Review: Hollowland by Amanda Hocking

Book: Hollowland by Amanda Hocking
Pages: 312
Publisher: Self-published
Source: Bought on Amazon
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

"This is the way the world ends - not with a bang or a whimper, but with zombies breaking down the back door."

Nineteen-year-old Remy King is on a mission to get across the wasteland left of America, and nothing will stand in her way - not violent marauders, a spoiled rock star, or an army of flesh-eating zombies.

Want to learn how to whip up a Hollowland cake? Here's the ingredients: a badass heroine, zombie butt kicking action, bits of funny humor, a swoon worthy love interest, and a touch of romance!

Waiting on Wednesday [12/7/11]

Hosted at Breaking the Spine

 This Wednesday, I'm waiting for:

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences? This is life for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.

Anna, a tender-hearted southern girl, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring
Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

A cross-country trip forces Anna and Kai to face the reality that hope and love are not options for their kind. When it's time for Anna to confront her demons, will she choose to embrace her halo or her horns?

After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret—and the wings that come with.

A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in a scientist’s dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.

I cannot wait for these two to come out! They both sound ah-maaazzzing! What are you waiting for this Wednesday?

Review: Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep

Book: Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep
Pages: 350
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
Source: Review copy provided by the publisher
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy — a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest.

But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why—especially since I should have been the one who died. . .

ABCs Likes and Dislikes

 [A]

I liked this book because Jennifer Estep is just one awesome story teller. She truly has a way of just absorbing you into the book... The plot and the world building was developed and refreshing. I'm not sure if it's starting to become a trend with all these "paranormal/mythological academies", but Jennifer created a unique setting of a campus filled with different kinds of warriors.

I disliked this book because at times...I got annoyed. If I could count the word "designer" in this book, I'd lose count (or I'd just stop counting because I would get frustrated). I get it that all these cool kids wear the hip designer clothes with their fancy bags and crap...so please stop saying it over and over and OVER. I'd also get annoyed at Gwen. I just couldn't connect with her. At times I felt she was really whiny and whiny people = no no in Gianna's book.

[B]

I liked this book because Gwen wasn't some dimwitted girly girl...she was brainy. I really liked how she's a quick thinker and smart to get out of dire situations. She knew how to return insults with witty quips, which is a plus in my book. I also loved how she didn't exactly swoon over bad boy Logan. (FINALLY another girl that resists the tempting, smexy bad boy!)

I disliked this book because the romance in this book was in a lack of better words boring and underdeveloped. If you know me, I am a HUGE romance fan. I love boys that make me squeal and swoon, the girl's witty banter with their love interest, and OH THE CHEMISTRY! -Ahem- Anyways, this book lacked in all three areas. I would have liked to see more romantic development between Logan and Gwen. Basically what happened in my eyes: Gwen bumps into Logan a few times + Logan saving her life + Logan flirting with her = the chance of starting a new relationship? The chemistry between these two was so bland I had to force myself to read through it.. 

[C]

I liked this book because the twists in the plot were so clever. I honestly didn't expect what Jennifer threw at me, which was awesome. Unpredictability is best. I'd go into details but that requires spoilers from the book...

I disliked this book because it felt cliche at times. The evil, preppy twitheads which were the popular girl, the sexy man-whore, the nerdy outcast, [begin spoiler]dead moms[end spoiler], etc. I don't mind cliches but the characters felt so predictable and two-dimensional which was no bueno.

In all, despite my being frustrated at times, I enjoyed this book. This whole book was a fun read, with a semi-cliffhanger ending to boot! I'm looking forward to find out what happens next in the series.

Where Did Gianna Go?

As you all may or may not know, I have been on hiatus for a near darn month! Life had caught up to me and I've been having some difficulties and I haven't even been reading lately... However, never mind me, I'm back and running! I'll be trying to catch up on all my reviews, memes, and such, so stay tuned!

I've been missing for a while, and I'd love to hear what you guys have been up to! ♥

Challenges and Trailers for 2012 ♥

As the title insinuates, I shall be participating in a couple of challenges for 2012. :)

Beautiful button, right? Plus, it fits with the theme of my blog! :)

CHALLENGE OBJECTIVE:

• To read & review a minimum of twelve young adult or middle grade debut novels between the dates of January 1, 2012 - January 31, 2013.*

*The 2013 extension is so that December Debuts can be read and count toward the challenge.

RULES & GUIDELINES:

• You must have a Blog to post your reviews or be a member of Goodreads. 
• Your blog must be written in English.
• Deadline to join is May 31, 2012.

BOOK GUIDELINES:

• Must be a young adult or middle grade title.
• Must be the author’s YA or MG debut, released in 2012.
• If an author has a previous novel published for adults or children, they can still qualify for the challenge.
• If an author has a previous YA or MG title, they do not qualify for the challenge.

You can sign up here! I've yet to decide my list of books, but I'll add a page to my navigation bar about my challenges and such soon.

