BLOG MAKEOVER!

As you may have noticed, The Book Cellar got a MAKEOVER! I loved my old layout, but I felt the need for a change. And thanks to the genius mind of Nicole at Word For Teens The Book Cellar has a new layout! She also fixed some things in the sidebars so they're centered and not so jumbled. Thank you SO much Nicole!!!!!!!!!! She is a GENIUS!

Also, The Book Cellar got a domain name: www.thebookcellarx.com. I'm awfully excited about that fact as well :)

Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien

Birthmarked
Caragh M. O'Brien
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Release Date: March 30, 2010
Pages:

Rating: 4.5 stars

After climate change, on the north shore of Unlake Superior, a dystopian world is divided between those who live inside the wall, and those, like sixteen-year-old midwife Gaia Stone, who live outside. It’s Gaia’s job to “advance” a quota of infants from poverty into the walled Enclave, until the night one agonized mother objects, and Gaia’s parents are arrested.

Badly scarred since childhood, Gaia is a strong, resourceful loner who begins to question her society. As Gaia’s efforts to save her parents take her within the wall, she herself is arrested and imprisoned.

Fraught with difficult moral choices and rich with intricate layers of codes, BIRTHMARKED explores a colorful, cruel, eerily familiar world where one girl can make all the difference, and a real hero makes her own moral code

Birthmarked is a thrilling dystopian that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's really a remarkable debut.

The plot had me on the edge the entire time. I kept guessing about what would happen next, and then something else would happen. Plus, I loved how Caragh M. O’Brien managed to capture that essence of how something like this could happen. It was so believable, and I think that was what made me love it so much.

My single issue with Birthmarked was the ending. It seemed abrupt and choppy. The story was flowing so nicely, and, in my opinion, the lead up to the ending was my favorite part of the book. Then it just ended. I would’ve liked to hear a bit more, and not just be left wondering.

I love the cover for Birthmarked. I think it does a nice job of capturing the books contents. Birthmarked was really eerie, and I think the cover captured that light exactly. I love the design, the cover is absolutely stunning. I love the gleam in the girls eye – it just draws you to the book.

I absolutely loved Birthmarked. The entire book was gripping, but the last 100 pages were impossible to put down. This is one dystopian you don't want to miss!

Inside Out Trailer!

Have you guys seen the epically awesome trailer for Maria V. Snyder's Inside Out?



I love the trailer. I think they did an amazing job with it!

Inside Out is in stores tomorrow, and you can get out the AWESOME website for Inside Out here. There you read the first 3 chapters and other activiites. You can also take a quiz as to what your job in "Inside" would be. I would be a kitchen scrub. What did you guys get on the quiz?

Tangled by Carolyn Mackler

Tangled
Carolyn Mackler
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: December 29, 2009
Pages: 320

Jena, Dakota, Skye, and Owen are all at Paradise—the resort in the Caribbean, that is—for different reasons, but in Paradise their lives become tangled together in ways none of them can predict. Over the course of four months, through four voices and four stories, what happened in Paradise will change them all.

In this extraordinary novel, the Printz Honor–winning author brings us her most accomplished work yet. Tangled is a story of the secrets we keep, the risks we take, and the things we do for love.

Tangled is about four different characters - Jena, Dakota, Skye, and Owen - and their stories. I loved how Carolyn Mackler split this up! She started with Jena's story, then went on the Dakota's, but the stories were constantly intertwined with each other and each story picked up at the time the last ended. I loved it! Though I would've liked to see a bit more fluidity between stories.

I really liked Jena as a character. I felt Carolyn Mackler really captured what it's like to be a teenage girl in Jena. She wasn't overdone or perfect, she had her own issues. I had a bit of an issue with Dakota as a character. The language he used just wasn't believable, and it was almost a bit offensive to me. Plus almost every word out of his mouth was something sexual. Skye was the typical upper New York character you get in most books. Owen was deeping, and while you don't see a lot of him, when you do those scenes stick out the most.

When I was reading Tangled at first with Jena's story I wasn't sure what I would think. Jena's story was interesting, but it didn't go much of anywhere. Dakota's story was nice as it started to display another of Dakota besides the Dakota who cusses and sexual phrases all the time. It started to give him more depth, and I started to appreciate him more as a character. Skye's story was probably my favorite of the four stories. The story is set up so up until her story, you think she's just a shallow, spoiled rich girl. Skye's story sets up an interesting story, filled with all the layers of her life. Owen's story wraps of Tangled, and it was the strongest story of the four. It was sweet and enjoyable.

I loved how the title and cover both play into the plot. The cover is "tangled" and tangled is the perfect description for the characters's lives and how they intertwine with each other. Tangled was fairly predictable, I called a lot of the shots in the first story, and they held true through the last three. Overall, it's a quick enjoyable read!

In My Mailbox (39)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.




Books mentioned in this vlog:

Paisley Hanover Kisses and Tells by Cameron Tuttle
The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller
Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten
Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken
The Snowball Effect by Holly Nicole Hoxter
The Dead Girls Dance by Rachel Caine
Under The Rose by Diana Peterfruend
Ghost Huntress: The Awakening by Marley Gibson
Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan
At Graves End by Jeaniene Frost
Living Dead In Dallas by Charlaine Harris
Dead To the World by Charlaine Harris
Club Dead by Charlaine Harris
Dead As a Doornail by Charlaine Harris
All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris
New Moon by Stephanie Meyer
The Penultimate Page by Lemony Snickett
Hanging On To Max by Margaret Bechard
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

Author Appreciation Week: Kay Cassidy

This week is Author Appreciation Week, hosted by the lovely Heidi R Kling, and it's a week to celebrate and appreciate our favorite authors! You can read more about it here!

