Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday (11): The Burning Sky

*Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill@Breaking the Spine and is a weekly meme allowing for bloggers to connect and share their most anticipated reads.*

 Hi Loves!

This week I'm waiting on...

The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas
Releasing: September 17th 2013

Goodreads Summary


It all began with a ruined elixir and an accidental bolt of lightning…

Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's being told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of The Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the greatest mage tyrant the world has ever known. A suicide task for anyone let alone a sixteen-year-old girl with no training, facing a prophecy that foretells a fiery clash to the death.

Prince Titus of Elberon has sworn to protect Iolanthe at all costs but he's also a powerful mage committed to obliterating the Bane to revenge the death of his family—even if he must sacrifice both Iolanthe and himself to achieve his goal.

But Titus makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the Bane closing in, he must choose between his mission and her life.

Why I'm Waiting: Because mages are awesome, duh, and I really need a good high-fantasy novel! I'm not feeling the whole guy-using-girl angle, but hey, it is what it is. This could be a killer book, I can feel it, and all the books I'm dying for don't come out until later this year! *Sigh* I guess this will be another reason to look forward to the months of September-December...

What are you waiting on?
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Thursday, May 23, 2013

Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
My rating: 5 of 5 genies
Published: January 10, 2012
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Dutton Books
Source: Purchased
Pages: 313
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: Amazon.com or The Book Depository

Goodreads Summary

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind


My Thoughts

This is the way I look at it:

This whole book deserves to be one giant quote all on its own. I look at it and think how The Fault in our Stars as a work actually proves that literature can touch lives, a complete testament to John Green's brilliance. The Stars have it - 5 out of 5 - and I kind of have no words right now to explain how truly impressed I am with this novel.



But really I do, have words that is, or else this wouldn't be a very good review. The thing is, I don't know what to say of this book that hasn't been said already:

You should read it! It will blow your mind! Read it now smart ass, what are you waiting for!?

See? Everything has been said before. Except maybe that last part, that was all me. In truth, the multiple glowing reviews are largely responsible for why I picked the book up in the first place. It was a case of the whole blogosphere raving like mad about John Green, his books, writing, and me being clueless.

bloggers: This book is fantastic! Whooooooooooooo!
Me: Hm. The Fault in Our Stars, never heard of it before.
bloggers: What rock have you been living under?

And before I answer that question, spilling the beans on the locale of my hermit rock and all, 457 Lives in a Hole, Loner Street Toronto, I trust the majority of you get the point. This was the book everyone was dying a little over and I had to read it. Trust me, I am very glad I did. Everything you've heard? Forget it now if you still haven't read the book; those words of praise cannot possibly live up to the total awesomeness that is The Fault in Our Stars. To be frank, you need to read this book yourself and be blown away like the rest of us.

A Quick Overview.

The writing: Superb. Expect it now that when you start reading you will most definitely NOT want to stop.

The characters: Are heart-wrenching, breath-taking and wholly realistic. All of them, every single one of those people in that book touched me. That lasting effect even after the last page is turned, that is what lets me know a book phenomenal.

The subject matter: Was handled to perfection, John Green engaged the topic of cancer and loss with a wit and cleverness that really makes this book shine. If you couldn't tell before, I totes have a crush on this author!

As for the world he created, I absolutely adored Augustus Waters, his antics as well as his patent over-the-top nature. There was just so much to be sad about, what with death being of primary focus, and having the author utilize humour to make the subject matter more manageable made me digest easier the sadness. Cancer is no joke, but certainly no one writes it, the desease acting as a catalyst for the tender romance, like John Green.

The way he wrote them, Hazel and Augustus were beyond cute, the two being perfect example of soul-mates done right. They didn't NEED each other to survive, rather they were their own people in a lot of ways, but I - and apparently all the other fans of this novel - would much rather see them be together. I never realized the toll cancer takes on not only those infected, but their families also; reading The Fault in Our Stars was a huge eye-opener to the realities and harsh struggle families of cancer victims face. At the end I left with a greater respect of all it is that they go through.

