In My Mailbox (109)

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:
Dark Parties by Sara Grant

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han
We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

Won:
Love Story by Jennifer Echols
From Alexa:
Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane

Bought:
Dragons of a Lost Star by Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman
My Bonny Light Horseman by LA Meyer

What did you guys get?

Once Every Never by Lesley Livingston

Once Every Never
Lesley Livingston
Publisher: Penguin Canada
Release Date: July 14, 2011
Pages: 312

Rating: 3.5 stars

Clarinet Reid is a pretty typical teenager. On the surface. She’s smart, but a bit of slacker; outgoing, but just a little insecure; not exactly a mischief-maker… but trouble tends to find her wherever she goes. Also? She unwittingly carries a centuries-old Druid Blood Curse running through her veins.

Now, with a single thoughtless act, what started off as the Summer Vacation in Dullsville suddenly spirals into a deadly race to find a stolen artifact, avert an explosive catastrophe, save a Celtic warrior princess, right a dreadful wrong that happened centuries before Clare was even born, and if there’s still time—literally—maybe even get a date.

This is the kind of adventure that happens to a girl once every… never.

I have been looking forward to Once Every Never, since the day I found out about that. Since then I sat counting the days until it was out. Once Every Never was definitely not what I thought it was, but was still a decent read.

I thought Once Every Never would be a quest-ish sort of book, and everything described in the summary would be parts of a quest. That was not the case, instead there was time-traveling, kidnapping, and magic. I also had a hard time reading it all at once, I could only read so many pages before I found I had to put it down. This is balanced withh the fact that there were sections of the books where I couldn't put it down.

I liked the plot, but I felt like a lot of things could've been explained a bit more. I thought the time period was really cool - with the Roman's and the Iceni. The whole kidnapping thing was kind of lame, I sat there thinking that the entire time.

I liked most of the characters. I thought Clare was an absolutely marvelous character. I loved Milo and Allie's geekines, Milo had quite the charm. I thought Stu was kind of a lame character. I wanted him to be more, do more. He was all talk, and even his talk was a bit lame.

I loved the whole magic aspect of the plot. There was so many cool things about that - it took me a bit to completely get a grasp on it, but once I did it was awesome. The whole blood magic concept was awesome.

This was a pretty decent read. It wasn't what I was expecting, and that definitely through me for a loop. I am curious to see where the next 2 books will go*. I am continually a fan of Livingston's works.

Cover Rating: A+++ I love this cover SO much. It is absolutely gorgeous, plus the actually book has sparkly star type things on the front.

*I definitely feel like this one would be a marvelous stand alone. There aren't enough stand alones the days and I felt like the story was nicely tied up.

Fever Cover!

I absolutely loved Wither by Lauren DeStefano, and they just released the cover of book 2, Fever! (Well, actually it was earlier this week, but it feels like just for me because I have barely been home for the last 48 hours, ha).

What do you guys think? I really like it - I especially like the girl's hair! I can't decide if I like this one more or less than Wither's cover...I'm still thinking. Let me know in the comments what you think :)

There also was this super cover reveal video here. (I couldn't figure out how to embed it!)

From Willa, With Love by Coleen Murtagh Paratore

From Willa, With Love (Wedding Planner's Daughter #5)
Coleen Murtagh Paratore
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Release Date: July 1, 2011
Pages: 208

Rating: 4 stars

It's a surprising, sparkling summer for Willa!
 
It's August on Cape Cod and Willa has a lot to look forward to. Soon, JFK will return home from baseball camp, and Willa has an idea for an exciting new project that will challenge her to dream big! But life throws Willa some unexpected twists and turns: Ruby has bad news, a beloved friend leaves, a dear friend returns, her brother Will has something he does't want to talk about, and of course, there's a wedding to plan! There's also a cute boy who likes Willa . . . a lot, and Willa thinks she might like him too. It's a summer full of romance and surprises!

This book was so cute and just so much fun to read. I loved reading about Willa's adventures throughout her summer. I definitely did not realize this was a series, until I looked on goodreads. So I'm assuming that would mean you can read all the books out of order. After this one, I will definitely be checking out the other Willa books, as her story was just too much fun!

The plot was a lot of fun. Just Willa's every day life made me want to go to Cape Cod and check it out. I loved the family-esque feel of the town and with the relationships of the people who lived there. The romances in From Willa, With Love felt a bit rushed. They felt very I meet you, now I'm in love.

Willa was such a fun character. I loved her voice and thought she was just such a great person. Willa is a huge reader and I loved reading about all the different books she was reading, as I have read most of them myself. I also definitely want her pink sneakers. I really enjoyed the other characters as well, especially Will and Jess. I thought they both were super compassionate people, and I really hope they make appearances in the future.

From Willa, With Love was filled with writing that contained beautiful descriptions. While most of these were wonderful, sometimes it felt like everything was being too spelled out for the reader with the writing.

I really enjoyed From Willa, With Love. It was the perfect read for a summer day. From the lovely writing to the interesting life at Bramblebriar, Willa's story will be sure to captivate your heart.

Cover Rating: A - I really like this cover - It is just too cute.

Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa

Summer's Crossing (Iron Fey #3.5)
Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: June 1, 2011
Pages: 72

Rating: 4 stars

A Midsummer's Nightmare? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts.

Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist.
Summer's Crossing was a fun read in The Iron Fey series. It was a good tide over between The Iron Queen and The Iron Knight. While I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the other books in the series, it was still a great novella.

I loved the action and story line. It definitely was great. I was really not sure how things would turn out - especially with all the twists Kagawa throws in there. I was not as crazy about the writing in this one - I think it was because Puck was the narrator and everything felt more like a joke.

Summer's Crossing gave a lot of insight into characters. I felt like I got to know both Ash and Puck much better through their actions in Summer's Crossing. I can't wait to see how everything plays out in The Iron Knight following the action in this one.

