Review: Possess by Gretchen McNeil

Book: Possess by Gretchen McNeil
Pages: 384
Source: Bought
Spoiler Free: Yes

Fifteen-year-old Bridget Liu just wants to be left alone: by her mom, by the cute son of a local police sergeant, and by the eerie voices she can suddenly and inexplicably hear. Unfortunately for Bridget, it turns out the voices are demons – and Bridget has the rare ability to banish them back to whatever hell they came from.

Terrified to tell people about her new power, Bridget confides in a local priest who enlists her help in increasingly dangerous cases of demonic possession. But just as she is starting to come to terms with her new power, Bridget receives a startling message from one of the demons. Now Bridget must unlock the secret to the demons' plan before someone close to her winds up dead – or worse, the human vessel of a demon king.

I've been waiting this book for over a month! The minute it came out, I rushed to B&N (Barnes and Noble) as soon as I could.

I really liked this book (shall I say love?) but I set my expectations a little too high. I read rave reviews about this book, all good. So, unfortunately, not all my expectations were met. However, it didn't stop me from really enjoying this book.

The prose was smooth and easy to follow. I liked the narration, as it was told through third person but through Bridget's point of view. Speaking of narration, I love Bridget. Bridget was a refreshing change in the seas of whiny heroines in the YA genre. She speaks her own mind, and doesn't give in so easily. I especially love her colorful, sarcastic language, it makes her own individual. She also doesn't give in to the tempting lures of the adorable Matt Quinn. I got to give props to Gretchen to making such a swoon-able character!

The romance in this book was great. I love how Bridget doesn't succumb to Matt at first, not like the regular girls who give in to a dreamy guy. She built up a hard shell and slowly shed it as she trusted Matt. Nothing screams better about this than "well developed relationship"!

All the possessions and exorcisms throughout the book weren't exciting as I hoped it would be. Maybe because I didn't read the book at night, but it definitely was not boring. Gretchen spun such creepy descriptions in each of the exorcisms, each of which left a grotesque image in my head. Actually, I think I'm glad now that I didn't read this when it was dark...

It was really interesting to see who was the bad guy in this book. Gretchen kept leading me to a door that suspected one person, that lead to another door that suspected another person! It was totally mind blowing to see who was the true villain.

The ending did pretty much wrap things up, leaving enough space for a sequel although I'm not sure if there will be one. It would be nice if there was.

In all, Possess was fast paced and addicting. The snarky, awesome heroine with her hunky sidekick and the trials she faces were just so fun to read! I can't wait to read what else Gretchen has in store for her readers, because she's just an amazing writer!

Rating: 4.7 Stars

Cover Love? YES! I'm a huge fan of the color blue. The girl on the cover is super pretty too.

Recommend It? If you'd enjoy horror/suspense paranormal with romance, this YA book is for you!

Review: Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

Book: Falling Under by Gwen Hayes
Pages: 324
Source: Bought
Spoiler Free: Yes

Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she's seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.

 And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia's not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.

  
Falling Under drew me in from the moment I saw its enticing cover and  read its intriguing summary. Did it disappoint? Yeeahhh--- no. It was hella awesome. I really wish I had gotten to this book sooner. I put it off (perhaps a month or so) ever since I bought it and I regret doing so! Where do I start with this review? I'm finding it a bit hard to express how I felt about this book.

Well, let's start with the characters.

Theia is a so-so character for me. She's practically the epitome of innocence and naivety. She was raised in a "sheltered life", thanks to her father, leaving her little to taste as to what life's dangers and joys truly are. I love how she's so innocent, yet I cringe with annoyance when she makes really dumb decisions. Then again, it's not really her fault.

I love Haden. My heart breaks and aches for him! I really hate how these boys don't exist in real life *sigh* He's not really a badass, like most boys nowadays, but he just has this sweet, adorable quality with a razor sharp edge to it. I especially lovelovelove the way Gwen describes him and his cute little outfits both in Theia's dreams and in real life.

The plot was a bit Twilight, Alice in Wonderland reminiscent. Predictable, yet totally quirky and fun. I love all the twists in this book, as well as the Haden and Theia encounters. The electricity and tension between them just bounces off the pages, which only made my heart beat just slightly faster.