Kay Cassidy is the author of the upcoming novel, The Cinderella Society. The Cinderella Society is a lovely book that makes you feel really great about yourself. It's a girl power book. The Cinderella Society was one of those books that was so sweet and became an instant favorite.

So not only does Kay write, but she ALSO has a blog, runs the Teen Author challenge on her blog, co-hosts the 2010 Chick Lit Reading Challenge, runs the Great Scavenger Hunt, and the host of Living Your Five. She is like a super author extreme! I don't know how she manages to do all that plus write and have a life!

You can visit her on the web at http://www.kaycassidy.com!

Author Appreciation Week: Heidi R Kling

This week is Author Appreciation Week, hosted by the lovely Heidi R Kling, and it's a week to celebrate and appreciate our favorite authors! You can read more about it here!

Heidi is the author of Sea, which will hit stores in June. She is an absolutely amazing writer! When you read Sea you will be absolutely blown away by her talent! I am still fangirling over her book, and I read it several months ago.

Sea is realistic fiction, and Heidi manages to transport you to the characters world. For me at least, that usually doesn't happen outside of fantasy, and yet in Sea it happened. The setting was so real. I was moved so strongly by Sea.

Besides being a fantabulous writer, she also is a big part of the online community! She's always talking on twitter, and being friendly and awesome. Plus, along with Josh Berk, she hosted THE SMOOCHIES - which was pretty epic. PLUS she RAN author appreciation week, so she's gets major props just for that!

Because she's so fantastically awesome, I am determined to meet her one day, despite the fact she's half way across the United States.

Make sure to visit Heidi on the web at http://heidirkling.com/

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Brightly Woven
Alexandra Bracken
Release Date: March 23, 2010
Publisher: Egmont USA
Pages: 354

Rating: 5 stars

Sydelle Mirabil is living proof that, with a single drop of rain, a life can be changed forever. Tucked away in the farthest reaches of the kingdom, her dusty village has suffered under the weight of a strangely persistent drought. That is, of course, until a wizard wanders into town and brings the rain with him.

In return for this gift, Wayland North is offered any reward he desires—and no one is more surprised than Sydelle when, without any explanation, he chooses her. Taken from her home, Sydelle hardly needs encouragement to find reasons to dislike North. He drinks too much and bathes too little, and if that isn’t enough to drive her to madness, North rarely even uses the magic he takes such pride in possessing. Yet, it’s not long before she realizes there’s something strange about the wizard, who is as fiercely protective of her as he is secretive about a curse that turns his limbs a sinister shade of black and leaves him breathless with agony. Unfortunately, there is never a chance for her to seek answers.

Along with the strangely powerful quakes and storms that trace their path across the kingdom, other wizards begin to take an inexplicable interest in her as well, resulting in a series of deadly duels. Against a backdrop of war and uncertainty, Sydelle is faced with the growing awareness that these events aren’t as random as she had believed—that no curse, not even that of Wayland North, is quite as terrible as the one she herself may carry.

Brightly Woven is a stay-up-reading-late-into-the-night worthy book! I was up half the night reading it, as I couldn't stand to put down the perfection Brightly Woven is. It is one of my absolute favorites!

Some fantasy can be overbearing, but Brightly Woven was a perfect mix of everything a good book needs. Bracken drew me in with page one, and didn't let me go until the last page. Brightly Woven really puts a new spin on wizards and the magical abilities that come with a world like that. The world that Brightly Woven was set in, was absolutely enchanting. It was the perfect place to escape! With the first SENTENCE, Ms. Bracken had already made the real world disappear, and taken me to Sydelle's world.

The writing is Brightly Woven is absolutely fantastic. It's pure magic. There were so many scenes where I was just captivated. Bracken managed to paint vivid pictures in your mind. The romance in Brightly Woven is pretty magical itself. It was absolutely adorable!

The characters were fantastic! All the character continued to grow as the story went on! All the characters had numerous layers, and every time you thought you'd figured out a character, you discovered something else about them. Another thing I loved about the characters was that none of them were perfect, they all had some flaw. I loved North. He was so swoon-worthy. Sydelle was a wonderfully developed character. She wasn't weak and frail.

Brightly Woven is a book for everyone. It's filled with a magical world, is original, has wonderful characters, and phenomonal writing. I can't even express my words for this book with a simple review, it is that amazing. If you like fantasy, definately read this! If you're not a fan of fantasy, still give this a try, as it is mind-blowing! This is a book that will stick out in your mind, and remain memorable. I desparately am awaiting a sequel, as I am dying for more of North and Sydelle's story!

***I also feel I must mention Brightly Woven stunningly, beautiful cover. I am in love with it! It's gorgeous.

Check out my INTERVIEW with Alexandra Bracken! :)

The Dark Divine Nail Polish Winners!

Sorry about how long this took to post, but here are the winners for The Dark Divine Nail Polish Giveaway!