Challenge Guidelines:

1. This challenge will run from Jan 1, 2012 - Dec 31, 2012.
2. Anyone can join, you don't need to be a blogger. If you don't have a blog, feel free to sign-up in the comments. You can post reviews to any book site (i.e. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Goodreads, etc).
3. Any genre or length of book counts, as long as it is in ebook format.
4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap-up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.
5. When you sign up in the linky, put the direct link to your post about joining the E-Book Reading Challenge.
6. You can move up levels, but no moving down.
7. Sign-ups will be open until Dec 15, 2012, so feel free to join at any time throughout the year.

Levels:

1. Floppy disk - 5 ebooks
2. CD - 10 ebooks
3. DVD - 25 ebooks
4. Memory stick - 50 ebooks
5. Hard drive - 75 ebooks
6. Server - 100 ebooks
7. Human brain - 150 ebooks

Well, I've got to put my Kindle to use more often and what better way is there than this lovely bit of a challenge? :) I plan to aim for 25 books (DVD), but perhaps if I happen to have more time for reading next year, I'll move up. You can sign up here!

Now, on to the second part of this post: TRAILERS!

You've heard about it, you've probably already watched this, but holy CRAPPERS, there is an official trailer for The Hunger Games. That's right, The Hunger Games trailer. Enough of my babbling, go ahead and watch it again (and freak out if you must)~

Epic, right? If only March was a little sooner. ;_;

Now the second trailer... I'm super excited for this book to come out in January 2012! I recently got an ARC (and it's sitting in my TBR pile as of right now) and as soon as I finish Touch of Frost series and Nevemore, I'll start on it. :)

May I present to you... Everneath by Brodi Ashton.

I just love it ♥ Add this book to your to-read list on Goodreads... NAO.

Are you participating in any challenges this year? How about them trailers, eh? -winks-

In My Mailbox [11/13/11]

IMM is hosted by The Story Siren.

I had a small, but nevertheless, awesome week of books.

Still Waters by Emma Carlson Berne (For Review)

Ah I cannot wait to read this! It sounds like a creepy thriller, which I have been in dire need of in midst of all these YA paranormal romances!

Kiss of Frost (Touch of Frost #2) by Jennifer Estep (For Review)

I'm reading Touch of Frost, its predecessor, right now and it's really good! I got this as a suprise package from Kensington.

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh (Borrowed)

First off, look at that book! It's a whoppin' 543 pages!

Egads, I have been hearing non-stop rave reviews from this book but the cover ALWAYS stopped me from borrowing it. That guy on the cover completely turns me off! Yesterday however, I just decided, "Eh what the heck?" and borrowed it. I'm barely on page 50 but it's really good! (Never judge a book by its cover...)

What's in your mailbox?

Follow Friday [11/11/11]

Visit Parajunkee and Alison!

Q: In light of 11.11.11 and Veteran’s Day tell us about your favorite soldier and how he or she is saving the world. Fictional or real life.

Fictional or real life, I don't particularly have a favorite soldier. However, the soldiers out there are amazing because they sacrifice their time and risk their lives for us and their country. ♥

Happy Veteran's Day to all!

Review: All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

Book: All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin
Pages: 354
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Source: Review copy
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. It consists of going to school, taking care of her siblings and her dying grandmother, trying to avoid falling in love with the new assistant D.A.'s son, and avoiding her loser ex-boyfriend. That is until her ex is accidently poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight--at school, in the news, and most importantly, within her mafia family.


Engrossing and suspenseful, All These Things I've Done is an utterly unique, unputdownable read that blends both the familiar and the fantastic.

If you guys don't know, I read one of her previous books, Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac, and I just absolutely adored it! When I was asked to review this, I just knew I would like this from the moment I saw it. So the question is... just why the heck did I wait so long to read this?! (Well, I guess the answer is other books seduced me with their pretty covers and there's the fact that I have so much schoolwork...)

Waiting on Wednesday [11/9/11]

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her.

Dude... Why is this cover so pretty? It's almost ridiculous how gorgeous it is. *drools* I NEED THIS. (O_O)

What are you waiting for this fine Wednesday?

For All You Julie Kagawa (IRON FEY, TEAM ASH/PUCK) Fans!

 In a future world

Vampires reign.

Humans are

Bloodcattle.

And one girl

Will search for the key

To save humanity.

You will kill. The only question is when. 

In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive.

  

Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire.

  

Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.

Yes, yes, YES. For all you Team Ash/Meghan/Puck/GRIM fans, I present to you a new series from the badass author named Julie Kagawa.

In My Mailbox: The OMGWTF Edition

This is what I got:

For Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton and Incarnate by Jodi Meadows.

And this was my face:

Many thanks to the staff at HarperCollins! They even put a little Post-It saying "Enjoy!" on one of the books. Of course, after my OMGWTF face, happy dancing and squeals ensued.