One of my favorite things in this book was the world of Under. I'm a sucker for anything like new worlds ranging from the Nevernever (The Iron Fey trilogy) to mythology galore (The Mephisto Covenant, for one). The way Gwen describes Under is just... amazing. Under is kind of like Wonderland but with a gothic feel. I enjoyed all the descriptions of its ghoulish inhabitants to the landscape itself.

The ending was solid, not a gigantic cliff hanger, but it leaves room for a sequel (which there will be! Dreaming Awake comes out in January 2012)

In all, Falling Under intoxicated me with the world of Under with Gwen's smooth prose and her loveable characters. This book was definitely a page turner, and I can't wait to find out what happens to Haden and Theia!

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Cover Love: Um... yes! The black roses background as well as the beautiful girl in that stunning dress is to die for! I especially love the black roses and the role it plays in the book. It still makes my heart go crazy!

 

Would I recommend this? YES! This book was so addicting! I'm definitely going to read its sequel, Dreaming Awake.

Review: Babe in Boyland by Jody Gehrman

Book: Babe in Boyland by Jody Gehrman
Pages: 292
Source: Review copy
Rating: 5 Stars
Spoiler Free: Yes

When high school junior Natalie - or Dr. Aphrodite, as she calls herself when writing the relationship column for her school paper - is accused of knowing nothing about guys and giving girls bad relationship advice, she decides to investigate what guys really think and want. But the guys in her class won't give her straight or serious answers. The only solution? Disguising herself as a guy and spending a week at Underwood Academy, the private all-boy boarding school in town. There she learns a lot about guys and girls in ways she never expected - especially when she falls for her dreamy roommate, Emilio. How can she show him she likes him without blowing her cover?

Ever heard of a movie called "She's The Man" with  Amanda Bynes? I LOVED that movie. In a sentence, a girl cross-dresses and enters into an academy only for boys, and ends up with a really hot roommate. This totally sounds like the book, and in a way, it is! However, Jody weaves this wonderful story into something of her own.

The plot, I admit, is cliche. It was rather predictable, as it had the regular evil blonde Barbie bitch (Regina George, anyone?) and the friends who help the protagonist survive the wickedness of the bimbo and the other hardships the protagonists faces.

However, that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying this book. There are books that have original plots, something that keeps me guessing, but they were so boring! Nothing exciting happened in those books, blaah! This book was the exact opposite. What I would predict would come true but in a totally surprising yet hilarious way. It's fast paced, which I also loved. No second of this book was wasted in being tedious and dragging.

The characters were so loveable! I love the trio, Chloe, Darcy, and Natalie! They are complete opposites of each other yet they all fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. Natalie was my favorite! She reminds me of Emma Stone when she's acting in character mode, beautiful yet awkward! And boy oh boy, was Natalie awkward (in a good way though. What girl wouldn't be awkward if they were cross-dressing in an all guys' school?) Reading all the crazy antics she went through in being a guy was laugh out loud funny! Her character developed very nicely throughout the book, making me a happy camper. Emilio is swoon-worthy, enough said. It was nice to take a break from the regular bad boys.

The ending was delightful. Everything wrapped up quite nicely.

All I can say is this was WOW! This book was pure fun sauce, and I can't wait to read Jody's upcoming (hopefully) novels such as this one.

Cover Love: Yes! Yes!! YES!!! I totally love everything about it. The big eyes, the mustache, the title font! This girl is exactly what I pictured Natalie like.

  

In My Mailbox [August 21, 2011]

This week in my mailbox, I got:

I'm reading BiB right now, and so far, I'm enjoying it! I totally love the concept of this whole book! It reminds me of the movie, She's The Man, with Amanda Bynes! I was in the middle of reading Last Sacrifice, but my Kindle suddenly broke on me. BAD KINDLE! Anyways, I'm getting a new one in two weeks (barnacles!), but I do have some good reads to pass the time!

What did you guys get in your mailbox?

Review: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Book: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
Pages: 489
Source: Gift
Rating: 4.7 Stars
Spoiler Free: Yes, but summary isn't.

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa Dragomir. It's graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives outside of the Academy’s cold iron gates to finally begin. But even with the intrigue and excitement of court life looming, Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri. He's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance, and now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her...forever.

But Rose can't forget what she learned on her journey—whispers of a magic too impossible and terrifying to comprehend. A magic inextricably tied to Lissa that could hold the answer to all of Rose's prayers, but not without devastating consequences. Now Rose will have to decide what—and who—matters most to her. In the end, is true love really worth the price?

