Skyship Academy: The Pearl Wars by Nick James: IMPROVED COVER

I usually don't post about covers much, but I am SO EXCITED about this book, so I make exceptions ;). So at BEA in May, I was so happy when I managed to get an ARC of Skyship Academy by Nick James. I thought it sounded absolutely brilliant. I saw the ARC cover, and absolutely loved it. Now, the cover is even more improved and looks quite snazzy.

Also! Here is more about Skyship Academy: The Pearl Wars, had you not already heard.

A devastated Earth’s last hope is found in Pearls: small, mysterious orbs that fall from space, and are capable of supplying enough energy to power entire cities. Battling to control the Pearls are the Skyship dwellers—political dissidents who live in massive ships in the Earth’s stratosphere—and the corrupt Surface government.
Jesse Fisher, a Skyship brat, and Cassius Stevenson, a young Surface operative, cross paths when they both venture into forbidden territory in pursuit of Pearls. Their chance encounter triggers an unexpected reaction, endowing each boy with remarkable—and dangerous—abilities that their respective governments would stop at nothing to possess. Enemies thrust together with a common goal, Jesse and Cassius make their way to the ruins of Seattle to uncover the truth about their new powers, the past they didn’t know they shared, and a shocking secret about the Pearls.

PLUS I totally just found out that JAMES DASHNER blurbed this book, and I usually don't care about blurbs that much but it is JAMES DASHNER, like hello? He says "A definite must-read!" so that is rather snazzy.

Pre-Order Skyship Academy:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository


SO. What do you guys think? Love the cover? Like the sound of Skyship Academy? Not feeling it?

Luminous Tour: Interview with Dawn Metcalf

Flowing from The Story Siren, today is the last stop on MundiMoms' LUMINOUS Blog Tour! Dawn has stopped by the blog for an interview, Welcome Dawn to The Book Cellar!
Describe Luminous in 10 words or less.

Consuela's compelled to save strangers from dying before their time.

If the characters from Luminous got stuck on a deserted island, who would fare the best? The worst? And who would be the one to find them a way off said island?

Funny you should ask...that's sort of the premise of the book! I can't answer that for fear of spoilers, but rest assured: they are all in there!

If your characters were Muppets, who would they be?

YAY! I *love* Muppets! Well, Consuela (and V) would both be Kermit: compassionate, heartfelt, and helpful to others, honestly confused when others or Fate make it so hard. Wish would be Wimbley Fraggle: bumbling, insecure, but wanting to do the right thing...whatever that is. Sissy might be Janice: cool, laid-back, the underlying instrument that holds this whole band together. Yehudah would be Mokey Fraggle: equally contemplative and silly-humored, complimentary and thinking of the Big Picture. Abacus would be Prof. Bunsen Honeydew with a dash of Fozzy Bear: smart, cuddly, and friendly as well as a bit goofy about his latest discoveries. Nikki would be Robin: honest, emotional, and has a big heart. Joseph Crow would be Cantus Fraggle: the pseudo-mystic dispensing wisdom and puzzles, hoping that others will find their answers for themselves. Maddy would be Miss Piggy: self-focused, bigger than life, and sometimes physically aggressive. And Tender would be Dr. Teeth: wacky, psychedelically wise, and a little bit feral.

Which of your characters would you most want to have lunch with?

Ooo, probably Abacus. He's very fun and funny and intellectually giddy. I get the feeling that he'd get excited about just about any philosophical question and would be deeply interested in anything you might have to contribute to a conversation. Next to Yehudah, I think he's the best listener, and he clearly loves to eat!

Where is one place you would love to travel?

I have always wanted to travel to Australia and New Zealand. I had the chance to study abroad in Queensland, but opted for London instead. I made some great friends and had lots of hot tea and curries, but I always wondered what would have happened if I'd gone there instead.

What is hardest for you the first or the last line?

First lines. Beginnings are my albatross and I go back to rewrite them over and over (and over!) again. The last line is fairly easy for me because I already know how it will end. In Luminous, the end was clear as day and it was the beginning that drove me bonkers! I still wish I could go back and tweak it, but alas, it is on the shelves and out of my grubby hands. Onto the next beginning!

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

This interview on the MundiMoms' LUMINOUS Blog Tour was brought to you by the letter: H Collect all the letters along the blog tour, unscramble the puzzle, and win a secret surprise as well as an extra entry in the LUMINOUS Grand Prize Giveaway, June 30th! Details at www.dawnmetcalf.com."

Thanks Dawn for stopping by. You can find Dawn out on the web at her website, blog, facebook, and twitter.

