Book Haul (#43)

Hey,

*Sigh* Second week back at school and I'm being run-down by homework! There's some essay about the character of Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet, and I have to analyse the quotes to see why he is evil but that's really hard when I don't even know how what he is saying is offensive. I do love Shakespeare though... when I get to grips with the language. ;)

Also, yesterday I posted a post called "Let's Talk: Book Covers", it's just a random discussion topic that I thought would be interesting to discuss. Check it out. :D

Anyway, this week I received and borrowed:

Impostor (Slide #2) by Jill Hathaway - Received -
Thank you, HarperCollins Children's Books! I read Slide a while back and I thought it was really unique and the concept was interesting so I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in this one.
The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass - Received -
Once again, thank you, HarperCollins Children's Books! I adored The Selection and the whole premise of the story. Maxon was a sweet heart and the love triangle really spiced things up so... I shall be devouring this.

Perception (Clarity #2) by Kim Harrington - Borrowed -
I read Clarity and thought it was really interesting and I can't wait to see what happens!
Breaking Point (Article 5 #2) by Kristen Simmons - Borrowed -
I thought that Article 5 was incredible. 'nough said.

Stung by Bethany Wiggins - Received -
Thank you, Bloomsbury! This sounds super cool.
Transcendence (Transcendence #1) by C.J. Omololu - Received -
Thank you, Bloomsbury! I adore the cover for this it's really intriguing. I will be starting this soon.

Shards & Ashes by Many Bestselling Authors - Borrowed -
I was scanning through my library's shelves and saw a new book. When I picked it up I was delighted to see that it looked AWESOME! So many stories by a range of talented authors.

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

Enjoy your books,
Sam :)

P.S Sorry for randomly posting this on Wednesday, Blogger was playing up.

Let's Talk: Book Covers

Hello my fellow chums,

How are you all? I hope you're living your lives productively and not cooped up inside the house with piles of books to read and letting no vitamin D refresh your skin like I know I want to be. All book lovers can relate, right?

I know this is a bit strange. I don't normally write posts out of the routine (review, Waiting on Wednesday, Book Hauls, and the occasional blog tour), but I thought it would be good to, you know, do something a bit different from the usual. Since exams haven't kicked in yet, and I seem to have way too much time on my hands to aimlessly browse Facebook and relax on the sofa wondering what the hell I'm doing with my life. 

So what I've decided (just right now) is that I'm going to have random posts (possibly posted weekly) to just talk about new books, new movies, a random bookish topic, or whatever else I feel is interesting to write about at that certain time. It's good to share opinions and give recommendations so feel free to do so in the comments.

If you're like me and would rather stay in the house than make the effort to go out, then these posts are definitely for you. What's better than having one big massive discussion with people who share your passion? Hmm, exactly.

As I'm sitting here, in this extremely comfy arm chair with my laptop warming my lap, I think it'd be interesting to firstly discuss: 

Do you judge a book by its cover?

I can't lie, guys. If I see two book in a bookshop, side-by-side on the shelf in front of me, looking like this:

I think you can kinda guess which one I may pick-up. Well, aside from the fact that the second one (the one to the right) is a quick copy I did on paint, it proves that the more enticing and eye-catching the cover, the more attention it will get. I mean, who would pick up my version of the book? Well, maybe those people who want to see what kind of silly publishing company would let such an amateur cover get printed, but aside from that no one really.

There is also the problem of absolutely INCREDIBLE books doomed with horrendous or disgusting covers. Not disgusting, just really ugly. For instance, the Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead. If I hadn't read Vampire Academy and known that this was a tie-in, there's a chance that I may not have picked it up. Actually, I think I would have because I don't mind the first few covers and I think they look quite pretty/interesting.

Though, recently the cover for the fourth book in the series, The Fiery Heart, was released and I can't say I like it. And from what I've heard, not many others like it either...

I'm sorry, I love this series but I can not stand this cover! It's just the girl... I mean why is she in such a weird pose? The cover models have been great on the previous books but WHY IS THIS COVER SO STRANGE?! Is it just me? Am I the only one who wants this changed? It looks like one of those teaser covers they post before the real one. Any how, if I didn't know this was a part of my series, I probably wouldn't pick it up.

However, there are covers out there that are SIMPLE and not stunning with gorgeous cover models, they just make a good point. Covers don't always need extravagant colours and complicated designs to pull a crowd.