**** DRUMROLL ****

The Reading Lounge

Lindsay's Photography

Brenda

Dispatcher_Kristy

Alexia561

Congrats to you 5!!! I will be emailing you for your contact information soon :)

Waiting On Wednesday (44) - You Wish by Mandy Hubbard

You Wish
Mandy Hubbard
Release Date: August 2010

Kayla McHenry’s sweet sixteenth sucks! Her dad left, her grades dropped, and her BFF is dating the boy Kayla’s secretly loved for years. Blowing out her candles, Kayla thinks: I wish my birthday wishes actually came true. Because they never freakin’ do.

Kayla wakes the next day to a life-sized, bright pink My Little Pony outside her window. Then a year’s supply of gumballs arrives. And a boy named Ken with a disturbing resemblance to the doll of same name stalks her. As the ghosts of Kayla’s wishes-past appear, they take her on a wild ride… but they MUST STOP. Because when she was 15? She wished Ben Mackenzie would kiss her.

And Ben is her best friend's boyfriend.

Doesn't this one just sound absolutely awesome!?! I love the premise, it sounds really cute! Plus, the cover is absolutely adorable.

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Before I Fall
Lauren Oliver
Release Date: March 2, 2010
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 480

Rating: 4 stars

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all—looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined.

Before I Fall was a book I really really enjoyed. Before I Fall took you on a roller coaster of emotions. I was captivated by the idea of the plot, but it fell flat for me. What Lauren Oliver wrote was great, but I think certain aspects of the plot could've been played up a bit more and blown the roof off!

Now let's talk characters. At first, I was not a fan of Sam at all, but as the book went on she grew on me. The other characters were all amazingly written. Lauren Oliver's writing was absolutely fantastic, even more so for a debut author!

Before I Fall was one of those books that will stick with you. I didn't absolutely love it, but I enjoyed it quite a lot.

In My Mailbox (38)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.

This week I got:

Tangled by Carolyn Mackler
Jena, Dakota, Skye, and Owen are all at Paradise—the resort in the Caribbean, that is—for different reasons, but in Paradise their lives become tangled together in ways none of them can predict. Over the course of four months, through four voices and four stories, what happened in Paradise will change them all.

In this extraordinary novel, the Printz Honor–winning author brings us her most accomplished work yet. Tangled is a story of the secrets we keep, the risks we take, and the things we do for love.




Read, Remember, Recommend For Teens by Rachelle Rogers Knight
Perfect for teens who love to read and those who need a companion for school assignments or summer reading programs, Read, Remember, Recommend for Teens offers more than 2400 award-winning and notable reading suggestions in many genres, cross-referenced to help parents and teens chose the right books for them.

This unique journal sold out its first print run, attracting readers with recommended lists for fiction, manga, historical fiction, romance, westerns, crime novels, and poetry, as well as nonfiction sections focusing on biography/ autobiography.

College-bound readers will find a section to help guide their reading selections. The journal also provides room to record books read, jot down thoughts and ideas, and keep track of recommendations, books to read next, and works by favorite authors.
PLUS I got some The Body Finder swag from Amber!!! I got a poster and some stickers. I was SO excited!!!!

What's in your guys' mailboxes?

Author Appreciation Week: Julie Kagawa

This week is Author Appreciation Week, hosted by the lovely Heidi R Kling, and it's a week to celebrate and appreciate our favorite authors! You can read more about it here!
Julie is a wonderfully awesome debut author. She wrote The Iron King, which came out February 1st, 2010. I HIGHLY recommend it. You can see my fangirling review here (It's the longest review I've written. Ever.)

I wasn't sure how to express my appreciation for Julie, so I decided to make a list.

Behold, THE TEN REASONS WHY JULIE KAGAWA IS AMAZING:

1. She wrote The Iron King. It was amazing. Nothing more needs to be said.

2. She wrote 2 more books AND a short story all about the world The Iron King is in. Which is awesome, as I might have DIED if I had no more story.

3. She created ASH, who is the most swoon-worthy fairy prince EVER. And is mine. I even kidnapped him.

4. She can PAINT. She painted GRIMALKIN (the cool cat from her book) on ROCKS.

5. Julie was the first author I ever talked to online. She was also the first author I was not afraid of. She is so nice! She's always lovely.

6. Similarily to #5, she tweets, blogs, and chatzies frequently. Authors who branch out to readers and are friendly make me connect with their books even more!

7. She has met ORLANDO BLOOM *self explanatory*

8. More about The Iron King now, she took fairies, the story that has been told numerous times, and turned it into something original.

9. She has TONS of awesome stories to tell you. Make sure to ask her about Hawaii!

10. Basically, she is one of my favorite authors in the whole world, who wrote an amazing book and is a really nice, friendly person.

Make sure to visit Julie on the web at http://juliekagawa.com!

Also, stop by her twitter page and *Glomp* her!

Author Appreciation Week: Julia Hoban

This week is Author Appreciation Week, hosted by the lovely Heidi R Kling, and it's a week to celebrate and appreciate our favorite authors! You can read more about it here!

I have been neglecting posting my authors I'm appreciating all week, due to tons of homework, BUT I'm finally starting, and my first author I'm appreciating is Julia Hoban. She wrote the book Willow.

Willow is that fantastically awesome book about a girl going through hard times and cuts herself. It's the story of healing and it just fantastic! First, Willow has this amazing plot. Then you have this swoon-worthy guy, Guy. (ha!). Then you have amazing writing with tons more amazing characters, basically totally to this amazing book. Oh, and also Willow is in present tense AND third person, which sets it apart from other books, and makes it just even that much more amazing.

