Waiting on Wednesday (23)

Hey,

This week I'm waiting for...

Blood Prophecy (Drake Chronicles #6) by Alyxandra Harvey

Release Date: January 8th, 2013

In the thrilling conclusion of the Drake Chronicles, love and loyalties will be tested … and proven once and for all.

Can Solange find her way back home again? And can she do it in time to save everyone she loves from the vampire civil war, hunter attack, and each other?

Because not everyone can survive the prophecy… maybe not even her.

This is the last book in the Drake Chronicles! *Cries* I absolutely adore this series and I can not believe it's finally ending. I'm actually not too keen on vampire stories but this series is just so good! If you like vampires definitely check it out.

I swear that's Pepe and Stzella on the cover? The models for the Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout, the Significance series by Shelly Crane and some other books...

Sorry, that was so random... But yeah this couple are on the cover of a lot of books. Just thought I'd tell you guys, you know, general info and all. (;

Anyway, link me to you WoW post in the comments and I'll check it out.

Have a great week,

Sam :D

My review of Stealing Parker

Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally
Release Date: October 1, 2012
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

After her family's scandal rocks their conservative small town, 17-year-old Parker Shelton goes overboard trying to prove that she won't turn out like her mother: a lesbian. The all-star third-baseman quits the softball team, drops 20 pounds and starts making out with guys--a lot. But hitting on the hot new assistant baseball coach might be taking it a step too far...especially when he starts flirting back.

Stealing Parker is the companion novel to Catching Jordan. It is funny, unique and gripping. Those who love a good YA contemporary romance should pick this one up.

This book is about a teenage girl named Parker Shelton who goes full-out to show that she is not like her mother, who is lesbian and ran off with her partner. Parker leaves her sports career behind and transforms her muscles into curves that all boys want a piece of. But then a hot new assistant baseball coach turns up and Parker is drawn into a relationship that is both dangerous and exciting. We all knew that she had something to prove but this might be taking it a step too far...

Reading Stealing Parker was a lot of fun! I laughed, I cried and I smiled. I simply loved it. The characters were interesting with unique personalities. At times, I did feel like the story was going around in circles but when the main plot kicked in the book gets a lot more exciting and there wasn't one moment that I could put it down.

Parker is a strange girl who I didn't warm up to immediately because of her wild and crazy life, but when Parker's past is revealed, I finally understood the reason for her actions and the girl underneath all the worry and pressure. As the book progressed, I warmed up to her character but couldn't help but get frustrated with her at times because of the unwise choices she makes.

Miranda Kenneally writes some very realistic contemporary books that are easy to fall into and enjoy. I've heard that there is going to be a few more books in this series, which I am ECSTATIC about because I absolutely love each story so far. Oh okay, I know only two books are out so far but I know they'll just get better and better! The next book, Things That I Can't Forget, is in March 2013.

If you are interesting in reading Stealing Parker, I would recommend that you read Catching Jordan first, it's not unnecessary but it will give you a better idea of the minor characters that appeared in Catching Jordan. 

Rating

- A big thanks to Sourcebooks for providing me with a review copy!

Book Haul (#19)

Hey,

This week I have been crazy busy! I had an essay to write, seven pieces of homework that I hadn't done yet needed to be handed in, and I AUDITIONED FOR THE SCHOOL PLAY. I thought I wasn't going to do it because it isn't really my style, not to mention that the school chose High School Musical! But yeah, I auditioned on Monday and found out that I got in. I was absolutely ecstatic!

My friend got Gabriela and I am so happy for her because she is going to be AAMAAAAZZZING. 

Anyways, I know that had nothing to do with a book haul, I just had the need to ramble.(; Okay, here are the books that I have borrowed and received this week:

Falling for Hamlet by Michelle Ray - Borrowed -
When I saw this book in library I just had to pick it up. Look at the cover! It's so cute. I checked the reviews for it and there is a very big mix. Some loved it but most thought it was okay... A tad worried.
Doing It by Melvin Burgess - Borrowed - 
I finished this book yesterday and I don't even want to think about. The characters were boring and there was way too much sex.

The Raven Boys (Raven Cycle #1) by Maggie Stiefvater - Borrowed - 

YAY! I can not wait to start this! I loved Maggie's Wolves of Mercy Falls series, even though I wasn't too keen on the ending, and I really can't wait to dive into this one.

