Saturday, October 29, 2011

Giveaway Winners!

Our first giveaway ended two weeks ago and we're sorry for the delay of winner announcement. Thank you so much to everyone who entered! We had over 400 participants with 1600+ entries and gained 300 followers. Anyway,

Erin Baker
and 

Both have been contacted and won a book up to $15 from The Book Depository. But we promised a third winner didn't we? The winner of $5 GC to Amazon is:

Laura W.

Congrats to the winners! We're 25 followers away from 500 so watch out for a possible giveaway. Right now we're broke but enjoying the remaining days of our semestral break. Have a great Sunday everyone!


Review: The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Knight (Iron Fey, #4)

Paperback: 386 pages
Release date: October 25th, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads Summary: My name—my True Name—is Ashallayn'darkmyr Tallyn.

I am the last remaining son of Mab, Queen of the Unseelie Court. And I am dead to her.
My fall began, as many stories do, with a girl…


I usually write my thoughts the moment I finish reading a book. In that way, I could pour in all my initial thoughts and I would just come back if I had forgotten to add something. But in this book, I had to stop myself and let everything sink in. The series is finished. I spent 2 days reading The Iron Queen, Summer’s Crossing, and The Iron Knight. I knew I’d be sad when it’s done. When it happened, I still couldn’t help but feel quite depressed though I’m very happy for the characters at the same time.

“My fall began, as many stories do, with a girl.”

That line gave me serious goose-bumps from so much excitement. The ending of The Iron Queen left me needing for more and I knew the last book would give me the ending I wanted so badly. That doesn’t mean the way to that ending would be easy and predictable. Julie Kagawa sure knows how to surprise readers and put them to the edge of their seats. She’s been said millions of times of this, but that won’t stop me from saying it again. Julie, you are a fantastic writer. I will never get enough of your wonderful world-building and vivid description to the details. It is hands down, my most favorite book in the series.

The Iron Knight revolves around Ash and his adventure to earn a soul. New characters appear –or should I say reappear? – and two old companions, Puck and Grimalkin, go with him. Another reason why this book has been so close to my heart is because I learned so much of these characters during the quest. Here, I discovered Ash’s weaknesses and emotions and his trail of thoughts. He had always hid them in the previous books and I’m so glad to see the Ash-who-is-capable-of-showing-emotions. The revelation of his past was to look out for! But his naïve and deceiving self in the past didn’t make me love him less.

Of course, I will also miss Puck! His sense of humor never fail to make smile/laugh. I love him even more in this book and made me appreciate his character. He’s a loyal friend to Ash and Meghan and has sacrificed great things for both of them. I always knew that Meghan will end up with Ash, but I realized that I love Ash and Puck equally.

I will never forget the characters and everything else in the Iron Fey series. It has taught me a good deal of things about sacrifice and honesty and friendship and love that I will retain for a very long time. Overall, this is the perfect ending to the one of my most favorite series. Thank you again Ms. Julie Kagawa!
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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

(Blog Tour) Review: The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton

The Faerie Ring (The Faerie Ring, #1)

Hardcover: 352 pages
Release date: September 27th, 2011
Publisher: Tor Teen/McMillan
Source: Book Tour
Goodreads Summary: Debut novelist Kiki Hamilton takes readers from the gritty slums and glittering ballrooms of Victorian London to the beguiling but menacing Otherworld of the Fey in this spellbinding tale of romance, suspense, and danger. 

The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood.
Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist.
Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty…


The Faerie Ring was an exciting debut novel about a sixteen-year old girl named Tiki, an orphan who picks pockets to survive the tough life in London Victorian Era. She lives with her family of orphans in an abandon clockmaker’s shop in Charing Cross while struggling to endure the harsh December cold. One winter night, Tiki stumbled into the palace and pockets a ring owned by the Queen Victoria herself. Tiki felt a surge of hope for the ring could help them escape from starvation and bring them to a decent home. Drawn by the Faeries, Prince Leopold, and the handsome Rieker, she will learn of the consequences brought upon the ring to her and the whole city. 



In The Faerie Ring, readers will get the Victorian Era experience complete with the precise set-up. Real places were mentioned and it was like delving in the actual time. I love good historical fiction books that perfectly mingle facts to inform with fiction to entertain and give a whole new refreshing touch to the story. Kiki Hamilton did a good job in transporting readers to the late 1800’s. 



I liked all of the characters. Tiki was like a mother to the other four orphans she lives with. In order to survive, she learned how to pick pockets and provide food and other necessities. She was a selfless girl who gave care to the other orphans like they’re her true family. I understand her stubbornness which was caused by living in poverty after her parents died. 