Don't forget to check out the other blogs on the tour. I'm posting the schedule below with the type of feature each blog will have! I am the last stop on the tour, so don't forget to check out all prior stops :)

June 1st- Electrifying Reviews- Review

June 3rd- Fantastic Book Review- Author Interview

June 5th- Sarah's Random Musings- Review

June 7th- Mundie Moms- Character Interview, Consuela

June 9th- Books with Bite- Review

June 11th- Steph Su Reads- Interview about themes in Luminous
June 13th- The Book Smugglers- Review

June 15th- The Compulsive Reader- Character Interview, V

June 17th- Mindful Musings- Review

June 19th- The Book Butterfly-  Interview about Luminous's world building

June 21st- Reading In Color- Review

June 23rd- Electrifying Reviews- Author Interview

June 25th- Mundie Moms- Review

June 27th- The Story Siren- Review

Waiting on Wednesday (106) - The Very Thought of You by Rosie Alison

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 Very Thought of You by Rosie Alison
Coming July 5, 2011 from Atria


England, 31st August 1939: The world is on the brink of war. As Hitler prepares to invade Poland, thousands of children are evacuated from London to escape the impending Blitz. Torn from her mother, eight-year-old Anna Sands is relocated with other children to a large Yorkshire estate which has been opened up to evacuees by Thomas and Elizabeth Ashton, an enigmatic, childless couple. Soon Anna gets drawn into their unraveling relationship, seeing things that are not meant for her eyes and finding herself part-witness and part-accomplice to a love affair with unforeseen consequences.


This book sounds awesome! I am a huge fan of historical fictions, and I love the sound of this one!

Also, The Very Thought of You was shortlisted for the Orange Prize, which celebrates excellence, originality, and accessibility in women’s writing throughout the world.

What are you guys "waiting" on this week?

Interview with Alexandra Bracken + Giveaway

Today, my friends, Brightly Woven is out into the world in its LOVELY paperback edition. *breaks into a happy dance* So I am here to celebrate with a giveaway of a shiny paperback, BUT also with an interview with THE Alexandra Bracken herself. How cool is that?

Alexandra Bracken is the author of Brightly Woven and the upcoming Black is the Color (which I am very excited for and may or may not be counting down the days until it is out). She is a recent graduate of the College of William and Mary, where she majored in History and English. She now lives in New York City and works in children’s book publishing. You can find her on the web at her website/blog and twitter.

Destroy Everything You Touch is my favorite song from the Black is the Color playlist, could you share any info as to why you included it?

Well, let me see if I can put this in a way that won't give too much about BitC away...  Ruby, the main character of the story, resembles Syd in the sense that she has abilities which are very difficult for her to control, but they're disastrous in a way that Syd's aren't.  While Syd’s are destructive to the world around her, Ruby’s tend to ruin her closest personal relationships, so she lives in fear of getting too close to anyone else, lest she lose them.  These lyrics in particular are very relevant:

Destroy everything you touch today
Destroy me this way
Anything that may desert you
So it cannot hurt you

Which characters from Brightly Woven and Black is the Color would be friends?

Oh man… This is the question that’s giving me the most trouble, because, on one hand, Ruby and Syd probably could relate to one another, but Ruby has a really, really tough time making friends.  Liam and North would probably get along, unless they tried to out-angst one another.  Owain would probably be friends with everyone, because, really, who can resist his bear hugs? 

If you were any Disney princess, who would you choose to be?

I was about to say Belle, mostly because I relate most to her “I want so much more than they’ve got planned” drive and her love of reading and books, but if I could choose ANY “princess”… Can I say Mulan?  Girlfriend kicks serious butt, and, in case you couldn’t tell, I’m a total sucker for the girls-dressing-as-boys-and-then-later-proving-that-they-kick-just-as-much-ass trope.  Talk about being brave, too!  I wish I had half of her courage!

Mulan is pretty awesome. What is your current favorite song that you feel everyone should know about?

 I’ve had Robyn’s Call Your Girlfriend on repeat for the past week or so.  It’s so terrible, because whenever it comes on during my subway commute to work, I always start nodding or tapping along to the beat (which is kind of embarrassing, but maybe not quite as embarrassing as the guy  on the Q train who was singing along with Tina Turner’s The Best without realizing it).  I’ve also been listening  to the new stuff by Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes while revising—Bon Iver’s Perth and Fleet Foxes’ The Shrine/An Argument are incredible.

Do you have a favorite quote from Brightly Woven?

Maybe this is cheating a bit, but I think my favorite line out the entire novel is still the very last one.  It never changed, no matter how many drafts I went through, and I think it ends the story on the exact right note.

I most definitely had to now go read the last line :) Now that I've read it, I AGREE! That line is absolutely perfect and ends the story. I still think my favorite quote from Brightly Woven is "What Good Is Strength If You Have No Sense" - I don't remember where it falls in the story, but it's fabulous.


Thank you so much Alexandra for stopping by for an interview. Now giveaway details....fill out the following form. It will be INTERNATIONAL & open until July 12.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

The Forest of Hands and Teeth
Carrie Ryan
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: March 9, 2009
Pages: 310
Source: Bought

Rating: 5 stars

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

I for some reason had this crazy notion that I didn't think I would like this book, and thus didn't read it until now. I'm not huge on the whole "zombie" thing. I'm horrible and am a huge cover judge - I did not like the hardcover cover, so I kinda avoided it as well. Wowza was I stupid! The Forest of Hands and Teeth is an absolutely stellar read that I would recommend to absolutely everyone.

I loved the world. I was so caught up in it right away. I loved that sense of discovering things along with Mary. I had so many questions as I was reading, and even after I  finished the questions were still playing on repeat through my head. The plot was just awesome. I loved everything in the world that just fueled the fire. I could never guess what would come next.

The characters were awesome. I loved Argo the dog. I know he can't talk or anything, but he is definitely the most rocking dog ever. I adored Travis quite a lot. He was such a sweetheart. Even characters I didn't want to like, I couldn't completely dislike as they all had some moment of good, where their true character shown through.