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley - Borrowed -

I read this as a galley back in February and I loved it. A lot. If your looking for a cute, humorous romance then you MUST pick up this book!

After Summer by Nick Earls - Borrowed -

Checked the reviews on Goodreads and apparently it's not very good... I'm slightly worried!

First Frost by Liz Delesus - Received -

Thank you Liz! I'm looking forward to starting this one because I've read some reviews and they all say that this book is very unique. 

Aha, that's all my books this week. Leave a link to your book haul in the comments and I'll check it out!

Enjoy your books,

Sam :D

Posts this week:
Shadow of the Mark Cover Reveal and Giveaway
My review of Dash and Lily's Book of Dares
Waiting on Wednesday (22) - The Elite
The Lost Prince UK Cover

Shadow of The Mark Cover Reveal + Giveaway

Hey,

I'm here today to show you the cover for Shadow of the Mark, sequel to Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon. If you haven't read the first book then check out the blurb below!

Carrier of the Mark (Carrier Trilogy #1) by Leigh Fallon

Release Date: October 1, 2011

Their love was meant to be.

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRÍs.

But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.

Now here is the cover for the sequel! If you haven't read the first book then please don't spoil it for yourself by reading the blurb for Shadow of the Mark, just enjoy the cover:

Shadow of the Mark (Carrier Trilogy #2) by Leigh Fallon

Release Date: July 9, 2013

Life for Megan Rosenberg just got a lot more complicated.

While she evoked the air element, and her feelings for Adam intensified, a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal was spun around her. With the Order tightening its hold, and the reinstatement of the Mark Knights, Megan has more questions than answers as the Marked Ones grow in strength. 

New people arouse suspicion, the DeRises start behaving strangely, and Megan begins to unravel a destiny shrouded in mystery. It’s a destiny the Order has struggled to hide, and a destiny someone from the past… far in the past, has already laid claim to.

Alliances will be made, and friends will be lost, as the Order’s dark secrets are revealed by the very thing they sought to destroy.

Here is what Leigh Fallon, the author, thinks of the cover:

I know, there's no mistaking it. This is definitely a Carrier Series cover, but that was the intention. After the amazing reception to the cover of Carrier of the Mark, HarperCollins wanted Shadow's cover to be instantly recognizable. And it is, but the new darker color palette reflects the darker tone that this installment brings, and the pink and purple really make it pop. I love it and think HarperCollins have done another amazing job. I hope you like it too.

I think the cover is cool but they could of at least put the girl in a different position instead of just flipping it the other way. What do you think of the cover? 

You can enter Leigh's giveaway here!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

Leigh Fallon was born in South Africa, raised in Dublin, Ireland and moved to Cork in her 20’s. While living in beautiful Kinsale, Co Cork she discovered a love of writing. She writes mainly for the young adult market. Her current book, The Carrier of the Mark, prompted her to abandon her ‘riveting’ career in corporate treasury and have been writing ever since. She has another three books in the Carrier series and a few other projects she's working on. Her family now share their time between Ireland and the US.

- WEBSITE -

Have a great week,

Sam :)

My review of Dash & Lily's Book of Dares

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares bu David Levithan and Rachel Cohn
Release Date: October 26th, 2010 (US), October 5, 2012 (UK)
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

“I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

When I first heard of Dash & Lily's Book of Dares I expected an edgy and romantic novel full of hard-core dares, not a short and unsatisfying read. I really wanted to love this book but at times I found it boring and I wanted to put it down. However, the characters are likable and there are some funny moments that will brighten your mood.

Basically, this book is about a boy named Dash who finds a book in his local book shop daring him to take on the challenges it has in store for him. He doesn't know that the book belongs to a girl named Lily who's just looking for a guy who shares her quirky interests. Together they take it in turns to write in the book and leaving it in a secret place. They slowly fall for each other on paper but what will happen when they meet for real?

What frustrated me about this book was the fact that the characters did not meet until the last quarter of the book. I turned every page thinking, "When are they going to freakin' meet already?" Let's not even mention the boring life stories that went on and on. I do know that that's part of getting to know each other and all, but I just got really bored reading endless diary entries that seemed to be going around in circles with absolutely no purpose.

The characters were interesting, they led very different lives with different motivations. I enjoyed reading about their lives when they were not on a silly book hunting game. The title of this book suggests Dash and Lily daring each other to do things by communicating through the book. Sadly, that's not what happens. They just write about their lives and tell the other to leave the book at the place they dare them to go. Boring, boring, boring. Yawn.

