Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Review: Tearing The Shroud by J.M. Bray


Title: Tearing The Shroud by J.M. Bray
Publisher: Escape Publishing
Release Date: November 1st, 2013
Genres: Fantasy, Action, Drama
Medium: Ebook, Received for Review by Author. Thanks J.M.!

Tearing The Shroud is an action-packed novel full of powerful fantasy and descriptive characters. A unique mix of gaming, inventive fantasy, action and drama, this novel is a one-of-a-kind novel that reaches new heights in the world of fantasy.

Fall in love, be possessed, hunt a sorcerer and save the world -- and Vincent thought calculus was tough.

1984 -- Vincent expected college to be about freedom and girls, but then the nightmares of sorcery, monsters and other worlds began. Not even the surprising attention from his dream girl, Julie, could shake them. Before he's even nailed his second date with Julie, he's possessed by Coleman, a warrior from another realm. Coleman is hell bent on defeating the monstrous Kafla who threatens to tear into Vincent's reality, changing both his and Coleman's worlds forever. They have one chance to stop them: Vincent must allow Coleman to share his body and wage war against the sorcerer.

Now it's up to them, the women they love, and Vincent's rag-tag bunch of role-playing and gaming friends to save the world, or see 1984 descend into the apocalypse.

The plot was fantastic. It was fast-paced, intricate, and definitely addicting. You have a mix of several different themes in this novel, which makes for an interesting mix. You have a bit of gaming taking place in this novel, which Bray describes perfectly. He makes the topic of this special gaming interesting even for those who have never experience nor read about it. He also adds in a great deal of action. There were several scenes of combat, violent fighting with unusual weapons. There was a lot of swords and knives, special instruments of combat I had never heard of. These weapons and action-packed fighting makes this novel also very desirable for male readers. A touch of romance for the ladies, an intricate plot for everyone, and fast action makes this novel an electrifying page-turner.

The characters in this novel were just as mesmerizing. Vincent by himself was an interesting perspective to read from and Coleman was just as equally fascinating. Together, they were "Vinnie" and twice as thought-provoking and exciting. He was a fighter, protector, warrior, friend, and lover. His bravery and simply personality makes it easy to connect with him, along with every other character in this novel. All the supporting characters were equally interesting, and all played major parts in the plot.

The writing was magnificent. Descriptive, imaginative, and majorly unique and original, J.M. weaves a terrific tale of believable fantasy and action. The only thing I would have liked to have seen more of is a bit more 80's theme. The novel is (for the most part) set in 1984. And since I love the 80's culture (music, clothes, tv, film, everything) I would have liked to have seen a bit more 80s culture spread out through the novel. At times, I thought the novel was set in present day time, because with the lack of 80s theme to remind me, I simply forgot it was set in the 80s. Other than that small qualm, I loved this novel and I cannot wait to read the sequel and any other works by J.M. Bray. Great imaginative story.

Also, look how awesome J.M. is for sending me this! Gahh!


Monday, March 24, 2014

ARC Review: The Mirk and Midnight Hour by Jane Nickerson


Title: The Mirk and Midnight Hour by Jane Nickerson
Publisher: Knopf
Release Date: March 11th, 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Historical, Drama
Medium: ARC Paperback via Publisher

This novel was an amazing, descriptive, richly written novel full of paranormal fantasy, sweet romance, and dramatic historical fiction. It was a romance set in the Civil War, with a slight touch of fantasy, and quickly became one of my favorite novels of the year. It was interesting, unique, and full of depth. A novel people of all ages will enjoy.

A Southern girl. A wounded soldier. A chilling force deep in the forest. All collide at night’s darkest hour.

Seventeen-year-old Violet Dancey has been left at home in Mississippi with a laudanum-addicted stepmother and love-crazed stepsister while her father fights in the war—a war that has already claimed her twin brother. 
       
When she comes across a severely injured Union soldier lying in an abandoned lodge deep in the woods, things begin to change. Thomas is the enemy—one of the men who might have killed her own brother—and yet she's drawn to him. But Violet isn't Thomas's only visitor; someone has been tending to his wounds—keeping him alive—and it becomes chillingly clear that this care hasn't been out of compassion. 
       