The ending - Carrie Ryan is absolutely MEAN. I am in a sense happy I waited this long, as now I don't have to wait to start Dead Tossed Waves after that horribly cruel ending of cliffhangerness. I am in LOVE with the paperback cover. It is absolutely stunning I think.

This is a must read. I feel like I'm about the last person in the universe to read this series, but seriously, if you haven't read it, you should. You will fall for the crazy world, charming characters, and epic plot.

Cover Rating: A+

In My Mailbox (104)

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:



From Zoe:
Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell
Angelburn by LA Weatherly
Zen and Xander Undone by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Tour ARC Tour:
Crush Control by Jennifer Jabaley

Bookmooch:
Fish Bowl by Sarah Mylnowski

Bought:
Aces Up by Lauren Barnholdt
Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher
Gossip Girl The Carlyles by Cecily von Ziegesar
Gossip Girl Prequel It Had to Be You by Cecily Von Ziegesar

Traveling Book Box:
A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend by Emily Horner
Jump the Cracks by Stacy DeKeyser
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
Shimmer by Alyson Noel

What did you guys get?

BEA Giveaway: Shut Out, Fateful and Shelter

I am giving away three titles that were featured at BEA. A SIGNED copy of Shut Out by Kody Keplinger, Fateful by Claudia Gray, and Shelter by Harlan Coben. Just so everyone knows, I didn't grab these as doubles or anything at BEA, I received doubles of Shelter and Fateful in the mail and I just loved Shut Out I'm parting with my gorgeous copy :) Fill out the following form to enter! Open until July 10 to US/Canada only. There are extra entries in this one, for linking to The Book Cellar via link or button (which you can grab in the sidebar), liking The Book Cellar on Facebook - I'm trying to start using the facebook page I made for The Book Cellar more and be more interactive on there, and linking to the contest :) There is also +5 available for taking my blog survey.

Traveling Book Box Vlog

Here's my vlog about my experience with the Traveling Book Box. I thought a vlog would be more fun than a basic ol' post, but I will write a bit her for all  y'all who don't want to watch the vlog :)  I grabbed four books out: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan, A Love Story Starring My Dead Best Friend by Emily Horner, Jump the Cracks by Stacy DeKeyser, and Shimmer (Riley Bloom 2) by Alyson Noel.Thank you to Erika for organizing!

Such a fun concept - basically you mail aorund a box and when it gets to you, you take whatever you want and then you put the number of books you took back in the box and mail it on to the next person :)

Hey look! Yesterday was Faery Day!

Harlequin Teen celebrated Faery Day by sharing these oh so lovely banners. It is Ashes FACE. And you all should know I'm OBSESSED with the Iron Fey Series. I am counting down the days til Iron Knight. There are even Team Puck banners should you like him better. Check them out on the Facebook page here. If you haven't started this series yet, you definitely should, because they are wonderful. If you want to know more about them you can definitely check out my review of book one, The Iron King. Now go get pretty banners!

Tour: Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Haunting Violet
Alyxandra Harvey
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Release Date: June 21, 2011
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher

Rating: 4 stars

Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose.
Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?

Haunting Violet is a great read. Set in Victorian England, this read will sweep you into Violet's world with page one and take you on the rollercoaster of twists and turns her story has to offer.

The plot was a bit predictable, but still tons of fun to read. I loved the murder and the mystery, in addition to how the ghosts were portrayed. The setting added so much, I absolutely adore Victorian England, so I was super excited when I heard Haunting Violet was set there.

I liked the characters a lot. Violet was a lot of fun. Elizabeth just made me laugh every time she was on the page, I loved the rebellious, adventurous quality in her. I also really liked Colin, I thought he was absolutely just a sweetheart.

I would definitely pick up this one should you have the opportunity. It was a a totally awesome mystery that was fun to piece together the pieces.

Cover Rating: B

Haunting Violet Tour: Interview with Alyxandra Harvey

I am super excited to be on the blog tour for Alyxandra Harvey's blog tour, she is here today for an interview. Welcome Alyxandra! Alyxandra is the author of The Drake Chronicles and Haunting Violet. You can find her online at her website, Twitter, or Goodreads.

If the characters from Haunting Violet got stuck on a deserted island, who would fare the best? The worst? And who would be the one to get them off the island?

A great question! I’m sure Violet’s Mom would fare best because she’s at heart a survivor. She would do whatever it took and by whatever means. But I think Colin would fare best all around because not only would he survive but he’d manage to get home and he wouldn’t give up his sense of honor for it. Even if that sense of honor includes a little pickpocketing. ;)

Could you tell us 5 random facts about you?

*I miss having pink hair. But it requires so much upkeep!

*It’s definitely time for another tattoo.

*I am working on Haunting Violet photos and trailer...all outfitted from my closet. That should probably scare me.

*I love the smell of bonfires.

*I don’t like marshmallows.
Between all your books, do you have a favorite character to write?

Usually my favorite character is whoever I’m writing about at present. I will say that Lucy from The Drake Chronicles is one of the easiest characters to write. She’s very chatty and secretly wants her own spinoff series!

If you could have lunch with one of your characters, who would you choose?

Maybe not my vampire characters ;) Though I’d love to hear Aunt Hyacinth talk about Victorian London.