Fall in love with Rose and Dimitri all over again in Spirit Bound, the eagerly awaited fifth novel in Richelle Mead's enthralling Vampire Academy series.

Okay, WOW. What I have not said about these series that I haven't yet? Oh, I know. It's super freakin' awesome. I didn't like Blood Promise as much as I had hoped for, so I was expecting Spirit Bound would be a lot better. And boy, oh boy, it was.

Spirit Bound, the second to last installment, was seriously epic. The plot was addictive and jaw dropping, most of the characters were their awesome selves, the prose is very fluid, and the ending leaves enough questions for a cliffhanger! Why, oh why, must Richelle make these cliffhangers? She's killing me here! My only problem with this book was Rose. She wasn't very likeable in this book, and I can't explain without spoiling the book.

Anyways, just read Spirit Bound or even begin the series if you haven't already. It's seriously good.

 Cover Thoughts: I really like this cover! It's really gorgeous. I think it fits with the plot, in a way. My parents didn't approve as they thought I was reading a romance novel. Oh dear.

Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Book: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Pages: 390
Source: Bought with my own money
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Spoiler Free: Yes but summary isn't (But warning: there's a rant ahead)

Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding.

 Mockingjay is the final book in this exciting, suspenseful, and heart pounding trilogy. Unfortunately for me, Mockingjay was hardly any of the three. 

I'm just... disappointed. I thought Mockingjay would be the epic finale to all this madness, wrapping up all its loose ends, but it wasn't. My main problems in this book was Katniss and her love triangle which is a fail, how there wasn't any closure on the deaths that happened throughout the book, and how the action was really boring.

The love triangle had been built up to receive a final verdict as to who Katniss will be with as of her own accord, and the biggest point in this triangle is that Katniss didn't really get to choose. Her buddy boy was chosen for her! Mega UGH. The no closure on the deaths really upsetted me the most. Suzanne might as well have said, "______ dies." None of these deaths were tear-jerking or heart-breaking or even memorable, which really disappointed me because some of them were my favorite characters! 

One of the things that kept me going throughout the book was the writing. It's as amazingly fluid and addictive as ever. I applaud Suzanne for having mad writing skills; it's also one of the things that kept me going when I was reading HG and CF! 

The plot is really good. I think the whole plot of the book is the best way to end the trilogy. In my opinion, the only problem was that it was poorly presented. Instead of getting a nice epic-filled, action-packed package of awesome, I got something messy that I'm not even sure it's worthy enough to be deemed "the thrill-packed final installment".

The epilogue (or should I say "ending"? I'm not sure which to say) wrapped up beautifully. I don't want to say anything else in fear of spoiling. The final chapters leading up to this epilogue were in a lack of better words, a little less than decent. Katniss is just moping (which I don't blame her for, I'd be moping too) and at parts, I did feel for her, and at others, I didn't. I'm really mad that they didn't include or provide closure to a certain character at the end. Once again, Suzanne might as well have said, "_____ is living somewhere else."

In all, the Hunger Games trilogy is definitely an exciting read, but instead of the sequels getting better over time, they deteriorated. THG was awesome sauce. CF was awesome, but not enough to be awesome sauce. As for MJ... what happened to the awesome? Seriously, I'd love to know.

Cover Thoughts: Eh. Nothing special.

Recommendations: Seriously, read it if you already read HG and CF. This book has many mixed opinions on Goodreads, but unfortunately, mine leaned towards the negative side.

When can I buy this book?: Now, actually! It's been out for a while and I bought my copy at Walmart.

Monster Review-a-Thon Wrap Up

Before the review-a-thon started, I was all pumped and ready to do this but in the end I only ended up posting like two reviews! One word: faaaaaiiiiiiiil! Although, I'm now in a rhythm of posting reviews more than once a week, so I guess something did come good out of this review-a-thon. :)

My reviews --

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen

Did you guys participate in the review-a-thon too? 

Interview: Gretchen McNeil [Author of POSSESS]

This week, I'm interviewing Gretchen McNeil, author of Possess, which comes out (according to Goodreads) on August 23, 2011! 

 Some of you guys might be like, "What is this book you speak of?!" so, here's the summary -- read it to your heart's content!

Fifteen-year-old Bridget Liu just wants to be left alone: by her mom, by the cute son of a local police sergeant, and by the eerie voices she can suddenly and inexplicably hear. Unfortunately for Bridget, it turns out the voices are demons – and Bridget has the rare ability to banish them back to whatever hell they came from.