Against the dangers of war and ominous powers of voodoo, Violet must fight to protect her home and the people she loves. From the author of Strands of Bronze and Gold comes a haunting love story and suspenseful thriller based on the ancient fairy tale of “Tam Lin.” -From Amazon.com

The plot of this novel was very interesting. I'll be honest, I haven't read many historical novels this year (let alone ever) but this novel seriously renewed my love for historical novels. This is a perfect example of one of those historical novels that is educating without becoming boring or disinteresting. This novel keeps the action coming and keeps you turning pages way into the night. The setting of the Civil War is highly addicting, what with the hoop skirts and frilly dresses for the female readers, and the background of the war and fighting for male readers. Overall, anyone can read this novel and enjoy it tremendously. It was interesting, funny, dramatic, and simply a delight to read.

The characters were all unique and interesting to read from. They all mingled together in this wonderful story without a hitch. The main character, Violet, over time became an independent woman, and found her own way as she was forced with many hardships and difficulties. It was very easy to relate to her. I personally fell on love with Thomas's character. He was strong, protective, handsome, and brave, and I think all reader will connect with him and Violet.

The writing in this novel was spectacular. It was erudite and interesting, and matched the plot and tone of the novel perfectly. The writing was very original and simple. It made me feel like the author writes true, writes from her heart, because this novel does not seem fake or put-on in any way. That is one of the best things of this novel. The trueness and simplicity of the writing. It flows, it's interesting, and one of the best historical fiction novels I have ever read.

Overall, this novel was thoughtful, interesting, romantic, dramatic, and just simply amazing. I loved the topic of the Civil War, especially the southern viewpoint and setting of the novel. I also loved th  insightful characters, the interesting plot, perfect dialogue, and true writing. Put all of those things together and you have an amazing novel sure to delight readers of all kinds. I definitely recommend this novel to everyone.

Monday, March 10, 2014

ARC Review: The Lonesome Young by Lucy Connors


Title: The Lonesome Young by Lucy Connors
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: April 8th, 2014
Genres: Romance, Drama, Action
Medium: ARC Paperback Via Publisher. Thanks!

This novel absolutely. Blew. Me. Away. From page one and on, I was enamored by the plot, the characters, the writing, the dialogue... *sigh* I haven't enjoyed a book this much in a long time. It was love at first sight (I mean, look at the cover!)

The plot was amazing right off the bat. Romeo & Juliet meets Justified was a perfect description. You have a forbidden romance between a rich girl and bad boy set in rural Kentucky. First of all, who doesn't love a forbidden romance? Sometimes, they get a little old, because everyone is trying to write their own forbidden romance novel, but this novel was completely the opposite. This time, it was original. And second, I have never read a novel set in Kentucky before. As you all know I live in the rural mid-Atlantic, and I completely related with that part of the story. The plot was flowing, action-packed, sexy, and absolutely perfect.

The characters were spot on. Victoria is an interesting character to read from. She starts out as a rich girl, but you soon find her to be so much more. Although she's rich, she still is very down to earth, tending to her horses and keeping to herself for the most part. Starting out, Victoria Whitfield was a prime example of a stereotypical rich girl... Until she meets Mickey Rhodale. Mickey Rhodale is your typical bad boy; attractive, daring, protective, and oh so sexy. Put both their characters together and you get a romantic and equally steamy situation. Really, I was very impressed with the characters' dialogue and actions, their POVs, and I absolutely loved the steamy moments between the two lovers. It was dynamite.

The writing was outstanding. It was some of the best writing I have read in a long time. It was descriptive, realistic, and gorgeously richly written. It was crafted with pure skill and perfect accuracy. Descriptive and one of the most richly novels I have ever read, the writing was extremely smart and simply amazing. The writing also matched the tone of the novel perfectly. I cannot say anything more about the amazing quality of the writing. It was that perfect.

