Thursday, October 31, 2013

Blog Tour: Daughter of Isis (Review + Giveaway)

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Today I bring you a review and a giveaway concerning Daughter of Isis by Kelsey Ketch! For more awesome content on this Egyptian mythology based tale, check out the full tour schedule!


 photo daughterofisis_zpsb8b149d3.jpgPublication Date: October 26h, 2013
Genre: Upper YA/ Mythology
Amazon/Barnes and Noble
The last thing Natara “Natti” Stone wants to do is to start anew at Setemple High School. She wished she had never left London. Yet the brutal murder of her maternal grandmother has made her life very complicated. The only clue related to her murder is an ancient, encrypted necklace Natti discovered after her grandmother’s death. And if trying to adjust to American life is not enough, Natti is being stalked by a mysterious, charming high school senior, Seth O’Keefe, who is annoyingly persistent in his attempts at seduction.

Seth O’Keefe is secretly a member of the Sons of Set, an order that worships the Egyptian god of chaos. Seth’s blessing from Set, his “charm,” never failed, except with one person: Natti Stone. Her ability to elude him infatuates and infuriates him, and he becomes obsessed with the chase. But the closer he gets to her, the more his emotions take a dangerous turn, and he risks breaking one of the most valued covenants of his order. The punishment for which is a fate worse than death.

The adventure this unlikely couple becomes engulfed in could cost them their lives and their souls.
Review:

Daughter of Isis was an addicting and enthralling read brimming with Egyptian mythology. I was pulled into the story after simply reading a page. Also, I was surprised that Daughter of Isis turned out to be very dark and unique!

The premise surrounds Natti and Seth. Natti has just moved to a new town, and it seems like a group of powerful, mean boys have a lot of control over the people. Thankfully, Natti sees the actions of the group as wrong, unlike the rest of the town who seem (magically?) oblivious to all the chaos.

To be honest, I wasn't expecting this book to be so... dark. There is enslavement, sacrifice of the human variety, and other old traditions that sickened me. However, I am pretty sure the author meant for the reader to feel the ways I just stated. It was part of the main points/plots of the book.

Unfortunately, I did not like Seth, except for maybe at the end. In the beginning, he is a terrible person, although that can easily be blamed on his dad. Also, there is a magical force that is often described in Seth that hungers for power. I think that if he had different parents and culture, he would have been a good person to begin with. I hope that he turns out to be a very awesome person in the next book.

I loved all the Egyptian mythology incorporated into Natti's story. I have always been a fan of myths, although I normally read about the descendants of Greece,  not Egypt, which is a good change of pace.

Now, I will mention the characters I hate and love. Well, who do I hate? Seth's dad wins the prize here. He is a cold, manipulative, and totally despicable. Ketch knows how to create a villain! And, actually, I disliked almost all of the Sons of Set. Although, you can expect to loathe them just from their title. Set is a big, bad, evil god after all! I will warn you that the author is very forward and blunt about all terrible customs of the bad guys. I loved the character of Wanda, Natti's sweet friend she meets at her new school. Wanda lightened the book up for me!

Overall, for me, the book wasn't about the "romance". Which, to me, felt more like a chase on Seth's part. It wasn't until the end that Seth even realized how he really felt for Natti! The aspects that enthralled me were the mystery, mythology, and egyptian customs. I am, however, looking forward to seeing Seth in the next book, and he better kick his dad's butt!

4/5 Stars

The Giveaways:
2 E-copies of Daughter of Isis (mobi or epub) + Swag (INT)  
2 Natti Prize Packs (US Only): Signed Paperback Copy of Daughter of Isis, Union Jack Journal, Grey Tabby Cat Beanbag, Eye of Horus Pendant, + Swag 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

YA Bound Book Tours
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Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #28


Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman

Publication Date: April 22nd, 2014
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction
Amazon/Barnes and Noble
Obey. Smile when Hitler comes closer. And never, never question him.

