. I picked European Royalty, because of the long live aristocracy already in place there. The safety that the vampires would have naturally had by being royal was a natural fit. I also love the romance of it and the regal aspect of it. The change Katrina and her friends would have to go through. From spoiled young girls, who were waited on hand and foot, who led up to that point the life of leisure. The Chronicles follows them from the romantic, frilly dressed girls to confident vampire warrior women. Those that together discover being joined has brought out vampire gifts that some of them never knew they had and the discovery that having purpose in their life for the first time felt powerful in its self.

Do you relate to any of the characters in the books?

Katrina and the girls are like my own children really. I like them all. The vulnerability and budding confidence of Katrina. The shy, but compassionate El, the sophisticated and sarcastic Rosa and the laid back, easy going Letta. With each book their confidence and personalities reveal themselves more and more. Love interests change as they do with most teenagers just tasting those new feelings for the first time. So much is asked of them I can relate to the fact that they feel overwhelmed at times.

Tell us about the book Cain, the quest! How was it like writting it?
Cain the Quest was a little different from the others in that I was telling a story from not only a new characters point of view, but from a male point of view. That took a little getting used to. I also had to create the world he was in, the Underworld kingdoms of Althar and all that entailed. That was fun. I introduce new characters. Demon Kings, creatures and new friends. The protectors are still involved and there are still twists and turns as well some surprises.

Do you read YA books in general and who do you recommend?

I loved Twilight of course and I love Melissa De la Cruz and her Blue Blood Series. I don’t read as many as I used to because I don’t want to be influenced by what I read.
__________________________________________________________________

Links:
Website | Facebook

Thanks to Elizabeth for her time :)

Get your hands on The Royal Blood Chronicles if you havn't already ...Keep an eye out everyone for the review of Cain, The Quest!

MIA

Waiting on Wednesday (11)

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Desires of the Dead
by Kimberly Derting
Pages: 368
Release Date: February 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Series: The Body Finder #2
Other book in series: The Body Finder
Buy the Book: Amazon US |Amazon UK

The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found.
Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.
As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.

What are you waiting for?
Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

Fallen by Lauren Kate

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Fallen
by Lauren Kate

Pages: 452
Release Date: July 1st 2010
Publisher: Corgi Childrens
Series: Fallen
Other books in series: Torment, Passion and Rapture
Buy the Book: Amazon

Seventeen-Year-Old Luce is a new student at Sword & Cross, an unwelcoming boarding/reform school in Savannah, Georgia. Luce’s boyfriend died under suspicious circumstances, and now she carries the guilt over his death with
her as she navigates the unfriendly halls at Sword & Cross, where every student seems to have an unpleasant—even evil—history.

It’s only when she sees Daniel, a gorgeous fellow student, that Luce feels there’s areason to be here—though she doesn’t know what it is. And Daniel’s frosty cold demeanor toward her? It’s really a protective device that he’s used again . . . and again. For Daniel is a fallen angel, doomed to fall in love with the same girl every 17 years . . . and watch her die. And Luce is a fellow immortal, cursed to be reincarnated again and again as a mortal girl who has no idea of who she really is.

My Thoughts
WOW! A mystifyingly awesome book.
I completely LOVED it. I read it all in one sitting. It was just that good!

Page after page, the thrilling events all kept me engaged and reading. There was nothing confusing. Everything is plain and simple. Definitely easy to understand.

I love the way Daniel and Luce met. It wasn't the typical cliche- love at first sight. She saw him. He saw her. Then flipped her off. LOL. Very unique I'll say.

The way Daniel's and Luce's relationship grows and deepens is very intense. I like how it develops and how their first kiss is near the end of the book. Its not sudden but something to wait for.

I love the whole concept of angels especially how Daniel's wondrous wings are described. The events are constant and consuming.

Lauren Kate really knows how to keep a reader engaged. A breathtaking read.
Cant wait to read Torment!

Evermore by Alyson Noel

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Evermore
by Alyson Noel

Pages: 301
Release Date: February 3rd 2009
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Series: The Immortals
Other books in series: Blue Moon, Shadowland, Dark Flame, Night Star and Everlasting
Buy the Book: Amazon

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch. Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste…

Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition. He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets. Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head. She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is. Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.

My Thoughts
As soon as I started reading Evermore, I knew that it was my type of book. It had everything I expected... vampires, romance and a hot guy :) The whole idea of vampires not really being vampires but Immortals, was very much intriguing.

Ever seems like a great character even though half the time she's hidden under her hood with earphones giving her this Gothic outlook. Her Friends Haven and Miles have bright personalities, by which they enlighten the book too.

I LOVE Damen. By Alyson's vivid description with her writing of such elegance, she portrays him as a very nice and good looking guy. (Don't all the good guys have to be. Excluding Jane's lover in Jane Eyre though ;). It is very obvious he has a 'thing' for Ever. Especially since he sends his love through a red tulip.

It's really funny how Damen gives a white rosebud to Stacia (enemy!) and Ever feels extremely jealous. Then, she discovers that a white rosebud signifies someone who doesn't understand love. Very amusing.

