What happened at BEA? The Wednesday Edition

Wednesday at BEA was so awesome. I must share with you the epic stairs of the Javits Center. Our first signing of the day was Beth Fantaskey's. I was standing with Kristi and all at once a lady in front of us tapped her daughter and kind of looked at us. It turned out to be Nicole, who is absoltuely lovely. I had been dying to meet her, despite her Team Puckness.

We headed off to conquer the lines of many more lines such as the Harlequin Teen Signing. I managed to get a copy of My Soul to Keep, which was awesome! I love that series so much. In Lauren Oliver's line, I got to talk to Heidi R Kling! Who is another person who is absolutely lovely. She was so cool! Later I also got to go to Jenny Davidson's signing of Invisible Things. I have been waiting for this book since I read The Explosionist, so I was so excited to finally get book 2!

There were so many awesome people I met that day. I also got to meet April, Sharon, and many others! That night was a Book Blogger event thing at the Algonquin. I met even MORE bloggers there. After that, Gail, Alea, Lenore, Donna, Laura, April, and I headed to Max Brenners.

What happened at BEA? (Sun-Tues)

I had the oportunity to go to the Book Expo of America last week, and I had an awesome time! It was a great event and I met so many wonderful people. Here's my week of BEA.

I got to New York on Sunday, and mainly just hung out with Mitali, Alicia, Emilee, and Chelsea. We headed to Pier 17, which has an amazing view. Mitali also got hit on by some desperate, wanna-be med students. Later that night, we were joined by Kristi and were off to have dinner with JULIA HOBAN! I loved Willow, and I had met Julia once before, but still I was so excited! I also got to meet my other roommate other than Kristi, Cat, who was totally cool and had the coolest hair ever!

Monday morning I went off to tour New York University, and on my way home I had a lovely adventure called: Erica Gets Lost On The Subway for 2 Hours and Ends Up In Brooklyn. It was very fun. I had no clue where I was, and I am awful with the subway system. After I finally found my way back to my hotel, I grabbed my books for the Teen Author Carnival and headed off! The TAC was so much fun! I finally got to meet Susane Colasanti (who I have tried to meet twice now!), Heidi R. Kling, Sarah Ockler and so many other stellar authors! I also got to see Stephanie Kuehnert once again, who is awesome!

Tuesday was another day of visiting colleges, today was Columbia. I went with Sarah and Khy. After that we headed to the Javits Center to pick up our badges for BEA. On our way, we saw Stephanie Kuehnert walking away and I had a minor spaz attack. I was like "OMG! IT'S STEPHANIE KUEHNERT"

I then ventured off to tea at a shop called Sweetie Pie with a huge group of bloggers (Khy, Khy's Mom, Susan, James, Pam, Laura, Alea, Gail, Cat, and I think I'm missing another person). It was fun, and at the end they served us like bite size cakes. They gave Gail orange cake, and she politely asked for chocolate. The lady were very insistant and was like "Try a bite. Just try it" Gail politely said, "I don't like orange." The worker "I don't like orange either, but this is great" This went on for a bit, and finally Gail was brought her chocolate cake. I teased her all week about this, and kept telling her to eat the cake, just try a bite. It was the most expensive tea ever!

Then that night I went to see Promises, Promises on Broadway with Heidi R Kling, Sarah Ockler, Kody Keplinger, and Chelsea Campbell which was amazing! We didn't get to see Kristin Chenoweth, but oh my gosh can her understudy sing. She had an amazing voice! *wishes I could sing that well* It was so much fun!

Check back tomorrow for more of what happened at BEA!

In My Mailbox (48)

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.



The Evil Within by Nancy Holder
Somebody Everybody Listens Too by Suzanne Supplee
Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti
Trance by Linda Gerber
Threads and Flames by Esther Friesner
Anna and the French Kiss by Anna and the French Kiss
Extraordinary by Nancy Werlin
The Eternal Ones by Kristin Miller
Battle Dress by Amy Efaw
Pegasus by Robin McKinley
Grace by Elizabeth Scott
Penguin Five
*Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
*Saphique by Catherine Fisher
*The Eternal Ones by Kristin Miller
*Matched by Ally Condie
*The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
Insatiable by Meg Cabot

GRIM ROCK! from Julie Kagawa

The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Fat Cat by Robin Brande

Bought:
The Demon's Covenant by Sarah Rees Brennan

Bookmooch:
Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Witch Child by Celia Rees

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour Giveaway!

