Waiting on Wednesday (51)

Hey,

This week I am waiting for...

The Sound by Sarah Alderson
Release Date: August 1, 2013

When aspiring music journalist Ren Kingston takes a job nannying for a wealthy family on the exclusive island of Nantucket, playground for Boston's elite, she's hoping for a low-key summer reading books and blogging about bands. Boys are firmly off the agenda.

What she doesn't count on is falling in with a bunch of party-loving private school kids who are hiding some dark secrets, falling (possibly) in love with the local bad boy, and falling out with a dangerous serial killer...

I adore Sarah Alderson from reading her previous book Hunting Lila, Losing Lila, Fated and Severed. They are really amazing books and I would recommend for you to check them out if you have time,

As for this book, The Sound looks very exciting! Serial killers? Mysteries? Bad boy? Hmmm... This sounds like my kind of book!

Leave a link to your WoW post in the comments so I can check it out!

Have a great week,

Sam :D

Stripped Blog Tour Stop

Hey,

This is my stop on the Stripped blog tour hosted by YA Bound. You can check out more about the book below!

Stripped by Brooklyn Skye

Release Date: May 14, 2013

“I like you.” His voice is low and soft, which I don’t deserve. I look away, down the rutted parking lot.

“Don’t... waste those words on me.”

He touches my cheek. “You just need someone to show you.”

“No.” I ease back again. “I don’t. So please, Torrin, stop trying to swoop in and save me. I don’t need saving.”

College freshman Quinn Montgomery will do anything to avoid the mistake her sister made—killing herself over a boy. But when she is forced into nude modeling at a local college to support her family after a bankruptcy, she begins to crack, just enough to let Torrin, the university’s top varsity oarsman, see that the real Quinn is not as feisty and unapproachable as she wants everyone to think. But letting someone in comes at a steep cost and, it turns out, Torrin is connected to Quinn’s family in more ways than she could ever imagine.

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About the Author:

Brooklyn Skye is just your average awkward girl who's obsessed with words. She grew up in a small California town where she quickly realized writing was an easy escape from small town life.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

I have an e-copy that I will be reading and reviewing very soon! But for now, you can check the book out at: Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon And Brooklyn has kindly offered a signed copy of Stripped to those that live in the US and a signed e-copy to any international winner! Simply fill out the rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a good week,
Sam :)

My review of Storm

Storm (The Elementals #1) by Brigid Kemmerer
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository


Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys all the ones she doesn't want. Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They're powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life's at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who's hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The storm is coming.

Storm is the first thrilling book in the exciting and gripping series The Elementals. Four hot brothers with incredible powers, what's not to love? They each have their own story to tell, and this novel just happens to be about the youngest brother, Chris. With this raging storm comes action, mysteries and an irresistible romance. 

Becca never wanted any attention. Especially not from Chris Merrick. A boy who's always getting into trouble and causing arguments. But for some reason, she ends up saving him from getting beaten up in the school parking lot, and from there on her life is no longer simple or ordinary. Chris can control water, just like his brothers can control earth, fire and wind. They are incredibly powerful; but also marked for death. Becca doesn't know what she's gotten herself into, so when Hunter joins the school things just seem to complicate even more. Both him and Chris are hiding things from her, so who can she trust?

In this book, we meet Chris, the youngest of four brothers. Michael is the oldest and can control the earth. Gabriel and Nick are twins; Gabriel can control fire and Nick can control wind. Their parents died a few years back and Michael has been assigned as guardian. We get to know each character throughout the book and by the end you will at least have fallen for one of them.

Chris and Becca have a very interesting and entertaining relationship to read about. The two don't exactly see eye-to-eye at first, but as the book progresses we see a clear change in heart. Though the romance is turned up a notch when Hunter, the mysterious new boy who seems to have a habit of turning up in the right place at the wrong time, is added into the complex equation. 

On top of the "Chris + Becca + Hunter = Error #4382" situation, did I mention that there are people who want the Merrick brothers dead? Mmmhmmm. I know what you're thinking, "WHY WOULD PEOPLE WANT TO KILL THESE HOT GUYS WITH MAGICAL POWERS?!?!" Well, my dear friend, the answers are all in the book. It's a complicated dilemma, with waay too many people keeping secrets and betraying the main characters.