I was lucky enough to go to Julia's signing last September, and she was one of sweetest, nicest people ever! Hearing her talk about Willow, made it that much greater of a book. If you haven't read Willow, make sure to do so!

Waiting On Wednesday (43) - Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala

Waiting on Wednesday is a topic brought to life by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. With Waiting On Wednesday you get to introduce to everyone upcoming books you're excited about!

Tell Me a Secret
Holly Cupala
Release Date: June 22, 2010

Tell me a secret, and I'll tell you one…

In the five years since her bad-girl sister Xanda’s death, Miranda Mathison has wondered about the secret her sister took to the grave, and what really happened the night she died. Now, just as Miranda is on the cusp of her dreams—a best friend to unlock her sister’s world, a ticket to art school, and a boyfriend to fly her away from it all—Miranda has a secret all her own.

Then two lines on a pregnancy test confirm her worst fears. Stripped of her former life, Miranda must make a choice with tremendous consequences and finally face her sister’s demons and her own.

In this powerful debut novel, stunning new talent Holly Cupala illuminates the dark struggle of a girl who must let go of her past to find a way into her own future.

I love the sound of this one. It sounds fantastic, PLUS can you say cover lust???


What are you guys "waiting" on this week?

Blog Tour: Interview with Judith Graves

I'd like to welcome Judith Graves! Judith Graves has stopped by to answer a few questions! Her debut novel, Under My Skin, comes out March 27th.

Was there any character in Under My Skin you really identified with or favored writing?

I enjoyed writing all the characters in UMS. The trio, Eryn, Alec, and Wade took up most of my time, but I had a blast with the supporting characters. Paige, Eryn’s snooty, popular cousin, was probably my favourite. Paige held nothing back…and don’t we all wish we could just blurt out whatever we wanted and damn the consequences?

Where did you get your idea for Under My Skin?

The folklore section of the library has always fascinated me, so much so that I started collecting texts, buying them at used bookstores, garage sales. One day I bought a strange black volume all about Windigos, a creature from the Plains Cree (one of Alberta’s First Nations peoples) and other aboriginal cultures. I wondered what would happen if myths from different cultures came head to head. Who would win? What would happen to humans caught in the fray? And so…UMS was born.

3) What is your favorite supernatural creature?

Hmmm....that’s a toughie. Besides vamps/weres, I’d have to say the lore behind banshees and sirens does call to me (pun intended). I’m a singer/songwriter, as well as fiction author….so the idea that one could influence others with their voices (for good or evil purposes) is pretty cool.

Why do you think paranormal is such a hit with Young Adult recently?

I think the YA market has finally caught up with the adult market – in which paranormal fiction has been popular for a long, long time.

I hear you help with the school choir and the drama club, do you have a favorite musical?

I do! I work in an elementary school library and my artsy-fartsy nature has branched out to other areas of the school. I have such a great time accompanying the kids on guitar. They ROCK! Drama club is stellar as well. We’re filming four short movies over the school year and presenting them to the entire school for a red-carpet viewing…our version of Cannes.  I haven’t seen that many musicals, but I was amazed by Phantom of the Opera. I saw it with my husband, on our honeymoon, in the Pantages Theatre in Toronto. Simply stunning. I loved that they piped the overture (through speakers) outside into the street. As you left the show, the music followed you…a gradual transition back to the real world. Nice.



Thanks so much for the cool questions Erica, and for letting me visit your world. ;)
Judith


Find Out More About Judith Graves and Under My Skin at:
Website http://www.judithgraves.com/
Wolfy Chicks Blog http://wolfychicks.blogspot.com/
Book Trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s3kQ4nnSEk
Publisher’s Website www.leapbks.com
Class of 2k10 website www.class2k10.com
Class of 2k10 trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0H79WFPYpc&feature
Free Read: Old Flames Die Hard http://www.leapbks.com/exclusives/ofdh.html

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

The Body Finder
Kimberly Derting
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: March 16, 2010
Pages: 336

Rating: 4.5 stars

"A serial killer on the loose. A girl with a morbid ability. And the boy who would never let anything happen to her.

Violet Ambrose can find the dead. Or at least, those who have been murdered. She can sense the echoes they leave behind... and the imprints they leave on their killers. As if that weren't enough to deal with during junior year, she also has a sudden, inexplicable, and consuming crush on her best friend since childhood, Jay Heaton.

Now a serial killer has begun terrorizing Violet's small town... and she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him."
----

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her “power” to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he’s claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay’s intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she’s falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself.

The Body Finder is an original story that will captivate readers from page 1. It's thrilling and exciting. Violet's ability gives the book an overall eerie feeling. The Body Finder has a perfect blend of romance, suspense and mystery. The Body Finder is a book that will keep you up, late into the night, glued to the pages.

I was completely sumersed in Violet's world from page 1. Kimberly Derting created a world that was so believable. I would absolutely love to revisit it! The plot is completely original, unlike anything I've ever read before. I always love when paranomal aspects of books are brand new, then there's no expectations and it's never been done before.