Bought for FREE on the Kindle:

Hollowland by Amanda Hocking

Jenny Pox by J.L. Bryan

These books both sound amazing! I really can't wait to get started on these. WOO-HOO for indie authors! I planned to get started on Incarnate first, but funny thing is my dad grabbed it and is reading it as we speak. o_O

What did you guys get in your mailbox?

Review: Dark Eden by Patrick Carman

Book: Dark Eden by Patrick Carman
Pages: 336
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Source: Review copy provided by publisher
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

Fifteen-year-old Will Besting is sent by his doctor to Fort Eden, an institution meant to help patients suffering from crippling phobias. Once there, Will and six other teenagers take turns in mysterious fear chambers and confront their worst nightmares—with the help of the group facilitator, Rainsford, an enigmatic guide. When the patients emerge from the chamber, they feel emboldened by the previous night's experiences. But each person soon discovers strange, unexplained aches and pains. . . . What is really happening to the seven teens trapped in this dark Eden? 


Patrick Carman's Dark Eden is a provocative exploration of fear, betrayal, memory, and— ultimately—immortality.

Not particularly mind-blowing, Dark Eden proved to be a somewhat entertaining book.

Follow Friday [11/4/2011]

Q: Today’s Question is something new, an activity. We want to see what you look like! Take a pic with you and your current read! Too shy? Boo! Just post a fun pic you want to share.

It was a quick picture before school! Don't judge me XD

Yes, everyone... In my hand, I hold a Balanchine Special Dark Chocolate. (Or, I guess you could say I'm reading All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin)

What are you guys reading this special Friday? ^_^

Review: Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

Book: Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton
Pages: 453
Publisher: HarperCollins / Katherine Tegen Books
Source: Borrowed
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

First there are nightmares.

Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her.

Then come the memories.

When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie's power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the key to Ellie's memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.

Now she must hunt.

Ellie has power that no one can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember.

Dear Courtney,

I think I have an author crush on you... I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU (in the way one loves an author).

Now, before you think I'm a stalker and call the cops, please read my reasons as to why I'm so in love with you:

In My Mailbox [10/30/11]

Hosted by The Story Siren

This week, I got...

Review: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Book: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Pages: 391
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Source: Bought
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along. 

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. 

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

You know, when I hear the words, "Hush, hush", I think of peace, tranquility, soft whispers, all that good stuff. This title is MISLEADING. Hush, Hush was everything BUT those things! (Well, maybe except for those soft, sensual whispers from Patch...)

Follow Friday [10/27/11]

Visit Parajunkee

Oh gosh. Lord knows I haven't done one of these in forever! Well, I guess better late than never. :)

This week's question:

Q:  If you could have dinner with your favorite book character, who would you eat with and what would you serve?

Waiting on Wednesday [10/26/11]

Hosted by Breaking the Spine

This week, I'm waiting on...

In My Mailbox [10/23/11]

This week, in my mailbox, I got:

For Review (Thank you Netgalley!) --

Dearly, Departed  by Lia Habel

I'm already starting DD! I'm 11% done... 

Between the Sea and Sky  by Jaclyn Dolamore

This cover looks so pretty it's ridiculous. ♥

For promoting and distributing and such --

Dark Eden swag pack (!!)

I didn't even know I was going to get this in the mail, talk about awesome sauce! The swag pack contained the following: one bookmark, 10 Fear Test CDs, one shirt, and this thing that looks like a necklace to hold your keys (I can't think of the name off the top of my head, sorry!)

What did you guys get in your mailbox?

Review: Beautiful by Amy Reed

Book: Beautiful by Amy Reed
Pages: 232
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Source: Borrowed
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

When Cassie moves from the tiny town where she has always lived to a suburb of Seattle, she is determined to leave her boring, good-girl existence behind. This is Cassie’s chance to stop being invisible and become the kind of girl who’s worth noticing.

Stepping into her new identity turns out to be easier than Cassie could have ever imagined…one moment, one choice, changes everything.

Cassie’s new existence both thrills and terrifies her. Swept into a world of illicit parties and social landmines, she sheds her virginity, embraces the numbness she feels from the drugs, and floats through it all, knowing that she is now called beautiful. She ignores the dangers of her fast-paced life…but she can’t sidestep the secrets and the cruelty.

Cassie is trapped in a swift downward spiral tinged with violence and abuse, and no one—not even the one person she thought she could trust—can help her now.

I read Clean by Amy Reed and I loved it. For some reason, I couldn't get into this book unlike I had with Clean, but nonetheless, it was still great.

Waiting on Wednesday [10/19/11]

This week, I'm waiting on...

Review: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Book: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Pages: 470
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: ARC won (long ago) and signed
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.

Instead, it turns out to be her last.

Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing. 

Before I Fall is beautiful, gritty, and powerful.

In My Mailbox [10/16/11]

This week, I got...

Review: Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

Book: Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon
Pages: 342
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: ARC (Thanks to Michael!)
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

Their love was meant to be.

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRís.

But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.

Carrier of the Mark was an enjoyable, although predictable, read for me with its refreshing mythology that makes it stand out in the sea of angels, vampires, werewolves, etc.