I've read plenty of books Avatar-style books (controlling the elements), but none of them have stood out or been as good as this! I can't think of anything that I did not enjoy about this book. I adored the characters, Brigid's writing style, the action, and the romance (obviously). Once I picked the book up I could not force myself to put it down. It was just. too. Good. And no, I wasn't simply drawn in because of the hot guy on the cover...

*Ahem* But in all seriousness, Storm is a captivating and compelling read that will leave you wanting a whole lot more. I loved every second and I already know that the sequel Spark, which is Gabriel's story, is going to be another hit. Brigid Kemmerer is going to be taking the YA charts by storm with the rest of this series.

Rating

Book Haul (#45)

Hey,

How are you all? I am so tired. I haven't even really done anything during the week but I'm tired. So hallelujah to the weekend and 48 hours of lying around!

This week I've received:

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1) by Leigh Bardugo - Received -
Thank you, Orion Publishing! Since the film rights were sold, Orion decided that it would be best to change the covers in the UK to match the US'. I can't wait to read this.
Dare You To (Pushing the Limits #2) by Katie McGarry - Received -
Thank you, Mira Ink! I lovedlovedlovedlovedloved Pushing The Limits. Katie McGarry can do no wrong! I read an eGalley on Netgalley and I can't wait to have a re-read. Check out my review HERE!

Leave a link to your Book Haul/Letterbox Love/Stacking the Shelves/Showcase Sunday/In My Mailbox in the comments below so I can check it out!

Enjoy your books,
Sam :D

The Year of the Great Seventh Cover Reveal

Hey!

I am here today to show you the cover of The Year of the Great Seventh by Teresa Orts, a YA story based around an Egyptian tale. 

The Year of the Great Seventh (Tropic of Cancer #1) by Teresa Orts

Release Date: July 6, 2013

Sophie has always felt out of step—an outsider, even amongst friends in her high school with all the hype about celebrity culture. Her life in L.A. seems to have been already written for her, but when her junior year starts, it all takes a drastic turn. When she crosses paths with the school's heartthrob, Nate Werner, they fall for each other in a way neither can understand. What they don’t know is that by giving in to their desires, they are unlocking an ancient Egyptian prophecy that threatens to return Earth to the dark ages.

To undo the curse, Nate and Sophie embark on an adventure that takes them across the country. But their quest is not only to save the world as they know it. It is also a fight for their very survival. Behind the scenes, there are those that are counting on them to fail.

About the Author:

A young adult fantasy author. Her first novel, The Year of the Great Seventh, will be published by Drayton Press in July, 2013.

She enjoys reading novels that keep her at the edge of her seat—the ones that you can’t stop thinking about for months. Teresa loves traveling the world and living by her own rules, as well as small pleasures such as chocolate, the rain, and hanging out with friends.
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I was provided with a copy of this story and I found it very interesting! Look out for my review closer to the release date.

Enjoy your week,
Sam :D

My review of Mila 2.0

Mila 2.0 (Mila 2.0 #1) by Debra Driza
Release Date: March 12, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository


Mila was never meant to learn the truth about her identity. She was a girl living with her mother in a small Minnesota town. She was supposed to forget her past—that she was built in a secret computer science lab and programmed to do things real people would never do.

Now she has no choice but to run—from the dangerous operatives who want her terminated because she knows too much and from a mysterious group that wants to capture her alive and unlock her advanced technology. However, what Mila’s becoming is beyond anyone’s imagination, including her own, and it just might save her life.

Mila 2.0 is a unique sci-fi novel with an interesting concept that is perfect for any readers who fancy a change from their usual contemporary and paranormal romances.

Mila 2.0 starts off as a contemporary about Mila grieving over the death of her father and meeting the new boy, Hunter. Suddenly, her world is turned upside down when she discovers the truth about who and what she is. Everything about her life has been a lie; her memories, her identity. Mila is an expensive robot but she's evolving into something that no one could have expected. Her and her "mother" have to run before Mila's taken back to those who made her.