This is a novella to definitely read. It was not my most favorite of Kagawa's works thus far, but it is still a good read.

The Survivors by Amanda Havard

The Survivors
Amanda Havard
Publisher: Chafie Press
Release Date: March 29, 2011
Pages: 283

Rating: 4.5 stars

In 1692, when witch trials gripped the community of Salem, Massachusetts, twenty-six children were accused as witches, exiled, and left for dead. Fourteen of them survived.


The Survivors is the first installment of the tantalizing tales of the fourteen ill-fated Survivors and their descendants, who have been content in hiding for over three centuries. Isolated on a Montana mountainside, only Sadie, the rogue daughter, dares to abandon the family’s sacred hiding place. But no matter how far Sadie runs, something always pulls her back.


On a muggy summer night in Tennessee, she witnesses a shocking scene that will change her life forever. It is the first in a sequence of events that will drag her from the human world she’s sought to belong to for over a century and send her back to her Puritanical family and into an uncertain future filled with cunning witches, mysterious nosferatu shape-shifters, dangerous eretica and vieczy vampires, millennia-old mythology, and the search for her own mortality. After all…


HOW DO YOU KILL A SURVIVOR?


The Survivors will steal your heart and invade your mind. Fall into the pages of Sadie’s life, a world so frighteningly similar to your own, you’ll find yourself wanting to go to the Montana mountains to find the Survivors for yourself.


And it is only the beginning.

Let's try this again...I scheduled the post and blogger ate the entire post. (My review was much better the first time through, I feel like I should let everyone know that)

The Survivors is a spectacular debut from Amanda Havard. Despite it's slower start, the book makes a full turn around and had me absolutely falling in love. This is a must read.

I really enjoyed this book. The plot was quite cool. The first 30 or so pages were slower, and after that it picked up and I barely put it down until the last page. I loved the path Sadie took, and found myself unable to guess exactly what would happen next or where it would go.

I really enjoyed the characters in The Survivors. Particularly Cole and Ginny - they were my 2 favorites. Sadie was a great narrator, I really enjoyed her voice and thought she was a great character. Sadie goes between 2 guys, and sorry other guy, but I am 100% Team Cole!

I really enjoyed the originality and variety of paranormals in the book. The survivors was just such a unique idea, and I really enjoyed that freshness. As the book went along, readers and Sadie cross paths with other paranormal creatures, and they were all more along the lines of creatures off the beaten track of paranormals.

The ending was absolutely epic. The build up to it has me on the edge of my seat. I think it's safe to say that I am very excited for book 2. I am really curious to see where Havard will take the story after where it was left off.

I absolutely loved this book. I am now beginning my impatient countdown until book 2 is released next year. It is a stunning debut that will be sure to captivate readers. It's a book you will be quite sorry to miss.

Cover Rating: A-  - I really like how there's the darkness around the light in the forest. It's just a beautifully scene.

Waiting on Wednesday (110) - Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg

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!

Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg
Coming April 2012 from Scholastic Point

From the fantastic author of The Lonely Hearts Club and Prom & Prejudice comes a story of all the drama and comedy of four friends who grow into themselves at a performing arts high school.

Emme, Sophie, Ethan, and Carter are seniors at a performing arts school, getting ready for their Senior Showcase recital, where the pressure is on to appeal to colleges, dance academies, and professionals in show business. For Sophie, a singer, it's been great to be friends with Emme, who composes songs for her, and to date Carter, soap opera heartthrob who gets plenty of press coverage. Emme and Ethan have been in a band together through all four years of school, but wonder if they could be more than just friends and bandmates. Carter has been acting since he was a baby, and isn't sure how to admit that he'd rather paint than perform. The Senior Showcase is going to make or break each of the four, in a funny, touching, spectacular finale that only Elizabeth Eulberg could perform.

Ummmm, hello? ANOTHER ELIZABETH EULBERG BOOK! This is where I erupt into an enthusiastic dance of happiness. I loved loved loved x 309851 Prom and Prejudice, and cannot wait to read more by her (I have failed and not yet read The Lonely Hearts Club. It's on my list. I promise). PLUS look at that cover - hello gorgeous!

What are you guys waiting on?

WINNERS!

I have 2 winners to announce. YAY!

The winner of Spinning Out is ....

Beverly - If you are reading this Beverly, your email you gave me does not work. Please email me within the next 48 hours.

The winer of the Relic Masters Series is ....

Christy!
Congrats!

Giveaway: The Shamra Chronicles

I have one awesome giveaway for you readers! One lucky wilinner will receive ALL 3 books in the Shamra Chronicles, a journal, and a pen set. How cool is that? Here's a bit about all 3 books in the series, for those of you who don't know.

In the first book, Curse of the Shamra, a young girl named Dara's peaceful and isolated land of the Shamra is invaded and its people enslaved, and she finds herself in the very unfamiliar role of leading a ragtag resistance to defeat the enemy. But even as she fights the invaders, Dara grapples with self-doubt and is criticized by her own people for being outspoken and different. Venturing into uncharted territory to seek allies, Dara encounters unusual creatures and dangerous lands and is forced to come to terms with the fact that she alone is the only hope the Shamra have to regain their freedom.

In Shamra Divided, the second book in the series, Dara has managed to save her people from one enemy but the cost has been high. While Dara struggles to come to terms with the loss of beloved friends, she finds herself thrust into the leadership role of an improbable army and learns that it is her destiny to unite her people as one, even as she faces her biggest challenge: Chaos. Dormant for almost two hundred years, Chaos has returned, intent on destroying Dara.

In Chaos Unleashed: Book Three of the Shamra Chronicles nothing is as it seems in a world where the living mingle with the dead and dreams can turn into frightening reality. Chaos is beginning to spread across the land. Together, with friends from past journeys and new allies who may not be what they seem, Dara must build an army to confront Chaos. But as she and her army prepare for the final battle, Dara realizes that the only person she can really count on is herself. Chaos Unleashed also includes an original bonus novella, SAFE HAVEN, following the adventures of Dara’s family.