Terrified to tell people about her new power, Bridget confides in a local priest who enlists her help in increasingly dangerous cases of demonic possession. But just as she is starting to come to terms with her new power, Bridget receives a startling message from one of the demons. Now Bridget must unlock the secret to the demons' plan before someone close to her winds up dead – or worse, the human vessel of a demon king.

 Sounds awesome right? Well, without further ado, here's the interview!

1. Describe POSSESS in a haiku.

Demons surround her.

Who to trust and who to fear?

The Fifth Rule: They Lie.

2. Which character in POSSESS was the most fun to write about?

I love Hector, Bridget’s best friend.  He’s an out of the closet Hispanic male at a Catholic school, who solos with the show choir, has a penchant for chocolate cream pie and doesn’t take crap from anyone.  And he’s hilarious.  Totally love him.

3. What were your must-haves/playlists when writing POSSESS?

Bridget has very strong opinions on music.  Radiohead, Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys, Muse, Nine Inch Nails, and some old school Rage Against the Machine and Smashing Pumpkins top her most-played list.  I’ll actually be revealing a full POSSESS playlist on the blog in August, and doing a giveaway of all the songs.  Here’s a tease:

“The Fallen” by Franz Ferdinand

“Testify” by Rage Against the Machine

“Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” by Cage the Elephant

4. What's your favorite scary movie?

Hands down, The Exorcist.

5. If you had to wear one color for the rest of your life, what could would it be?

Bright emerald green.  Goes well with the red hair.  

6. Any other future projects or sequels to POSSESS?

I have a stand alone YA horror novel coming out Fall 2012 called TEN, also with Balzer + Bray.  It’s about ten teens trapped on an island with a serial killer, getting hunted down one-by-one.  Then the sequel to POSSESS is tentatively scheduled for Fall 2013.

Big thanks to Gretchen for being here today! Are you guys anxiously waiting for Possess just like me?

Follow Friday (4)

Hosted at Parajunkee & Alison Can Read

This week's question at Parajunkee's View: 

How has your reading habits changed since you were a teen? or If you are still a teen, what new genres are you in love with currently?

I'll definitely say I'm a part of the dystopian craze. I'm also getting into contemporary reads (like Clean by Amy Reed, which was awesome) and I'm forever a fan of paranormal romances (like The Mephisto Covenant, which was so awesome words cannot describe)!

Did you guys do this meme? Leave a link and I'll stop by your blog!

Review: Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Book: Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
Pages: 503
Source: Bought with my own money
Rating: 4.5 (4 and 1/2) Stars
Spoiler Free: No

Rose Hathaway's life will never be the same.

The recent attack on St. Vladimir's Academy devastated the entire Moroi world. Many are dead. And, for the few victims carried off by Strigoi, their fates are even worse. A rare tattoo now adorns Rose's neck, a mark that says she's killed far too many Strigoi to count. But only one victim matters . . . Dimitri Belikov. Rose must now choose one of two very different paths: honoring her life's vow to protect Lissa—her best friend and the last surviving Dragomir princess—or, dropping out of the Academy to strike out on her own and hunt down the man she loves. She'll have to go to the ends of the earth to find Dimitri and keep the promise he begged her to make. But the question is, when the time comes, will he want to be saved?  

Now, with everything at stake—and worlds away from St. Vladimir's and her unguarded, vulnerable, and newly rebellious best friend—can Rose find the strength to destroy Dimitri? Or, will she sacrifice herself for a chance at eternal love?

 To read summary, highlight.

After finishing this book, I dare say, the first 300 pages could have been summarized in about 150-200 pages. It drabbled on for chapters and chapters about Rose and her journey to overcome any lingering feelings and hesitation for Dimitri, who's now a full-fledged Strigoi. I don't believe anything is wrong with that though. It's actually a key element in the story, I believe, but it would have been better if it just didn't drag on and on.

Anyways, after overcoming that problem while reading the book, it was smooth sailing. Rose is as cool and funny and kickass as ever, and Adrian has now grown a place in my heart. He's so adorable and swoon worthy, I really do hope he gets together with somebody soon! (And I don't mean a hook-up.) The plot was slow at first, but built up to a dramatic climax and ended with a nice little cliffhanger. Although this book has been my least favorite of the VA series, I really enjoyed the heart pounding moments as well as the twists and surprises.