I have an awesome giveaway for you guys! You can win your very own copy of Amy and Roger's Epic Detour and a $10 iTunes giftcard, to help you start building your own playlist!

If you haven't already heard about Amy and Roger's Epic Detour, here's a brief description:

Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew—just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn’t seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she’s coming to terms with her father’s death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road—diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards—this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself.

How to enter?

Leave what songs you'd put on YOUR Road Trip Playlist! (And also leave an email)

Extra entries:
+1 Link to this contest
+1 Follow The Book Cellar
+1 Comment on my review here (Please no comments like "Great Review")

Please leave all your entries in one comment.

Ends: Saturday, June 12th. **US Only*

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour
Morgan Matson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Release Date: May 4th, 2010
Pages: 352

Rating: 5 stars

Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew--just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn't seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she's coming to terms with her father's death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road--diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards--this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself.

This was a simply amazing novel. I loved every page of it. Road trip books are always fun, and road trip books even more fun! Amy and Roger's Epic Detour bypassed all expections I had set for it by leaps and bounds. It was an amazing story of self-growth and moving on in life.

The characters were wonderful. Amy was a complex character, who had been through so much. While I have never experienced anything close to the tragedy Amy had suffered, Matson made it very easy to relate with Amy. Roger was another character that Matson made very easy to relate to. I fell for him the moment he walked onto the page. I was I loved how the characters growth was in time with the road trip. Each step Amy and Roger made across the country, the more they grew as characters.

The story was wonderful. The dialogue between Amy and Roger was always a joy to read. There was always a great balance in the dialogue between the two. I loved the extra things - like receipts, postcards, and post-it notes - that were added into the chapters. I thought they really added to the book, and gave us a bit more insight as to who Amy and Roger really were. My favorite extra in the book was the playlists. I loved seeing the music they were listening to in each state.

This is a book I would suggest you pick up without a second thought. It's a sweet story of two teens and their story as they cross the U.S. of A. I was swept up in the story with page one, and wasn't let go until the last page. It's a stunning debut.

About the Author
Morgan Matson received her MFA in Writing for Children from the New School. A road-trip veteran, she has driven cross-country three times...so far. She currently lives in Venice, California. Follow Morgan on Twitter at @morgan_m.

Read the first chapter!
Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson


Source: Big Honcho Media

Winners of the postcards!

The winner of the postcards giveaway is...

Sherry!

An Interview with Harmonic Feedback's Justin

Earlier this week Drea from Harmonic Feedback and today Justin from Tara Kelly's Harmonic Feedback has stopped by to answer a few questions! If you haven't already heard about this fantastic book, here's a summary:

Sixteen-year-old, music- and sound design-obsessed Drea doesn’t have friends. She has, as she’s often reminded, issues. Drea’s mom and a rotating band of psychiatrists have settled on “a touch of Asperger’s.”

Having just moved to the latest in a string of new towns, Drea meets two other outsiders. And Naomi and Justin seem to actually like Drea. The three of them form a band after an impromptu, Portishead-comparison-worthy jam after school. Justin swiftly challenges not only Drea’s preference for Poe over Black Lab but also her perceived inability to connect with another person. Justin, against all odds, may even like like Drea.

It’s obvious that Drea can’t hide behind her sound equipment anymore. But just when she’s found not one but two true friends, can she stand to lose one of them?

If you had to describe what music meant to you in a sentence, what would it be?
Music saved my life.

Do you have a favorite pianist you admire, since you had awesome piano skills?
I'm a Beethoven guy. The fact that he could still play while losing his hearing blows me away. That's dedication.

What is your biggest goal you'd like to achieve in life?
I want to become a psychiatrist and help people, especially teens who feel lost and misunderstood.

Is there one song you would say defines you?
Blackest Eyes by Porcupine Tree. I completely relate to the lyrics and it's an amazing song.