Overall, this novel was unique, original, sexy, dramatic, and action-packed. It was nonstop drama, perfectly timed steamy romance, and one of the most interesting novels you will ever read. You won't want to stop reading it. From page one until the end, you'll never want to put it down. It'll keep you up reading all night, saying "only one more chapter" to yourself over and over. I definitely recommend this novel to everyone. Even if you are not craving a romantic, dramatic thriller, you should pick up this novel regardless. You'll love it anyway. This. Novel. Was. Perfect. Five stars.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Review: Party by Tom Leveen (Review)


Title: Party by Tom Leveen
Publisher: Random House
Release Date: April 27th, 2010
Genres: Contemporary, Drama
Medium: Hardback, Bought

As you all should know, Tom Leveen has quickly been rising up as a favorite author of mine. After reading manicpixiedreamgirl, I was instantly enamored by Leveen's writing style and the amazing way he writes the plot and develops his characters. He does this once again in his novel Party, his first novel actually, and one that I really enjoyed. 

It's saturday night in Santa Barbara and school is done for the year. Everyone is headed to the same party. Or at least it seems that way. The place is packed. The beer is flowing. Simple, right? But for 11 different people the motives are way more complicated. As each character takes a turn and tells his or her story, the eleven individuals intersect, and reconnect, collide, and combine in ways that none of them ever saw coming. -Amazon.com

First of all, the plot of this novel was great. I love the way Leveen composed a plot in which all the characters eventually intertwine to form a complicated, almost mysterious plot. It was lively, fun, and still very serious as it showed the consequences of partying and drinking. Not only does it show the negative outcomes of drinking, such as anger, lust, and danger, but it also shows what good things can come out of partying, such as friendship, love, and forgiveness. This plot shows that not everything is in black and white, and shows multiple viewpoints on a subject. This plot was enlightening, original, interesting, and wonderful testament to today's generation.

The characters were all so amazing in their own ways. Every character was original, unique, and interesting, and if these characters were real people, I would love to know (almost) all of them in real life. Each character was realistic and spoke more or less like they should, aka, like teenagers do today. But at points, I do feel like some of the characters felt slightly robotic. Mostly towards the beginning, just the first few characters, seemed a little fake to me. Thought the last half of the novel was splendid, and had absolutely no faults and the characters were divine. It was completely believable and I loved every second of it.

The writing was grand, as usual, and as we come to expect from Tom Leveen. He writes the point of view of a teenager flawlessly, and it always goes off without a hitch. His passion for working in theater and with young adults seems to rub off on his work, as he manages to 
write from the role of a teen and make it believable and interesting. His writing always impresses me and never ceases to surprise and inspire me. This novel is yet another great 
masterpiece from Tom Leveen and I loved it, and I cannot wait to read more of his work.

Friday, March 7, 2014

ARC Review: The Language Inside by Holly Thompson


Title: The Language Inside by Holly Thompson
Publisher: Delacorte
Release Date: May 14th, 2013
Genres: Contemporary, Prose, Romance, Culture, Drama
Medium: ARC Paperback Via Publisher

The Language Inside was a a beautiful creative look into Japanese culture and the impact poetry can have on people. A unique mix of poetry, dance, family, and friendship inside a dramatic and romantic contemporary, this novel is interesting and creative beyond belief. An insightful look into Japanese culture, life after the tsunami, trauma, and many other problems, this novel not only is enjoyable, but also teaches many morals.

A nuanced novel in verse that explores identity in a multicultural world.

Emma Karas was raised in Japan; it's the country she calls home. But when her mother is diagnosed with breast cancer, Emma's family moves to a town outside Lowell, Massachusetts, to stay with Emma's grandmother while her mom undergoes treatment.

Emma feels out of place in the United States.She begins to have migraines, and longs to be back in Japan. At her grandmother's urging, she volunteers in a long-term care center to help Zena, a patient with locked-in syndrome, write down her poems. There, Emma meets Samnang, another volunteer, who assists elderly Cambodian refugees. Weekly visits to the care center, Zena's poems, dance, and noodle soup bring Emma and Samnang closer, until Emma must make a painful choice: stay in Massachusetts, or return home early to Japan.