Cover Thoughts: I love it! The girl in the picture is so pretty, and I love the way her face and neck is angled.

Recommendations: You should most definitely read this book if you have just finished SK (3rd VA book), or if you haven't read the series yet, go check it out! The VA series are awesome sauce. Speaking of which, come check out my spoiler free review on the first book, Vampire Academy.

When can I get it? It's been out for a while, and it's currently in both paperback and hardcover form.

Waiting on Wednesday (3)

This meme is hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This week, I'm waiting on Bloodlines by Richelle Mead!

Picture & summary from Goodreads.

The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy. When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning. Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

This book sounds so good! Errghh, why must it be another 12 days? :c Well, I haven't finished the VA series yet, so I guess I have some books to pass the time ^_~

What did you guys pick for your WoW?

Review: The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen

Picture and summary from Goodreads.

Book: The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen
Pages: 448
Source: Review copy (Thanks Netgalley and Egmont USA!)
Rating: 5+ Stars
Spoiler Free: Yes

Sasha is desperate to find out who murdered her father. When getting the answer means pledging her soul to Eryx, she unlocks a secret that puts her in grave danger—Sasha is Anabo, a daughter of Eve, and Eryx’s biggest threat.

A son of Hell, immortal, and bound to Earth forever, Jax looks for redemption in the Mephisto Covenant—God’s promise he will find peace in the love of an Anabo. After a thousand years, he’s finally found the girl he’s been searching for: Sasha.

With the threat of Eryx looming, Jax has to keep Sasha safe and win her over. But can he? Will Sasha love him and give up her mortal life?

When I first saw the cover of this book on Goodreads, I was drooling and squealing and doing all the fan girl actions. I clicked away at the title and read the summary. More drool. I soon found the title on Netgalley, a couple of days later, thanks to the help of Trinity. I requested, and a couple of days later, it was sitting on my Kindle. 

When I finished devouring this delectable read, I was like, "GIVE ME THE SEQUEL NOW OR ELSE I'LL--" Well, you get the point. I loved this book.

In My Mailbox (5) + Voting Day!

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.

All book links lead to Goodreads.

This week, I got Clean (Already reviewed!) and Touch of Frost for review. (Thanks to Anna and Vida!) I bought The Girl is Murder and I also got a Sirenz swag pack + book (Thanks Charlotte & Nat!)

Quick thoughts: I already reviewed Clean (It was an awesome contemp. read!), and TGIM looks so good! I usually don't read these kinds of books, but TGIM tempted me too much.

What did you guys get in your mailbox?

Also... Today is VOTING DAY! Guys, please oh please come show your support and vote for Crossroads! Team Crossroads FTW! :)

Voting also makes you eligible to win some fancy shmancy books ^_~ Who wouldn't want fancy shmancy books?

Three Reasons Why to Vote for Crossroads:

1. The cover is gorgeous!

2. It has a LOT of good reviews. Seriously! Go check them out on Goodreads.

3. I'm reading it, and I love it so far!

It only takes a minute of your time guys! :)

Review: Clean by Amy Reed

Book: Clean by Amy Reed
Imprint: Simon Pulse
ISBN: 1-4424-1344-1
Pages: 288
Spoiler Free: Yes
Rating: 5 Stars

Summary: You’re probably wondering how I ended up here. I’m still wondering the same thing. Olivia, Kelly, Christopher, Jason, and Eva have one thing in common: They’re addicts. Addicts who have hit rock bottom and been stuck together in rehab to face their problems, face sobriety, and face themselves. None of them wants to be there. None of them wants to confront the truths about their pasts. And they certainly don’t want to share their darkest secrets and most desperate fears with a room of strangers. But they’ll all have to deal with themselves and one another if they want to learn how to live. Because when you get that high, there’s nowhere to go but down, down, down.

A raw and powerful novel with fascinating yet deep characters, Amy Reed does not disappoint. Clean is a thoroughly enjoyable book, which I devoured within a day.

When I was reading this book, the way it was set up was one of my favorite aspects of it. The chapters divided up into "Drug & Alcohol History Questionnaire", "Group", "Personal Essay", and chapters written either in Christopher's or Kelly's perspective. It was really interesting to read each of the characters' back story, as each of the story they had to tell was genuine and real. I loved all the characters in this book, and how each of them developed throughout the novel. Each character was their own individual and unique.