Thanks so much Justin for stopping by! You can find more about Harmonic Feedback and its author, Tara Kelley, on the web at: http://thetaratracks.com/

An Interview with Harmonic Feedback's Drea

Today the wonderful Drea from Tara Kelly's Harmonic Feedback has stopped by to answer a few questions! If you haven't heard about Harmonic Feedback, it comes out tomorrow! Here's a short description:

Sixteen-year-old, music- and sound design-obsessed Drea doesn’t have friends. She has, as she’s often reminded, issues. Drea’s mom and a rotating band of psychiatrists have settled on “a touch of Asperger’s.”

Having just moved to the latest in a string of new towns, Drea meets two other outsiders. And Naomi and Justin seem to actually like Drea. The three of them form a band after an impromptu, Portishead-comparison-worthy jam after school. Justin swiftly challenges not only Drea’s preference for Poe over Black Lab but also her perceived inability to connect with another person. Justin, against all odds, may even like like Drea.

It’s obvious that Drea can’t hide behind her sound equipment anymore. But just when she’s found not one but two true friends, can she stand to lose one of them?

Has your relationship with your Grandma ever been any different?
No, we've pretty much never gotten along. When I was little, she'd make me stay at the table until I cleaned my plate. I dreaded my visits with her.

If you could be any instrument, which would you be?
A synthesizer, most specifically the Virus TI. I love making new sounds and nothing beats the Virus.

If you had to pick one, which of your mom's "boyfriends" would you say was your favorite? Do you have a favorite story about one of them?
Probably James. He bought me a guitar I really wanted, and he wasn't fake or mean. He had good taste in music too-took me to a Portishead concert! When he and mom broke up, she said it was a mutual thing...but I'm pretty sure she broke up with him.

What's your favorite thing about music?
The way it makes me feel calm and safe. It turns off the noise in my head and inspires me.

What would your dream pair of headphones look like?
They'd be purple and green with flawless sound. Believe me, there are a lot of crappy headphones out there!

Thanks so much Drea for stopping by! You can find more about Harmonic Feedback and its author, Tara Kelley, on the web at: http://thetaratracks.com/

Make sure to check back Wednesday for an interview with Harmonic Feedback's Justin and Tuesday for a review of Harmonic Feedback!

In my Mailbox (47)

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.



Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala excerpt + bookmark and magnet
Splash Team Stuff

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
Avalon High by Meg Cabot

Chosenby PC Cast and Kristin Cast
Immortal by Gillian Shields
The Fortunes of Indigo Sky by Deb Caletti
Feeling Sorry for Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty
Better Than Yesterday by Robyn Schneider
Violet Wings by Victoria Hanley

The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren by Wendy Toliver
How Not To Spend Your Senior Year by Cameron Dokey

What did you guys get?

Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr

Radiant Shadows
Melissa Marr
Publisher: Harper Collins
Release Date: April 20, 2010
Pages: 340

Rating: 5 stars

Hunger for nourishment.
Hunger for touch.
Hunger to belong.

Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers.

Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries' coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani's death.

Ani isn't one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin's plans—and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other?

Alluring romance, heart-stopping danger, and sinister intrigue combine in the penultimate volume of Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series.

This series continues to amaze me, every book is just amazing. Radiant Shadows was simply amazing. At first, I was a bit bummed we wouldn't hear from Ash like all the other books had, but instead we hear more from the Dark Court and Ani and Devlin. I soon forgot about Ash and was all for hearing more about Ani and Devlin. It was exciting and new.

The plot was awesome. The Dark Court has always been my favorite court of the 3, and Radiant Shadows allows you a much better look at it. Radiant Shadows is a book of adventure. You learn more about Faerie and the mortal world both.

Characters, oh the characters, I love all the characters in Marr's Wicked Lovely Series. I loved Ani and Devlin both. I loved the chemistry between the two and how despite all the troubles they have in their lives, they still are drawn to each other.

This is an awesome read you don't want to miss! It's packed to the brim with adventure, tension, and a fast paced plot. This is a worthy continuation of the Wicked Lovely series, and I cannot wait for book 5!

Waiting On Wednesday (52) - Stalker Girl by Rosemary Graham

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!

Stalker Girl
Rosemary Graham
Release Date: August 5, 2010

How do you know when you’ve crossed the line between curiosity and obsession?
Carly never meant to become a stalker. She just wanted to find out who Brian started dating after he dumped her. But a little harmless online research turns into a quick glance, and that turns into an afternoon of watching. Soon Carly is putting all of her energy into following Brian’s new girlfriend—all of
the sadness she feels about her mom’s recent breakup, all of the anger she feels over being pushed aside by her dad while he prepares for his new wife’s new baby. When Carly’s stalking is discovered in the worst possible way by the worst possible person, she is forced to acknowledge her problem and the underlying issues that led to it.