The plot of this novel was magnificent. It flowed nicely as it followed the young Emma as she left her home in Japan to live in America as her mom has to have her breast removed and participate in treatments due to breast cancer. Emma is faced with many of the usual struggles, like making new friends, missing her old friends, and dealing with family, friendship, and possible relationship problems. But she is also faced with dealing with her healing mother, helping out her new friend Zena at the care home, trying to think of ways to help out with the Tsunami victims, and struggling to find out where she fits in this whole situation and how she can help. One thing I really liked about Emma is how she strives to help everyone and spreads herself thin without even realizing she isn't living her own life. Until the end. There is quite a lot of character change that takes place within this interesting and creative plot, and it is sure to keep you enchanted.

I will briefly touch on the characters in this novel, since I found them all so wonderfully interesting and unique. They each played their own important role in the novel's story and each one had an interesting back story. Each character's dialogue fit perfectly and they were all very realistic. I especially loved Samnang's character and the way he accepted his past and strived to change for himself and for Emma. The way he interacted with her was very natural and sweet, and the romance that budded between this was very magical and classic.

The writing was eloquent and beautiful. Written with such skill and simplicity, this novel's writing came across beautifully, both dramatic, tragic, romantic, and compassionate. Those four words can describe this novel perfectly and entirely. Thompson writes a novel in beautiful prose that is both flowing and descriptive, something that cannot always be accomplished in prose. I very much enjoyed her writing and I cannot wait to read more in the future.

The beginning of this novel was a little slow, and at times, I felt like the writing was a bit choppy and disinteresting, and a little bland as "filler type" writing. Aside from these few qualms I had with the story, I saw The Language Inside as a beautiful, simple contemporary that was a wonderful mix of Japanese culture and family. With drama, romance, trauma, and more, this novel is one that fans of all genres can enjoy. Simply beautiful.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Beneath the Surface Book Review Tour!



Book Title: Beneath the Surface
Author: Miranda Rae Carter
Genre: YA Paranormal
Release Date: October 22, 2013
 
Adolescence hasn’t been fun for Liss Lawrence. And after a year in Vancouver, when she’s finally adjusted to her new situation, a freak car accident sends her life spinning out of control and crashing into the world of the malions, a hidden race silently helping humanity from secret enclaves underground. Liss’s knowledge of the malions endangers her family when Jaredsons Securities takes an interest in her accident. Few know the men of Jaredsons Securities, an international intelligence company specializing in missing persons cases, are actually the Vykhars, ancient malion enemies whose true purpose is the eradication of the malion race. The Vykhars will stop at nothing to discover if Liss is connected with the malions, and if they do, they will exploit her. Perhaps more dangerous still are Liss’s growing feelings for Rion, a strong-willed malion scarred by his encounters with Vykhars and carrying a secret that could destroy their relationship. But Liss has a secret and scars of her own, and Rion’s fiercely protective nature threatens to tear them back open. Can this pair of unlikely lovers survive the dangers of the Vykhars? And can their love survive their own misconceptions?
 
  excerpt
 
As my door closed, I rolled onto my side and looked at the bag on the floor again. Rion had put himself, his entire family, and Abby, at risk for me, a complete stranger, and instead of feeling glad to be home, I felt horrible. I took a deep breath and pushed myself up to sitting. It took every bristle of strength I had to get up to walk over to that bag of clothes; not just because of my sore muscles, but because they reminded me of him, and the problems I’d created when I insisted that he let me go. I poured them onto the carpet, sat down beside them, and hugged them as tight as I could. I hadn’t even taken a second to think about what I was doing, it was automatic. I think I was craving some sort of comfort after everything that had happened this weekend, and holding those clothes was like holding onto the part of me I’d left behind. I pulled the clothes closer to my face, and took a deep breath in—they still smelled of him. My heart began to pound. Pine, leather, and that musty underground smell of his world had me roiling inside. It was so strong. I inhaled again, recalling the moment Rion had smiled at me. It wasn’t forced, we had actually connected, and when he carried me in his arms, I felt awkward, but safe…and so warm. I desperately wanted to feel that way again; I wanted to know everything was going to be all right again. And then I heard something crinkle. I ripped open the pile of clothes and found the paper in the pocket of my jeans, and though the letters were difficult to decipher at first, I managed to read his messy, all-capitals chicken-scratch.
YOU WILL BE WATCHED CLOSELY. IF I SENSE ANY DANGER, I AM COMING FOR YOU.
 