For instance, Speechless by Hannah Harrington (The US cover). It was the only book that I could think of off of the top of my head that had a simple yet striking cover. I know some of you probably think, "Whhhaaat?! It's so basic!" Well, that is the point, my friend. The cover reflects on the title and that's what I absolutely adore. Some books have covers that have nothing to do with the story and you sit there looking at the cover, after reading the book, thinking, "Where is the link?"

I think we've all seen a book on the bookshop shelf and thought, "Haha! Like I'm going to ever read that! It looks crap!", but eventually coming round to reading it because of all the good things you've heard about it. Maybe, you've never done that, but I know a few have (including me!).

I remember seeing Alyxander Harvey's My Love Lies Bleeding, the first book in the Drake Chronicles, on Goodreads and thought, "Woah! Looks like too-much of a Twilight cliche for me", but six months later, I give into reading the blurb and discover that it does actually sounds pretty cool. This ended up being one of my favourite paranormal series.


So I gotta admit it, guys! I judge books by their covers but end up reading the blurb a few months later and realising that it sounds awesome. I am trying to change... believe me! After putting The Fault in Our Stars by John Green off for over a year because of the simple cover but ending up loving it (Damn, Augustus, I love you) made me realise that my judging-book habit has to stop!

Please feel free to post any comments below sharing your opinion on the topic and maybe even what you want me to talk about next? Up to you! I love hearing your thoughts so don't be scared to let them words flow. ;)

Thank you for reading and I shall see you all soon!
Sam :)

Waiting on Wednesday (48)

Hey,

This week I'm waiting for...

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (Between #1) by April Genevieve Tucholke

Release Date: August 20, 2013

You stop fearing the devil when you’re holding his hand…

Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White’s sleepy, seaside town…until River West comes along. River rents the guesthouse behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard. Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more? Violet’s grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery...who makes you want to kiss back. Violet’s already so knee-deep in love, she can’t see straight. And that’s just how River likes it.

OMMMGGGGG. This book sounds badass! 

I want to read it right now. A girl falling in love with the Devil? Tell me you're not the slightest bit curious. It also sounds like it's going to have some pretty good twists as well.

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

Have a great week,
Sam :D

My review of Sweet Shadows

Sweet Shadows (Medusa #2) by Tera Lynn Childs
Release Date: March 1, 2013
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

Grace, Gretchen and Greer - three teenage descendants of Medusa who must unite and embrace their fates in a unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight. The sisters are now reunited, but their battle against the vile beasties of the abyss rages on. And as if training to become fully-fledged huntresses weren't enough, the boys in their lives are causing them problems. Is Nick all he seems? And where's Thane? He's gone missing, and Grace is sure he's hiding something from her. As the girls discover more about their heritage, they find themselves in greater danger than ever. Can they face up to the sacrifices they must make in order to fulfill their destiny?

Sweet Shadows is the exciting and mysterious sequel to Sweet Venom. This trilogy is based around the Greek myth of Medusa. Snake hair, deadly stare, ringing any bells? Imagine her having descendants... that don't have any snakes as hair. Well, those descendants are these three girls: Gretchen, Grace and Greer, and they're about to take you on a wild and enjoyable journey.

In the previous books, Gretchen found and introduced her two sisters to the world they were meant for. Together they get to know their powers and defeat monsters that some how get into the human world and disguise themselves. In this installment, the race is on to find out more about their prophecy and what they were born to do. Along side that, they have to keep up with the boys in their lives. Grace's adopted Brother, Thane, is no where to be seen, he claims that he is fine but Grace does not believe him. As for Nick, he and Gretchen are getting closer and closer, but Gretchen knows that he's hiding something big and she will stop at nothing to get it out of him.

I had a lot of fun reading this sequel because it was packed with action and mysteries, and a tiny bit of romance on the side. We also get to venture in to the abyss, the home of monsters, which I found really interesting and exciting to read about. 

The Medusa girls are all learning to kick some monster-butt as well as learning more about their legacy. There was no never a dull moment when Nick was around. Yeah... Nick has to be my favourite out of all the guys. He's likable and funny, and I wished for more of him on each page. As for Milo, Grace's love-interest, I would have liked to see a bit more of him, too! 

The ending has left me with plenty of questions and wondering what is next for the our heroines. Hopefully everything will be sorted out and Tera will deliver an explosive ending in Sweet Legacy.

Rating

A review copy was provided by Templar Publishing

Book Haul (#42)

Hey,

How are you all? I hope you've all had a good week and done something remotely interesting with your lives. On the other hand, if you're back at school, like I am, then I wish you the best getting back into your daily routine after a relaxing holiday. 