I was so emotionally spent by the time I finished reading...I can guarantee that The Fault in Our Stars will find a way to break your heart, and not only will you enjoy it, but you will want more. This book will make a fractured mess of your heart, and I know this because it completely shattered mine.

Yet... I crave a sequel set in an alternate universe, something that does right by Augustus and Hazel by ridding away with the cancers altogether. Takers anyone?

I thought you might see things my way, but alas, this is cannot be! We would all like a different ending, but the pervading sense of realism seen in The Fault in Our Stars is equally responsible for the widespread adoration of this novel. Nothing would make me happier than to elaborate, telling you why the book is realistic, and sure I could if everyone reading this already read the book, but for those of you who haven't had the chance to meet Augustus, Hazel, their parents or even Van Houten, I dare not ruin it for you.

So...hurry up and read it!






5/5 genies: I recommend this book. Hell, I am in love with it! A favourite for sure, I can only hope that you pick it up and enjoy it too. 




********GIVEAWAY*******

Also, check out this giveaway for Shawn Mihalik's The Flute Player and my review too if you haven't. Thanks and take care guys, love you lots!

XX




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Saturday, May 18, 2013

The Flute Player: Interview and Giveaway



Shawn Mihalik is the author of the YA novella The Flute Player 

About the Author:

Shawn was born in San-Diego, California, in 1990, where he lived until he was seven.
In high school, he won several awards both as a writer for and editor-in-chief of his student newspaper, The Talon, prompting him to study journalism at Youngstown State University before deciding that his passion for writing was better directed at fiction. He then spent several years in Pittsburgh, learning American Sign Language and working with the deaf and hard of hearing.

Shawn currently lives in Youngstown, Ohio, where he writes novels, poetry, and short stories and explores the characteristics of different varieties of wine. His works include The Final Days of Poetry, a poetry collection; The Flute Player, a novella; and Brand-Changing Day, a novel.
Shawn loves to climb things, especially large things like rocks and cliffs and mountains. He also still reads comic books.


1. The world of Drommar is certainly unique. What childhood stories/fairy tales helped provide inspiration for the creative fantasy land?

To be honest, I'd never read a lot of fantasy when I was younger. I've always been more of a sci-fi and literary fiction fan, but Peter Pan has always been one of my favorite books, and it, along with C.S. Lewis's Narnia series, certainly influenced me when I wrote The Flute Player and created Drommar.

2. Do you see yourself writing more of this genre in future? If so, what might you have in mind? 

Maybe. I don't have any plans to write something else like this—that is to say, of all the things I'm currently writing or have ideas for, nothing is in this genre—but I might, someday. I think there's a lot that can be done with fantasy that hasn't been done before.

3. Name the place you write best in and why. 

Nowhere specific. I've written in basements, and I've written in coffee shops, and I've written on balconies, and I've written on a bench beside the Allegheny River. In fact, I like to be able to write anywhere, because I like to write every day, if I can, and I never know where I'll be. That said, I do write best if I'm alone and it's early in the day.

4. If you could have lunch with any novelist, (dead or alive), who would it be? If they are deceased, kindly explain their significance in your life and the reason for their resurrection.

David Foster Wallace. I started to take my writing seriously when I began reading Infinite Jest, and I can measure a significant portion of my growth as a writer, a reader, and a person by my consumption of that novel (when I started reading it, it took me almost a year to read the first half of Infinite Jest, and then I put it down for about nine months and didn't touch it, and then I came back to it and read the second half in two short weeks).

I'm currently reading Wallace's posthumous unfinished novel, The Pale King. I've delayed reading it for a while because I knew that, once I read it, I'd never again have the privilege of experiencing a new work of Wallace's for the first time. I'd love to tell him that.