Another favorite character was Rieker. He was a mysterious guy who told Tiki about faeries and what the disappearance of the ring could bring about the entire England. He was a great guy who protects the main character and puts up with her trust issues. 



This was a quick yet a fun read especially for those who enjoy Faerie books. I admit it has flaws, like the lack of details about the Faerie world and magic and the slight predictability of the plot. But I’m counting on Kiki Hamilton to eradicate those in the next books of the series. 


Overall, The Faerie Ring was a stunning first book in the series. It was an action-packed and suspenseful thriller that had me captivated all throughout the story.

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Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday: Obsidian and Undeadly

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

Obsidian

Obsidian (Lux #1)  by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Paperback: 266 pages
Release date: December 6th, 2011
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Goodreads Summary: Starting over sucks. 

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is.
It's Jennifer Armentrout's! I know for sure this is going to be awesome.

Undeadly (The Reaper Diaries, #1)

Undeadly (The Reaper Diaries #1) by Michele Vail 

Paperback: 304 pages
Release date: February 28th, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Goodreads summary: The day I turned 16, my boyfriend-to-be died. I brought him back to life. Then things got a little weird... 

Molly Bartolucci wants to blend in, date hottie Rick and keep her zombie-raising abilities on the down-low. Then the god Anubis chooses her to become a reaper—and she accidentally undoes the work of another reaper, Rath.

Within days, she’s shipped off to the Nekyia Academy, an elite school that trains the best necromancers in the world. And her personal reaping tutor? Rath. Who seems to hate her guts.

Rath will be watching closely to be sure she completes her first assignment-reaping Rick, the boy who should have died. The boy she still wants to be with.

To make matters worse, students at the academy start turning up catatonic, and accusations fly—against Molly. The only way out of this mess? To go through hell. Literally.
This one sounds really good.. And it's going to be released on my birthday! 


What are you anxiously waiting on this week? Just leave a comment of the link to your WoW post!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Review: Shattered Dreams by Ellie James



Shattered Dreams
Paperback: 352 pages
Release date: December 6th, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Source: Netgalley
Goodreads Summary: Sixteen-year-old Trinity Monsour wants nothing more than to live a normal life. But that isn’t as easy as it seems. Trinity is different. She isspecial. She sees visions, and for those she’s seen, it’s already too late.

Trinity arrives on her aunt’s doorstep in New Orleans with virtually no knowledge of her mysterious heritage. She begins settling into life at a new school and even starts making friends. But all too quickly her dreams accelerate; twisted, terrifying visions of a girl locked in a dark room. And when the head cheerleader, Jessica, goes missing, Trinity knows she has no choice but to step forward with what she’s seen.
But people believe that Trinity has information about Jessica’s disappearance not because of a dream, but because she is involved. She iskind-of dating Jessica’s ex-boyfriend, Chase, and Jessica did pull a nasty prank on Trinity. Revenge seems like the likeliest scenario.
Nothing prepares Trinity for the dark odyssey that ensues while searching for Jessica, including the surprising romance she finds with Chase, or the shocking truths she learns, not just about the girl who has gone missing, but the past that has been hidden from her.

Shattered Dreams was all about Trinity Rose who moves in with her aunt after her grandmother died. There, her visions came back—that keeps haunting her—and unravels the secret behind it with the people around her.

I won’t and don’t want to finish it. The story was confusing; it was hard to determine where the visions of Trinity started, what was the real score about her visions and though they explained it in the story it was obscured. They try to explain it bit by bit with every chapter which is not helping in making the story better. At the beginning I thought that the first paragraph was really compelling because it started in a unique way, then it all got weary up to the next chapters.

Its characters was lackluster, mainstream, and the “partner” of Trinity which is--who is it again?—see! I don’t even remember him, because he will not etched in your mind as compared to other leading man. I was more attached to Dylan who’s got some secret about what was going on to Trinity and onto his self. I’d be happier if he’s the “partner” of Trinity…no, I’d be extremely happy if he will not be emotionally involved with Trinity or anyone. Because honestly I don’t like her either, she’s a flirt; she keeps telling her self that she’ll try to keep her feelings with her “partner”. Whose girlfriend is missing, while the two of them calling their selves ‘baby’ which is not a good endearment especially if they saying it many times.

But we requested this so I felt I’m obliged to finish and review it. The only thing that I liked about this book was it got some whodunit going on and Dylan. Over all I’ll give it a 3 star, if you still want to read this it’s your own decision. But decide wisely 

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Saturday, October 22, 2011

In My Mailbox (1)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. This feature allows bloggers to post about the books they bought, gotten from the library, and received for review.