I totally love the covers, especially the 3rd one. I think it is gorgeous.

Here's a bit about the author: Barry Hoffman has been a teacher, a publisher, an editor, and, of course, a writer.  Hoffman’s eight adult books have been well received by critics and most recently, he is the author of  The Shamra Chronicles.

Information on Barry Hoffman's passion project "The Giveaway" -- he has already given away more than 11,000 books to students across the country!: http://shamrachronicles.com/the-giveaway/

Fill out the following form to enter! US Only and open until August 11th

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books Tackling "Tough" Issues

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by Broke and Bookish. Each week features a different topic, and you made a top ten list about it. This week is the Top 10 Books Tackling "Tough" Issues

So, I only could think of 7 books and they are definitely not in an order of 1-7 or anything.

Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert
Hold Still by Nina LaCour
Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers
Willow by Julia Hoban

These first four I'm using a sort of blanket reason - they all tackle tough issues and do it super well. Ballads of Suburbia includes all the nitty gritty and doesn't really leave anything out. The 2nd three do that to the same extent, especially Willow but they all are such hopeful stories.

The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

Alex gets date raped, and it's the story about that. It's a really empowering story for women in the sense that it offers hope to someone in that situation throughout the course of the story.

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

Ths definitely is a less "traditional" tough issue, but Meg is quite permiscuous - all for the reason to not have to feel and just get away. An absolutely brilliant, brilliant book..

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

This is an absolutely beautiful story, dealing with Anna's getting over the fact that her best friend's brother, who was also her first love, died the year before. She has to tackle this head on when she goes on vacation with her best friend, Frankie, and hasn't told her the truth about her and Matt yet.

What books would you include in your list?

Crush Control Tour: Interview with Max

Today, Max, from Jennifer Jabaley's Crush Control has stopped by the blog for an interview! Welcome Max! :)
Favorite flowers were something brought up numerous times, so let's branch out a bit, what would you say your favorite scent is?

My mom's cooking. Specifically, her baking....her cakes and muffins.

That sounds absolutely wonderful! What is your favorite hair product to use in the Georgia heat?

I'm a pretty low maintenance kind of guy. My hair is pretty short, but when it grows in a little I just use some gel.

What is your favorite class in school?

Music. Shop. Gym

If you could travel anywhere where would you go?

I really haven't been many places so I'd love to go anywhere. But top of my list is Nashville because the music scene is so alive there. I'm not a country music fan, but still, I'd love to be in a place where so many unknowns have been discovered just strumming their guitars or banging their drums in a local bar.

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

When I skipped class with Willow in elementary school. Both our moms were home so we snuck into our neighbor's empty house using the key hidden under the mat. We played with our neighbor's toys all day and no one ever found out.

Should you be able to choose a character in A Midsummer Night's Dream to be, who would you choose to be?

Well, I kind of think it'd be fun to be Puck, the court jester, because he's mischievous and fun.

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

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog Jennifer and Max :) You can find Jennifer on the web at her website, blog, facebook, and twitter. Make sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour.

Giveway: Jennifer Echols Prize Pack

Earlier today I posted my review of Love Story, and now I have an exciting giveaway. One winner will receive a Jennifer Echols prize pack consisting of Going Too Far, Forget You, and Love Story, courtesy of Big Honcho Media.

Here's a bit about Love Story, since it is the most recent of Jennifer Echols's books.

She’s writing about him. He’s writing about her. And everybody is reading between the lines.

For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions—it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a local coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?

Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true.

You can find out more about Love Story at Simon & Schuster's page for the book, here.

About the Author: Jennifer Echols is the author of romantic dramas for MTV and romantic comedies for Pulse. She currently lives in Birmingham. Visit her on the web at http://www.jennifer-echols.com/

Love Story by Jennifer Echols

Love Story
Jennifer Echols
Publisher: MTV Books
Release Date:
Pages: 256

Rating: 5 stars

She's writing about him. he's writing about her. And everybody is reading between the lines..

For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions--it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?

Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true.

I am thoroughly convinced that any book with a title followed by Jennifer Echols, before even cracking open the cover, can be showered with words of brilliance, as I have yet to read something by Echols that I haven't loved. While I don't think Love Story lives up to my love for Echols's Going Too Far and Forget You it is still a brilliant read that I would recommend for all.

Jennifer Echols seriously has this amazing way with words. Every one of her books are simply these beautifully woven stories. She has some mad talent.

Love Story sweeps readers into the world of Erin escaping horse farms and escaping to college in New York. I found that aspect of Erin, her will to accomplish her dreams and what she will sacrifice to do so, super easy to connect with. Everyone has dreams, and the fact that she can actually go achieve them is nice. I had a harder time connecting with her in some aspects towards the end of the book and the hardness she portrayed and some of the choices she made. I found Hunter absolutely dreamy, like all the other Echols's boys have been. He was definitely more than your average hunk, and I loved the dreams he had time and was willing to go try to achieve.

The other characters in Love Story really held their own in the story. I particularly loved Erin's college dormmates, Summer and Jordis. Jordis was just so quirky and I loved how much of the story would wind itself around Jordis's art. Summer was just a character you couldn't help to love, she was so sweet and just a ton of fun.

I loved the set up of the book. Since Erin and Hunter are in creative writing class together, the story alters between the actually story and the stories these two have written for class. I had a lot of fun reading the stories, especially Erin's first story, Almost a Lady.

The plot of Love Story had some aspects of the total cliches towards the ends, and that was what kept it from reaching its full potential, in my mind. I thought that Erin and Hunter would grow more. I was a little shocked by the ending, it felt a bit to abrupt to me. It definitely worked though.

This is a book I would highly recommend, along with any other of Jennifer Echols's titles. With page one you will be caught up in Erin's stories, and will scarcely want to put it down. With this story finished, I will begin my impatient countdown to the release of Jennifer Echols next book, which I am sure will be just as brilliant.