778-995-8884
 
I sat there staring at the words, confused, because he said that we couldn’t have any further contact. I read the note again and realized it was the vykhars he was warning me about. I shoved everything back into the plastic bag and opened my closet door. Rion’s scent was all over the clothes, and I needed to find a safe place to store them. In a few months, when everything settled down, I’d put them into a donation bin. I took out an old backpack, shoved the bag in and threw it to the back of my closet. When they were securely covered by three layers of last summer’s wardrobe, and I felt satisfied that they were hidden well enough, I slumped down on my bed. Even though I was completely exhausted, I couldn’t shut my mind off. When I thought about Mom, I had no doubt that coming home was the right decision, but I had no idea how messed up my life would become. Everyone’s life had been put on hold this weekend because of me: my parents missed work and I’d worried them sick, Katherine cut all ties with me, I had driven the best doctor in B.C. into hiding, I still hadn’t faced police questioning, I was apparently going to be watched closely by these vykhars, and, oh yes, I still had to go back to school and face my peers.
 
My Review:
This novel was absolutely amazing. It was suspenseful, romantic, and just plain addicting! This novel was written with absolute skill, seeing as to why it flowed perfectly and had a perfect amount of description and great dialogue. It was literally so good, I can't think of any better words to describe it! It was realistic and adventurous, and definitely a novel I would recommend to others. It's creative, interesting, and addicting. Add this one to your "To be read" list now!
 
 
Miranda Rae Carter has lived in British Columbia, Canada, her whole life, and is a self-proclaimed home-bug. She spends most of her time doing what she loves, and that is being a mom and wife--and trying to master the art of cooking. The rest of her time is divided between looking in mouths and writing. For more information on Miranda and her malion novels, visit her on her website, Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.
 
FB button FINALtwitter button FinalWebsite buttonGoodreadsFINAL
 
 

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Review: Forget Me Not by Carolee Dean


Title: Forget Me Not by Carolee Deen
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: October 2nd, 2014
Genres: Poetry, Drama, Romance, Contemporary
Medium: Hardcover, Bought

Forget Me Not was an amazing fresh take on the touchy topic of suicide, peer pressure, and more. Forget Me Not shows the real problems real teenagers face in today's world, and shows them in a new light. Written in prose, this novel is a unique take on today's problems and shows how we deal with them, both mentally and physically. It proves that sometimes you have to be at the very end before you realize what you've got, and that you can always start over.

From the author of Take Me There, a fast-paced novel in verse about a girl caught between life and death—and the boy who will do anything to save her.

Ally is devastated when a scandalous photo of her is texted around school. With her reputation in shambles and her life essentially over, she hides out in a back hallway, trying to figure out where everything went wrong.

Elijah has spent time in that hallway too. He landed there after taking a whole bottle of sleeping pills. Now he can see ghosts, and he knows what Ally has yet to suspect—that she’s already half dead, and one choice away from never coming back. Elijah has loved Ally for years and would do anything to save her from the in-between place. But if she’s going to live, Ally must face her inner demons and find the will to save herself.

Told in interwoven verse narratives, this crushingly honest and poetic “blend of fantasy and potent reality succeeds” -Kirkus Reviews

The plot of this novel is fantastic. Amidst being popular and accomplished, all Ally wants is to be loved. And after spending the night in her best friend's brother's bed, only to wake up as someone takes a picture of them in bed together,  Ally's life seems to spin out of control as the picture makes its way around the school. Ally loses her friends, boyfriend, and popularity, and falls into depression. Then falls of a roof one night, only to realize she hasn't moved on. Caught between life and death, the only one who can bring her back is Elijah, who has a past all of his own. With drama, romance, ghosts, and the terror of being caught in between what she wants, she is forced to make choices as she must remember everything that has happened and face it before she can make it back to being alive.