I think Elizabeth and Violet together would be fun. There’s a character in the Haunting Violet sequel I wrote for myself who I’d also like to have tea with...

What is a book you have read lately and loved?

I love any poetry by Mary Oliver and she has a new collection out as of last autumn. I’m also reading Susanna Kearsley’s (a fellow Canadian) “The Rose Garden”. I love her books!

Make sure to check back later today for my review of Haunting Violet :)

From the Back of My Shelf: A New Feature!

From the Back of My Shelf is a new feature Katie from Katie's Book Blog and I are starting on the 2nd & 4th Fridays of the month!

Do you have a ton of older books that have been collecting dust on the back of your shelf because you haven't read them yet? I know I do, so here comes in From the Back of My Shelf! Two Fridays a month you pick a book, that came out in 2009 or earlier and review it. We figured it was time to start putting a dent in those old reading piles.

Then you can come back to either Katie's or my blog and link up your reviews and we can all comment :) The first official From the Back of My Shelf will be July 8, so that gives you two weeks to read one of your older books!

YA Bloggers Best Overlooked Book Battle Decision: Some Girls Are or John Belushi is Dead?

 
I was the judge for Round 2 of The 2011 YA Book Battle, Bracket 10! I had the hard decision of deciding between Some Girls Are and John Belushi is Dead. Let me tell you, this was no easy feat! I thought it would be a simple decision, like I thought my decision last year was as a judge, but that was not the case. I fell in love with both stories and the characters. When I finished I debated and debated, going back and forth between the two.




Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers

I loved this book. I thought it was a great story, as some girls are, well, mean and it's something a lot of teens go through, whether been the tauntee or the victim. I loved the characters and found them really relatable. I thought there were a few aspects of the plot that could have been a bit more developed.




John Belushi is Dead by Kathy Charles I also just loved this book. It was a very unique story, I had definitely never read anything like it. I fell in love with the story, and the charm all the characters brought. The only thing that I found a bit off was the creep factor with Benji towards the end of the book, I am sorry but it was a bit much for my taste.

Now, a decision had to be made. The book that will move on in the 2011 YA Bloggers Best Overlooked Book Battle for Bracket 10 is....

*drum roll*

John Belushi is Dead by Kathy Charles!

John Belushi is Dead by Kathy Charles

John Belushi is Dead
Kathy Charles
Publisher: MTV
Release Date: August 24, 2010
Pages: 320

Rating: 4.5 stars

IN THE END WE ALL FADE TO BLACK.

Pink-haired Hilda and oddball loner Benji are not your typical teenagers. Instead of going to parties or hanging out at the mall, they comb the city streets and suburban culs-de-sac of Los Angeles for sites of celebrity murder and suicide. Bound by their interest in the macabre, Hilda and Benji neglect their schoolwork and their social lives in favor of prowling the most notorious crime scenes in Hollywood history and collecting odd mementos of celebrity death.
 

Hilda and Benji’s morbid pastime takes an unexpected turn when they meet Hank, the elderly, reclusive tenant of a dilapidated Echo Park apartment where a silent movie star once stabbed himself to death with a pair of scissors. Hilda feels a strange connection with Hank and comes to care deeply for her paranoid new friend as they watch old movies together and chat the sweltering afternoons away. But when Hank’s downstairs neighbor Jake, a handsome screenwriter, inserts himself into the equation and begins to hint at Hank’s terrible secrets, Hilda must decide what it is she’s come to Echo Park searching for . . . and whether her fascination with death is worth missing out on life.

John Belushi is Dead is an awesome read. I hadn't heard a lot about it, but I am super happy I decided to read it. I was charmed by the characters and fell in love with the story.

John Belushi is Dead has a slower start, but don't let that throw you! Soon you will be so captivated by the story that you won't put it down til the last page is turned. Thestory was so fascinating - it was a bit morbid and definitely off the beaten trail. I loved all the random celebrity tidbits it included, even though many of them were about their deaths.

John Belushi is Dead dealt with a lot of emotions and was quite thought provoking. All the characters had a very different story to tell, and they all brought aspects and emotions from each to the story. There was a nice mix between the more serious scenes and the lighter scenes.

The characters were really well written. I really liked Hilda. She grew a lot throughout the book, which was nice. Benji kind of gave me the creeps. Justin and Hank were my 2 favorites characters of the book - they both had their charms and brought a lot to the story.

I wholeheartedly suggest this one. It was a book I will now be suggesting to everyone.  I had so much fun reading, as I got so caught up in the story. I am very excited to see what Kathy Charles will come up with next.

Cover Rating: B-

Trailer: Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker

So I am SUPER excited about Small Town Sinners to be out next month, and I just saw the trailer today! Small Town Sinners was absolutely fabulous, so I just had to share the trailer! Enjoy :)

Tour: Breath of Angel by Karyn Henley

Breath of Angel
Karyn Henley
Publisher: Waterbrook Press
Release Date: June 21, 2011
Pages: 277

Rating: 4.5 stars

The stranger’s cloak had fallen back, and with it, a long, white, blood-stained wing.

When Melaia, a young priestess, witnesses the gruesome murder of a stranger in the temple courtyard, age-old legends recited in song suddenly come to life. She discovers wings on the stranger, and the murderer takes the shape of both a hawk and a man.

Angels. Shape-shifters. Myths and stories—until now.