This one sounds simply amazing! I am in love with the cover.

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Spirit Bound
Richelle Mead
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: May 18, 2010
Pages: 528

Rating: 5 stars

Dimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. But she chose wrong…

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives beyond the Academy’s iron gates to begin. But Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri, and he's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her...forever.

Vampire Academy fans will be tossed and turned on the emotional ride called Spirit Bound. Richelle Mead takes you across every emotion on the board with this fascinating continuation of Rose's story. This is a page turner, and I have trouble finding words to simply describe it. Spirit Bound may possibly have won the title of favorite in the series yet.

Readers see their favorite characters back again in Spirit Bound while also meeting a number of new characters. I continue to be impressed with Mead's well-written characters. I love every single one of them. Rose continues to be one of my favorite heroins ever. She's smart and strong-willed, yet has a girly side to her and will kick your ass without a second thought.

The plot will keep you guessing. You form an opinion of what you think might happen, but by the time you're actually thinking about it, something else has already happened. Spirit Bound is action packed! I loved every moment of it.

Spirit Bound was simply stellar, there's no other way to put it. The pages were filled with an enchanting story, and ending that will make readers long for book 6. Parts of Spirit Bound had me wanting to cry, other parts I was gasping, and others I could barely contain my happiness. Mead draws readers in with page 1 and doesn't let go until the end.

Round 1 Winner: Bracket 4

These past two weeks My partner and I have been participating as a judge in the YA Bloggers Debut Book Battle, making the decision between Bleeding Violet and Prada and Prejudice. Which will go on to the next round?


While I enjoyed both reads, Prada and Prejudice was the sure winner for me! I simply just fell in love with the world it was set in. I loved the characters as well. It was just a novel that simply sucked me in. I did enjoy both, but something about Prada and Prejudice made me love it that much more. I'm cheering for it in the future rounds :)

In My Mailbox (46)

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.



Cool People In This Vlog:
Robin Benway
Sara from The Hiding Spot
Kristen from Bookworming In the 21st Century
Anna Jarzab

Crank by Ellen Hopkins
Glass by Ellen Hopkins
White Cat by Holly Black
The Education of Bet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
The Mermaid's Mirror by LK Madigan
Everlasting by Angie Frazier

Bought:
Will Grayson Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
The Life of Glass by Jillian Cantor
First Test by Tamora Pierce
Squire by Tamora Pierce
Page by Tamora Pierce
Lady Knight by Tamora Pierce
Dramarama by E. Lockhart
Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber
Kissing Coffins by Ellen Schreiber
Vampireville by Ellen Schreiber
The White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean
Valiant by Holly Black
Jinx by Meg Cabot
How To Be Popular by Meg Cabot
Prey by Lurlene McDaniels
How To Take Ex Out of Ex-Boyfriend by Janette Rallison
Pass It On by J Minter
You're the One That I Want by Cecily Von Ziegesar
Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause
Girlfriend Material by Melissa Kantor
If I Stay by Gayle Foreman
The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

Bookmooch:
The Decoding of Lana Morris by Tom and Laura McNeal

Giveaway: Postcards

Thanks to the awesome people at UPrinting I have 100 postcards to giveaway to one lucky winner!



Recipe Cards, Thank you cards, Invitations, and much more… What better to use for these than these postcard prints? From marketing materials to personal invitations, postcards have developed from the rather plain and boring. Get a chance to win a set! Design them to your heart’s content and be as creative as you can be. UPrinting has any printing services you may need including postcard printing!

Product Information:
Quantity: 100 Postcards
Size: 4x6
Paper: 14pt cardstock, (4/4)

Contest Information:
•to enter, please fill out the form below
•entrants must be 18 years of age or older*
•contest deadline is May 24, 2010
•contest open to US residents only!*
•free UPS Ground Shipping*

*Per UPrinting's guidelines

The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea Campbell

The Rise of Renegade X
Chelsea Campbell
Publisher: Egmont USA
Release Date: May 11th, 2010
Pages: 352

Rating: 5 stars

Damien Locke knows his destiny--attending the university for supervillains and becoming Golden City's next professional evil genius. But when Damien discovers he's the product of his supervillain mother's one-night stand with--of all people--a superhero, his best-laid plans are ruined as he's forced to live with his superhero family.