These are the three rules in seventeen-year-old Nazi Gretchen Müller's life. They've kept her safe since Papa died, protecting old family friend Adolf Hitler during a street fight years ago. Until the night in 1931 when Gretchen meets a young, fearless Jewish reporter she's supposed to despise. But she can't stop herself from listening to his story -- that her father, the adored martyr, was actually murdered. Together, Gretchen and the reporter vow to do whatever it takes to uncover the truth. Even if it means breaking all of Hitler's rules. Especially the most important one of all: don't fall in love with the enemy...

I have been interested in World War 2 and the reign of Hitler since I read The Book Thief. I hope The Prisoner of Night and Fog delivers!

What are you waiting on this week?
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Monday, October 28, 2013

Review + Giveaway: Dreamer

Dreamer by Nicole Thomas

Publication Date: October 28th, 2013
Genre: YA Fiction
Amazon/Barnes and Noble
Someone is using Anna’s dreams as a weapon, and so far, they’ve gotten away with murder. Anna isn’t quite sure why those closest to her die when she dreams, but it’s enough to turn this teenager off REM sleep and relationships for good. She has more than enough blood on her hands without boys crushing on her and getting buried six feet underground as a result.

As of right now, Anna’s plan to avoid relationships with anyone outside her family has gone off without a hitch. And if it weren’t for her classmate, Liam, she would’ve continued to do so. Liam’s successfully flown under her social radar, and if he wants to avoid having his obituary in the local newspaper, he'd keep it that way. But when he confides in Anna and tells her he has dreams as well, he becomes an exception to the rule.

Okay, so his dreams might not be as dangerous, but it turns out his mother's were. Liam's mom is missing. His mom just turned eighteen when she fell completely off the grid, and Anna could be next.

Review:
Dreamer was a delightful read! Not only was I easily immersed into Anna and Liam's story, I also was rooting for both characters the entire time. This book is perfect for readers looking for a quick and creative novel with a easy-to-read writing style and a real cool ending!

The book starts off with introducing us to to the dark world of Anna who lives in fear that she will hurt those closest to her. Liam has never known such a fear, but he does know that his mother vanished because of the dreams. How can the start not intrigue you?

Anna and Liam, as stated above, were both amazing characters. In my interview with Nicole, she stated that Anna was originally written in third person. I am very glad that Nicole changed the viewpoint to first person as I loved, loved, loved reading through Anna's perspective. I felt like she a relatable yet dark character. Who can blame her with her past? I am ever so glad that I am not a dreamer!

Then, we had Liam. Personally, I felt like Liam was a pretty awesome character. His chapters were distinctly different than Anna's, which I felt compelled to point out after all the controversy about a certain book's (Allegiant's) changing POVs that were confusing and blended together. The voice of Liam was considerably brighter than Anna's and I always knew who was narrating. I feel like the quote below sums up Liam perfectly and I also must add that he has some pretty humorous lines. Here is Liam in Nicole's words:

"Liam is a very unique individual... He compliments Anna's darker scenes with ones that give readers a chance to digest what's just happened. I also adore his personality."

Now, I must compliment the utter brilliance of the ideas presented in Dreamer. The author's creativity is astounding and the idea of Dreamers intrigued me from the very beginning. Also, the action and revelations just keep on coming, so the reader is never bored. I especially liked the ending. I am anxiously awaiting the next book! If Dreamer sounds up your alley, you should most definitely pick it up today. October 28th is indeed the release date!


4/5 Stars


Giveaway!
Enter to win two e-copies of Dreamer :D

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for reading! 
Check out my amazing interview with Nicole here!

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Sunday, October 27, 2013

Blog Tour: Unchosen

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Unchosen by Michelle Vail (Reaper Diaries #2)

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(The Reaper Diaries #2) 
Genres: Horror, Young Adult, Fantasy
Amazon/Book Depository

I thought the worst of my reaper training was behind me… turns out I was wrong. Dead wrong. 

Molly Bartolucci has done a lot of growing up but after being accused of using illegal magic at her school for necromancers, reaper-in-training Molly is treading lightly. As the destined leader of Anubis’s Chosen, she needs to study hard, train harder, and stay out of trouble. 