This week I've received:

The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2) by Julie Kagawa - Received -

Thank you, Mira Ink! I absolutely loved The Immortal Rules and I CANNOT FREAKING WAIT TO OPEN THIS because it has been over a year since I read TIR.
Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher - Borrowed -
This sounds really interesting and it won a Waterstones award so I thought I'd check it out. 

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

Enjoy your books,

Sam :D

The Morning Star Spotlight

Hey,

I'm here today to introduce you to a YA paranormal romance called The Morning Star by Tania Penn. You can read the blurb below and also enter an awesome giveaway for the book!

The Morning Star by Tania Penn

Release Date: January 10, 2013

Being the daughter of Lucifer keeps seventeen year old Dawn Belial busy. For almost her entire lifetime, she has been trying to think of a way to free her Archangel mother, Michaela, whom her father has held captive for centuries. She's also attending high school - balancing trigonometry, history, and recruiting souls for her father along with her wicked half-sister, Venus.

There has been no time for love until she meets mysterious Gabriel, a British exchange student. As they fall in love against their will, she discovers a startling secret about him, and a shocking connection to her mother that changes everything.

About the Author:

Author of debut young adult novel, The Morning Star. Currently working on the sequel, Equinox, as well as a chick-lit, rom-com, slightly sleazy and funny story with a twist, Catching Frogs. And, because she's loco in the roco, She's got about 12 more on the back burner. When Tania's not writing she can be found kayaking, hiking, ninja-training, traveling, and taking a ferry over to the San Juan Islands to search for the elusive creature known as the "Orca." She is also constantly adding ridiculous wants, needs, must-see's and do's to her ever expanding bucket book.

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

The Morning Star is the first book in an exciting new series! You can enter the giveaway for the book by clicking on the link below which will take you to the Rafflecopter page.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck to you all!

Sam :)

Waiting on Wednesday (47)

Hey,

This week I'm waiting for...

Shudder (Stitch #2) by Samantha Durante

Release Date: June 15, 2013

It's only been three days, and already everything is different.

Paragon is behind her, but somehow Alessa's life may actually have gotten worse. In a wrenching twist of fate, she traded the safety and companionship of her sister for that of her true love, losing a vital partner she'd counted on for the ordeal ahead. Her comfortable university life is but a distant memory, as she faces the prospect of surviving a bleak winter on the meager remains of a ravaged world. And if she'd thought she'd tasted fear upon seeing a ghost, she was wrong; now she's discovering new depths of terror while being hunted by a deadly virus and a terrifying pack of superhuman creatures thirsting for blood.

And then there are the visions.

The memory-altering "stitch" unlocked something in Alessa's mind, and now she can't shake the constant flood of alien feelings ransacking her emotions. Haunting memories of an old flame are driving a deep and painful rift into her once-secure relationship. And a series of staggering revelations about the treacherous Engineers - and the bone-chilling deceit shrouding her world's sorry history - will soon leave Alessa reeling...

This is the sequel to Stitch, which is a mix between paranormal romance and dystopian sci-fi. You can read my review of the book HERE!  I can't wait to find out what happens to the characters and plot line. The previous had so many twists and surprises.

The author is holding a giveaway for a copy of Shudder: Enter the Giveaway HERE!!!

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

Have a good week,
Sam :D

My review of Opal

Opal (Lux #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release Date: December 11, 2012
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

Opal is the third book in the extremely addictive Lux series. My friends, if you have yet to venture into the world of the Luxen, then guys, you are missing out big time! Pick up the first book 'Obsidian' and prepare yourself to fall in love with a set of wonderfully entertaining characters and a brilliant author who writes flawlessly.

The characters and their relationships have progressed so much since we first met them in Obsidian. Katy and Daemon, who, may I add, hated each other, now can't stand to be apart. It's adorable, really. Since the start, I know we were all waiting for the day that Daemon and Katy would become Kaemon, and that day has come in the form of Opal! We are finally getting to see the totally date-able side of Daemon. He is overprotective, loyal and everything a girl could dream of, though he still carries his big ego and arrogant attitude that we can't help but love. As for Katy, she is still the book-loving and daring girl we met so many months ago. 