I didn't hate this book, I just didn't love it. I must admit that it did keep me entertained for the period of time it took me to find another book and some bits of the book was actually quite fun and I did enjoy. Don't get the wrong impression and think that the whole entire book is boring because it isn't. There were a few chapters that made me smile and laugh. 

If your looking for an exciting and heart-racing book full of adventures and edgy dares then, sorry to break it to you, your not going to find it in Dash & Lily's Book of Dares. On the other hand, if your looking for a short, cute and descriptive book with a teeny sprinkle of first love then this book is for you.

Rating

- Thank you Mira Ink for providing me with a review copy.

Waiting on Wednesday (22)

Hey,

This week I'm waiting for...

The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass

Release Date: April 23, 2013

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

I really enjoyed The Selection and I can't wait to find out what happens next! Not so keen on the dress she's wearing though. It looks like she's wearing a meat dress...

Leave a link to your WoW post in the comments and I'll check it out!

Have a great week,

Sam :D

The Lost Prince UK Cover

Hey guys!

I was going my daily book cover check up when I found the UK cover for The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa (check out my review HERE)!! I don't think you guys have seen it yet so I really, really wanted to share it with you ASAP. Are you ready? Are you sure? It's pretty amazing so I think you'll have to brace yourselves:

The Lost Prince (Call of The Forgotten #1) by Julie Kagawa

Don’t look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.

That is Ethan Chase’s unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he’d dare to fall for.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister’s world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myth and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.

After a while of staring at it, I realised it looked a lot like the book it recommended on the cover, Snow White & The Huntsman.

The font is similar and so is the scenery. Come on! Look at them closely!!

You can see the resemblance, can't you? Oh well, I think the publisher has done really well designing the cover and I can't wait to see it hit UK shelves! But, if you live in the US make sure your looking out for this cover:

I was a little disappointed when I found out that Mira Ink were not going to use the cover above for the UK version because it looks awesome! But oh well, the UK cover is pretty cool, too.

So, which cover do you prefer? UK or US?! Leave a comment below.

Have a great week,
Sam :D

Book Haul (#18)

Hey!

I'm really sorry that I didn't publish a book haul post last week! Forgive me?(: I have been so busy with school work, extra curriculum activities and music rehearsals, and I haven't had much time to access the computer to write reviews and other posts.

But, I am here now! WOOOO! I will try to get some posts done so I can schedule them for the week but I have been bombarded with homework that I swear will never become useful in life.

Anyway, here are the books that I have received/borrowed/won this past 2 weeks:

Echo (Fated #2) by Alyson Noel - Received -

Thank you St Martin's Griffin! It was such a surprise when I opened my package to find Echo because I never even asked for it!! I jumped around and hugged it to my chest. I'm looking forward to seeing if this book is better than the first.
Between the Lines (Between the Lines #1) by Tammara Webber - Won -
I was so happy when I found out that I won a set of the Between the Lines trilogy by Tammara Webber! I read Easy a few months back and I absolutely loved it.

Where You Are (Between the Lines #2) by Tammara Webber - Won -
The second book in the trilogy. I've heard nothing but good things about these books!
Good For You (Between the Lines #3) by Tammara Webber - Won -
The final book in the trilogy.

Croak (Croak #1) by Gina Damico - Won -
I love a good reaper story! Definitely looking forward to reading this. Apparently it's very funny as well? Have any of you guys read it? Is it good?
Sweet Evil (Sweet #1) by Wendy Higgins - Won -
I've actually read this one already so it was nice to have finally won my own copy. I really liked it and you can read my review HERE if you are interested in taking a peek into what it's about.

Confessions of an Angry Girl (Confessions #1) by Louise Rozett - Won -
I won this book along with Sweet Evil and Croak from Carmen at Shelf Space Needed! Check out her blog because she is really awesome.
At Face Value by Emily Franklin - Borrowed -
I've heard some mixed things about this book but I like the sound it anyway. Hopefully I will get to this one soon.

Me, Suzy P. by Karen Saunders - Received -

Thank you Templar Publishing! This isn't a book that I would normally go for but I'll give it a try!

That's my book haul for this week! Leave a link to your book haul in the comments and I'll check it out.