The way Amy writes is really gorgeous. Her prose is very simple to understand, yet there's something I can't explain that draws me into it. The ending wrapped up quite nicely, much to my liking. After reading this book, I became an addict myself... an addict to Amy Reed! I'll be looking into reading her other novel, Beautiful, which sounds just as good as well.

I recommend this book to everyone who likes contemporary, realistic novels. It's very mature, so I'd suggest it for teens 16 and up because of the frequent cussing and such throughout the book. However, if you can handle reading these kinds of books and you're younger, then by all means, go ahead and read this book. You won't be disappointed. I know I wasn't.

Follow Friday + Book Blogger Hop (3)

Hosted at Parajunkee

This week's question at Parajunkee's View:

Q: Talk about a book that most changed or influenced your life (was it a book that turned you from an average reader to an avid reader, did it help you deal with a particular difficult situation, does it bring you comfort every time you read it)?

Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer and Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. Hands down! They both made me realize that I shouldn't take life for granted as it could be changed in an instance.

Hosted at Crazy for Books

This week's question at Crazy for Books:


Q: What is the one ARC you are dying to get your hands on right now?


Ahhhh, the list is endless! I guess if I HAD to choose one, it would probably be The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe. I'm not sure if ARCs are out yet, but I do want to snag one ^_^ ♥

It starts with an itch you just can't shake. Then comes a fever and a tickle in your throat. A few days later, you'll be blabbing your secrets and chatting with strangers like they’re old friends. Three more, and the paranoid hallucinations kick in.
And then you're dead.
When a deadly virus begins to sweep through sixteen-year-old Kaelyn’s community, the government quarantines her island—no one can leave, and no one can come back.
Those still healthy must fight for dwindling supplies, or lose all chance of survival. As everything familiar comes crashing down, Kaelyn joins forces with a former rival and discovers a new love in the midst of heartbreak. When the virus starts to rob her of friends and family, she clings to the belief that there must be a way to save the people she holds dearest.
Because how will she go on if there isn't?
Megan Crewe crafts a powerful and gripping exploration of self-preservation, first love, and hope. Poignant and dizzying, this heart-wrenching story of one girl’s bravery and unbeatable spirit will leave readers fervently awaiting the next book in this standout new series.

Doesn't this sound awesome?! Dystopian, first love, ohmahgawwsshh.

Did you guys do this memes too? Leave a link and I'll stop by your blog! :)

Guest Post: Mary Ting, Author of Crossroads

Today, Mary Ting, author of Crossroads, will be guest posting on my blog! Don't forget to vote on the 7th for her book, Crossroads, at See It or Read It just 'cause it looks so darn amazing! I'm reading it right now and it's reeealllly good. See how I emphasized "really"? It's that awesome.

Take it away, Mary!

I started writing Crossroads after my grandmother passed away about 3 years ago.  When these characters came to life in my mind, along with the character Gamma, inspired by my grandmother, it was a way for me to heal.  I decided to start from a dream I had in high school, chapter one.  Chapter two is also based on my dream as well.  I didn’t think I would have much to write about, but when I made Claudia to be more like me, it was easy.  Her first car, her first job, her first experience at camping and her grandmother having a stroke was all part of me.  Too bad Michael wasn’t real…lol!!! 

Though I was busy with work, being a wife, a mother, and PTA president, I would always find time to write, even if that meant typing while I was cooking or brushing my teeth.    Crossroads was written for a fast, fun reading with likable characters.  Many have emailed me to let me know how Crossroads has helped them escaped from their everyday stress.  Also, how they’ve connected to this book because of chapter one, having a loved one passed away from a drunk driver.I took on a journey not knowing how rewarding it would be for me. I’ve meet so many wonderful people from all over the world through facebook, goodreads and blog sites.  I’ve made everlasting friendship where friendship knows no boundaries.  And I have to thank my grandmother who continues to watch over me from Heaven.       

Thanks Mary for being here today! What did you guys think of her guest post?

Monster Review-a-Thon

Okay, so the two lovely ladies at Book Monsters (Kate and Kristen) are holding a monster review-a-thon! The title says it all. The goal is to review as much books as you can from August 7-13. For more information, check it out at their site!

This idea sounds really awesome since lately, I think I've been bombarding my blog with memes and interviews (bllaaaahhh!) and I need more reviews on it! This review-a-thon is the perfect thing to get me hyped up and post reviews like crazy on this blog! This baby needs some book review lovin'!