Melaia finds herself in the middle of a blood feud between two immortal brothers who destroyed the stairway to heaven, stranding angels in the earthly realm. When the feud turns violent and Melaia becomes a target, she finds refuge with a band of angels attempting to restore the stairway. But the restoration is impossible without the repayment of an ancient debt—the “breath of angel, blood of man,” a payment that involves Melaia’s heart, soul, and destiny.

I really enjoyed Breath of Angel. I thought it was a brilliant start to a series. It was a page turner that I could scarcely put down.

I loved the idea the plot. I can't wait to see how the story develops over future books. The world was so easy to get caught up in. I loved the new creatures that were introduced, I never would have thought about draks or anything like that. Angels were definitely introduced in an entirely new way.

Melaia kind of bugged me. Her mindset was annoying and I found her immature. I wanted to slap some sense into her at times. That aside I loved all the other characters. I'm particularly interested to see what Trevin's role will be in future books. I really liked him, I thought he was really admirable. Jarrod was another favorite character, I really liked him.

This book is a must read. I absolutely loved it, and am already counting down the days until the next book will be out.

Waiting on Wednesday (105) - The Iron Knight 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 Knight by Julie Kagawa (Book 4 in The Iron Fey series)
Coming October 25, 2011 from Harlequin Teen

Ummm... self explanatory? I am in LOVE with these books. And am hardcore TEAM ASH. and now his FACE is on the cover. HOTTTT!

Rise by Stefne Miller

Rise (The sequel to Salvaged)
Stefne Miller
Publisher: Tate Publishing
Release Date:
Pages: 380
Source: Copy from author

Rating: 5 stars

Attie Reed has finally found some happiness after the accident that took her mother’s and best friend’s lives and nearly destroyed hers. But that doesn’t mean life is going to get easier. She may not have nighttime monsters to fight, but her world is about to spin wildly out of orbit.

In the captivating, highly anticipated sequel to Stefne Miller’s Salvaged, Attie is faced with the challenge of fitting in at a new school while figuring out her next steps. Riley continues to fight with her and for her as she encounters difficult battles. He has been her protection, but he can’t protect her forever.

When Attie’s father finally comes back into her life, she is faced with her most difficult decision yet: to stay in Oklahoma and keep the life she has made or return to New York to repair her relationship with her father and allow herself to heal. What happens will define who she is and who she will become. Can she fight this battle alone and Rise? Or will she continue to fall out of orbit and be lost forever?

Since I'm about to ramble on for a really long time with my love for Rise, I give you the short version of my review.

Rise was absolutely amazing. While it had a bit of a bumpy start, everything that came to follow was absolutely brilliant. The characters I loved in Salvaged are back again, and I pretty much instantly fell back in love with them and their world. Rise is a page turner that will captivate you the entire book. Stefne Miller is an author to watch.

----------
Long version:

I love Salvaged. A lot. I cannot even explain my love for that book. This made me very nervous for Rise, as I could not imagine how a book could live up to, or even succeed such a book. Stefne Miller manages to do this in Rise, and absolutely blow readers away!

I won't lie - for the first 40 pages or so, I wasn't feeling the absolute Rise love. I wasn't complete on board with Attie and Riley's "trick/plan". I didn't quite understand it. It was good, but wasn't up to what I had expected. All at once, everything changed, and I was back in my world of Salvaged, and now Rise love. The plot was absolutely amazing.

There were so many "aw" moments throughout Rise. Like there is a Twilight movie scene, and it was most adorable thing ever. There are countless scenes just like that, and they don't always just happen with Attie and Riley. You see it with Attie and her friends, and even Attie and some unlikely characters. These scenes are just so lovely.

I am not a crier by any means, and I usually don't get real emotional over books. I was hysterically crying at numerous parts of Rise. I literally had to stop reading because tears were falling so fast and I couldn't actually focus on anything more than blurs on the pages.

Besides the crying, my emotions were all over the place. That is the thing I love about Stefne Miller's books, I get so into the story and am so into the characters world, I react to simply everything. Rise has so many twists and turns. There were so many events that I didn't see coming - while some were absolutely hilarious, others were so heartwrenching I had to reread them to make sure I had read it right the first time through.

I absolutely love the characters. Every time I read a page of Rise, I was continually asking myself where I could get myself a Riley. He is simply the perfect guy, and is so sweet. Attie is a character I found myself relating really well with, once again. She has her insecurities, and I found that to be an admirable thing for her to have. She works so hard to overcome them, and I found it really easy to connect with her as I have many of the same insecurities, only for different reasons. The other members of the cast, like Marme, Pops, and Tammy continue to bring joy to the storyline. I really enjoyed how in Rise, readers get to know some of the more minor characters of the story. I won't say who, as that could get slightly spoilerish. It was so easy to fall  right back in love with the characters I had fallen so in love with last year.

I love how Jesus is a character in these books. It is one of the most heartwarming things. My relationship with the Lord isn't always perfect, and I know it has had its rocky points. The message Stefne Miller puts out there with incorporating him as a character, that the Lord won't leave you, he'll wait for you to come back, is so hopeful and positive. It is one of my favorite things about both Rise and Salvaged. These books leave me so full of hope, and also really make me think about all the people I should have forgiven and may not have yet. I know this sounds really odd to put in a review, but I love books that can become a part of my life, in a bigger way than merely a book to read and absolutely love.