Love plays as a dominating theme in Evermore as Damen and Ever battle in love. Ever doesn't understand love at first however, by time she realises what it means to fall in love and the many trials that come.

I loved reading Evermore although the ending was a bit off- for me anyways. I think kinda because it was a bit too JK Rowling? I was very surprised when I found out there was second book- Blue Moon. But I can't to see what happens next!

In My Mailbox (12)

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In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free.
Review

Unthinkable by Shirley Duke

Always a witch by Carolyn MacCullough
Look at the cover ... it's so alluring :) and Yes I know, I judge a book by it's cover...I can't seem to help it ;D

Trickster's Girl by Hilari Bell

Night Star by Alyson Noel

What's in you Mailbox?

Cover Alert: Supernaturally by Kiersten White!

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Guys. The stunning cover for Supernaturally is finally here! I have been waiting like forever for the cover release and boy it is something. What can I say? I LOVE IT!

Kiersten asked that we all share this cover on our blogs, twitter, or anywhere we can post this stunning image!

Supernaturally by Kiersten White

This is the squeal to PARNORMALCY. I haven't read Paranormalcy yet but I sure plan on reading it very soon. I cannot wait to read this book after! The cover is fabulous I just hope the book is that good too!

What are your thoughts?

Reveiwed by Iram: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

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Beautiful Creatures
by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Pages: 564
Release Date: February 4th 2010
Publisher: Puffin
Buy the Book: Amazon

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

My Thoughts
Beautiful creatures is a great book to indulge in. It has the most sweetest romance between Ethan and Lena. A perfect love which unfortunatley seems doomed due to the fact Lana is a Caster and has to make the biggest choice of her life on her 16th birthday.

It may seem slow moving but don't let that put you off becuase the events leading up to the end are fomidable. So much drama. Even the end itself has a shocking twist.

The small town of Gaitlin is described really well and all the characters are extremely intereating in their own ways. My favourite character would be Ethan as he is the one who makes the story seem so real and Lena too because of all her magical powers.

It's pretty impressive how two authors have combined together to create a wonderful book. Totally genius.

The part of the story which I love so much are Ethan's dreams as well as the locket which takes them both back in time revealing many secrets.
I can't wait to get my hands on the second book, Beautiful Darkness!

+200 Followers and Giveaway winners

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Hey hey hey!

Oh yeah, first of all HAPPY VALENTINES DAY everyone hope everyone had a great time :)

As you guys know, today's the deadline for the 100 follower contest and because there's like over 200 followers I'm just going to pick two winners instead of doing a whole new giveaway.

So far I've just picked one winner, and I'll email the second winner I will chose later on.
The first winner is...

DUM

BOOKS FOR COMPANY

Congratulations!

I will email you as soon as I can :D

Mia

In My Mailbox (11)

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In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free.

Review

Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine

Lord of Misrule by Rachel Caine

Carpe Corpus by Rachel Caine
I love this series, one of my favourites! You guys have got to read it, it's like a must read!... The morganville vampires :D

What's in you Mailbox?

The Dead Girls' Dance by Rachel Caine

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UK edition

The Dead Girls' Dance
by Rachel Caine

Pages: 380
Publisher: Allison & Busby

Release Date: April 3rd 2007
Series: The Morganville Vampires
Other books in series: Glass Houses, Midnight Alley, Feast of Fools, Carpe Corpus, Fade out, Ghost Town, Kiss of Death, Bite Club and Last Breath

Buy it: Amazon

Claire Danvers has her share of challenges. Like being a genius in a school that favours beauty over brains, homicidal girls in her dorm, and above all, finding out that her college town is overrun with vampires. On the up side she has a great roommate (who tends to disappear at sun-up), and a new boyfriend named Shane whose vampire- hunting dad has called in back-up: cycle punks who like the idea of killing just about anything...

Now the fraternity is throwing the Dead Girls’ Dance and surprise (!) Claire and her equally out-cast best friend Eve have been invited. When they find out why, all hell is going to break loose. Because this time both the living and the dead are coming out—and everybody’s hungry for blood...

Facebook fan club!
My Thoughts
Alike Glass Houses, this book was big hit for me. If you havn't read the first book I assure you would be lost in this book.
I LOVED The Dead Girls’ Dance- obviously.

I was so incredibly relieved when I found out Michael wasn’t dead. Seriously, I was over the moon! I actually thought he died. It was nice seeing him and Eve bonding. So very cute!

I really hate Shane’s father, Frank. I mean he hates vampires because a vampire killed his wife. Yeah I get that. But it doesn’t mean he should go killing Michael (who by the way is totally innocent) and go hunting every damn vampire in Morganville. Come on!

Now Claire, Shane, Michael and Eve are in danger. Shane also got hit by Frank. I felt so sorry for him. The way Rachel Caine described his hits was unbearable.

The one thing I didn’t like about Dead Girl’s Dance was how Claire acted. She was told to stay in the house because she can get killed. But does she listen? No. Instead she insists on going college as she has to study. Claire is intelligent. Doesn’t act it as much in this book though. I still love her :)

This books packed with suspense, action and a hunger so unbearable you will just need to keep on reading. I hope Midnight Alley is as good!