Opal is the book we've all been anticipating in terms of Katy and Daemon's relationship. But in terms of plot, wowza. You will not expect the surprises Jennifer has waiting for you behind every corner. If I were you, I would ready myself for the ultimate roller coaster with the company of the Arum, old enemies and a few more characters. Speaking of roller coasters, you know when you reach the end of it and you loved it so much you feel the need to go on it again? Well, Opal is nothing like that. NO, BECAUSE JENNIFER DECIDES TO LEAVE US ALL IN AGONY! The ending is absolutely heart-breaking, and I guarantee that you will fall into depression after realising that the next book, Origin, will not be out until Summer 2013. I loved Opal a lot. I actually loved everything about it, but the ending? I despised it. Oh well, at least we know we're going to get a pretty juicy forth book!

Jennifer is one of the best authors out there, in my opinion, and she writes effortlessly. I could read her books all day because they are all amazingly gripping and nothing less than unique. If you haven't read any of her YA or adult novels then I recommend you set a target to read them in 2013 because they are not to be missed. No one cares about vampires, werewolves and fairies anymore, you want something new and exciting? The Lux series is what you're looking for. Who would have thought that sci-fi could be mixed with romance and made into something brilliant? I didn't, but Jennifer proved me, and many others, wrong.

Overall, Opal is really, really good and I can't fault it at all because the writing was perfect, the characters were perfect and the plot was perfect. I don't even know how I could praise it more! I just want Origin in my hands right now. Guys, get ready to be blown away by what Opal has in store for you.

*I tried to keep this review as non-spoilery as possible for those who are still waiting for their copies of Opal to arrive on their doorstep. *

Rating

Book Haul (#41)

Hey!

All I have to say is: Back to school tomorrow. :(

AND....

THE TRAILER FOR ROMEO AND JULIET HAS BEEN RELEASED!! Check it out below:

Sigh, I love it so much. What do you think of it? So much love for Douglas Booth, I must say.

Anyway, this week I received:

After Eden (After Eden #1) by Helen Douglas - Received -

Thank you, Bloomsbury Publishing! I finished the book on the day I received. I just couldn't help myself! I read the blurb and was like: WOWOOWOW! And then I decided to read a few chapters... and got hooked. I loved every moment! A really, really good sci-fi.

Leave a link to your book haul/stacking the shelves/letterbox love/in my mailbox in the comments below so I can check it out!

Enjoy your books,

Sam :)

Cover Reveal (4)

Hey,

I haven't posted a Cover Reveal post in a while so I went on a quest to find all the latest covers to show you guys! Some of them are horrendous, some are gorgeous, but I hope you enjoy checking them out.

Horizon (Soul Seekers #4) by Alyson Noel - November 19th, 2013 

The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines #4) by Richelle Mead - November 19, 2013
I absolute freaking hate this cover. The previous covers have been gorgeous and the books are INCREDIBLE! I can't help but hate this cover. So much. I hope they change it.

Fire with Fire (Burn for Burn #2) by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian - September 3, 2013

The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2) by Maggie Stiefvater - September 17, 2013

Horde (Razorland #3) by Ann Aguirre - October 29, 2013 

Resist (Breathe #2) by Sarah Crossan - October 8, 2013
An awesome cover, I think. I really liked the cover for Breathe and this fits well.

Through the Zombie Glass (White Rabbit Chronicles #2) by Gena Showalter - September 24, 2013
Elegy (Watersong #4) by Amanda Hocking - August 6, 2013
All the covers for this series are beautiful!

The Fall (The Glimpse #2) by Claire Merle - June 6, 2013
Frigid by Jennifer L. Armentrout - July 30, 2013

The Unbound (The Archived #2) by Victoria Schwab - January 28, 2014
Erased (Altered #2) by Jennifer Rush - January 2014
*Cough* Yum *Cough* I still need to read the first book! 

Alienated (Alienated #1) by Melissa Landers - February 4, 2014
While I was on my quest, I found this book! JUST LOOK! THE COVER IS AMAZING! And the blurb sounds super cool. I can not wait to read this.
Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) by Sarah J. Maas - August 27, 2013
AHHHHHH! THIS LOOKS KICK-ASS! :O 

Sentinel (Covenant #5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout - December 10, 2013
I like the fact that this is simple. A nice ending for the beautiful series!
The Iron Traitor (The Iron Fey: The Call of the Forgotten #2) by Julie Kagawa - October 22, 2013
I think I prefer the cover for The Lost Prince. ;)

If you've taken a liking to any of these books, simply click on the title and the link will take you to the Goodreads page where you can find out more about the book.

Enjoy your day,
Sam :D