Stefne Miller's writing is absolutely beautiful. The writing is absolutely enchanting. It transports me into Attie's world and doesn't let me leave. From page 1 to the end, I was absolutely enthralled. The story she weaves is just beautiful.

The way Stefne Miller ends Rise is absolutely perfect. She manages to tie up all the loose ends, and satisfy readers. I couldn't stop smiling as I read the last few pages, and sat there for a few minutes after I closed the book just lurking in the happiness. It honestly was one of the most perfect endings to a book I have read in a long time.

I absolutely love the cover of Rise. I think it is absolutely gorgeous, and matches nicely with Salvaged's cover, while being very different from one another. I really have a thing for covers with umbrellas on them, I don't know why, but I was so happy when I saw Rise's cover and discovered it having an umbrella.

Rise is an absolute must read. While it didn't have the strongest start, where it leads is an absolutely brilliant story. It's a book I could barely put down, and gets better and better with every page. The characters will simply enthrall you in their world. Stefne Miller is an author to watch. She has made her way on to my list of authors I will automatically buy any book from. Rise is amazing. Amazing and beautiful.

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making: Giveaway + Trailer

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente

Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn?t . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday.

With exquisite illustrations by acclaimed artist Ana Juan, Fairyland lives up to the sensation it created when the author first posted it online. For readers of all ages who love the charm of Alice in Wonderland and the soul of The Golden Compass, here is a reading experience unto itself: unforgettable, and so very beautiful.

Doesn't that sound awesome? Now here is the trailer:

Or you can click here to watch the trailer on Youtube. I love the trailer, the music is super fun!  You can visit Catherynne on her website or blog.  Macmillan also has a page for the book, with tons more stuff like a preview of the book if you are interested. :)

Now, I have one copy to give away to one lucky person. It's going to be a quick giveaway, open only until June 30, and US/Canada only. Fill out the form to enter. It's not required or going to give you extra entries, but linking up the trailer or the giveaway would be super lovely.

Winner of Shift!

The winner of Shift + bracelet is....


MARGAY!

Congrats! You will be getting an email from me soon :)

Tour: How I Stole Johnny Depp’s Alien Girlfriend by Gary Ghislain

How I Stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend
Gary Ghislain
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Release Date: May 4, 2011
Pages: 208
Source: Publisher

Rating: 4 stars

David Gershwin's summer is about to take a turn for the weird. When his dad's new patient Zelda tells him she s from outer space and on a quest to take Johnny Depp back to her planet, he knows he should run away screaming. But with one look from her mean, green eyes, David's hooked, and soon he's leaping across rooftops, running from police, and stealing cars just to stay by her side. He might not be a typical hero, but David's going to get the girl even if it takes him to the ends of the earth or beyond.


How I Stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend is an absolutely brilliant read. It was a ton of fun to read and I couldn't put it down.

The storyline is so awesome. It did have a bit of a slower start, but don't let that throw you off for this great book - because it's a real treat. I could never quite guess where the story would go and Zelda and David's adventure would lead me.

I loved the characters. I really liked David's voice. Zelda was absolutely hilarious, I loved watching her grow throughout the book. Malou was another character I really liked - when I met her I was under the impression I wouldn't like her, but she really grew on me.

This is a book you do NOT want to miss. It is an unput-downable read. Filled to the brim with charming characters and an epic story, How I Stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend is a must read. I am very excited to see what Gary Ghislain comes up with next.

How I Stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend Tour: Giveaway!

I am super excited to have a copy of How I Stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend to giveaway!

David Gershwin's summer is about to take a turn for the weird. When his dad's new patient Zelda tells him she s from outer space and on a quest to take Johnny Depp back to her planet, he knows he should run away screaming. But with one look from her mean, green eyes, David's hooked, and soon he's leaping across rooftops, running from police, and stealing cars just to stay by her side. He might not be a typical hero, but David's going to get the girl even if it takes him to the ends of the earth or beyond.

 Simply fill out the form to enter - there are 3 ways to get extra entries. Open to US only until July 8th.

How I Stole Johnny Depp’s Alien Girlfriend Tour: Interview with Gary Ghislain

Gary Ghislain is the author of How I Stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend. He grew up between Paris and the French Riviera. He attended the University of Paris 8. He now lives in Antibes on the French Riviera, enjoying the sun and the sea while working on new novels. You can find him on the web at his blog, Goodreads, and Twitter. I am happy to welcome Gary to The Book Cellar!

What was your favorite character to write in How I Stole Johnny Depp's Girlfriend?

That would be Zelda, the wacky spacegirl who came to earth to find Johnny Depp, bag him, tag him and zoom him back to her home planet. She’s the real force driving my story. She’s the one with the goal and all the stamina to see it through (beware, Johnny. I’d be you, I’d start running!). She was also my main motivation to write the novel. She had ways of surprising me, day after day, page after page. The outrageous things she said or did made me laugh out loud so many times. I was just like David, my narrator, I was fascinated by her and couldn’t resist following her and telling her story.

Which of your characters is most similar to you?

To be honest, I was very much like David in my teenage years. A timid young boy, fascinated by Marvel comics, and spending most of his weekends somewhere in the middle of nowhere in Normandy. And I did wait quite sometime for the perfect spacegirl to come down and turn my life into an interesting mess. But we didn’t get a lot of Spacegirls in French Normandy. Just cows, frogs and ducks.