Welcome to our first IMM post! I would have gladly post ages ago, but this is the first time since the school started that my Sunday morning isn't spent studying or doing the laundry. Gotta love semestral break and being home. :)

For Review:
Waterfall and Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren

Netgalley:
The Girl in the ParkBetween the Sea and SkyThe Sweetest ThingThe Butterfly Clues
The Girl In the Park by Mariah Fredericks
Between the Sea and Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore
The Sweetest Thing by Christina Mendelski
The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison



Won:

               


Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

Bought:
The Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima
Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

What did you guys get in the mailbox this week? 


Friday, October 21, 2011

Friday Hops


Book Blogger Hop


Book Blogger Hop is a weekly meme hosted by Crazy for Books for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word and to connect with other bookworms, make new friends, support each other, share our love of books! 
This week's question:
What is your favorite type of candy?


My favorite would be M&M's, Butterfinger, and Cadbury! I have the worst sweet tooth and it doesn't help my pimple-prone skin at all. 





TGIF is a weekly feature for Fridays hosted by Ginger at GReads! to re-cap the week’s posts and that has a different question each week.
This week's question:
Book Blogs That Make You Smile: Pick 5 book blogs you visit often & think others should, too.

Fiktshun button by parajunkee

Fiktshun - This was what inspired me to ask my two best friends and establish a book blog. Her reviews are remarkable and I'm a huge fan of her Random Thoughts posts. I'm just a silent fan, but I visit this blog regularly. Rachel, the admin, is probably one of the most generous bloggers out there. She hosts big giveaways and I was lucky enough to win once. The blog name is also clever! I asked her if it was inspired by Chaos Walking trilogy but she says it's not. I hope she decides to read it so she'll realize how awesome her blog name is.


Mundie Moms - Run by the coolest moms (besides my mom) in the planet, Mundie Moms updates about all things Cassandra Clare. This is the first book blog I've come across while surfing the net. I even spent hours back reading their posts. I was also already a huge fan of TMI back then. Even now, visiting Mundie Moms has become an almost daily routine for me.


GReads! - If you love Contemps like I do, Ginger's blog is a must-follow! I noticed that we have the same tastes in books and I highly enjoy reading her reviews. I also love her blog features and theme. I owe this blog so much because it introduced me to some of my all-time favorites like Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Melina Marchetta's The Piper's Son.

Down the Rabbit Hole

Down The Rabbit Hole - I'm inlove with this blog! Besides her awesome blog layout  I looove red  , Amber writes candid and thoughtful reviews. I've read a lot Fantasy books, some of which are my favorites, that her words influenced me to do so. It's been a great source for book recommendations!


MOCKINGJAY.NET
Down With The Capitol
The Hob


Mockingjay.net, Down With The Capitol, The Hob - I can't really choose just one so I just picked these three Hunger Games sites that feeds my obsession for the trilogy. 

Have a great weekend everyone!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Giveaway: Die For Me by Amy Plum

Only a day left to enter my first Twitter giveaway! For the contest, I'm giving away a hardbound copy of Amy Plum's Die For Me. So for those who haven't read this awesome book, you still have more than 24 hours left to RT. Open Internationally! :)

Die for Me (Revenants, #1)



Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Review: Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

Waterfall (River of Time, #1)

Paperback: 352 pages
Release date: February 1st, 2011
Publisher: David C. Cook
Source: Author
Goodreads Summary: Lisa Tawn Bergren's new YA series, River of Time, is romantic, historical fiction in which the plucky heroine doesn't have to fear a vampire's bite but must still fight for her life. 

In Waterfall, American teenager Gabi Betarrini accidently finds herself in Fourteenth-Century Italy . . . Knights. Swords. Horses. Armor. And Italian hotties. Most American teens want an Italian vacation, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives there with their archaeologist parents. Stuck on yet another hot, dusty dig, they are bored out of their minds... until they place their hands atop handprints in an ancient tomb and find themselves catapulted into the Fourteenth Century and in the middle of a fierce battle between knights bent on killing one another.

This book is a mix of YA Historical Fiction, Science Fiction, and Romance. It’s the first time that I read a time travelling book because I always see them in movies. I literally squealed in delight upon receiving it in the mail! And as what the rave reviews I’ve read had promised, Waterfall was a fantastic read. I was absorbed by the story from the very beginning, and it never failed to entertain me ‘til the very last page.