Another stunning element of The Body Finder was it's characters. I found Violet to be relatable and fun. She was a smart, strong protagaist, and had a pleasant voice. Jay was definately swoon worthy and a total sweetheart. It was also interesting reading about the character of the serial killer. You had the regular story, then you'd have little snippets from the serial killer, and then you knew SOMETHING was going to happen.

I loved the romance in The Body Finder - it was 100% believable! There was a build-up to the romance, making readers wait for it to happen. Another thing I loved was how there were several scenes that were just filled with tension between Jay and Violet, making it that much more realistic!

Basically I loved this book to an absurd degree. It was so wonderful. I would never have guessed this was Kimberly Derting's debut. The Body Finder was just fantastic overall, and one you do not want to miss reading. I am eagerly awaiting book 2, Desires of the Dead which comes out in 2011.

In My Mailbox (37)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.

This week I got:

For Review:
Little Vampire Women by Louisa May Alcott and Lynn Messina

From Random Buzzers:
Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Won:
Knife by RJ Anderson
Rebel by RJ Anderson - I'm REALLY excited to read these 2!

Bookmooch:
Wyvernhail by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

What'd you guys get this week?

Blog Tour: Beautiful Dead: Jonas by Eden Maguire

The Beautiful Dead: Jonas
Eden Maguire
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: March 1, 2010
Pages: 288


Rating: 3.5 stars

Something strange is happening in Ellerton High. Phoenix is the fourth teenager to die within a year. His street fight stabbing follows the deaths of Jonas, Summer and Arizona in equally strange and sudden circumstances.
Rumours of ghosts and strange happenings rip through the small community as it comes to terms with shock and loss. Darina,Phoenix's grief-stricken girlfriend, is on the verge. She can't escape her intense heartache, or the impossible apparitions of those that are meant to be dead. And all the while the sound of beating wings echo inside her head! And then one day Phoenix appears to Darina.
Ecstatic to be reunited, he tells her about the Beautiful Dead. Souls in limbo, they have been chosen to return to the world to set right a wrong linked to their deaths and bring about justice. Beautiful, superhuman and powerful, they are marked by a 'death mark' - a small tattoo of angel's wings. Phoenix tells her that the sound of invisible wings beating are the millions of souls in limbo, desperate to return to earth.Darina's mission is clear: she must help Jonas, Summer, Arizona, and impossibly, her beloved Phoenix, right the wrong linked to their deaths to set them free from limbo so that they can finally rest in peace. Will love conquer death? And if it does, can Darina set it free?

The Beautiful Dead was an enjoyable read that kept you guessing. There was so much mystery involved with each of the Beautiful Dead, and it was great trying to figure out what really happened. One of my favorite parts of the whole book was Eden Maguire's spin on zombies! It was really interesting. The plot was a ton of fun!

I liked the characters, but I would've really liked to see them a bit more developed. All of the "Beautiful Dead" are dead, obviously, and I would've loved to see more of how they were in life. I think that would've helped me connect more with the characters. I like to have a sort of picture in my mind of characters when I read, and I really couldn't formulate a picture. I did really enjoy the Beautiful Dead and their attitudes. They all had their own thing. Darina had a great voice for a narrator. I do wish though, that she wasn't quite so dependent upon Pheonix. I understand she was in love, but they dated for 2 months and she based every decision in the book upon him.

The other thing I found a little off, was all the things Darina is just opening telling her shrink. Her shrinks just accepts them, and really makes no comment on all these. I won't say too much - but to me, I'd think some reaction would be in order from her shrink.

This seems like a great start to an interesting series! I'm definately intrigued, and cannot wait to find out what will happen in book 2, Arizona's book.

Dedication by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus

Dedication
Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
Publisher: Atria
Release Date: June 5th, 2007
Pages: 288

Rating: 4 stars

What if your ex was famous and adored by millions? What would you do if you had one chance to make him regret his entire existence? How much would you risk?
Kate Hollis's ex-boyfriend's face plasters newsstands and TV, the Internet, and the multiplex. Jake Sharpe is one of the biggest recording stars on the planet, and every song he's famous for is about Kate. For over a decade his soundtrack has chased her -- from the gym to the supermarket, from the dentist's office to the bars. Now thirty-year-old Kate gets the call that Jake has finally landed back in their Vermont hometown for an MTV special. The moment she has been waiting for has arrived.

On the eve of their prom, Jake Sharpe vanished, resurfacing when his song "Losing" -- about his and Kate's first sexual experience -- shot to the top of the Billboard charts. And the hits kept coming, each more personal than the one before.

Now Kate gets her chance to confront Jake and reclaim her past. But after eleven years of enduring protracted and far-from-private heartbreak, everyone in Kate's life has a stake in how this plays out. Kate must risk betraying the friends Jake abandoned, the bandmates whose songs he plundered, and her own parents, who fear this will dredge up a shared past more painful than any of them want to acknowledge. But after getting the call in the dead of night and jumping on a plane, can she turn back now?

Newsweek dubbed The Nanny Diaries "a national phenomenon" and the New Republic proclaimed, "Thank God for Citizen Girl." Now McLaughlin and Kraus have written a poignant, humorous tale about modern celebrity obsession and coming of age during the divorce boom. With flawless depictions of the 1980s, a charismatic heroine, and their signature biting wit, the authors offer up another lively and hilarious tale of a smart young woman looking for satisfaction in the chaos of contemporary culture.

Dedication is another stellar read by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus! This fabulous duo have written another book that will intrigue readers.