This plot is electrifying, original, and definitely one of the best page turners I have ever read. It was so good, I read it all in one sitting, less than 2 hours. I haven't flipped pages that fast in a long time. But because the plot was so enchanting and dramatic, so unexpected, and the characters all so detailed and perfectly imperfect, I fell in love from page one and couldn't stop until the end. It was a perfect mix of elements- drama, romance, trauma, contemporary, and fantasy.

I absolutely fell in love with Ally and Elijah's characters. They were both interesting, realistic, and both had their share of flaws. Not only were the two main characters great, but all of the supporting characters were as well. They were all perfectly written into their realistic, interesting roles, and all played important parts in the plot. Each and every one of them was crafted carefully and skillfully, and all were unique and charming in their own way. Some you loved and some you loved to hate. But all were crucial to the unique and life-like plot line, making this story a definite novel everyone needs to read.

The writing was also magnificent. Of course, like I said above, this terrific novel was written in prose, and written with such beautiful craftsmanship and skill, that this novel easily became one of my favorites. It is both realistic and foreign in the way that this could all happen (and does happen everyday,) and that possibility of a halfway-there mark, though it could exist, is fictional, just like the characters she meets there, like the Hangman. It also puts an interesting spin on the controversial topic of suicides and is sure to make you think.

An a amazing and emotional Tour de Force, this novel is sure to impact any pone who reads it, and will interest readers of all genres. And even though the fact that it is written in prose may make some readers cautious, it is really no need for concern. Some prose novels are confusing to read and do not flow, but that is definitely not the case with this novel. It flows, has good speed, and with an amazing plot line and unbelievable characters, this novel is sure to impress readers like myself. Five stars.

Monday, March 3, 2014

ARC Review: Toxic Heart by Theo Lawrence



Title: Toxic Heart by Theo Lawrence (Mystic City #2)
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: April 8th, 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Dystopian, Action, Drama, Romance
Medium: ARC Paperback Via Publisher


This novel revived my love for dystopian romances. Original, action-packed, and a delicious mix of genres, this novel is a romantic thriller that anyone will love, whether you are a fan of dystopia or new to the genre. You are sure to love this novel as much as I did.

The second MYSTIC CITY novel . . . it's Romeo & Juliet in a dystopic Manhattan.

A city in flames. A trust betrayed. A perfect love destroyed. Has Aria lost Hunter, her one true love?Ever since rebellion broke out in Mystic City, pitting the ruling elite against the magic-wielding mystics, Aria has barely seen her boyfriend. Not surprising, since Hunter is the leader of the mystic uprising, and he'll do whatever it takes to win freedom for his people—even if that means using Aria.

But Aria is no one's pawn. She believes she can bring the two warring sides together, save the city, and win back the Hunter she fell in love with.Before she can play peacemaker, though, Aria will need to find the missing heart of a dead mystic. The heart gives untold powers to whoever possesses it, but finding it means seeking out a fierce enemy whose deepest desire is for Aria to be gone—forever. -Amazon.com

First of all, the plot was enchanting and fresh. After all, the description "Romeo & Juliet in a dystopian Manhattan" is the perfect way to describe this novel. It really is a Romeo & Juliet-esque romance, where starcrossed lovers have been dropped into a challenging situation. In this novel, you find Hunter and Aria's romance is falling apart as the uprising and Aria's family are pressing in on their relationship as the inevitable war comes closer. Not only that, but Aria knows that her best friend feels something for her- and worse, she may have feelings for him too. A love triangle is forming in this novel, one that will leave you guessing and wanting more.

The action is also very addicting. This novels hands you a perfect mix of action and romance, so perfect that this novel is a great option for both guys and girls. With all the action and battle taking place, you are left flipping pages, wondering what will happen next. Several plot twists happen that will make you gasp. And multiple times, the characters will escape by the skin of their teeth, and leave your heart racing. You have the edge-of-your seat action, fighting, and war, along with the spellbinding fantasy and magic, all mixed together and topped with a cherry of romance and imperfect relationships that keep you guessing.