A UK Morganville Vampire fan? Join the

Waiting on Wednesday (10)

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Cryer's Cross
by Lisa McMann
Pages: 240

Release Date: February 8th 2011

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Buy the Book: Amazon

The small town of Cryer’s Cross is rocked by tragedy when an unassuming freshman disappears without a trace. Kendall Fletcher wasn’t that friendly with the missing girl, but the angst wreaks havoc on her OCD-addled brain.

When a second student goes missing—someone close to Kendall’s heart—the community is in an uproar. Caught in a downward spiral of fear and anxiety, Kendall’s not sure she can hold it together. When she starts hearing the voices of the missing, calling out to her and pleading for help, she fears she’s losing her grip on reality. But when she finds messages scratched in a desk at school—messages that could only be from the missing student who used to sit there—Kendall decides that crazy or not, she’d never forgive herself if she didn’t act on her suspicions.

Something’s not right in Cryer’s Cross—and Kendall’s about to find out just how far the towns people will go to keep their secrets buried.

What are you waiting for?

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

The Dark Prince by Elizabeth Loraine

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The Dark Prince
by Elizabeth Loraine

Pages: 236
Release Date: September 1st 2010
Publisher: Createspace
Buy it: Amazon

Having lost the love of her life, Katrina continues her mission to protect the peace loving races against the forces of darkness. The five make new allies in the New World and as they continue to fight the Rising Evil in the Old. Join Katrina, Kate, Rosa, El and Letta in this historically based action packed account of love, friendship and revenge...

My Thoughts
Another interesting installment from Elizabeth Lorraine. The Dark Prince continues its adventures as Katrina and the chosen five travel to America.

The same urgency and thrill from the other books is still found in this book. Katrina continues to be the strong and lively character as she guides and supports her friends and family. I enjoy reading about her character because her presence in the story and the way she sees the world is truly fascinating.

Though the historical fiction was captivating and in depth with the history of the vampires, it wasn't something that appealed to me. Although, I definitely believe others will be very interested in this.

The vivid descriptions and the way Elizabeth Loraine writes is as if I could feel the action taking place. The plot was very consuming with the odd twists and turns it had me wanting to read more. I wonder if there's going to be another book? Hope so!

Website | Facebook

In My Mailbox (10)

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In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free.

Misguided Angel by Melissa de la cruz

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Library

Mia goes forth by Meg Cabot

Give me five by Meg Cabot

I looooove this series! I'm just re-reading them for like the millionth time :)

What's in your Mailbox?

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

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Linger
by Maggie Stiefvater

Format: Paperback
Pages: 360
Release Date: July 13th 2010
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Buy it: Amazon

In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

My Thoughts
Well what can I say, Shiver was just way beyond my imagination but Linger was nothing I expected. I have waited for this book for so long, and I’m happy to say that no one would be dissatisfied.

Linger takes a step up from Shiver and really works its force, introducing two new first-person narrative voices in addition to Grace and Sam. We've already met Isabel, and now we meet Cole, a new wolf and a complicated jerk creating a motivated four way narrative.

I liked learning more about Isabel, who I think is an appealing character and Cole, is also very captivating. At first the character of Cole is cruel and selfish, and doesn't seem to be anything other than that, but as the book goes on his character develops and is more interesting.
I’m not going to give too much away but Grace and Sam’s love is stronger then ever, the ending is a complete unexpected shock for us and the characters in the story, and leaves you thinking about the book for days after you've finished it. A very good read :D

I so can’t wait for Forever, it’s going to be great!
BELLA

Waiting on Wednesday (9)

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Where I belong
by Gwendolyn Heasley
Pages: 304
Release Date: February 8th 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Buy the Book: Amazon

Meet Corrinne. She's living every girl's dream in New York City—shopping sprees at Barneys, open access to the best clubs and parties, and her own horse at the country club. Her perfect life is perfectly on track. At least it was. . . .
When Corrinne's father is laid off, her world suddenly falls apart. Instead of heading to boarding school, she's stripped of her credit cards and shipped off to the boonies of Texas to live with her grandparents. On her own in a big public school and forced to take a job shoveling manure, Corrinne is determined to get back to the life she's supposed to be living. She doesn't care who she stomps on in the process. But when Corrinne makes an unlikely friend and discovers a total hottie at work, she begins to wonder if her life B.R.—before the recession—was as perfect as it seemed.

What are you waiting for?

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

New books released this February

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A new month brings new books!
Now this February, many thrilling books have been released, sitting in the bookstores waiting for people like you and me to pick it up and indulge
Here are a few...

Haunted by Joy Preble
1st February 2011

Goodreads | Amazon

Delirium by Lauren Oliver
February 1st 2011
Goodreads| Amazon

Cloaked by Alex Flinn
February 8th 2011
Goodreads | Amazon

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
February 8th 2011
Goodreads | Amzaon

Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr
February 22nd 2011
Goodreads | Amazon

So Shelly by Ty Roth
February 8th 2011
Goodreads | Amazon

What do you want to read or need to read?

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