Cover Rating: B+ - I love the similarity in looks between Jennifer Echols's books from MTV. Though, I will say that this cover while still beautiful it probably my least favorite between this one, Going Too Far, and Forget You.

In My Mailbox (108)

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:
The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
Blood Ties by Mari Mancusi
Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison
The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

From Sab:
Once Every Never by Lesley Livingston

Bought:
Virals by Kathy Reichs
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
The Battle of Labryinth by Rick Riordan
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

What did you guys get?

BookMooch:
Unholy Magic by Stacia Kane

From the Back of My Shelf (2): Fakie by Tony Varrato

From the Back of My Shelf is a bi-monthly event, that happens on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month where you pull a book from the back of your shelf (with a 2009 release or prior) and review it. It's a way to read some of those books that have been gathering dust while new books came out. Feel free to join in and participate, and link your reviews up in the Mr Linky below. Check out more in my intro post here here.

Fakie

Tony Varrato

Publisher: Lobster Press

Release Date: April 15, 2008
Pages: 144

Rating: 5 stars

At first glance, Alex Miller seems like a typical teen - typical hair, typical clothes, typical hobbies. Look closer, and you'll see that his life is anything but typical - for Alex, fitting in has become a matter of life and death. The unfortunate witness to a murder, Alex can't forget the things he has seen, and neither can the man he helped put in jail. The Witness Relocation Program has changed the identities of Alex and his mother repeatedly, and they need to keep running to stay one step ahead of his enemies. His latest identity as a skateboarder in Virginia Beach is no easy ride - nosegrabs, ollies, and kickflips are all new to him. Alex has to catch on quickly to blend in - but the biggest trick he'll have to master is staying alive.

Fakie was an absolutely brilliant read. I had heard about it, was excited, then saw how short it was and got a bit nervous. I don't know why I ever worried, I was captivated with every page.

The story was just so interesting. It is told in alternating perspectives between Alex and the killer. It is super fast paced, with page 1 Varrato has readers diving in head first and it doesn't slow down at all. For as short of a book as Fakie was, it definitely had a lot of punch and one heck of a story.

The characters were also really well written. I had a really easy time connecting with them. I thought that Tim was a super great character. Alex was a really strong character.

Fakie is a book I would recommend 100%. It was one of those hidden gems - an overlooked book that I hadn't heard much about. I will be very anxious to see what Tony Varrato will come up with next.

Cover Rating: B - This is a cover that is alright, I don't real have strong feelings for or against it.

The Very Thought of You by Rosie Alison

The Very Thought of You
Rosie Alison
Publisher: Washington Square Press
Release Date: July 5, 2011
Pages: 320

Rating: 4 stars

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. A story of longing, loss, and complicated loyalties, combining a sweeping narrative with subtle psychological observation, The Very Thought of You is not just a love story but a story about love.

The Very Thought of You is a beautifully woven tale follow the lives of an entire cast of wonderful characters. I love historical fiction, so I was happy to find another marvelous historical fiction that I will be sure to recommend to others. With this book, Alison deliers one heck of a debut.

The Very Thought of You was a very slow read, there just wasn't a lot happening. While it was a slow read, I never found myself bored, it was just a book I found I couldn't absorb huge chunks of the book in one sitting. The book covers the span of several years, and it was a smooth transition through time.

The more I read, the more I fell in love with the writing. The descriptions in The Very Thought of You are downright beautiful. I loved that Alison switches around from what characters point of view the story is being told from. Readers hear generally from Elizabeth, Thomas and Anna, but you also hear from Roberta, Pawel, Ruth and more. It kept me engaged and was never too much to comprehend.

The book was divided into several sections. It was the last about 50 page section that left me unsatified. I felt the story could've ended where it did, instead of covering a span of 1957-2006 in 50 pages. While Rosie Alison did a good job with the flow, I felt the story was nicely tied up and it was extra, unneeded pages.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this one. It is a tale that will stick with you for many reasons, ranging for the beautiful prose, the unforgettable characters, or the haunting storyline. I cannot see what is next for Rosie Alison.

Tour: Blood Ties by Mari Mancusi

Blod Ties (Blood Coven #6)
Mari Mancusi
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Release Date: August 2, 2011
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

Rating: 5 stars

The final battle is brewing between Vampires and Slayers. But for Sunny McDonald, the true war is being fought over her heart.

Though now officially back in the arms of her vampire boyfriend Magnus, Sunny finds she still can't forget the gentle mortal Jayden who once saved her life. And when the darkness threatens to steal his humanity, Sunny finds herself with a choice. Stay true to Magnus and the Blood Coven or defy them in a desperate attempt to save Jayden’s soul.

Meanwhile, the Blood Coven is gearing up for its toughest fight yet--going head to head with a splinter group of Slayer Inc who's regrouping in Tokyo, Japan, still determined to take over the world. In dark blood bars and hidden temples, it'll be Vampires vs. Slayers in a showdown that could cost Sunny not only her heart...but also her very life.

I love these book quite a lot, especially books told from Sunny's point of view. Blood Ties is no let down from the prior books in this fabulous series. It is definitely a contender for my favorite book in the series, this will probably change when the next book comes out, as the books grow by leaps and bounds with every new installment.

I definitely was not sure what I would think of this one, when I finished Night School I was excited for this one to come out. I finally got it, and read the first few chapters and was a bit iffy. That lasted like two chapters and then I was unable to put down the book until I finished. The plot was super original, and I am really excited to see where it will go from here.

I felt all the characters really grew in this book. In books past, I really was not too much a fan of Rayne, but I felt in this book she really came into her own. I loved seeing Jayden and Jarreth again, as I just adore both of them.

I will be counting down the days until Soul Bound is out. With the ending Mancusi gives, I feel like it will be one heck of a story and one fun journey! This series is one of those series to read when you want a fun read that won't make you think too much.