Uh, right. 

It doesn’t help that she’s feeling more than academic about her melt-your-bones hot reaping instructor, Rath. And if her relationship drama isn’t enough to drive her over the edge, she has to deal with mother issues, nosy little sisters, suspicious friends, and an unnamed force stalking her at school. 

Then her family is attacked, and her bio-dad ends up comatose in the hospital. Now, Molly has to uncover who’s trying to hurt her loved ones—and all without the help of Anubis.






Rafflecopter giveaway


Win (1) $20 Amazon Gift Card (INT)

The giveaway is international.

Thanks for Reading!

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Friday, October 25, 2013

Pick a Book of your Choice: New Blog Design Giveaway!


Look, the new design by Lea Christine Designs is up! Isn't Reader Rising's fresh look amazing? To celebrate this epic design, I am hosting a giveaway! (Also, this giveaway is also in celebration of reaching 500 bloglovin followers!)

The theme of Reader Rising is now Bows and Arrows. Lea even created me an awesome rating system of stars with arrows through them! Also, note the amazing header, favicon, grab button, and just, well, everything!






In preparation for the New Design Giveaway, I scoured my shelves and found these extra books that I hope you will love!

The winner gets to pick one of the books below, and please note that Between The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is featured because the book is signed by the author! How awesome is that?



What book would you choose?

Rules 
You must be 13 or older 
This should be kinda obvious, please don't cheat! 
US Only :(
I'm sorry, but I don't have the money to ship across the world!

Also, note that I do not know how many winners there will be, there is only one for now but if I reach 800 bloglovin' followers (my goal!) by the end of the giveaway I will add in a few other lucky winners!



a Rafflecopter giveaway
Lea Christine Designs
Go check out Lea Christine Designs!
Lea's designs are amazing and you should most definitely check the site out!

Good Luck! Thanks for Reading!

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Review: In Time

In Time by Alexandra Bracken
Publication Date:
The Darkest Minds #1.5
Amazon/Barnes and Noble
Gabe’s life has been devastated in the wake of the economic crash. The only option left for someone like him to escape his tragic past is to leave his small town behind and to attempt to become a skip tracer. This already almost impossible task is made all the more difficult by his first score, a young girl who won’t speak, but who changes his life in ways he could never imagine.





I always love picking up novellas, but I am rarely left feeling as I do. How do I feel? Well, I could give you a long list. A very, very long list. I feel shocked and emotionally drained. I feel that hollowness you feel after reading an amazing, soul sucking read. My mind keeps on coming back to this novella and its contents. There are many ideas presented here and many characters, old and new.

There will be no spoilers in this review, not even for the first book, The Darkest Minds. I promise. Spoilers would ruin the novella. In Time starts off with introducing us to Gabe. Gabe shows us that everyone was effected by the epidemic of dying and supernatural kids. He is now living in a total dump of America and feels as if he has no other option than to become a skip tracer, a hunter who brings in supernatural kids for a reward. There is a lack of gas, food, and people are becoming more savage everyday.

In Time, while intense, was also very heartwarming. You get to know the poor kids impacted by the "disease" and I felt so much sympathy for them. What is even more amazing is the fact that some still remain strong and kind despite all the terrible events and trials they have undergone. Also, the reader gets to see Gabe's changes as he meets the kids. My heart just kept on melting throughout the entire novella. And then the ending happened...

 Overall, I must say I found In Time's whole new view of the world intriguing and terrifying. Everyone is suffering from the turn of events that had children doing strange things. This heart wrencing novella is a must read for anyone reading The Darkest Minds trilogy. You get important info on the new world and information on what's up with old characters, or as I say, old friends.

4.5/5 Stars
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And don't miss the first and second in the trilogy,

Thanks for reading the review!