Do you like writing beginnings or endings more?

I love writing the beginning of a story. This is where you set all the rules of your fictional world, and I love doing that. Especially if the rules are going to be quite wild. That’s also where you have to define the characters in a way that’s immediately grabbing. Which is also something I like to do.

What is a book you have read recently that you loved?  

I picked up a copy of “The Passage” by Justin Cronin at the Stockholm airport. I hadn’t heard anything about it but it was highly recommended by the staff at the bookstore. I started reading it while flying back to France. And I immediately adored it. It’s a fantastic book. I love the world Cronin has created, I just didn’t want to finish the book. I’m actually reading it again now. Kudos to the staff of the Pocket Shop at the Stockholm airport.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

If you don’t mind, I’m going to stretch the scope of your question and pretend you asked “anywhere in the Universe”.  You have no idea how much I would like to go into space and visit other planets. I have a long lasting passion for science fiction and astronomy in general. Do you sometime try to imagine how it would feel to take a stroll on the surface of Mars? Or try to imagine what swims in under the ice of Titan? If you didn’t need to be so smart to be an astronaut or an astronomer, that would have definitely be my second and third choice of careers right after fiction writer.

Thank you Gary for stopping by! Check back later today for my review and a giveaway of the book :)

In My Mailbox (103)

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:






People Mentioned in this Vlog:
Susane Colasanti
Keri Mikulski

Review:
Lie by Caroline Bock (Amazon) (Goodreads)
Bargains and Betrayals by Shannon Delany (Amazon) (Goodreads)
The Sleepwalkers by J. Gabriel Gates (Amazon) (Goodreads)
Fateful by Claudia Gray (Amazon) (Goodreads)
Mercy by Rebecca Lim (Amazon) (Goodreads)
Girl Wonder by Alexa Martin (Amazon) (Goodreads)
Sharks and Boys by Kristen Tracy (Amazon) (Goodreads)

YABC Review:
Sirensong by Jenna Black (Amazon) (Goodreads)
Kiss of Death by Lauren Henderson (Amazon) (Goodreads)
Tighter by Adele Griffin (Amazon) (Goodreads)
Future Imperfect by K. Ryer Breese (Amazon) (Goodreads)
The Rites and Wrongs of Janice Wills by Joanna Pearson (Amazon) (Goodreads)
The Vampire Stalker by Allison Van Diepen (Amazon) (Goodreads)

From Katie:
My Unfair Godmother by Janette Rallison (Amazon) (Goodreads)
The Lucky Kind by Alyssa B. Sheinmel (Amazon) (Goodreads)
It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han (Amazon) (Goodreads)
Everlost by Neil Schusterman (Amazon) (Goodreads)

Back from Kate:
Shut Out by Kody Keplinger (Amazon) (Goodreads)

From Heidi:
When It Happens by Susane Colasanti  (Amazon) (Goodreads)

AND AWESOME SWAG!!!

THANK YOU HEIDI!!!!!

Bought:
Wings by Aprilynne Pike (Amazon) (Goodreads)
Spells by Aprilynne Pike (Amazon) (Goodreads)
Die For Me by Amy Plum (Amazon) (Goodreads)
Divergent by Veronica Roth (Amazon) (Goodreads)
Hereafter by Tara Hudson (Amazon) (Goodreads)

LORD OF THE RINGS TRIVIAL PURSUIT

Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers

Some Girls Are
Courtney Summers
Publisher: St. Martin's Grifin
Release Date: January 5, 2010
Pages: 245
Source: Bought

Rating: 4.5 stars

Climbing to the top of the social ladder is hard--falling from it is even harder.  Regina Afton used to be a member of the Fearsome Fivesome, an all-girl clique both feared and revered by the students at Hallowell High... until vicious rumors about her and her best friend's boyfriend start going around.  Now Regina's been "frozen out" and her ex-best friends are out for revenge.  If Regina was guilty, it would be one thing, but the rumors are far from the terrifying truth and the bullying is getting more intense by the day.  She takes solace in the company of Michael Hayden, a misfit with a tragic past who she herself used to bully.  Friendship doesn't come easily for these onetime enemies, and as Regina works hard to make amends for her past, she realizes Michael could be more than just a friend... if threats from the Fearsome Foursome don't break them both first.

I love Courtney Summers. She writes the most amazing books. This is my second book by her, and I am simply blown away. They are so real, and are written just beautifully. The characters are so easy to connect with. Some Girls Are is a must read!

I read Some Girls Are basically in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. I got caught up in the characters world with page 1, and stayed there until the book was closed.

The characters were all great. All the characters were super memorable - even the ones who played a minor role, I really liked that. Michael was such a great character - I really really liked him.

Courtney Summers has made her way on to my list of auto buys - her books are just awesome. I am now very anxious to read her most recent book, and to see what she comes up with next! Some Girls Are is a book you will be sorry to miss, as it is absolutely brilliant.

Tell Me How I'm Doing

I decided to make a survey to see how I am doing with The Book Cellar. I want to know what YOU want to see more of, less of, what you like and don't like, etc. I would be forever grateful if you would take a few minutes to fill it out! 

Blood Red Road Trailer + Website

Have you guys seen the awesome trailer for Blood Red Road?