Cover Rating: A - I absolutely love this cover. I think it's super pretty. I feel like it has a Vampire Academy feel to it, with the face over the gate. I also feel like it gives Sunny a lot more authority that she's had in the past, which makes me happy.

Waiting on Wednesday (109) - Witch Song by Amber Argyle

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!

Witch Song by Amber Argyle

Coming September 1 from Rhemalda Publishing

The world is changing. Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons-but not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of their songs fades, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can't stop the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her. Because if Brusenna doesn't, there won't be anything left to save.

I think this one sounds super interesting! I can't say I'm crazy about the cover, but I'm definitely intrigued.

What are you guys waiting on?

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Believe Should Be Required Reading For Teens

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by Broke and Bookish. Each week features a different topic, and you made a top ten list about it. This week is the Top 10 Books You Believe Should Be Required Reading For Teens.

I don't have a particular order for these but here are my books I think should be required reading :)

Sea by Heidi R Kling

This book is not only a wonderful story, but it teaches a great lesson I think everyone should hear. Sienna, the main character, overcomes her fears and moves on, which is something I definitely find were powerful.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

No explanation necessary!

Anything Courtney Summers

Courtney Summers books definitely show what it is like to be a teen, and I think can help you cope with issues of your own.

Hold Still by Nina LaCour

I think this book does a stellar job of showing what it's like to be a teen, some of the rawer issues. The contents definitely don't happen to everyone, or most people for that manner, but regardless the message is valuable.

Salvaged by Stefne Miller

Salvaged is a really interesting sort of book. Putting my thoughts down about this book would be hard - as I don't know how to word it without writing a novel. To sum it all up, Salvaged is a feel good book, which is much needed for many teens from time to time, it is also shows the importance of faith. Now, don't read that and walk away - it's not a shove religion down your throat sort of book, far from that. Jesus is a character in the book, and it really made me reevaluate me life and realize everything I had and how important faith really was, but for everyone it could be different.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

So many books are so serious or deal with raw issues, every teen needs one of those books that is fun and will make them laugh a lot. This is it.

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Similar to Anna and the French Kiss, teens need an escape from time to time. Brightly Woven is the book I go to read when I'm feeling down in the dumps and all sorts of awful, it pulls me in Sydelle's world where I can escape for a bit until I feel ready to cope.

An Ellen Hopkins Book

Similar to Hold Still, her books deal with the nitty, gritty raw issues and show you are not alone. That realization is something so powerful, and can make the world a difference.

Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver

This book is most definitely not a YA, but it is all about finding yourself and living with that true identity. A priceless read.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

I will probably get about 1 trillion hate comments for including this book BUT here is why: This book got milllions of people reading. I know SO many people who only started reading because of this book. Do I like the story? Yes. Do I think they are the best thing in the world or best written etc etc? Definitely not. Regardless, Meyer has definitely has a talent, and especially for people so relunctant to pick up a book to get to all the things that really are the best thing in the world, they should start someone.

Harry Potter by JK Rowling

Self-explanatory!

What books do you guys think should be required reading for teens?

Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker + Interview

Small Town Sinners
Melissa Walker
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: July 19, 2011
Pages: 259
Source: Publisher

Rating: 5 stars

The story of Lacey Anne Byers, a small town girl who is excited to star in Hell House, her church's annual haunted house of sin, until a childhood friend reappears and makes her question her faith.

This is my first Melissa Walker book, and will by no means be the last. Melissa Walker has filled the pages of Small Town Sinners with relatable character, every day events that affect communities, and wonderful writing. The moment I finished reading, I had a strong urge to go and start reading it over again.

Lacey is a character everyone can relate to. She is the all-religious girl, but as the book goes on you see her exploring her faith. I think a lot of us go through that, you see her questioning things and making choices. This makes her very real. Ty is the charming boy that you always know there's more too, and the entire book you are simply guessing at what it might be. Starla Joy was a character as fun as her name. She always lightened up scenes, and while she was a lot of fun, she was serious at the same time.

Small Town Sinners had a really unique plot! It isn't jump out of your seat suspenseful or anything like that, but it is very cool. Lacey lives in this small town, and they have a Hell House. It's sort of like a Haunted House only they stage different "sins" and then have the opportunity to join in with the church and become closer to God. Lacey is very into this, and dreams of becoming "Abortion Girl", the star of the house. That was such a new thing, I never would have thought something like that would exist. It's very cool, and even just reading, it really brings up my faith in myself. Everything that goes on was just so real and down to earth, like it could happen to anyone. Melissa Walker's writing was the cherry on top, and really just brought the story to life.

Small Town Sinners is a fast read that will be sure to be a pleaser. It is filled to the brim with wonderful characters, a great plot, and superb writing. I really can't express all my feelings for this book with mere words, but this will be a book I will press in to the hands of everyone I know. It is that good.

I got to read this last August, and I have been dying for it to come out ever since!

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

I am super excited to also have Melissa by the blog for an interview!! Melissa is the author of Small Town Sinners, Lovestruck Summer, the Violet series.

If you could spend a day with one of your characters, who would you choose and what would you do?

I think I'd spend the day with Ty, because he's a deep thinker, and I love those talk-for-hours afternoons.

If the characters from Small Town Sinners 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?

The best: Ty. He'd take it all in stride and make sure everyone stayed calm.

The worst: Dean. He doesn't do well in direct sunlight and he hates the heat. Plus he'd need snacks.

The savior: Starla Joy. She's resourceful in a pinch.

Since your gorgeous cover features a nice apple, I must ask: What kind of apple is your favorite? Or what is your favorite apple dessert?

I love a MacIntosh apple (with peanut butter). In terms of desserts, I'll go with the classic apple pie (homemade cross-hatched crust, please, with lots of butter).

I read your Cover Stories on your blog every time one goes up. From your own books, which would you say has had your favorite Cover Story yet?