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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #27


The Treatment by Suzanne Young
Publication Date:
Genre: YA Dystopian
The Program #2
Amzon/Barnes and Noble
Can Sloane and James survive the lies and secrets surrounding them, or will The Program claim them in the end? Find out in this sequel to The Program, which Publishers Weekly called “chilling and suspenseful.”
How do you stop an epidemic?

Sloane and James are on the run after barely surviving the suicide epidemic and The Program. But they’re not out of danger. Huge pieces of their memories are still missing, and although Sloane and James have found their way back to each other, The Program isn’t ready to let them go.

Escaping with a group of troubled rebels, Sloane and James will have to figure out who they can trust, and how to take down The Program. But for as far as they’ve come, there’s still a lot Sloane and James can’t remember. The key to unlocking their past lies with the Treatment—a pill that can bring back forgotten memories, but at a high cost. And there’s only one dose.

Ultimately when the stakes are at their highest, can Sloane and James survive the many lies and secrets surrounding them, or will The Program claim them in the end?

I am waiting on The Treatment! The first book, The Program, was so awesome. Also, did you see the cover of The Treatment? Look closely and you will see shadows, reflections, and eyes. I am so excited for this to release! The revealing of the cover made my day.



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Monday, October 21, 2013

The Updates!



I love lists! So, what better form to bring you guys updates than in a list?

The List: The Happenings of Reader Rising


1. The blog got a new design. Did you notice?  There will be a more official post about the design soon! The amazing Lea Christine created Reader Rising's new look and I love it so much!

2. I hit the 500 follower mark on Bloglovin. Yay! I am very, very thankful to everyone who reads the blog!

3. You may notice I have Facebook and Twitter social icons on the blog now... yet they don't seem to bring you to my accounts. Well, that is because I don't have accounts yet. I will soon though, never fear!

4. Yes, there will be a giveaway soon with the new design, and the 500 followers!

Recent Posts/Giveaways

Review: The Faerie War
Interview: Nicole Thomas
Bookish Survey: Cast a Harry Potter Spell!

October New Release Giveaway
Happy Birthday Sadie + giveaway

And now I will leave you with the lovely and brand new signature. Thanks for reading!!!

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Sunday, October 20, 2013

Review: The Faerie War

The Faerie War by Rachel Morgan
Publication Date: October 21, 2013
Genre: YA Fantasy
Creepy Hollow #3
Amazon/Barnes and Noble
The fate of the fae world is in her hands ...

Violet Fairdale is in big trouble. Her home is gone, her beloved forest lies in ruins, the guy she gave her heart to has deserted her—and she doesn’t remember any of it. The powerful Lord Draven is taking over, brainwashing guardians into fighting for him. No one is safe from the evil spreading throughout the fae world.

As alliances are forged between the remaining free fae, Vi struggles to reclaim her identity and figure out where she belongs in this new world. When someone from her past shows up, life gets even more complicated. He brings with him a long-forgotten weapon and an ancient prophecy that places Vi at the center of the fight against Draven. With the future of the fae world at stake, can Vi carry out the prophecy’s instructions before it’s too late?

The Faerie War was absolutely amazing! I devoured it and loved every second. I am so sad it is over though. The Creepy Hollow series is one you all should be thinking of adding to your library!

The Faerie War starts off with Violet... only she is a little different. Yep, she lost her memory. Everyone is preparing to go into hiding from the mysterious being destroying Creepy Hollow. The beginning was very exciting as you are plunged straight into the world with no time to be bored! Also, lucky for us, we get the second section from Ryn's point of view. I loved reading from his perspective, especially since he is such a unique and awesome character. We all fell for him in The Faerie Prince, but I promise he will impress you even more in this conclusion!

I can not not mention the wonderful humor. I laughed and smiled countless times.  The banter between Ryn and Violet is so entertaining! Also, the readers were introduced to some awesome characters such as Em of the London Guild. She was so cool! Her job is to provide comic relief for the team, as she put it! Em perfectly balances out Fin, who is very serious and subdued. Also, we meet Jamon, a Repticilla, in the beginning. At first, he is kind of unlikable, as he has an understandable-ish grudge against Violet. Eventually I grew to really enjoy his character.