5. About Oliver and Alexandria's relationship, is there a future for them? If so, how do you see things progressing? 

While the ending of The Flute Player may come across as ambiguous at first, I think a quick reread (and, if necessary, search about the history of Nantes, France) will show that there decidedly isn't a future for their relationship, although I'm sure Alexandria's influence will show up in Oliver's music for the entirety of his career as the flute player.

6. If a traveling peasant were looking to take up work or residence in Drommar, how might you suggest he go about the task? Would having connections to the renown Flute Player of the village make his case more favourable?

If a traveling peasant managed to find his way into Drommar in the first place, I think the residents of the village would be far too concerned with where he came from to worry about giving him work. Of course, they probably wouldn't be able to see him, so the flute player might be the only hope of connection he would have.

7. Would you be friends with Oliver? In what ways are the two  of you alike, or different?

I would definitely be friends with Oliver. I'm not much like Oliver anymore, but he's probably a pretty close representation of the me that I was five or six years ago when I was his age.

8. What other profession might Oliver assume if he weren't the Flute Player of the village? Following his meeting with Alexandria, do you see him taking on his role better? 

He'll definitely take on the role of the flute player better than he did before meeting Alexandria; in fact, I think he's fully embraces it now because of her. If he weren't the flute player, I'm not sure what he'd be. It's an excellent question, though, and I'd love for the readers to think about it.

9. What changes does Oliver undergo throughout the story, and is he a different person at the end? How so?

This is interesting. Oliver wants to be a different person when the story starts. He wants a different life and more freedom and a different role. But by the end of the story, he's still has that role. The difference is that now Oliver has embraced what he didn't want at the beginning; he's recognized its importance and taken ownership of that, of himself.

10. What do you hope readers take away from The Flute Player?

That life is good. That we can be the person we want to be and that what others want us to be doesn't matter.

Find Shawn: Facebook / Twitter / Google+



Shawn Mihalik is an inspiring author with a unique prose and voice. Find my review of the book here and for your chance to WIN an Ebook of his novella, see the Rafflecopter below! The Giveaway is International and open to anyone with an eReader. At the end of the giveaway, one winner will be chosen. Have fun and enter responsibly!

XX


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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Review: The Mackenzie Legacy by Derrolyn Anderson

*A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.*


The Mackenzie Legacy by Derrolyn Anderson
My rating: 4 of 5 genies
Published: April 4th, 2013
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal Mature YA
Series: The Athena Effect
Pages: 200
Source: Review Copy
Format: eBook
Purchase At: Amazon.com or Smashwords.com
Goodreads Summary

As their story continues, Calvin and Caledonia find themselves madly in love, on the run, and nearly out of money. When Cal stumbles upon a way to cash in on Cali’s powers, their life on the road becomes a life of leisure. Despite the easy money and newfound luxury, Caledonia’s conscience begins to trouble her.

A disturbing warning only serves to confirm her misgivings, making her question her purpose in life. Finally, a shocking discovery about the true nature of her powers points the way forward, sending the two Cals on a dangerous rescue mission.

Caledonia tries her best to right the wrongs of the past, but will she only end up provoking new and even more dangerous enemies?


My Thoughts

This is a very easy book to like, and more so, read and fall into. I liked being effortlessly drawn back into the complexities of Cal and Cali's life. The novel literally picks up where The Athena Effect left off, and while both Cal's are still on the run, they are still very much in love. With the threat of recapture at the hands of Max looming in the backs of their minds, Cal and Cali need to lie low. Initially they stick to camp grounds, distant roads, and avoid drawing attention to themselves by living modestly off the few funds they have left. This doesn't last long however, and as the money quickly disappears, one thing leads to another and the young lovers find themselves on a journey neither could have ever bargained for. Monumental secrets regarding The Athena Effect as well as Cali's heritage are unravelled, and as the long hidden truths come to light, everything changes.