I have to admit that while emailing and facebook friending the girl who posed as Violet on the cover of the Violet on the Runway series covers, I think Small Town Sinners has been the most epic Cover Story (it's in three parts!). I got to talk to the amazing designer, Danielle Delaney, and also the photographer who took the original photo (Joe Horne), who emailed me out of the blue to request a signed jacket. That was really cool.

Do you have any routines you follow while writing?

When I'm on a deadline, I don't let myself eat lunch until I have 1000 words down on the page. They don't have to be good, but they have to be THERE.

What is a book you have read lately and loved?

Dreamland Social Club by Tara Altebrando. It's a world full of singing mermaids, mysterious misfits and beautiful tattooed boys.

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

Thank you so much for stopping by Melissa! You can find her on the web at her website, blog, twitter, facebook, and I Heart Daily among other places :)

Stealing Bases Tour: Interview with Keri Mikulski

I am so happy to have Keri Mikulski by the blog today for a fun interview - featuring book lines as her answers! I absolutely loved reading over her answers, so I hope you too too! :)

Keri Mikulski is the author of Head Games (Penguin/Razorbill, 2011), Stealing Bases (Penguin/Razorbill, 2011), and Making Waves (Penguin/Razorbill, 2012). A three-sport athlete in high school, Keri worked as a magazine columnist, personal trainer, lifeguard, registered nurse, middle school teacher, and high school coach. Currently, she teaches college writing courses at Rowan University and Stockton College while working toward a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing. Keri splits her time between the New Jersey suburbs and the shore with her husband and daughter. Find out more at http://www.kerimikulski.com/.

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

Thanks so much for having me, Erica! :) I really enjoyed this interview. :) Super fun.

Describe Stealing Bases in as few words as possible.

Meet the new Kylie Collins. (1) Nothing is going to get in my way. UCLA, here I come. (21)

What has been your favorite character to write so far?

(Tie)

From this day forward, I, Kylie Elizabeth Collins, will not freak out at any more girls who touch, talk to, wink at, brush up against, sit next to, cheer for, check out, or proclaim their undying love for my ex-boyfriend, Beachwood Academy basketball star, Zachary Michael Murphy. (1)

&
“We’re here for you Abs!” (242)

What is your favorite sport?

What a perfect way to begin my new life the day before my fave season – softball – officially kicks off. (3)

Is there a sport you haven't played before but wish you did?

“Everything. Instead of letting it get you down, you tried out for field hockey.” (74)

Do you have any writing rituals you follow?

But I’m not stopping. Not until I get this right. (132)

Where is your favorite place to write?

Fifteen minutes later, I find myself staring at the infinite navy water, glistening beneath the setting sun. (102)

If the characters from Stealing Bases and Head Games got stuck on a deserted island, who would fare the best?

“Killer Kyle,” they yell out. “Ow! Ow!” (48)

The worst?

Zachary shakes his head. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, Ky.” (109)

And who would be able to find them a way off the island?

Is there anything this girl can’t do? (34 – Kylie referring to Amber)

What is next for you?

She nudges her best friend Abby’s arm. (4) “Sounds juicy.” (42)

Thanks so much Keri for stopping by! You can find Keri on the web at her website, twitter, and facebook.

Bargain Books (1)

I generally spend way too much time in Bargain books on Amazon, so I thought I would start sharing my cheap findings with you lovely blog readers, as if you read my blog, I would assume your reading tastes are at least somewhat similar. I know Yan does pretty much the same thing all the time, but I thought it's so wonderful I shall start to share :)
    






Let me know what you guys think - is this something you'd like to see more of? If so, I will definitely be posting bargain deals from all over, Amazon, B&N, and Book Depository mainly, every week or every other week. I usually spend quite a bit of time bumming around when I'm bored, so I love sharing the deals! :)

Brightly Woven Winner!

The winner was


ANGIE!


Congrats! You should have received an email from me :)

In My Mailbox (107)

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:
Michael Vey by Richard Paul Evans (Goodreads) (Amazon)
My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody (Goodreads) (Amazon)
Ashfall by Mike Mullin (Goodreads) (Amazon)
Audition by Stasia Ward Kahoe (Goodreads) (Amazon)

Traded:
Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting (Goodreads) (Amazon)

What did you guys get?

Tour: Crush Control by Jennifer Jabaley

Crush Control
Jennifer Jabaley
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date:
Pages:
Source: ARC Tour

Rating: 3.5 stars

So this book was a really fun read. I loved the characters, and while I didn't agree with some of the choices  characters made, it was a fast read that I read in one sitting.

The plot was fun - I loved the idea of hypnosis. I wasn't crazy about some of the applications, but I loved how it centered at basis of every plot point of the book. Being a topic I didn't know much about, I loved the little facts about it I learned as Willow went through her excursions.

Willow was a character whose decisions had me on edge - I didn't understand why you would choose to do such a thing, so therefore that part of the book I wasn't as crazy about. I loved Mia - she was a character I really liked getting to know. Georgia was a riot - she was just too fun. Max was just awesome.

The ending was so sweet and I absolutely adored it. This was another fun read by Jennifer Jabaley. I would suggest it for a summer day where you just want to sit back and read a fun story.

Cover Rating: B -  I love the similarity between Crush Control and Lipstick Apology with the face in the sky and the city along the bottom.

Waiting on Wednesday (108) - Perception by Kim Harrington

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!

This week I'm waiting on....

PERCEPTION by Kim Harrington

Coming March 2012 from Scholastic Point

When you can see things others can't, what do you do when someone's watching you?