We also meet Tilly, who has an important part in the book, but I won't tell you why in fear of spoiling the book! Tilly is also a pretty awesome character who, like Em, had some pretty awesome lines. Here is one I could relate to, this is said while she is welcoming Ryn and Violet into the house: "My mom would probably say 'Please excuse the mess' but, honestly, I think it looks fine." That line made me laugh inside. (Also, that line is from my memory so it may not be the exact quote.) In the beginning, we are led to believe that Tilly might not exactly be all there upstairs. Yeah, that scene was very entertaining!

The ending was epic. My mind was blown by the excellence of the final scenes. My emotions were running high as the darkness and climax approached and the very, very last chapters were so sweet and powerful. Overall, The Faerie War is an action packed read with an amazing romance and unique characters that have a special place in my heart. I know I will reread the series again and again!

*I received this book for free in exchange for a honest review. My thoughts above are 100% honest*


4.5/5 Stars




Other Books in the Series: 
Thanks for reading!
-Emily

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Saturday, October 19, 2013

Interview: Nicole Thomas

I am here today with an interview with the lovely Nicole Thomas. Her novel, Dreamer, is releasing soon and is part of a planned trilogy. I am reading the novel right now and am really enjoying the story!


Publication Date: October 28th, 2013
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: 160
Someone is using Anna’s dreams as a weapon, and so far, they’ve gotten away with murder. Anna isn’t quite sure why those closest to her die when she dreams, but it’s enough to turn this teenager off REM sleep and relationships for good. She has more than enough blood on her hands without boys crushing on her and getting buried six feet underground as a result.

As of right now, Anna’s plan to avoid relationships with anyone outside her family has gone off without a hitch. And if it weren’t for her classmate, Liam, she would’ve continued to do so. Liam’s successfully flown under her social radar, and if he wants to avoid having his obituary in the local newspaper, he'd keep it that way. But when he confides in Anna and tells her he has dreams as well, he becomes an exception to the rule.

Okay, so his dreams might not be as dangerous, but it turns out his mother's were. Liam's mom is missing. His mom just turned eighteen when she fell completely off the grid, and Anna could be next.

----Interview with Nicole Thomas----

1. Can you describe your new book, Dreamer, in 3 words?
Parasite induced nightmares?

2. What was your first tiny piece of inspiration for Dreamer?
This is going to sound so cliche, but the first bit of inspiration I had came from one of my own dreams. It's been years, but I remember it vaguely. In the dream, there was this severe lightning storm. The thunder was really loud. At one point, I woke up, only to hear another loud crack outside our apartment along with a vibrant flash of blue light.
I literally freaked out. I was still kind of out of it, so it felt like a dream, even though it wasn't. I woke up my husband all panicked and told him something was wrong.
Turns out, one of the transformers outside our window blew. The telephone pole was on fire, and while I knew then that the dreams was influenced by what was happening in real life, I started to wonder what it would be like if it had happened in reverse. What would it be like if life mirrored our dreams?

3. Where is your favorite location to write?

At home. In fact, I'm not sure if I've ever written anywhere else. I always read about other authors writing at coffee shops to avoid distractions, but for me, being in a public space is a distraction. I like the quiet and comforts of home. I'm a very disciplined individual, so if I say I'm going to do something tomorrow, nine times out of ten (unless I'm unwell) it happens.

4. I love the way the chapters alternate points  of view between Anna and Liam! What was you favorite part about writing from the view point of Anna? Now, Liam?
Originally, Dreamer was only written from Anna's point of view in third person. However, during my first round of edits, I realized we were missing half of the picture and that we needed to be closer to the action, which is why I changed it to first person instead.
I like Anna's POV because it builds up the tension of the first book and a fair part of the series. She's our reminder of what's happened and what might be on the horizon.
Liam is a very unique individual. He tries so hard not to stalk Anna and be a pest. However, as the story goes on, he not only revels he's a dreamer as well, but he starts falling for her. He gives Dreamer the lighter scenes. There are even some laughable points. He compliments Anna's darker scenes with ones that give readers a chance to digest what's just happened. I also adore his personality.