Firstly, let me say that the stressful conditions mentioned above do nothing to disrupt the romance between Cal and Cali, and I loved seeing them grow and really mature as characters. Truthfully I don't see why anyone would want to keep them apart; they fought like hell to be together and they just work. I like their relationship because Cal and Cali are made for each other and you really can't picture them happy and apart. Things like that just shouldn't happen, so you can imagine how beyond pleased I was that Derrolyn kept them together. As is expected, they do fight to a degree, and rather realistically, but the arguments never grow so out of control that there is talk of permanent separation. It was good to see them keeping things in perspective and managing disagreements like the capable adults I knew them to be.

*snaps for Derrolyn*

WOOT.

woot gif photo:  woot.gif

Yeah, girl!

As a second book in the series, The Mackenzie Legacy adds a substantial amount of detail and revelation to the series overall; it is mind-blowing how much changes and the impact of these developments. Derrolyn carried the story over seamlessly, and The Mackenzie Legacy proves itself a worthwhile sequel because it does help the series progress. There is just so much excellent and right with this book that I was hard pressed to find the bits just short of brilliance.

There is a strong connection felt with almost all the characters. Cali struggles with honing her abilities while still adjusting to the world outside her cabin, coming to terms with the truth of the experiment that ultimately claimed the lives of her parents and still largely governs hers. Cal helps her a lot through these struggles, but battles with his own share of insecurities. Every time he worried that Cali would leave I wanted to shake him a little and be like, she isn't going anywhere! Yet if I had done that, the pleasure of watching him work through it on his own would have been lost. He supports her and accepts everything, even Cali's more dangerous connections, such as her bond with the twins Layla and Michael. He would do anything for her, truly the author is successful in showing much more than telling the lengths each Cal is willing to go for the other.

As a backdrop to the story, the setting is great, and the added tension of characters being on the run made for a suspenseful read. There is a healthy amount of mystery and romance throughout the plot which pretty much guarantees readers will gasp at least once, if not twice. The writing improves in The Mackenzie Legacy, and although some portions of the book felt a bit rushed, and some resolutions hurried, this book ultimately makes for an exciting and rewarding read. I definitely recommend it - reader discretion for the more mature scenes is advised - and I am an even bigger fan of the series than before.

Get your hands on this series now!


3.5/5 genies: A satisfying continuation to a great series, The Mackenzie Legacy isn't a book to miss and fans of the series will be thrilled with startling revelation, touching romance and a suspenseful, rewarding plot.



XX




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Friday, May 3, 2013

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Addicted To You by Krista & Becca Ritchie

**Sharing some stunning covers, one fabulous book at a time!**


Addicted to You by Krista Ritchie and Becca Ritchie

Release Date: June 1st, 2013
Goodreads Summary

Two addictions. One lie.

No one would suspect shy, Lily Calloway’s biggest secret. While everyone is dancing at college bars, Lily stays in the bathroom. To get laid. Her compulsion leads her to one-night stands, steamy hookups and events she shamefully regrets. The only person who knows her secret happens to have one of his own.

Loren Hale’s best friend is his bottle of bourbon. Lily comes at a close second. For three years, they’ve pretended to be in a real relationship, hiding their addictions from their families. They’ve mastered the art of concealing flasks and random guys that filter in and out of their apartment.

But when they go on a family boat trip, surrounded by open seas and limited male bodies in sight, Lily’s confronted with a big fear. Only one guy onboard can fill her addiction, and she’s sworn off going there with Loren Hale ever again.

Now the only person who can truly help her, can barely help himself.

**This is a New Adult book recommended for readers 18 and up**


How AWESOME is that cover?! Seriously, I am so excited for this book to release come June 1st, that blurb has me wanting Addicted to You NOW. Also, for those of you unaware, Becca and Krista are the lovely bloggers of Nawanda Files, and their debut New Adult novel could not be any more exciting! The cover is excellent - no awkward body positions, grinding or kissing in sight - and  I can't wait for it to come out.