Everybody knows about Clarity "Clare" Fern. She's the psychic girl in school, the one who can place her hands on something and see hidden visions from the past.
Only Clare would rather not be a celebrity. She prefers hanging back, observing. Her gift is not a game to her.
But then someone starts playing with her head . . . and heart. Messages and gifts from a secret admirer crop up everywhere Clare turns. Could they be from Gabriel, the gorgeous boy who gets Clare's pulse racing? Or from Justin, Clare's hopeful ex-boyfriend who'd do anything to win her back?
One thing is certain. Clare needs to solve this mystery, and soon. Because the messages are becoming sinister, and a girl in town has suddenly disappeared.
 
I am sooooooo super excited for this one. I loved Clarity, so I can't wait for another awesome mystery :) And more of the 2 gorgeous guys.
 
I love the cover -- I thought Clarity had a gorgeous cover, but this one blows Clarity out of the park. Everything is so perfect - the birds in the back round, Clare herself, and the colors. Gorgeous.
 
It will be a long wait indeed til Perception comes out.
 
What are you guys waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Authors I Would Die to Meet

So, I've been eying Top Ten Tuesday for ages, and I wanted to partcipate. I am super embarassed to admit this, but I could never figure out where the topics were ahead of time, so I never partcipated. I can safely say I finally figured it out :D Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by Broke and Bookish.  I'm starting with 10 and working my way down to the author I'd most like the meet!

10. Rachel Caine

I am quite in love with the Morganville Vampires series, so I would just love to meet her.

9.  Jenny Davidson

She wrote The Explosionist, which is absolutely brilliant. I feel that she would be a super awesome person to meet.

8. Kieran Scott

I technically met her at the Teen Author Carnival in 2010, but it was for like 2 minutes, and I am so in love with her books so I would love to be able to meet her for real :)

7. Stephanie Perkins

She wrote Anna and the French Kiss, seems super fabulous, AND has rad blue streaks in her hair (something I am quite jealous of!)

6. Stefne Miller

I have talked to Stefne online tons of times, and she seems like just an awesome person.
5. Katherine Roberts

I picked up my first book by her in 2000, and it was one of my first young adult books that I ever read (I think it was THE first after Harry Potter). I fell in love with her writing and the stories she told. I have read many of her other books now, and have gone through numerous copies of them.

4.  Jane Austen

I don't care that she died ages ago, but oh my gosh, I adore her writing. I want to meet this woman!

3. Jennifer Echols

All of my top three are pretty much of equal wanting to meet. Jennifer Echols is pretty much a genius, and I have loved her books since her first book came out. :)

2. Terry Goodkind

I LOVE his books, probably to some level that is not actually acceptable. I've gone through numerous copies of many of the books in his series. I even went as far as to write about the main character, Kahlan Amnell, on one of my college applications for one of the short answer questions. Wait, I just made myself sound like a nut, oops. Regardless, I would LOVE to meet Terry Goodkind.

1. JK Rowling

This women is a genius. I don't think I need to say much here?

Who would YOU want to meet?

Tour: Stealing Bases by Keri Mikulski

Stealing Bases
Keri Mikulski
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: July 7, 2011
Pages: 272
Source: Publisher

Rating: 4 stars

Reformed mean girl Kylie Collins desperately wants to put the craziness of basketball season behind her. (And with it, her cheater ex, Zachary Murphy.) Maybe she'll finally be able to silence her snarky streak and concentrate on her lifelong dream - being recruited for Division One softball.

But when Kylie arrives at her first softball practice of the season, she comes face-to-face with her worst nightmare: Amber McDonald, the best pitcher in the state.

Now, Kylie's forced to warm the bench as Amber wows crowds again and again. With all the drama happening out on the softball diamond, Kylie finds herself drawn back to bad habits-sabotaging people and hanging out with a certain Zachary Murphy. . .

Stealing Bases was a book I had quite high expectations for - while it didn't quite live up to every expectation I had for it after reading Head Games, it was still a stellar read that I absolutely devoured.

I loved getting inside the heads of some of the characters from Head Games that had played a little more of an outfield role. I thought Kylie was a great narrator, I loved getting to know her more as a character. I don't know why it is, but every Missy I meet in a book I really don't like and she turns out to be a very not nice word, I was happy to see Missy redeem herself a bit after being nasty - which made me smile a lot.

The plot was a bit predictable, but I still loved seeing how everything panned out. The writing was marvelous. Mikulski really has a way with words. I did not want to put this one down. I kept trying to sneak in more pages whenever I could.

Stealing Bases is a worthy read. Keri Mikulski pitches a great story filled with wonderful writing. The story will hit you fast and doesn't slow down until the end. I am very curious to see what will be next for Keri Mikulski, whatever it is, I will be reading.

Cover Rating: B+ I love this cover - it's super cute, and thank goodness I can see her eyes! I loved the cover for Head Games, but they cut off the top of her head, which drove me mad.

Birthday Bash!

So, it most definitely is my 18th birthday. And I feel like giving a lot of stuff away. So here's the deal:

18 winners

1 winner will win a pack of UnRequired Reading playing cards
1 winner will win a mystery box of books filled with YA & MG books
1 winners will win a Catching Fire pin
1 winner will win their pick of a book off my Top Picks of 2010
1 winner will win their pick of a book off my Top Picks of 2009
2 winners will win a random book
1 winner will win an audiobook of Shadowland by Alyson Noel
10 winners will win an envelope of swag

Now, I don't require following for contests, but since I am giving away so much stuff I really would appreciate it if you did. Fill out the following form to enter :) I'm sorry, but this one will be US/Canada only from the amount it will cost me already. Open until July 31st.

WINNERS!

I have some winners to announce :) Without further ado,

BEA Giveaway:

Susanna

How I Stole Johnny Depp's Alien Girlfriend:

Vivien!

Near Witch

Casey

Congrats! You all should have gotten emails from me :)

Relic Masters Series: Release + Giveaway

So, the third book in the Relic Master series comes out tomorrow. I think this series sounds TOTALLY fun, and I have an entire set of the four books to give away to ONE lucky person.