Waterfall was unique in a sense that the time Gabi and Lia travelled into was during the 14th century. I have little knowledge about the 1300s, except that Dante Alighieri lived during that time. It was fiction but some of the things mentioned actually happened. It was set in Italy, a place I’d love and hope to visit someday. The places (except for Florence) were unfamiliar but I never felt confused, thanks to Ms. Bergren’s great talent in executing every detail in the story. She created such intricate yet coherent novel that makes up for a riveting adventure.

I have nothing but love for the characters. Gabi is a clever and an independent heroine. I have a feeling that she could adapt to any era because of her shrewdness. Her strong resolve and feisty spirit caught the eyes and the heart of Fortelli’s future lord, Marcello.
Unfortunately, Marcello is promised to be betrothed to another woman who will guarantee the safety of Forelli’s palace. But that doesn’t stop the solid connection that they felt for each other. It wasn’t the kind of romance that made toes curl-up but it was still a very good one nonetheless. I adore the literally knight in shining armor Marcello, and I cannot wait for another fix of 14th century gentlemen.

To sum up, Waterfall is a fantastic first book in the series. It has an unpredictable plot that kept me wanting to turn the page to find out more and be surprised for what happens next. It’s definitely one of my best reads this year. 

*Disclaimer: I was sent this book by the author in exchange for an honest review



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Completely smitten!!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Review: Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens

Thoughtless

Ebook: 546 pages
Release date: June 11th, 2010
Publisher: CreateSpace
Goodreads Summary: For almost two years now, Kiera's boyfriend, Denny, has been everything she's ever wanted: loving, tender and endlessly devoted to her. When they head off to a new city to start their lives together, Denny at his dream job and Kiera at a top-notch university, everything seems perfect. Then an unforeseen obligation forces the happy couple apart. 

Feeling lonely, confused, and in need of comfort, Kiera turns to an unexpected source – a local rock star named Kellan Kyle. At first, he's purely a friend that she can lean on, but as her loneliness grows, so does their relationship. And then one night everything changes...and none of them will ever be the same. 

After devouring Beautiful Disaster in a whole day, I was determined to read a book similar to the addicting story that it gave me. I am so, so proud of myself for discovering Thoughtless. Who would have thought that a free read would go into my all-time fave? It made me experience romance and heartbreak at the same time and gasp at every heart stopping moments.

Kiera and Denny, who has been in a relationship for almost two years, decided to move twenty-five hundred miles from Ohio to Washington. Denny went there for an internship in an advertising company while Kiera, not wanting to be left behind by her boyfriend, applied for a scholarship in University of Washington and got accepted. Denny had to leave for Tucson because of his job and that left Kiera very lonely. She started a friendship with a rock star and roommate, Kellan Kyle. As time went by, their innocent flirting turned into something more, leaving her torn between Denny and Kellan.

*sigh* This book is long. I spent 2 days reading it but I don’t mind one bit. I even found myself missing the characters five minutes after finishing it. It was heart wrenching, romantic, and very emotional to the point that you can’t help but empathize with the characters. It’s the kind of book that will leave you wanting for more even if it’s three in the morning and your bloodshot eyes are already complaining. Enthralling and exhilarating at its finest, I can’t believe that it’s over.

The characters had grown on me, even Kiera who I disliked the most. Okay, this is the first time that I hated the main character yet still loved the book- Kudos to Ms. Stephens for that-. In the end I think I kind of forgiven her, but I spent reading seventy percent of the book tsking on her actions. I know it’s not only her that I should blame, the fact that’s it takes two to tango, but still... Anyways, she’s flawed which made her character very realistic. I feel bad for Denny. I wasn’t at first because I thought he’ll just let his relationship with Kiera crumble. When he came back from Tucson, I didn’t see that coming. I felt the same guilt and pity for him. I liked Denny and he deserves much more than that.

Kellan embodies the bad-boy with the ability to have girls kneel around his feet. His troubled past cause him to use girls so he would feel needed and wanted. It’s funny that I understand him more than I do Kiera. I can’t bring myself to blame him though I know some things are also his fault. I don’t care if I would seem shallow, but he’s one of the most beautiful and unforgettable guys in YA lit. He plays guitar-which is a HUGE point- and has the sexiest voice and writes amazing lyrics. His relationship with Kiera is passionate and as they put it, like a flame. It’s unpredictable and wonderful to read. Kiera is so lucky to have him ‘tamed’.

Thoughtless is one of the greatest romance books I’ve ever read. I can’t wait to read the sequel for another roller coaster ride of Kiera’s relationship with who she ended up with in the end. Thank you so much to S.C. Stephens for creating this chef-d'oeuvre. 



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Completely smitten!!

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