Going to extreme lengths (and heights), The Rise of Renegade X chronicles one boy's struggles with the villainous and heroic pitfalls of growing up.

I'm not usually a superhero or supervillain person at all, but The Rise of Renegade is a phenomonal debut that had me entranced from page 1. The Rise of Renegade X has the entire package, it's fun, witty, and humorous.

Chelsea Campbell sure has talent when it comes to characters. The characters were my favorite part of the book - they were all extremely well-written. Sarah was so quirky and out there, but you had to love her! Damien, the protagonist, was an awesome character. He had a great voice, which was enjoyable to read the entire book. He made a good balance between snarky comments and actual sincere thoughts. He was a character you had trouble NOT falling for. Cat was another wonderful character. I loved her super power. She was my favorite character of the book. All the characters were memorable, whether they played a large role or not. I love when characters don't fade into the background.

The plot was another awesome thing about the book. It was really original. Can you just imagine growing up supervillain then finding out you could possibly be a hero? That would be torture! Watching Damien's struggle with this throughout the book was so fun. As much as it sucked for him, it was great for readers.

This is one you don't want to miss, it's that good. It's got all the key coponents you want a book to have. I can't wait to hear more from Chelsea Campbell (a sequel perchance?)

Lots of winners!

Ok. I have the winners of the Mistwood Swag contest AND The Tension of Opposites Swag contest!

Without further ado, Mistwood swag winners are:

1. Allison
2. Caito45
3. Alison
4. Uprobdon'tknowme
5. Spunkiireader
6. Bookie
7. Diana Dang
8.Lisa R
9. Raelena

And The Tension Of Opposites Swag winners are:

1. KailiaSage
2. Travis
3. Dahlia
4. Emily
5. MissKallie
6. Katelyn
7. Jill
8. Bookie
9. Liz
10. Lindsay's Photography

Winners I'll be contacting you for your mailing addresses soon :)

Waiting On Wednesday (51) - The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

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!

The Iron Daughter
Julie Kagawa
Release Date: August 1, 2010

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron Fey, iron-bound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's alone in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

I need this book now. I love love love The Iron King, and am eagerly awaiting The Iron Daughter. At least in June there is a short story going out, so hopefully that will hold me over until I can go buy The Iron Daughter :)

Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr

Fragile Eternity
Melissa Marr
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: April 9, 2009
Pages: 389

Rating: 5 stars

From GoodreadS:
Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone—but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he'd ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.

Aislinn never expected to rule the very creatures who'd always terrified her—but that was before Keenan. He stole her mortality to make her a monarch, and now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined.

In Melissa Marr's third mesmerizing tale of Faerie, Seth and Aislinn struggle to stay true to themselves and each other in a milieu of shadowy rules and shifting allegiances, where old friends become new enemies and one wrong move could plunge the Earth into chaos.

Fragile Eternity was an absolutely wonderful read. While I loved book 2, Fragile Eternity simply blows it away. In Fragile Eternity, Seth, Keenan and Ash take center stage once again.

Fragile Eternity really gives readers a great look in the world of fairies Marr has created. I learned so much about Keenan's world in Fragile Eternity, which really made me appreciate the books even more. Fragile Eternity also addresses the questions readers have, while in turn leading to more questions.

In Fragile Eternity, you really get to know the characters a lot better. I already loved Seth as a character, but Fragile Eternity made me love him even more. Ash goes through a lot in Fragile Eternity, and you understand her a lot better on an emotional level.

The conflict everyone has arrised with the love triangle between Ash, Keenan, and Seth. I loved the role it played in the story! The plot in Fragile Eternity is ace, and will keep you reading.

I would definately read one. This is a book you will regret missing. It left me 100% pumped for Radiant Shadows!

In My Mailbox (45)

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.



Review:
Wayfarer by RJ Anderson
Finny by Justin Kramon

Tour:
Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

Won:
Gimme A Call by Sarah Mlynowski
Mistwood by Leah Cypess
Solving Zoe by Barbara Dee
Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker
Zoe's Necklace from Jennifer Laurens!