I thought that the idea for the book was extremely interesting but sometimes I felt detached from what was actually going on. The book was fast-paced and quite a lot happens in a short amount of time that you have to digest. Everything is so normal at the beginning and then BAM! The story takes a turn completely when the secret is out and everything you've previously read has been one big lie. It took a bit of time to get used to it because everything was crazy! 

I did enjoy the character of Mila. I felt that she was very likable and everything about her was fascinating. At the start, we do meet a character called Hunter, who I thought would play a big part in the book as Mila's love interest. Sadly, half-way through the book, I realised he wasn't part of the big plot in this story so I kind of lost enthusiasm a bit. 

When the action kicked it things became a lot more interesting and I found it hard to tear my gaze away from the page. With the romance side of the way, Mila's life becomes a whole load more dangerous and I, as a reader, could feel the tension leaking through the pages. Absolutely heart-stopping!

Overall, Mila 2.0 is a good read, definitely different from the norm, which will hold your interest and leave you wondering what could happen next. Bring on the sequel!

Rating

A review copy was provided by HarperCollins Children's Books.

Waiting on Wednesday (50)

Hey,

This week I'm waiting for...

These Broken Stars (These Broken Stars #1) by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Release Date: December 10, 2013

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone. 

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help. 

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

The cover for this is so cute, and it reminds me of Tempest by Julie Cross, but this one is better by far. 

I have really been getting into sci-fi after reading the Across the Universe trilogy by Beth Revis, and this book sounds quite similar, and definitely something I would go for.

I am also waiting for...

The Ghosting of Gods by Cricket Baker

Release Date: May 31, 2013

Jesse is an apprentice exorcist who defies his priests when he learns his sister is in danger even though she’s dead. When he’s exiled to a haunted world, Jesse must unravel the mystery of ghosts if he is to save her. He plunges into a deadly game of hide-and-seek. The players include denizens draped in monkish robes, ghosts with matted eyes, the dead who tunnel underground in terror, and...Elspeth.

A coven scientist, Elspeth is both respected and feared for her abnormal spiritual powers. Jesse needs--craves--the knowledge of ghosts which she possesses. But is Elspeth a spiritual prodigy, or dangerously insane? The coven scientist begs him to trust her. He doesn’t. But he wants to.

Caught in a world on the brink of spiritual evolution, Jesse struggles to understand Elspeth even as frightening contacts from his sister force him to face the secret, shattering meaning of a verse he knows well: Blessed are the poor in ghost.

This book sounds and looks so creepy! I love a good ghost story.

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

Have a great week,
Sam :D

My review of The Elite

The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass
Release Date: April 23, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository


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 Iléa.

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.

The Elite is the follow-up to the alluring and wonderfully engaging The Selection. A unique concept with unexpected twists and endless beautiful dresses. The Elite has more romance, more rebel-action, and plenty more situations for the young girls to get through in order to win over the prince's heart.

Our main girl America has made it into the Elite stage of the Selection and it looks like she has Maxon's heart more that the others could possibly have. When she's with him, she couldn't be happier, but thinks are tough when she has her old boyfriend as a guard outside her room. And America has to decide whether her heart really is with Maxon because the group is smaller and the girls are doing everything to get Maxon's attention and time is running ouot. But with rebels attacking and a tragic secret unveiled, America is no longer certain about anything in the palace.

Reading The Selection over a year ago, it's hard to remember the little bits that happened and how I actually really, really loved it. But reading The Elite has just reminded me how much I adore the dystopian world the story is set in. Also, I forgot how much I enjoyed the characters! America is such a great proganist with a complicated yet intriguing personality. Maxon is lovely and, during the first half of the book, I thought he was perfect, but the second half is where all his secrets are spread on the table for America to see. As for Aspen, he was cute and America's rock while she is in the palace.

I must say, this is not one of the most exciting or action-packed books out there, and it's not a book that is everyone's cup of tea. But it certainly is mine! I loved the dresses, and all the girls' feistyness, and the romance... or should I say romanceS? I adore the love triangle in this book; It's complicated, and each boy has different qualities and very different lifestyles to offer America. 