Here's more about the series:

Welcome to Anara, a world mysteriously crumbling to devastation, where nothing is what it seems: Ancient relics emit technologically advanced powers, members of the old Order are hunted by the governing Watch yet revered by the people, and the great energy that connects all seems to also be destroying all. The only hope for the world lies in Galen, a man of the old Order and a Keeper of relics, and his sixteen-year-old apprentice, Raffi. They know of a secret relic with great power that has been hidden for centuries. As they search for it, they will be tested beyond their limits. For there are monsters-some human, some not-that also want the relic's power and will stop at nothing to get it.

RELIC MASTER is a four book series. Each book will be released over four consecutive months this summer:

• Book One: The Dark City, May 17
• Book Two: The Lost Heiress, June 14
• Book Three: The Hidden Coronet, July 12
• Book Four: The Margrave, August 9

Each book will include a piece of the map of Anara, the world of RELIC MASTER, on the reverse of the jacket. Collect all four books and you will have the complete map.

And about the author, Catherine Fisher:

Catherine Fisher is the author of the New York Times bestselling duology Incarceron and Sapphique and in the Relic Master series has created a world equally as developed, dynamic and dangerous as that of Incarceron. Visit her at http://www.catherine-fisher.com/.

Ok, how to enter, fill out the following form. It will be open to US only and open until July 25th

Post Apocalyptic/Dystopian Challenge

So I love dystopians, and I have been reading more and more. I was happy to learn about the reading challenge with them. It runs June 27, 2011 - June 27, 2012. The deal is to read 15 or more dystopians. I am so in! Whenever you review a dystopian, you leave a link in the linky here.

My list:

1. The Postmortal by Drew Magary
2. Legend by Marie Lu
3. Ashfall by Mike Mullin
4. Prized by Caragh M O'Brien
5. Revealing Eden by Victoria Foyt
6. Scored by Lauren McLaughlin
7. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

In My Mailbox (106)

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:
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Blowout by Taylor Morris
Foiled by Taylor Morris

Harlequin Teen Panel:
Past Midnight by Mara Purnhagen

Bookmooch:
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

What did you guys get this week?

Giveaway: Spinning Out by David Stahler Jr

Spinning Out by David Stahler Jr

High school senior Frenchy has little ambition beyond hanging out at the smoking rock until his best friend, the ever-witty and conniving Stewart, gets him to try out for Man of la Mancha. To everyone's surprise, the guys are a hit. But when Stewart's antics begin to grow more obsessive he wears his costume 24/7, freaks out about little details, and displays an incessant hatred of the high-tech windmills outside of town Frenchy worries that there's something deeper going on. Is Stewart spiraling into madness, just like Don Quixote? And can Frenchy battle through his own demons in time to save his friend from self-destruction before it's too late?
Make sure to check out my review and interview.

I have one copy of Spinning Out to give away. Fill out the following form to enter. Will end July 22 and open to US Only.

Spinning Out by David Stahler Jr.

Spinning Out
David Stahler Jr
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Release Date: May 4, 2011
Pages: 288
Source: Publisher

Rating: 4.5 stars

High school senior Frenchy has little ambition beyond hanging out at the smoking rock until his best friend, the ever-witty and conniving Stewart, gets him to try out for Man of la Mancha. To everyone's surprise, the guys are a hit. But when Stewart's antics begin to grow more obsessive he wears his costume 24/7, freaks out about little details, and displays an incessant hatred of the high-tech windmills outside of town Frenchy worries that there's something deeper going on. Is Stewart spiraling into madness, just like Don Quixote? And can Frenchy battle through his own demons in time to save his friend from self-destruction before it's too late?

Spinning Out was a super fun read that I just devoured. I fell in the love with the characters and loved Stahler's writing style.

Spinning Out was a really well written book. The dialogue especially was a lot of fun. I loved the banter between Kaela and Frenchy. I loved how the windmills tied in so much, I loved that they are on the cover as well.

I'm a huge theater geek, so I loved the plot. I have had my share of days like "Hell Saturday" so it was a lot of fun to see all those things happen for the characters. The characters added so much to the plot. Kaela was definitely my favorite character of the book. I really liked her personality. Stewart got on my nerves from time to time, but I think that is all part of his charm .

I would definitely recommend this one. It was a touching story that was very thought provoking.

Cover Rating: B-

From the Back of My Shelf (1) : The School for Dangerous Girls by Eliot Schrefer

The School for Dangerous Girls
Eliot Schrefer
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Release Date: January 1, 2009
Pages: 341
Source: Bought

Rating: 4 stars

Angela's parents think she's on the road to ruin because she's dating a "bad boy." After her behavior gets too much for them, they ship her off to Hidden Oak. Isolated and isolating, Hidden Oak promises to rehabilitate "dangerous girls." But as Angela gets drawn in further and further, she discovers that recovery is only on the agenda for the "better" girls. The other girls — designated as "the purple thread" — will instead be manipulated to become more and more dangerous . . . and more and more reliant on Hidden Oak's care.


This was a book that I had received for my birthday 2 years ago, yet I hadn't gotten around to reading until now. I had been super excited for it, but something else always seemed to pop up and I read that instead. I was so happy to finally read it, finding a beautifully woven story that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The plot was very well twisted. I never had any idea what exactly was going to happen next, not even a small guess. I loved the essence of mystery the story had to it.

The characters were all very well written. They all developed so much more as the book went on. I really liked Harrison. I thought he was a riot. The other cast of girls were all great as well, they all were so different from each other. I loved that none of the characters seemed to blend together, they were all very distinct.

This is definitely a book I would recommend. It was a great story that kept me flipping pages, dying to know what would happen next. I cannot wait to read more by Eliot Schrefer after this one :)

Cover Rating: B+ I love the cover - I love the boarding school look on covers, and I love that the cover is slightly out of focus, much like everything that went on at Hidden Oaks.

Link up your reviews below! Remember, books for From the Back of My Shelf must be released in 2009 or prior. Full details in my intro post here.