Enjoy your books,
Sam :D

My review of Embrace

Embrace (The Violet Eden Chapter #1) by Jessica Shirvington
Release Date: October 6, 20122
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

It starts with a whisper: "It's time for you to know who you are..."

On her 17th birthday, everything will change for Violet Eden. The boy she loves will betray her. Her enemy will save her. She will have to decide just how much she's willing to sacrifice. 


A centuries old war between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity chooses a new fighter. It's a battle Violet doesn't want, but she lives her life by two rules: don't run and don't quit. If angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden. 

LINCOLN: He's been Violet's one anchor, her running partner and kickboxing trainer. Only he never told her he's Grigori--part human, part angel--and that he was training her for an ancient battle between Angels and Exiles. 
PHOENIX: No one knows where his loyalties lie, yet he's the only one there to pick up the pieces and protect her after Lincoln's lies. In a world of dark and light, he is all shades of gray. 

Two sides: Angel or Exile.
Two guys: Lincoln or Phoenix.
The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity... 

Embrace was not the take on angels that I was expecting! It had action and mysteries that kept me interested, but it did have a love triangle that wasn't impressive or fun to read about. Though there was a whole lot of excitement and I can't wait to read the sequel.

Violet's life has been blissfully normal until her 17th birthday; she hung out with her running and kickboxing trainer, Lincoln, who she is very close to, and had time for her friends. But since the day she found out who she really is and what she is destined to become, Violet can not trust anyone. Not even Pheonix, a boy who's started following her around and carries a big secret that could help Violet make her decisiom: Become an angel? Or join the exiles...

Embrace had a set of strong and confident main characters that I enjoyed to read about. However, I wasn't keen on the love triangle in this book. Yes, guys! There is a love triangle! I felt that the love triangle got in the way of the main plot at times and all I wanted to do was kill both Lincoln and Pheonix. Strangle them, beat them over the head with a stick, whatever; I wanted them gone and out of the way so Violet could concentrate on the problems in front of her. That reminds me, Violet was extremely annoying at times. It felt like she couldn't make her own decisions or follow a plan? It's like she couldn't see what was staring her right in the face.

I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, Entice, to see how the characters develop and to see what Jessica Shirvington delivers next! And damn, I adore the US covers for this series, not too keen on the UK ones because they look really boring.

Rating

- A copy was provided by the publisher. Thank you Hachette Children's Books!

Waiting on Wednesday (21)

Hey,

This week I'm waiting for...

Golden by Jessi Kirby

Release Date: May 14, 2013

Seventeen-year-old Parker Frost may be a distant relative of Robert Frost, but she has never taken the road less traveled. Valedictorian and quintessential good girl, she’s about to graduate high school without ever having kissed her crush or broken the rules. So when fate drops a mystery in her lap—one that might be the key to uncovering the truth behind a town tragedy, she decides to take a chance.

I enjoyed In Honor so I've got high expectations for this one. 

Leave a link to your WoW post below and I'll check it out!

Have a great week,

Sam :D

Deity Trailer and Apollyon Cover Reveal!

Hey!

Today I am really, REALLY excited to show you the trailer for Jennifer L. Armentrout's Deity (Covenant #3) and the cover for Apollyon (Covenant #4)! 

Deity is the third book in the Covenant series so I wouldn't recommend that you read the blurb unless you have read the first two books, Half-Blood and Pure.

And no! You can not PEEK at the the blurb because then it will ruin the previous books for you! 

Just skip down and check out the gorgeous cover of Apollyon. Here is the blurb for Deity for those who want to know what the book is about:

Deity (Covenant #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Release Date: November 6, 2012

Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

"History is on repeat, and things didn't go so well the last time. "

Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner... and so is Aiden. 

If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome. 

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed... and destroyed. 

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...

Now here is the trailer:

It's pretty cool, isn't it? I actually can't wait to read it because I am unsure of whether I am team Seth or team Aiden, they both have their own qualities that I love...

Okay, anyway, here is the cover that we have all been waiting for. I present to you, APOLLYON!

Omg. It's so beautiful! When I first saw it, I was like:

And look at the covers side by side!!

They are all so freaking gorgeous. Jennifer is really lucky to have an amazing cover designer. I can't wait to see the cover for the last book, Sentinel, because I'm sure that it will be mind-blowing.

What do you think of the cover and trailer? Leave a comment below.

Have a great weekend,

Sam :D