Now when I say lifestyle, I almost mean the Hunger Games lifestyle. How everyone is in Districts? Well, in this book people has numbered; from royalty, Ones, to Eights, those who work long hours for hardly any money. America is a Five, the Caste specializing in the arts and music. Her family is very poor and she is only in The Selection to get her family some money. 

I know how so many people hate love triangles, and this one was so cheesy, but I love that type of stuff so I fell head over heals for the romance plot. I'm still caught between Maxon and Aspen. There were times when I was completely team Maxon but then he would do something or he wouldn't pay enough attention to America and that just really go on my nerves. Hopefully Kiera will give us a satisfying ending with a clear choice between the two boys.

Like I've mentioned in my review of The Selection, the story is not the most exciting, but it is addictive and you manage to get pulled into the world very easily once you start reading. I could not put the book down until I reached the end. 

Despite all the negative reviews about how this trilogy is too similar to The Hunger Games, I still think that Kiera Cass manages to slip in a few surprises and her writing style is very engaging! I am anxiously waiting for the release of the last book since Prince Maxon hasn't actually chosen his princess yet! Bring on 2014.

Rating

A review copy was provided by HarperCollins Children's Books

Book Haul (#44)

Hello,

How are you all? It's been a nice sunny week, hasn't it? If you live in the south of England you will understand. ;) Also, I apologise for all the random posts this week, but if you don't mind, could you help me by clicking THIS LINK?! It's for a competition. :D Thank you to everyone who have already clicked it and possible shared it.

Today I visited one of my favourite bookshops "The Works" and saw that it was covered in "CLOSING DOWN" signs. And I was like, "NOOOOOO! Wait... EVEN CHEAPER BOOKS! GOOOO!" So I ran in and picked up so many books and box sets because everything was like... so cheap. But when I went to pay there was a sign on the counter saying, "Closing down temporarily while we refurbish. Everything must go!" So, I'm looking forward to the new stock. :D

This week I've received and bought:

Destined (House of Night #9) by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast - Received -

Thank you, St Martin's Griffin! I didn't enjoy the first few books of this series and was so surprised when I opened up the package. Anyhow, I'm ready to see what's been happening to the story.

The Ghosting of Gods by Cricket Baker - Received -

Thank you, Cricket and John Hunt Publishing! This sounds SUPER creepy! Can't wait to start.

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare - Bought -
I bought this for 74p and it is the US hardback edition! BOOOOOM. I've actually already got a copy but oh well.
Wuthering Heights by Emile Bronte - Bought -
I bought this for 25p. I want to get into some classics and thought this one sounded pretty cute.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky - Bought -
I bought this for £1.49 and I've already read it but I wanted my own copy. I haven't seen the movie yet... But I will soon!
Wither (The Chemical Garden #1) by Lauren DeStefano - Bought -
I bought this for 25p. I have a US paperback edition but I wanted a UK one.

Fallen, Torment, Passion (Fallen #1-3) by Lauren Kate - Bought -
Bought this for £3.99. I read Fallen a few years back and... hated it. I'm prepared to give it another go though!
The Maze Runner Trilogy Box Set by James Dashner - Bought -
Bought this for £3.49! I remember hearing good things about it so I thought, eh? Why not try them? And I've also heard that the movie will be out next year in 2014.

Leave me a link to your Book Haul/Stacking the Shelves/ Letterbox Love/Showcase Sunday/In My Mailbox in the comments so I can check it out!

Enjoy your books,
Sam :)

May Giveaway

Hey,

Happy May! (I don't even know what kind of greeting that is...) 

I hope you are all well and enjoying the good weather? Well, by "good" I mean it isn't snowing and hailing. ;) I just realised that it was May... WE ARE ALMOST HALF WAY THROUGH 2013! Isn't that just insane?! It's gone so fast.

This month I'm giving ONE winner a chance to win ONE book from the list below. They are all May releases, but if I've missed any, feel free to mention and pick them if you want. The giveaway is international as long as the Book Depository ships to you.

To enter, simply fill out the RaffleCopter below:

**ENDED**
Winner: Chelsea
She chose The Beautiful and the Cursed!

Good luck to you all,

Sam :)