The first few pages I didn't feel the vibe, but once I got a few chapters in there was no putting Dedication down! I loved the whole idea of the plot - the ex-girlfriend getting revenge on her boyfriend who left her to make it big in the rock world.

Dedication is split in 2 parts - you have one chapter from the "today" Kate and then one chapter that is from Kate's past. The entire book goes on like this, alternating views. I loved it! As you read each little past section, you get more incite into the story. It was fun, as you kind of put pieces together as you went, learning more about each character.

Dedication is very well written. I loved how even in the more serious scenes, McLaughlin and Kraus kept the air about the book lighter.

I really enjoyed the chracters for the most part. Kate was a fun character, who was going to get even. Laura was a total crack up. She made me laugh so many times! I absolutely loved her. Nick was kind of a jerk, yet still had a charming air about him.

My only complaint was how at a few points, I had to make sure I was still in the "present" story, as it seemed as the actions of several characters were those were more of what I would expect out of a high schooler or middle schooler.

Overall, this another fabulous read by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus. Fans of their Nanny Diaries will definately enjoy this one. I would definately recommend reading it!

The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

The Sky Is Everywhere
Jandy Nelson
Publisher: Dial Books
Release Date: March 9, 2010
Pages: 272

Rating: 4.5 stars

Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey
dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life—and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey’s boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie’s own. Joe is the new boy in
town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they’re the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can’t collide without the whole wide world exploding.

This remarkable debut is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Francesca Lia Block. Just as much a celebration of love as it is a portrait of loss, Lennie’s struggle to sort her own melody out of the noise around her is always honest, often hilarious, and ultimately unforgettable.

The Sky is Everywhere is an incredible story of grief. It loved every aspect of it. The story was incredible, and the characters were real.

The characters were wonderfully written. Lennie was an outstanding character. She had this insane amount of grief going on in her life, and even though I've never experienced something like that, I felt like I was there with her. Joe was a joy to read about. He brightened up every page he was on. I loved Jandy Nelson's writing, the voice flowed so well.

Lennie's emotions took me on a ride. I felt so consumed by the plot. Throughout The Sky Is Everywhere, Lennie wrote various poems about Bailey. I loved these, as they were so insightful into Bailey and Lennie's relationship. This intensified the plot and what Lennie was feeling.

The only thing I wasn't crazy about in The Sky Is Everywhere was the fact of Lennie and Toby having a sort-of relationship. It weirded me out, as Bailey and Toby were dating, and now Bailey is dead.

The cover for The Sky Is Everywhere is absolutely gorgeous. I feel it really connects with the story inside. I look forward to future novels by Jandy Nelson. This was a wonderful read.

Blogaversary Giveaway Winners!

I've finally tallied up all the entries for the blogaversary giveaways, there were SO many entries! Now here are the winners!

*drum roll*


The winner of the Tenner Prize Pack is:
#566 Jessica

The winner of the Vampire Palooza Prize Pack is:
#339 Alexa

The winner of the Chick Lit Prize Pack is:
#112 Megan I never heard back from Megan, so the new winner is AMBER

The winner of the Hodge Podge of Awesome YA Prize Pack is:
#105 Sab

Congrats to all the winners! Please email me your name and mailing address within 48 hours!

Waiting On Wednesday (42) - Aces Up by Lauren Barnholdt

Waiting on Wednesday is a topic brought to life by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. With Waiting On Wednesday you get to introduce to everyone upcoming books you're excited about!

Aces Up

Lauren Barnholdt

Release Date: August 10, 2010

Seventeen-year-old high school senior Shannon Card needs money. And lots of it. She’s been admitted to Wellesley, but her dad just lost his job, and somehow she has to come up with a year of tuition herself. But Shannon’s dream of making big bucks waitressing at the local casino, the Collosio, disappears faster than a gambler’s lucky streak. Her boss is a tyrant, her coworker is nuts, and her chances of balancing a tray full of drinks while wearing high-heeled shoes are slim to none. Worse, time is running out, and Shannon hasn’t made even half the money she’d hoped.
When Shannon receives a mysterious invitation to join Aces Up, a secret network of highly talented college poker players, at first she thinks No way. She has enough to worry about: keeping her job, winning the coveted math scholarship at school, and tutoring her secret crush, Max. But when Shannon musters up the nerve to kiss Max and he doesn’t react at all, the allure of Aces Up and its sexy eighteen-year-old leader, Cole, is suddenly too powerful to ignore.
Soon Shannon’s caught up in a web of lies and deceit that makes worrying about tuition money or a high school crush seem like kid stuff. Still, when the money’s this good, is the fear of getting caught reason enough to fold?

I'm so excited for another Lauren Barnholdt book! I absolutely adored her book Two-Way Street and I simply cannot wait for another one. This one sounds like a really cute story!

The Line by Teri Hall

The Line
Teri Hall
Release Date: March 4, 2010
Publisher: Dial Books
Pages: 192

Rating: 3.5 stars

Set in the near future, THE LINE chronicles the adventures of fifteen year old Rachel Quillen. Since her father died in a war, Rachel and her mother, Vivian, have lived in relative isolation on a place called The Property. It's the home of Ms. Moore, a taciturn woman who makes her living growing orchids. She hired Rachel’s mother as a housekeeper, even though she sensed Vivian was in some sort of trouble. Ms. Moore couldn’t be too picky, for there are reasons that good help is hard to find when you live too near the Line.