I don't really know what books I'll be reviewing for the review-a-thon, but I'll be trying my best! It seems super fun, and there's challenges and prizes and more ^_^

Will you guys be signing up for this too? Is this idea a yay or a nay? 

Aug. Blow Out Summer Blog Hop GIVEAWAYS (Week 1)

Hello everyone and welcome to the August's Blowout Summer Blog Hop!

This is the first week and our representatives and authors are hard at work promoting their books so we won't be doing much this week but that doesn't mean we won't have fun!

Today, we'll be talking about the first week, which is mainly... GIVEAWAYS! (insert squeals!) All giveaways are international~

READ 'N' REVIEW Contest! Mon-Thurs! (Aug 1st- 4th Only)

(ENTRIES BEFORE MONDAY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED)

Enter this contest to win:

Win a copy of this! 

Enter a world of fierce wolves, stunning magic and romance... Existing in the shadows of our world are supernatural races; children blessed by the ancient Greek gods with unimaginable gifts, and at present they are fighting a two-thousand-year old war with one another. The Midnight Coven, an alliance of dark magiks, faeries, and daemons born of black magik, believe that the vampyres and lykans are lesser supernaturals and a threat to mankind. They are at war with the Daylight Coven, a confederate of light magiks, faeries, vampyres and lykans who believe in the equality of the races. Into this war seventeen-year-old Caia Ribeiro is born...a lykan with a heritage unlike any other. A heritage that, whether she wants it to or not, will put her into the very heart of battle...

Quick thoughts on Moon Spell: The cover is so pretty! And this sounds so awesome! I want my own copy already, hehehe. The fantasy in this world sounds amazing already ^.^

Win a copy of this!

Eden is a Soul Eater. While that hasn’t meant much to her in the past, she’s pretty sure any minute now she’s going to go all "Carrie" on her eleventh grade class. 
Noah is an Ankh. As an immortal Warrior, his purpose in life is to hunt down and kill Soul Eaters. 
Eden is Noah’s next assignment. Problem is… this is an assignment with a difference. Eden’s not your average, run of the mill, Soul Eater. 
Noah’s job? To test Eden for possible redemption. 
It’s a risky business, especially if Noah awakens Eden’s inner monster. 
It would be kind of hard for Eden to listen to the angel on her shoulder when the devil on the other is telling her, her new best friend is a lying, scheming, immortal enemy... 
Betrayal is such a bitch, and so is Eden when you get on her bad side. 

Quick thoughts on Blood Will Tell: *squeals* I need this book! It sounds sooo good! 

Win three copies of this!

Spanning over centuries to the present day, this is a story about love, loss and betrayal. The horrifying discovery  is that nothing is as it seems when there is nowhere left to run & letting go is your only choice. 
Nine hundred years ago, under the complete cover of darkness, the Grigorian army rose silently from their underground lair and attacked the Bulguardian Royal Palace. The bloody and violent battle between the two most legendary houses raged on. All but destroying the majestic Royal City of Altair. It was not the first war that Juliette had endured between good and evil. And it most certainly would not be her last. 
Today,  a little girl's world is turned upside down by a visitor, the Angel of Death.  She finds herself trapped in a nightmare, consumed by her paralyzing loss and overwhelming grief. The haunting visions and untimely deaths of others are a constant reminder that life and death are only a heartbeat away. She eventually befriends the unusual little girl who moves in next door with captivating violet eyes and a profound knowledge of things that far exceeds her tender years. A saga crossing over two worlds. Two souls being drawn precariously together over the centuries. When your destiny has been written in blood, and you are left with one burning question. Is your Guardian Angel from Heaven or Hell?

 Quick thoughts on Paradox: It sounds really interesting. I may look into it... Hmm. ^_^

Here is how you enter to win one of these awesome sauce copies:

1) Submit a review for one of our nominees and post it on your blog, Goodreads, B&N,etc:

(see nominees HERE)

2) Submit fan art from one of the nominees (draw a picture using the computer of one of your favourite characters)

(see nominees HERE)

3) If you haven't read any of the nominees write about one you WANT to read and explain why.

(see nominees HERE)

Fill out the form HERE! Good luck guys, and have fun!

And don't forget to enter now at my interviewed blogger's giveaway for a chance to win a $10 Amazon or Book Depo Gift Card!

What are your guys' thoughts on this? Yay or nay?