The book has a really cool site BloodRedRoad.Com I absolutely LOVE the background of it!

Tour: A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

A Need So Beautiful
Suzanne Young
Publisher: Balzer and Bray
Release Date: June 21, 2011
Pages: 272
Source: Publisher

Rating: 4 stars

We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten...

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.

Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences.

A Need So Beautiful is a great read that is a one, maybe two, sittings type of read. I loved the concept, but had some issues connecting with different aspects of the story.

I really liked the idea of A Need So Beautiful. It was so different from anything else I had read, but I also didn't quite understand some of the aspects completely. That left me confused. When I had finished, I still didn't understand some aspects.  That aside, I couldn't stop reading. It was a constant battle of "Do I Go Do Something That I Actually Need To Be Doing?" Or read more A Need So Beautiful. It actually made me cry at the end, and I rarely cry because of books. I continue to love Young's writing - her stories flow so beautifully.

I really liked the characters, though I did have issues connecting with Charlotte. I liked Charlotte's voice, I thought she was a great character. I just for some reason had issues connecting with her. I thought Sarah was a really great character, and I loved her strength. Harlin has about the coolest name ever, and I thought he was a really great guy. I loved the roles Harlin's brothers played, despite the small role they had. I loved the scenes with them in it!

I am super excited to see where the story goes with its sequel, A Want So Wicked. I feel like most things are explained now, so it will be absolutely brilliant. I am very excited. This is a book I would recommend checking out.

Tour: Interview with Suzanne Young, Author of A Need So Beautiful

I am super excited to be a part of the tour for Suzanne Young's upcoming, A Need So Beautiful.

Suzanne Young currently lives in Portland, Oregon where she uses the rainy weather as an excuse to stay inside and write obsessively. After earning her degree in creative writing, Suzanne spent several years teaching middle school language arts in Arizona. Now she can be found at home chasing after her two children and writing novels for teens.

Suzanne is the author of A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL coming Summer 2011 from Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins followed by its sequel in 2012. Suzanne has also published THE NAUGHTY LIST book series in 2010 with Razorbill.

You can follow Suzanne on Facebook or Twitter--where she often writes embarrassing updates that she has to erase later.

So the characters of A Need So Beautiful get stuck on a deserted island. Who is the one to get them off the island? Who would fare the best? The worst?

I think Harlin could build something to get him off that island—of course taking Charlotte with him. He’s pretty good with his hands, and I’m fairly certain he’d look hot doing it. Sarah would be in big trouble. Especially once she notices that her designer shoes are filled with sand.

What would you say is probably your favorite character to write, either in The Naughty List series or in A Need So Beautiful?

Tough question! I love alex from A Need so Beautiful or Onika. Snarky and sarcastic are always a blast. But writing Tessa from The Naughty List was an experience in itself. How many times can I seriously write phrases like: Jiminy Crickets! or Good Gravy!?

Which line do you find more difficult to write? The first or the last?

The FIRST!!! I rewrite my opening scenes more than any others in my books. It’s so difficult to get it just right.

If you could be any character in any book, who would you be and why?

I might be Remy in This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen. Dexter just stole my heart I would love to have experienced that sort of first love relationship.

What books have you recently read and loved? or what is an upcoming book you are excited about?

I’m super excited about Nova Ren Suma’s IMAGINARY GIRLS, or Lisa Schroeder’s THE DAY BEFORE (which I read and loved). So many books! So little time to take baths and read them.

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

Thank you so much for stopping by Suzanne! Make sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour! You can find Suzanne on the web at her blog, facebook, and twitter. Also, make sure to check back later today for my review of A Need So Beautiful! :)

Also, here is the shiny trailer for A Need So Beautiful. Isn't is purdy?

Waiting on Wednesday (104) - Lost Voices by Sarah Porter

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!

Lost Voices by Sarah Porter
Coming July 4, 2011 from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
 
Fourteen-year-old Luce has had a tough life, but she reaches the depths of despair when she is assaulted and left on the cliffs outside of a grim, gray Alaskan fishing village. She expects to die when she tumbles into the icy waves below, but instead undergoes an astonishing transformation and becomes a mermaid. A tribe of mermaids finds Luce and welcomes her in—all of them, like her, lost girls who surrendered their humanity in the darkest moments of their lives. Luce is thrilled with her new life until she discovers the catch: the mermaids feel an uncontrollable desire to drown seafarers, using their enchanted voices to lure ships into the rocks. Luce possesses an extraordinary singing talent, which makes her important to the tribe—she may even have a shot at becoming their queen. However her struggle to retain her humanity puts her at odds with her new friends. Will Luce be pressured into committing mass murder?
 
The first book in a trilogy,Lost Voicesis a captivating and wildly original tale about finding a voice, the healing power of friendship, and the strength it takes to forgive.

This book sounds FANTASTIC! I really cannot wait for it. I love mermaids - so all the upcoming mermaid books make me giddy with excitement. I need to like preorder this now :) I also love the cover. It's gorgeous.

Books for Trade/Up For Grabs

So I have a bunch of books I'm getting rid of - I decided that before I left for college I would get rid of enough books to get them all off the floor and onto shelves, so this is the first clearing out :) If you want any of them, I'm looking to trade or for you to pay for shipping/materials for packaging. Fill out the following form if you are interested