The writing was also very interesting, and one of the things I loved most about this novel. Theo Lawrence writes a perfect story with a mix of all genres, weaving together a tale of forbidden romance and magic in a torn world. He creates interesting and perfectly imperfect characters, all who act well together and perform perfect dialogue. Lawrence manages to write without sounding fake or boring, and his writing never seems impossible. The entire time you are reading, you feel as if you are there with him in the story and experiencing every torn feeling Aria does. It's astounding and will leave you breathless until the very end.

Overall, I was majorly impressed with this novel. Although it is a sequel to a novel I have never read, Theo Lawrence wrote it so that I could pick up on it at any time. Even though I haven't read Toxic City (the first novel that I now desperately want to read) I was still able to enjoy this sequel as a stand alone. It was a perfect mix of action and romance, fantasy and drama, and a novel sure to elicit rave reviews from many more fans. This novel is great for fans of dystopian masterpieces, and even for readers who have never experienced a world like the one in Toxic Heart. It was original, suspenseful, romantic, dramatic, and magical in every way possible. One of my favorites.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Stacking The Shelves: February (#9)

 
Stacking The Shelves is a monthly meme where book bloggers recount the books they have added to their shelves.

This month was a red-hot busy month for me! I received several books a week, and in one day, I received 20 books all at once! Wow!

Bought:
 
Burn For Burn by Jenny Han
Unleashed by Christopher Davis
Starters by Lissa Price
Vampire Beach by Alex Deval
Fateful by Claudia Gray
Love Story by Jennifer Echols
Cruel Summer by Alyson Noel
ZOM-B by Darren Shan
Winter's Kiss
Bound To You by Christopher Pike
Suite Dreams by Rachel Hawthorne
Luxe by Anna Godbersen
Thirst by Christopher Pike
Partials by Dan Wells
Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis
The Nine Lives of Chloe King by
Gone by Lisa McMann
Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
Seventeenth Summer by Maureen Daly
Fated by Alyson Noel
 
 
 
And here's a secret: I bought every one of these novels (aside from TFIOS) for about $2 each. And most of them are hardcovers!!

I also purchased a limited-edition SIGNED COPY of THE FAULT IN OUR STARS. I literally have never freaked out so much over a book.

Isn't it amazing???

Won/Gifted:
 
Won:
Project Utopia by Pam Mosbruckle
The Art of Falling by Kathryn Craft
The Poisoned Pawn by Peggy Blair (ARC)
 
Gifted:
Delivering Death was gifted to me by the author Julie Kramer, and Othermoon was a surprise from Nina Berry, so thank you to both of them!

Novels Received For Review:
 
The Language Inside by Holly Thompson
The Mirk & Midnight Hour by Jane Nickerson
The Lonesome Young by Lucy Connors
Dream Caster by Najeev Raj Nadarajah
 
I received these 4 novels for review. Also, I must mention, look at that gorgeous cover for The Lonesome Young. It is simply breathtaking.
 
Book Blurb:
 
First of all, I won a magnificent Vision of Shadows package, including an awesome tote bag, magnetic calendar, pen, and business card.
I also received a copy of this month's Book Page, complete with a feature on Divergent.
From the author, I received a hand written thank you note and 5 book marks, 2 of the first novel and 3 of the sequel.
I also received a note from the publisher along with a novel I won.
 
 Ebooks:
 
Tearing The Shroud by J.M. Bray
Forget Me Not by Stacey Nash
Visions of Shadows by Vincent Morrone
Backward Compatible by Sarah Dallry
Thrall by Jennifer Quitez
Infinite Unleashed by Sedona Venez
Running Wide Open by Lisa Nowak
Illumine by Alivia Anders
Bastial Energy by B.T. Narro
The Game by Shane Scollins
Sisters In Love by Melissa Foster
In The Middle of Nowhere by Julie Ann Knudson
Stanley Park by Rachel Inet
Light As A Feather, Stiff As A Board by Zoe Aarsen
 
So February was a GREAT month. Now I have to go and read all of these! See you next month for another installment of Stacking The Shelves!