Because they're so incredible, the girls have included a Giveaway with the Cover Reveal, so be sure to enter below and show your support! It's International, as long as the Book Depository ships to you, so almost everyone can enter :)


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Thursday, May 2, 2013

Fashion Review: Banggood.com

**A little meme in which I review some non-book related, but killer fashion/fashion items that I have been loving as of late!**

Hi Loves! 

So by the banner above, hopefully you can tell a little what this post is about! I thought I would try something new, and while it isn't at all book-related, fashion is important to me. For those of you unfamiliar with my Polyvore account, feel free to click the link and check me out, I use the site to make fashion sets. Sometimes the sets are based on the books I read, and other times they're total random fashion-sets inspired by popular trends or personal style. Today I wanted to share my review for a few products received from Banggood.com. 

I was approached by a representative of the company a few months ago and asked to do 15 promotional sets. You can find the collection here, but in return they gave me three items of my choosing! Note now that there was never any monetary compensation for the sets nor will there be such for these reviews. There. Now that we have that out of the way, scroll to see what I got!

Banggood.com: Product Review



Long sleeved t shirt, 26 CAD / Bohemia flower necklace, 2.01 CAD / Leather case, 3.03 CAD


My Review:

20pcs Makeup Cosmetic Brushes Set Kit Pink Leather Case: I liked these brushes! A few shed quite a bit, but the others were reliable and easy to use. I wasn't a huge fan of the packaging, the case is almost plastic, but the brushes are feminine and usable. I love brushes and that this comes 20pcs in one set was a fantastic bonus.

Bohemia Gold Tone Multilayer Rhinestone Hollow Flower Pendant Necklace: This necklace was actually thinner than I expected, it isn't real, but could easily adapt to a multitude of Summer/Spring outfits and looks. It also comes pretty affordable so that is always a plus!

Zanzea New Universe Pattern Galaxy Print Long Sleeve Loose T-shirt: I got so many looks from this, it is definitely a statement piece! Adore the galaxy print, such a great sweater. It fits pretty true-to-size and is one of my favourites!


*******************

What did you think of the items, and have you ever purchased at Banggood.com before? If so, what did you get? If this is something y'all would like to see me do again be sure to let me know. Love you lots!!

XX

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Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday (10): Solstice by P.J. Hoover

*Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill@Breaking the Spine and is a weekly meme allowing for bloggers to connect and share their most anticipated reads.*

 Hi Loves!

This week I'm waiting on...

Solstice by P.J. Hoover
Releasing: June 18th 2013

Goodreads Summary

Piper's world is dying.

Each day brings hotter temperatures and heat bubbles that threaten to destroy the earth. Amid this global heating crisis, Piper lives under the oppressive rule of her mother, who suffocates her even more than the weather does. Everything changes on her eighteenth birthday, when her mother is called away on a mysterious errand and Piper seizes her first opportunity for freedom.

Piper discovers a universe she never knew existed—a sphere of gods and monsters—and realizes that her world is not the only one in crisis. While gods battle for control of the Underworld, Piper’s life spirals out of control as she struggles to find the answer to the secret that has been kept from her since birth.

An imaginative melding of mythology and dystopia, Solstice is the first YA novel by talented newcomer P. J. Hoover.


I saw this book on another WoW post and just had to add it to my list! How gorgeous is that cover? And Gods & Goddesses plus and Apocalyptic setting? I can hardly wait. I need this, like now. What are you waiting on? You have to share with me, I'd love to know :)

XX


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The Truth And Nothing BUT...

Going by FTC guidelines, allow me to point out that all the novels reviewed on this blog were either bought by me, or given by an author or publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Those books received from Authors and Publishers will be stated clearly as such, as will the ones purchased by myself. There is no shady business going on; no coercion, bribery or compensation has or will ever be received in exchange for any reviews. These thoughts are mine, wacky as they may be, and my honest opinion is all you can truly expect. Still reading? You should be off checking out those awesome reviews ;)