5. What was the hardest and easiest part of writing Dreamer?
The hardest part of Dreamer as well as the rest of the series has been waiting for it to ferment. I've been known to write from the seat of my pants, but because Dreamer was influenced by a series of dreams, I've been waiting for some more of my own nightmares. I've used countless dreams as inspiration. I could've just as easily made them up, but it feels more real if I take them from personal experience.
I already know the last scenes of the series because of dreams I've been having. I've used dreams in my writing before, but never like this. Because of the basis to the Dreamerbound series, my lucid dreams are as important as ever.
I think the easiest part for me has been the addition of Liam's chapters. Once I realized he needed his own point of view in the books, I went to town. I ended up writing all of his chapters for Dreamer in the span of three or four days. I got to see him evolve more than I had originally when just writing through Anna's eyes.

6. What is your favorite color?
Purple. Love it.

7. When did you know you wanted to be an author?
Funny enough, it isn't so much I wanted to be an author but rather the fact that I cannot see myself not writing. I love to write. I've written novels, shorts, poetry and a memoir. The written word is lovely, and I envy those who can make these elaborate worlds just by writing about them. I'm hoping readers feel the same way about the world I've created for the Dreamerbound series.

8. Are you a cat or dog person (or neither)? 
Right now, we have one cat (and three rats, a tortoise, a cockatiel and a rabbit). I'd love to have a dog, but because we live an apartment, it wouldn't be fair for him/her. But once we get a bigger space, we're definitely getting a dog.

9. In a game of Truth or Dare, what option do you normally pick?
Always truth. I suck at dares as I normally wuss out. Or I get the really nasty dares that no one else wants to do.

10. What is something about yourself you always like to tell people?
I think the first thing folks realize about me when we first meet is that I'm an animal person. I'll almost always talk about my pets and family before I talk about myself (outside of author interviews, of course).

Dreamer is releasing on the 28th! Be on the lookout!
-Emily

Bookish Survey: Cast A Harry Potter Spell! Part One

Created by Flip That Page

This was such an awesome survey idea, created by Flip That Page, so I had to participate! I love Harry Potter spells, I have almost all of them memorized after years of studying to go to Hogwarts. Unfortunately, despite the intense studying I did as an 8-10 year old, I never received the Hogwarts letter. So, this is the perfect survey for me!

Also, I am separating this survey into two posts, this post is about casting the spells!

Now here is the list of spells and my answers. 

