Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Unravel: Promo Post + Giveaway



Unravel (Linked #2) by Imogen Howson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Release Date: July 8th 2014
Untold dangers await telepathic twins in this sequel to the futuristic, romantic thriller called classic sci-fi, space-travel adventure at its best. After Elissa and Lin exposed the government's secret experiments in Linked, which Booklist called a roller-coaster ride into space that just about everyone should enjoy, their home planet Sekoia is thrown into chaos. Determined to do their part to help the planet they've hurt, they return to Sekoia only to discover that things are far worse that they imagined. Resources are suddenly scarce, people are scared, and there's a rising current of anger against the Spares. When Lissa and Lin find themselves among another group of Spares and twins, they feel like they've found their kindred spirits at last. But a threat none of them could have expected is lying in wait for Sekoia's Spares. 



Follow the FFBC Unravel Blog Tour and don't miss anything! Click on the banner to see the tour schedule.



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As a child, I loved reading so much that I not only read in bed, at the table and in the bath, but in the shower and – not so successfully – on my bicycle.

I enjoyed books in a slightly unorthodox way, too – many of my childhood books have ragged edges where I tore paper from the margins in order to eat it.

I wrote my first book at eight. It was entitled The Dragon in the Teapot and would probably have been a huge hit if I hadn’t lost the only copy on a family day out.

Some years later, armed with several different types of backups, I’m busy writing romantic science fiction and fantasy for young adults and adults.

I live with my partner, our two teenage daughters, and three cats, near Sherwood Forest in England. I’m a Christian, a feminist, and a lover of cheese, chocolate, stationery shops and eighties pop music. I still read in most places, but I no longer eat paper.


Win (1) of (2) hardbacks of Unravel by Imogen Howson (INT)







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Waiting On Wednesday #37

Hosted by Breaking the Spine

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Publication Date: March 26th, 2015
Genre: YA Fantasy
Mare Barrow’s world is divided by blood—those with red and those with silver. Mare and her family are lowly Reds, destined to serve the Silver elite whose supernatural abilities make them nearly gods. Mare steals what she can to help her family survive, but when her best friend is conscripted into the army, she gambles everything to win his freedom. A twist of fate leads her to the royal palace itself where, in front of the king and all his nobles, she discovers a superhuman ability she didn’t know she had.

Except . . . her blood is Red.

To hide this impossibility, the king forces her into the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his own sons. As Mare is drawn further into the Silver world, she risks her new position to aid the Scarlet Guard—the leaders of a budding Red rebellion. Her actions put into motion a deadly and violent dance, pitting prince against prince and Mare against her own heart. 
Not only is this cover gorgeous, the synopsis is right up my alley. Supernatural abilities, royal palaces, and rebellions. Sounds intriguing! However, I simply can't believe I have to wait so long to read Red Queen! March 2015 is forever away!
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Review: The Art of Lainey



The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes
Publication Date: May 20th, 2014
Genre: YA Contemporary
Source: Won from a giveaway
Soccer star Lainey Mitchell is gearing up to spend an epic summer with her amazing boyfriend, Jason, when he suddenly breaks up with her—no reasons, no warning, and in public no less! Lainey is more than crushed, but with help from her friend Bianca, she resolves to do whatever it takes to get Jason back.

And that’s when the girls stumble across a copy of The Art of War. With just one glance, they're sure they can use the book to lure Jason back into Lainey’s arms. So Lainey channels her inner warlord, recruiting spies to gather intel and persuading her coworker Micah to pose as her new boyfriend to make Jason jealous. After a few "dates", it looks like her plan is going to work! But now her relationship with Micah is starting to feel like more than just a game.

What's a girl to do when what she wants is totally different from what she needs? How do you figure out the person you're meant to be with if you're still figuring out the person you're meant to be? 
The Art of Lainey was a cute, fun read that I devoured. I am officially a fan of Paula Stokes! And, if you are looking for the perfect summer contemporary, I'd say The Art of Lainey is exactly what you need. Now, shoo, go to your nearest bookstore and pick it up!

You're still here???

Ahh, I see. You're not easily convinced. Well, let me show you that I'm right!

Well, first we have the main character, Lainey. She is not your usual cookie-cutter YA protaganist. Nope, she's a real human, flaws and all. However, despite Lainey's human-like qualities, I still loved her! (Shocking, I know.) She is funny, real, and has character growth! By the way, character growth is pure magic in my book. I love it!

Also, we have a healthy friendship! Lainey and her BFF, Bianca, are just perfect together. They support each other and have lots of fun! I'm always glad to see awesome friendships. I have two best friends. We hang out all the time without drama, backstabbing, or any of the bad friendship stuff that is constantly portrayed in the media. Let's issue a round of applause for positive portrayals of best friends! Also, I'll note that there's one friendship that isn't so healthy. However, it a very realistic type of friendship that I see often in real life.

Finally, we have the AMAZING romance. Micah and Lainey are just the most awesome couple. They had me giggling, swooning, and shipping like crazy. Now, let's broach the topic of Micah. I was pleasantly surprised by his characterization! He has tattoos, a mohawk, isn't exactly one of the popular jocks, and loves to cook! (And, psst, he's secretly a really nice, sweet guy! Just don't tell anyone!) Also, he has an awesome little sister.