Bookmooch:
Bad Blood by Mari Mancusi
The Awakening by LA Banks

What did you guys get this week?

The Heart Is Not a Size by Beth Kephart

The Heart Is Not a Size
Beth Kephart
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: March 30, 2010
Pages: 244

Rating: 3 stars

From Goodreads:
Georgia knows what it means to keep secrets. She knows how to ignore things. She knows that some things are better left unsaid. ...Or are they?

When Georgia and her best friend, Riley, travel along with nine other suburban Pennsylvania kids to Anapra, a squatters' village in the heat-flattened border city of Juarez, Mexico, secrets seem to percolate and threaten both a friendship and a life. Certainties unravel. Reality changes. And Georgia is left to figure out who she is outside the world she's always known.

Beth Kephart paints a world filled with emotion, longing, and the hot Mexican sun.

The Heart is Not a Size was an alright read. It wasn't amazing or anything, but still worth your time.

I loved the idea behind the plot. It was very thought provoking, but the issue I had was that I kept getting bored. None of the scenes really grabbed me and hooked me in. I loved Kephart's writing and how accurate all the descriptions were. I really enjoyed the ending.

I really enjoyed the characters. Kephart did a wonderful job in writing a wide range of characters who were all very well written. I really liked Riley as a character.

The Heart is Not a Size is a read I would definately try! It's got a great idea and good characters. It's not the most captivating read in the world, but still very good!

Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti

Something Like Fate
Susane Colasanti
Publisher: Viking Juvenille
Release Date: April 4, 2010
Pages: 240

Rating: 5 stars

Lani and Erin are bonded for life. One thing that connects them is their fascination of fate. Lani wonders how much of our lives has already been decided and how much we can actually influence. Since the Unknown can unexpectedly change our lives forever, how much can we really control?

From the minute Lani meets Jason, she can't deny the intense connection they share. It feels like she's known him forever. She's not sure if he feels it, too. But it doesn't matter. Because Jason is Erin's boyfriend. Lani is determined to ignore her feelings for Jason, no matter how powerful they are, rather than risk hurting her best friend.

How long can Lani keep running from the boy who might be her destiny?

I have been waiting for another Susane Colasanti book for months, and Something Like Fate will not let readers down in any way! I loved every moment of it. Every Susane Colasanti book has this adorable plot with these catchy titles.

Every scene with Lani and Jason was adorable. They just gave off this vibe. You couldn't help but to love them. I loved their connection they had and they couldn't ignore it. It was like fate was pulling them together and just not letting go.

I have seen many comparisons of Something Like Fate to Elizabeth Scott's The Unwritten Rule. I loved both, but something about Something Like Fate just made me love it more. In The Unwritten Rule, Sarah's friend Briana was unbearable at times, but the best friend in Something Like Fate was not like that at all. There wasn't a single moment I didn't enjoy. I don't know if it can beat my love for Susane Colasanti's other novel, When It Happens, but Something Like Fate comes in a very close second.

I love the cover for Something Like Fate. It's a cover I would buy the book just for the cover. The contents of Something Like Fate are worthy of its phenomonal cover. I would definately suggest reading this one!

Winner of The Faery Face Off.

Winner of The Faery Face Off is...

*drum roll*

Joy P!

Congrats! I'll be contacting you for your mailing adress!

Waiting On Wednesday (50) - Freefall by Mindi Scott

Freefall
Mindi Scott
Release Date: Cctober 5, 2010

How do you come back from the point of no return?

Seth McCoy was the last person to see his best friend Isaac alive, and the first to find him dead. It was just another night, just another party, just another time where Isaac drank too much and passed out on the lawn. Only this time, Isaac didn’t wake up.

Convinced that his own actions led to his friend’s death, Seth is torn between turning his life around . . . or losing himself completely.

Then he meets Rosetta: so beautiful and so different from everything and everyone he's ever known. But Rosetta has secrets of her own, and Seth will soon realize he isn’t the only one who needs saving . . .

I can't wait for this one! It sounds simply fantastic!

Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey

Jekel Loves Hyde
Beth Fantaskey
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Release Date: May 3rd, 2010
Pages: 288

Rating: 4 stars

From goodreads:
Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents’ rules – especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her father’s office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, she's tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship.