--------------------------------------------

Reparo
fixes damaged objects
A book that needs some serious fixing: Born of  Illusion by Teri Brown This novel had an outstanding premise, yet the book had boring writing and the characters were about as intriguing as cardboard boxes. (And, in the cardboards defense, at least you can slide down hills on the it. If you tried to ride Born Of Illusion down a grassy hill you would fail...)
Lumos
creates a narrow beam of light
A book that deserves more attention: The Faerie Guardian and The Faerie Prince by Rachel Morgan This series is so amazing! The characters are topnotch with a kickass female lead and Ryn, the love interest that always makes me laugh. Also, the plot is amazing with non-stop action. I don't know why the books are not well known to everyone
Nox
counters the effects of Lumos
An overhyped book: Significance by Shelly Crane I am sorry, but this was a downright terrible book... I laughed and rolled my eyes in the places I was supposed to swoon over Caleb or worry about Maggie. However, this is being made into a movie next year and the book has a 4.22 average rating on Goodreads. I can't believe it either.
Accio
summons an object from a significant distance
A book you’re anticipating: The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead The Bloodlines Series is amazing. I cannot wait for the book to release! I want more adventure, humor, action, Adrian, and the rush of my many emotions running high! These books always have me holding my breath.
Alohomora
opens unlocked doors, unless bewitched
A book you want to be more open about:Any Classic out there. Yeah, I have problems reading them. I've started around three, but I have only finished one, and that was for a reading group. Also, in high school I will have to be more open about the classics. *sigh*
Expecto Patronum
conjures an incarnation of positive feelings
A book that made you cry, or at least want to: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak I was an emotional wreck when I finished the novel. Why Mr. Zusak? Why? How could you?... Bring back the lemon haired boy! Right. Now. (I am nearly crying just thinking about the The Book Thief.)
Morsmordre
conjures the Dark Mark
A book you wish to mark as one of your favorites: The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken I loved this book, even though I initially had strong doubts whether I would enjoy the story. Alexandra blew my mind with her amazing world, characters, and writing. Also, her novella for the series, In Time, is just as good!
Petrificus Totalus
petrifies victim
A book you wish to keep forever: The Song of the Lioness quartet. Alanna's journey was one one of my first Young Adult experiences! (I was still into Middle Grade back then.) I discovered the series around 3 years ago, and I haven't stopped reading since. Also, Alanna is such an amazing protagonist and Tortall is one of my favorite fantasy settings ever!
Protego
shield charm
An intimidating book you keep putting off: Daughter of Smoke and Bone I'm so scared I won't love it like everyone else. I mean, all the praise it has gotten is intimidating! However, once I read it, I hope Daughter of Smoke and Bone will become a favorite, especially since I already bought the second book, Days of Blood and Starlight.
Riddikulus
used against a boggart
A book with a deceiving synopsis: The Book of Broken Hearts I thought this book would be about a romance like the synopsis suggests, but I found the book to be more about family and mental illness. It was better than I had hoped!
Lacarnum Inflamarae
shoots fireballs
A book you wish to burn out of your mind completely: From Ashes by Molly McAdams This was a terrible and ridiculous book. Ugh. I hated it with a fiery passion.

Wingardium Leviosa
levitates objects
A book you wish to reread: If I keep a book on my shelf, it means I wish to reread it at some point. Most of my 300 books on my shelf have at least been read twice, and will continue to be reread and reread again. One I know I will reread soon is Through the Ever Night in preparation for Into the Still Blue.
Avada Kedavra
causes instant death
Worst book EVER: Fallen by Lauren Kate I was so bored reading this. The love interest has zero personality. I am not kidding. I just remember him being broody and not talking much. Our main character, Lucy, is a little pathetic and unrelatable. The characters could have fallen off a bridge and I would have just been glad the book ended. 


So, that was part one! What do you think of this awesome survey?
-Emily

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Feature and Follow Friday #24

Hosted by Parajunkee an Alison Can Read


The Question: What are some of your favorite Magazines?


Ooh,  I have lots. Trust me. Magazines entertain me and I always enjoy seeing my subscriptions in the mailbox every month.



I love Dance Spirit, Pointe, Seventeen, and National Geographic!

Also, I like Time, especially since you get a copy every week. Sometimes I look at the American Girl catalogues because all the dolls are adorable!

Overall, I love magazines! While I definitely love books more, magazines are fun to flip through and I always like keeping interesting articles to read  and re-read or to pin onto my bulletin board. Also, I am supposed to read articles for school, so magazines are great for that too.

Do you have any favorite magazines?
-Emily

Cover Reveal: Scintillate

Today Tracy Clark and Entangled Teen are revealing the cover for book 1 in The Key of Light Trilogy, SCILTILLATE. Coming out February 2014!

On to the reveal!
Scintillate by Tracy Clark

Release Date: February 4, 2014
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pages: 320
Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble


Cora Sandoval’s mother disappeared when she was five and living in Ireland. Since then, Dad has been more than overprotective and Cora is beginning to chafe under his confines. But even more troubling is the colorful light she is suddenly seeing around people. Everyone, that is, except herself—she glows a brilliant, sparkling silver.


Troubled by these strange flickerings and fearing she is being stalked, Cora is inexplicably drawn to Finn, a gorgeous Irish exchange student who makes her feel safe. Their attraction is instant, magnetic, and primal—but her father disapproves and Finn’s mother orders him home to Ireland upon hearing he’s fallen in love. After a fight with her father, Cora flees to Ireland, both to follow Finn and to look for her missing mother.

