Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Waiting On Wednesday #29


Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout 
Publication Date: April 15th, 2014
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Amazon/Barnes and Noble
Samantha is a stranger in her own life. Until the night she disappeared with her best friend, Cassie, everyone said Sam had it all-popularity, wealth, and a dream boyfriend.

Sam has resurfaced, but she has no recollection of who she was or what happened to her that night. As she tries to piece together her life from before, she realizes it's one she no longer wants any part of. The old Sam took "mean girl" to a whole new level, and it's clear she and Cassie were more like best enemies. Sam is pretty sure that losing her memories is like winning the lottery. She's getting a second chance at being a better daughter, sister, and friend, and she's falling hard for Carson Ortiz, a boy who has always looked out for her-even if the old Sam treated him like trash.

But Cassie is still missing, and the facts about what happened to her that night isn't just buried deep inside of Sam's memory-someone else knows, someone who wants to make sure Sam stays quiet. All Sam wants is the truth, and if she can unlock her clouded memories of that fateful night, she can finally move on. But what if not remembering is the only thing keeping Sam alive?
Well, there are so many reasons I am waiting for Don't Look Back! The primary reason is that Jennifer L. Armentrout has written other books I love. Also, I am curious about how the cover relates to the book, and the synopsis had me watering for more.

What are you waiting on this week?
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Sunday, November 3, 2013

Review: Poison Dance

Poison Dance by Livia Blackburne
Publication Date: September 12th, 2013
Genre: High Fantasy
Source: Received for free in exchange for an honest review
Amazon/Barnes and Noble
James is skilled, efficient, and deadly, a hired blade navigating the shifting alliances of a deteriorating Assassin’s Guild. Then he meets Thalia, an alluring but troubled dancing girl who offers him a way out—if he’ll help her kill a powerful nobleman. With the Guild falling apart, it just might be worth the risk. But when you live, breathe, and love in a world that’s forever flirting with death, the slightest misstep can be poison.




Wow! Poison Dance was an amazing novella that left me salivating for Midnight Thief. The story is one you don't want to miss!

For those of you just hearing about this novella, Poison Dance is a novella surrounding James, a supporting character in the upcoming Midnight Thief. Also note, the novel Midnight Thief will be published by Disney-Hyperion in Summer 2014, so you can read this novella now to excite you about the release and get a early look into the world Livia Blackburne has created.

High Fantasy is my absolute favorite genre, earning itself the position after I devoured Tamora Pierce and Jessica Day George's many series, so needless to say, I had high expectations. Thankfully, my flying hopes were met. James's story was powerful, intriguing, and a great introduction to this new world.

Within the mere 54 pages, I actually felt like I connected to James, Thalia, and the rest of the cast. James had this cool and fascinating demeanor... I immediately wanted to know his story and secrets! Thalia was a very well written character, with her air of confidence and determination to murder a certain nobleman.

There is never a dull moment. Within the Assassin's Guild, many things are happening. Thalia is plotting a murder, James is teaching her, and there is a new leader that may just make James' and his friends lives more complicated.

You would think a novella, being a good but shorter than a 350 page book, wouldn't leave much of an impact on you. Wrong. By the end of Poison Dance, I definitely was filled with emotion, and I will report that the author ends James's story with a bang.

Overall, the superb world building, characters, amazing ending, dialogue, and writing in Poison Dance makes this novella a satisfying read. I know that myself and many others are anxiously awaiting Midnight Thief. Who wouldn't be counting the days 'till Midnight Thief after reading Poison Dance?

4.5/5 Stars (rounded up to five!)

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Thanks for checking out the review! 
Happy Reading!

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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!