The National Border Defense System is an impenetrable barrier intended to protect the Unified States from invasion. Because of an impending attack, construction of the System had to be rushed, and the last section—called the Line—was built inside the U.S. border. When it was hastily activated, it created a permanent division between those lucky enough to be on the U.S. side and those who were not. Families were ripped apart, lovers separated. The territory left unprotected became known as Away; the abandoned unfortunates who survived the enemy attack became the Others. Over the years frightening stories circulated about the Others, stories about strange abilities and evil intentions. The Line became a place to avoid.

For Rachel, the activation of the Line is just a history lesson; it happened long before she was born. Life on The Property has been good, if rather dull, and the Line is just something that has always been there. But things are about to change in ways she never imagined and suddenly the world outside The Property—a world of government control and corruption, where people without power or influence have few choices—begins to intrude.

I really enjoyed The Line. With it, I have found a wonderful new author. The plot is intriguing - dealing with a futuristic society in what used to be the United States.

I absolutely loved the idea of the dystopian society. The plot was wonderful. My only complaint about the plot was that the beginning was slower and, to me, was almost like a prologue to build up to an amazing end.

I loved the characters Teri Hall casted in the story. All the females in the book were strong, which was something I loved. Ms Moore was a wonderful character. She seemed simply a cranky old lady at first, but you really get to know her as the story goes on. Rachel was adorable, and I loved her determination.

The Line ends with an ending to make readers gasp. I cannot wait for book 2, as I am desparate to know what'll happen next! Is it next year yet? This is a wonderful debut you do not want to miss.

Sing Me To Sleep by Angela Morrison

Sing Me To Sleep
Angela Morrison
Publisher: Razorbill
Releaase Date: March 4th, 2010
Pages: 320

Rating: 5 stars

THE TRANSFORMATION
Beth has always been “The Beast”—that’s what everyone at school calls her because of her awkward height, facial scars, and thick glasses. Beth’s only friend is geeky, golden-haired Scott. That is, until she’s selected to be her choir’s soprano soloist, and receives the makeover that will change her life forever.

THE LOVE AFFAIR

When Beth’s choir travels to Switzerland, she meets Derek: pale, brooding, totally dreamy. Derek’s untethered passion—for music, and for Beth—leaves her breathless. Because in Derek’s eyes? She’s not The Beast, she’s The Beauty.

THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE

When Beth comes home, Scott, her best friend in the world, makes a confession that leaves her completely torn. Should she stand by sweet, steady Scott or follow the dangerous, intense new feelings she has for Derek?

THE HEARTBREAK

The closer Beth gets to Derek, the further away he seems. Then Beth discovers that Derek’s been hiding a dark secret from her …one that could shatter everything.

Sing Me To Sleep is a beautiful, breathtaking novel that will simply blow you away. The story, while not completely original, takes you on a journey that is brilliant and unique. It is a story of growth and also one that might break your heart.

In Sing Me To Sleep, Angela Morrison plays with your emotions. At times, she had me in tears. Other moments I was absolutely shocked. Then there were the other times I was just happy, living the characters lives alongside of them. The story is so real, I felt I was alongside Beth, Scott, Derek, and the others.

Sing Me To Sleep allowed me to easily connect with every aspect of the book. The main character, Beth, has her music and the plot of the book is based around that. Music is something everyone can connect with, but me even more as it is in my life everyday.

The characters were another amazing aspect of this book. Beth was a very down to earth, real character. Her passion for her music just flew off the page. Scott was the adoring best friend that you couldn't help but to love. Both Beth and Scott were so in love with the other, and both were oblivious to the fact of the other's feelings. Derek was the dark mysterious boy that you never really got to know. He was one of the reasons you kept flipping pages, just hoping you'd hear more about him.

The end was a complete shocker, and I had no idea it was coming. When I finished reading, I felt like a deer in the headlights. Sing Me To Sleep is a book that outlived all my expectations. I'd recommend it to everyone.

In My Mailbox (36)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.



People mentioned:
Khy
Zoe
Carrie Jones
Alyxandra Harvey
Kristen
Alea

For Review:
White Cat by Holly Black
Morpheus Road: The Light by D.J. MacHale

Won:
Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott
Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh
The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Kidnapped
Light Beneath Ferns by Anne Spollen
Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
Incareron by Catherin Fisher

Random Buzzers:
Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

Bought:
The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
Mad Apple by Christina Meldrum
Shadowkiss by Richelle Mead
Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Speed Knitting

What'd you guys get this week?

Blog Tour: Interview with Claudia Gray

I am pleased to announce that as part of the Hourglass Blog Tour, Claudia Gray has stopped by to answer a few questions! Claudia Gray is the author of the Evernight Series. Hourglass, book 3, comes out March 9th.


What made you decide to make Bianca such a reluctant vampire?

I like reluctant vampires. I think they’re easier to relate to in the long run – because I think most of us, if asked whether we’d like to be vampires, would at least hesitate to think it over. And in Bianca’s case, becoming a full vampire has extra layers of meaning; in effect, doing that means she will stay exactly on the path her parents have planned out for her. Bianca has become determined to ask questions and blaze her own way, for better or for worse.



What part of the series did you find the hardest to write so far?