To better her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristen’s sanity. Maybe his life. But Jill’s accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything – even Tristen’s love – just for the thrill of being… bad.

Jekel Loves Hyde had an intriquing premise, but I didn't feel it completely fufilled the expectations I had for it. Fantaskey's debut novel, Jessica's Guide to Dating On the Dark Side became an instant favorite, but Jekel Loves Hyde just didn't wow me to that level.

Beth Fantaskey once again blew me away with her well developed characters. The characters were fantastically written, and I fell in love with them. I adored Tristen, the entire book he had a mysterious air about him. Jill was a really well written character. She was smart and strong, yet shy and timid.

I loved the story. It was enticing, and never left me bored and uninterested. I loved all the Tristen and Jill scenes. I loved Fantaskey's use of the old classic to whip a new original story into place!

Overall, Jekel Loves Hyde was a really great book, it just wasn't one that I'd consider a favorite or reread. I'd definately read it when you have time!

Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr

Ink Exchange
Melissa Marr
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: May 1, 2008
Pages: 325

Rating: 4.5 stars

Unbeknownst to mortals, a power struggle is unfolding in a world of shadows and danger. After centuries of stability, the balance among the Faery Courts has altered, and Irial, ruler of the Dark Court, is battling to hold his rebellious and newly vulnerable fey together. If he fails, bloodshed and brutality will follow.

Seventeen-year-old Leslie knows nothing of faeries or their intrigues. When she is attracted to an eerily beautiful tattoo of eyes and wings, all she knows is that she has to have it, convinced it is a tangible symbol of changes she desperately craves for her own life.

The tattoo does bring changes; not the kind Leslie has dreamed of, but sinister, compelling changes that are more than symbolic. Those changes will bind Leslie and Irial together, drawing Leslie deeper and deeper into the faery world, unable to resist its allures, and helpless to withstand its perils. . . .

Ink Exchange is another wonderful story in the Wicked Lovely series. I loved the story. Leslie, Irial and Niall take the stage in Ink Exchange, while still hearing from the main characters of Wicked Lovely. I loved getting to know the characters who didn't have as big of a role in book one. The plot is one to keep you constantly occupied. Ink Exchange's conclusion had me insanely excited for book 3, Fragile Eternity. This is definately a book you will not want to miss.

Hailey Twitch Is Not a Snitch by Lauren Barnholdt is OUT

Seven-year-old Hailey Twitch knows three things for sure: who she’s the boss of, how to throw a tantrum, and above all, how to get exactly what she wants. But all that changes when Hailey gets paired up with annoying Addie Jokobeck on the class project. No matter what Hailey does, she can’t seem to change her teacher’s mind.

At home, a cranky Hailey is feeling sorry for herself when – poof! — Maybelle, a magic sprite, comes flying out of Hailey’s dollhouse. Maybelle’s on probation with the Department of Magic, and on a special mission to get Hailey to have fun.

The only problem? The invisible Maybelle starts causing a lot of trouble, and when Hailey’s teacher wants to know who’s to blame, Hailey takes responsibility. After all, Hailey Twitch is not a snitch! Now if only Hailey can convince the Department of Magic that Maybelle has reformed…

You can buy Hailey Twitch from amazon by clicking here, and find out how to win a free book from Lauren by clicking here!

In My Mailbox (44)

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:



Forget You by Jennifer Echols
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
Burning Ambition: A Hottie Novel by Jonathan Bernstein

Kiss In the Dark by Lauren Henderson
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson
Hunted by PC Cast
Unbelievable by Sara Shepard
Secrets Of My Hollywood Life by Jen Colanita
Am I Right or Am I Right? by Barry Jonsberg

What did you guys get?

Mistwood Swag Giveaway!

As the grand finale of Mistwood week, Leah Cypress has kindly donated some SWAG for YOU to win. There will be 10 winners. Each winner will receive one bookmark and one postcard!

Here's how to enter:
+1 Answer this question: If you were a shifter, what animal would you shift into? and Leave you email (required)
+1 Link to this contest (twitter, sidebar, etc)
+1 Link to the trailer (below)
+1 Follow The Book Cellar

Now for your viewing pleasure,