Overall, this book is a total winner! Now, I repeat my message: "Shoo! Go to your nearest bookstore and pick The Art of Lainey up!" And, if you have already read this little cupcake, I award you a gold medal. You're welcome. (Also, I am aware this is a strange review. In my defense, I wrote this at midnight.) Thanks for reading!

4/5 Stars

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Monday, June 30, 2014

Cover Madness Giveaway Hop

I participated in this hop last year and had a ball! Pretty covers are just a blast aren't they?

So, without further ado, here are some pretty awesome covers I have found this month! The winner will get a choice between a pre-order of a print copy from the book depository or a pre-order of the ebook. Good luck!

Important: If a book below is part of a series, you can opt to win the first/second/third book instead!


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Rules 
You must be 13 or older 
No Cheating!
US & International
(As long as the book deposistory ships to your country)

-Emily :)
Now look through all the other awesome blogs participating! They all have epic books featured to win!


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Friday, June 27, 2014

Stacking the Shelves #27



Hosted by Tynga's Reviews!

My week's haul is huge and exciting! I've already read 6 of the books and they were were all amazing! I hope y'all had a great week :)


Bought:

17 First Kisses by Racheal Allen
Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kennealy
Heaven's Queen by Rachel Bach
Open Road Summer by Emery Lord
Broken Hearts, Fences, and 
Other Things to Mend by Katie Finn

Love Letters To The Dead by Ava Dellaira
Wither, Fever, Sever by Lauren DeStefano

Won/For Review:


Otherbound by Corrine Duyvis
The Jewel by Amy Ewing
#Scandal by Sarah Ockler

Happy Reading! Thanks For Stopping By!

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

The YA Prom


This event is hosted by Queen Ella Bee Reads and Alexa Loves Books! I'm so excited! If you aren't already familiar with the YA Prom check out this post!

So, of course, the first thing that needs to be sorted out is my date. So, the lucky guy will be *drum roll* Archer Cross from Hex Hall! (Sorry Sophie for stealing your boyfriend!)

Then, I need an amazing dress, obviously! I searched Pinterest until I found the perfect dress... this pink, misty one with an amazing skirt! Then, I'll add on some fun ear cuffs and an opal ring!

Also, I'm always hesitant about using unknown Pinterest pictures on my blog so I'll just leave the internet links! 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/302726406173942143/- The Dress
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/302726406175279488/- The Ear Cuffs
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/127789708150489367/- Opal Ring

Have fun at Prom everyone! Tonight will be even more delightful than normal prom, because it is YA style!!!
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Review: Deep Blue



Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly
Publication Date: May 6th, 2014
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
The first in a series of four epic tales set in the depths of the ocean, where six mermaids seek to protect and save their hidden world.

Deep in the ocean, in a world not so different from our own, live the merpeople. Their communities are spread throughout the oceans, seas, and freshwaters all over the globe.

When Serafina, a mermaid of the Mediterranean Sea, awakens on the morning of her betrothal, her biggest worry should be winning the love of handsome Prince Mahdi. And yet Sera finds herself haunted by strange dreams that foretell the return of an ancient evil. Her dark premonitions are confirmed when an assassin's arrow poisons Sera's mother. Now, Serafina must embark on a quest to find the assassin's master and prevent a war between the Mer nations. Led only by her shadowy dreams, Sera searches for five other mermaid heroines who are scattered across the six seas. Together, they will form an unbreakable bond of sisterhood and uncover a conspiracy that threatens their world's very existence. 
*I received this book for free from the publisher. However, all thoughts and opinions in this review are completely my own.*

Deep Blue is a clever, vivid, and adventurous read! I can already tell that the Waterfire Saga is going to be an epic ride. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to fellow book-lovers!

Going in, I expected to really enjoy the novel since I loved Jennifer Donnelly’s previous works. Fortunately, my expectations were met, although I have to say comparing A Northern Light to Deep Blue is quite hard. The characters, plot, setting, and even tones of these two novels are extremely different. However, both are blessed with Donnelly’s wonderful writing! I absolutely loved her descriptions of mermaid life and customs.

The mermaids in Deep Blue are diverse and a lot of fun! I adored all the strong female characters. All of them are wonderful! That said, my favorite character would have to be Neela, Serafina’s bioluminescent best friend! However, I also really liked Serafina, and, in the beginning, Serafina's mother. 

I liked how this first book had minimal (basically zero) romance. The book focuses on Serafina’s quest and introducing us to the undersea world of mermaids! On that note, since Deep Blue is the first book in the series, it is basically an introduction to the entire setting, plot, etc. As a result of Deep Blue being an intro, I felt I lacked a strong connection to the characters. However, as I read future books, I hope that the characters will experience more character growth and I’ll be more invested in their stories.

The number one thing I enjoyed about Deep Blue was Donnelly’s creativity. All the magic, singing, mermaid treats, river witches, and pretty ocean descriptions enthralled me. Also, I love all the fun mermaid words and exclamations such as merlfriend, currensea, and “Great Goddess Neria!”. 

Overall, Deep Blue was a fun book filled with strong female protagonists and awesome details about mermaid life under the sea! I would say this novel would entertain both YA and MG readers.


3.5/5 Stars (Rounded up to 4)

Happy Reading!
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