I would say the middle sections of both the first and fourth books of the series were really tough. With EVERNIGHT, I was still grappling with how to pace the story and how much information to give; in AFTERLIFE, coming next year, I had to wrap up a lot of plot threads and character arcs, and it took some work to find the best and most engaging way to do that. On an emotional level, I found the final third of HOURGLASS pretty wrenching.

If you were a paranormal creature, which one do you think you would be?

Hmmm, interesting question. I’d make a rotten vampire, I’m sure, and lycanthropy sounds like a losing proposition. Like, do you need to wear a flea collar? Could you own a pet dog or would you end up eating it? These are tough issues to deal with. Maybe a ghost would work. I wouldn’t be a very scary ghost, more like a poltergeist – I’d toss stuff around the room and hide your car keys, then laugh like crazy while you looked for them. Then, when you finally left the house, I would read all your books and watch TV. I guess I’m looking at a haunting as being a lot like a “staycation.”

Do you have a playlist you listened to while writing Hourglass?

I did, yes. I always put together playlists for my projects while I work on them; I find having one consistent soundtrack helps me get and stay in the mood of the project, and a lot of times, if I am having trouble putting together a soundtrack, it’s actually a sign that I need to clarify my own thinking about the book. Some of the main songs I listened to while writing HOURGLASS include: “Keep the Car Running" by Arcade Fire; 
"Steal my Kisses" by Ben Harper; 
"Conquest" by the White Stripes; 
"Heaven" by Lamb; 
"You Got Yr Cherry Bomb" by Spoon; 
"Razor" by the Foo Fighters; 
"Open Your Eyes" by Snow Patrol; 
"Breathe Into Me" by Red; 
"Through Glass" by Stone Sour; 
"Rolling" by Seal; and 
"I Just Wanna Live" by Good Charlotte.

Do you have any writing rituals you have to follow?

No die-hard writing rituals, and thank goodness – sometimes you have to write whenever you have the opportunity. But I would say that, if I can swing it, I like to have a comfortable chair, my soundtrack playing and otherwise, peace and quiet. And for some weird reason, I often write best after dark; this means I get a lot more done in winter, when the sun sets so much earlier!

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

Thanks so much for stopping by today Claudia!

You can browse inside Hourglass here!

Here's the book trailer for Hourglass!



For more fun follow the rest of the stops on the Hourglass Book Tour:

March 1 - http://tainted-poet.blogspot.com/
March 2 - http://www.melissas-bookshelf.com/
March 3 - http://themindfulmusingsbookblog.blogspot.com/
March 4 - http://www.theneverendingshelf.com/
March 5 - http://www.thestorysiren.com/
March 6 - http://thebookcellarx.blogspot.com/
March 7 - http://confessionsofawanderingheart.blogspot.com/
March 8 - http://aparkavenueprincess.blogspot.com/

The Returners by Gemma Malley

The Returners
Gemma Malley
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Publishing
Release Date: March 2, 2010
Pages: 320

Rating: 4 stars

London teenager Will Hodge is miserable. His mother is dead, his father’s political leanings have grown radical, and his friends barely talk to him. To top it off, he’s having nightmares about things like concentration camps. Then Will notices he's being followed by a group of people who claim to know him from another time in history. It turns out they are Returners, reincarnated people who carry with them the memory of atrocities they have witnessed in the past. Will realizes that he, too, is a Returner. But something about his memories is different, and with dawning horror, Will suspects that he wasn’t just a witness to the events, he was instrumental in making them happen. Set in the near future, with the world on the verge of a new wave of ethnic cleansing, Will must choose to confront the cruelty he's known in his past lives, or be doomed to repeat it . . . again.

The Returners was very different from what I was expecting. When I read the description, I had this idea of what The Returners would be, and it was not the same at all. Though, this doesn't mean I wasn't happy with how The Returners ended up, as I did enjoy it.

The plot of The Returners was fairly simple and rather intriguing. The first part of the book was slower and focused more around building story. This was interesting, but I do wish the plot had picked up a bit faster. The whle concept of these "Returners" was completely original and caught my attention. I almost wish Gemma Malley had played up the idea of Returners a bit more. They were this fantastic idea, and what she did with them was great, but I feel it could've been that much more.

Malley does a wonderful job with the characters in The Returners. Will was an artfully crafted character. You did sympathize with him, but I did find myself confused sometimes at his actions. I could not stand Will's father. He was just so... ugh! I think that was Gemma Malley's intention though. Patrick just gave me the creeps.

I wasn't fully satisfied with the ending. I would have liked to hear just a bit more of the story, and then it would have seemed a bit more complete. But overall, I would definately suggest this one! It's an enjoyable read set in a alternate future in the year 2016.

The Dark Divine Nail Polish Giveaway!

I don't know if you guys have heard, BUT The Dark Divine was named a recommended book on Barnes and Nobles’ website! Which is epically awesome! See the nail polish in the picture above? In a sort of celebration, I have FIVE bottles of it to give away to luck winners!

How to enter?

Share a time when it was difficult for you to forgive someone. Or if you don't want to share something that personal, just talk about your tips on forgiveness. (This is required. No entry if you don't answer the question!)

For an extra entry, link to this contest!

The contest will end March 19th.

If you haven't heard about The Dark Divine by Bree Despain, here's a description:

Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood--but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.

The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.

The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.

If you haven't read it, I would definately suggest it! I absolutely loved it.

Now go enter! :)