There she meets another silver-haloed person and discovers the meaning of her newfound powers and their role in a conspiracy spanning centuries—a conspiracy that could end her life and change mankind forever.

Scintillate is the first book in this lush and exciting new trilogy, full of romance, adventure and metaphysical mystery.


                                      Exclusive Excerpt!


Finn began to play. Voices descended into a respectful hush. Soft strums of the guitar lifted and fell on shafts of daylight from the windows. A small patch of sun warmed my exposed neck as I listened. The orange beads of his bracelet flashed as he plucked the strings with slender fingers. His head hung over the guitar in reverent concentration.
His playing was amazing, sweet and peaceful. For a while I let go of how bizarre my life had become. I was entranced long before Finn closed his eyes and opened his mouth to sing. His voice was rich, smooth suede, perfectly suited for the blues: soulful and vulnerable. The kind of voice that reaches inside and squeezes what’s tender.
When he sang an Irish bar song called “The Wild Rover,” he got the entire crowd to join in on the chorus. A couple of times during his performance, his gaze fell on me and lingered as if he sang directly to me. I rested my chin on my hand, hiding my smile behind my fingers. The last song was in a language I didn’t understand, but my soul spoke that language. Deep inside, something cracked open so that a bit of my truest self could peek out. His music was bluesy and mournful, eerily familiar, and it opened my heart in locked places. A tear landed on my wrist.
When the final chord of the last song reverberated through the coffeehouse, the audience jumped to its feet and applauded wildly. The force of energy from the crowd knocked the breath out of me, making me dizzy. I dared a look at the people in the room. The colors were unbelievable! Such power. It rolled toward Finn in a wave, a tsunami in slow motion. I had the impulse to leap in front of him, to protect him from it.
My body jerked in response to the thought, and I squeezed the sides of the wooden chair, willing myself to sit still. I couldn’t trust myself and the strong urge to protect him. But from what? The big, bad colors I could see but that were invisible to everyone else? He’d think I was crazy.
Maybe I was.
A chill spidered up my spine. The man with the crazy eyes and pure white aura leaned against the brick wall a couple feet away, staring intently at me. Icy fear spiked through me, making my fingers tingle and my breath come in quick bursts. The sounds of the room fell away. My heart sped and my aura sparked as I saw the roiling ball of the crowd’s energy pass over the man and collide with Finn. But rather than crush him, the energy crashed and blended with his own bright aura, making it grow and pulse fiercely. He seemed to absorb the light until the room grew dim to my eyes.
Untouched by the energy, the strange man moved closer and closer to me. I called out to Dun, but he couldn’t hear me over the shouts and clapping. I was so small in my chair amid the standing crowd. The man and his dark eyes were all I could see. I tried to leap up to run, to grab Dun’s arm, to call for help, but my chest jerked toward the stranger as if I’d been punched in the spine. I couldn’t draw breath, couldn’t move through the thick ice of my draining energy and rising panic. I was hit in the face with a blast of air. Then, a sudden flash of white.
The world tilted sideways, and I slid off.


About Tracy:

Tracy Clark is a young-adult writer because she believes teens deserve to know how much they matter and that regardless of what they're going through, they aren't alone. In other words, she writes books for her teen self.
She grew up a "valley girl" in Southern California but now resides in her home state of Nevada with her daughter and son. She's an unapologetic dog person who is currently owned by a cat. She is the recipient of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Work in Progress Grant and a two-time participant in the prestigious Nevada SCBWI Mentor Program.
Her debut novel, SCINTILLATE, was inspired by her enchantment with metaphysics as a teen, seeing it as the real magic in life. Tracy is a part-time college student, a private pilot, and an irredeemable dreamer.


Giveaway!
1 ebook of SCINTILLATE and a charm key US Only

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What do you think of the cover? I love all the shades of blue and the title font a lot!
-Emily