Revamped!

I just wanted to let you guys quickly know that I totally revamped both of my Myspace pages; the one for this site as well as my personal one. So head on over if you guys feel like checking them out.

Just Blinded Book Reviews' Myspace page.
My Myspace page

Review: Evermore by Alyson Noel

Title: Evermore
Author: Alyson Noel
Release Date: February 3, 2009

Summary:

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch. Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste…

Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition. He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets. Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head. She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is. Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.

Review:

To be honest, I’m on the fence about Evermore. I could go either way, really; I could love it or I could hate it. I see myself nodding and agreeing with raving reviews and not-so raving reviews. I’ve given myself a few days to think over the book and I can’t seem to get my feelings and thoughts straight about it.

Even though her family’s death was supposed to be a big point of the plot and Ever’s life it didn’t feel that way to me. I didn’t feel her loss, or see her mourning as if it was actually real. Of course, I definitely wouldn’t say that when Ever told her sister that it was time to move on; it almost made me cry. I could really feel her emotion, her sadness when she was convincing her sister that it was time for her to join the rest of her family.

I thought that the entire book was about Ever and Damen and everything else was just…background—her family’s death, her gaining supernatural powers; it was all noise in the background. Their relationship seemed so fake and forced at times through out the story, it was like they didn’t even know each other yet they’re still madly in love.

Overall, it was just average, nothing special to me, but that’s my opinion; maybe you’ll read it and love it. It just wasn’t my kind of book.

Kisses and Lies Contest Winners!

Alright everyone, I am very excited to announce the winners of my Kisses and Lies contest! Thank you to everyone who entered; I was surprised by how many people did.

So the winners are:

The Not So Closet Geeks!
Thao!
XdaisyX!

I've sent an email to each of you so make sure you check your inbox and get back to me.

Wrap up

Hey guys, I just wanted to let you guys know that my Kisses and Lies contest ends at midnight tonight! So if you haven't signed up for it yet this is your last chance.

Also I hope to get my review for Evermore up either tonight or tomorrow. Most likely tomorrow, I'm having another busy night tonight; I'm going to go see Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (I'm so incredibly excited! I've loved these movies ever since they were released).

So keep your eyes peeled for the contest winner announcement and the Evermore review!

Happy Meme

I have been tagged by two different people for this meme, and I think it's the first time that has ever happened. Hooray! I was tagged by Megan from Simply Books and Korianne from Korianne Speaks. Thank you so much guys!

Rules of the tag:

• Link to the person who tagged you
• List 6 things that make you happy
• Post the rules, tag six others and let them know you did so
• Then tell the person who tagged you your entry is finished!

Six things that make me happy...hmmm

• I guess the first one would have to be books; they are my life. But that one was a given, wasn't it?
• Movies would be next; I am the biggest movie whore. You think I'm kidding? I watch at least two movies a day thanks to Blockbuster and my ever growing collection of movies. I'm the only child in my family that has a big tv in their room and it's well used (it's not like anyone is jealous really because they know that I use it the most).
• Shows make me really happy...I always get really jittery before a show because I know I'm about to let off some enormous steam and heaps of energy. If you haven't been to one I highly recommend it. The craziest show I've ever been to would have to be Underoath, hands down the craziest show ever. You don't know what fun is until you've been to one.
• I know this one is incredibly sad but I love getting emails. You wouldn't believe how many times I check my inbox to see if anyone sent me anything. So start sending me stuff! I also hate spam because it gets me excited thinking someone sent me an email and all I get is crap about the Irish Lottery.
• I also love random, hilarious shirts. I find it very rare that a shirt can make me laugh out loud, but I love it when they do. And I'm not talking about those stupid shirts that say "I'm so hot" or "I know you want me". I don't understand people who wear those, it's so distasteful.
• I know this may be dorky, but I love my younger sister. We are seriously like one person. We are so close that we can have conversations without talking. Weird, I know. She's crazy, and perverted, and completely hilarious. I can't even imagine how boring my life would be without her.

Okay, so those are the top six things that make me happy. I hope you enjoyed it.

I tag:

Alea (Pop Culture Junkie)
Book Chic
Chelsea (The Page Flipper)
Steph (Reviewer X)
Kristi (The Story Siren)
Serene Hours

Waiting On Wednesday (8) Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies features the original text of Jane Austen's beloved novel with all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie action. As our story opens, a mysterious plague has fallen upon the quiet English village of Meryton—and the dead are returning to life! Feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet is determined to wipe out the zombie menace, but she's soon distracted by the arrival of the haughty and arrogant Mr. Darcy. What ensues is a delightful comedy of manners with plenty of civilized sparring between the two young lovers—and even more violent sparring on the blood-soaked battlefield as Elizabeth wages war against hordes of flesh-eating undead. Complete with 20 illustrations in the style of C. E. Brock (the original illustrator of Pride and Prejudice), this insanely funny expanded edition will introduce Jane Austen's classic novel to new legions of fans.

I too thought this book was a joke when I heard about it on Book Chic's blog earlier today (It's his pick for WOW, as well). When I figured out that it wasn't my first thought was: why? And then it was: how can I get a copy of this asap? I hope, by now, that everyone knows of my great love for all things zombies, so hopefully you understand why I want this book as badly as I do. I mean, how can you not love this? It's incredibly awesome. And the cover? So freaking amazing.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is set to be released on April 15th.

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

Fade Review

Title: Fade
Author: Lisa McMann


Summary:


On the heels of assisting the police in a cocaine bust in 2008's Wake, senior Janie Hannagan, a dream catcher-she is involuntarily pulled into other people's dreams-is now working directly for the local police, alongside her narc boyfriend, Cabel, in this tension-filled sequel. This time the pair must identify and catch a sexual predator working as a teacher in their school. Although their romance has moved to a new level, their love is tested by Janie's risky new role and deteriorating health. Through Janie's dreams and a journal left behind, the deceased Miss Stubin, a former dream catcher, teaches the teen how to control dreams. In a bittersweet ending, she also reveals the incredible power of dream catching and the toll it will ultimately take on Janie. The quick-paced, present-tense narration and realistic dialogue that gripped readers in the first book resume here. While the wild events at a teacher's party may seem exaggerated, the effects of GHB, the "date rape" drug, on both females and males will both frighten and enlighten.


Review:

Never in a million years would I have expected that I would like Fade more than I liked Wake, but I did...a lot more. Everything was better in the sequel--the case, the romance between Janie and Cabel, even the writing was a ton better.

I know it may be a bit weird (and twisted), but I've been interested...or intrigued* by the subject of sexual predators (Okay, those may not be the right words, but I hope you understand what I mean), so the case in this book was spot-on perfect for me. I don't want to give away anything, but holy crap was it creepy.

Everything between Cabel and Janie was more heated than in Wake as well--their arguments (though half the time I had no idea what they were fighting about, and they were also a lot more sexual (which was almost like a 'finally' for me). And when they have sex for the first time it was as if I could hear the angels singing; which is my creepy way of saying it was pretty much perfect. I don't know how Lisa McMann did it but she still kept that hint innocence there thoughout the entire book.

Of course not everything can be 'hunky-dory', there always has to be some downside to everything and this one was incredibly depressing. After learning about the side effects to Janie's dream catching ability I was so depressed and sad. I swear I almost wanted to cry. It also made me wonder why Janie was taking such a huge risk and continuing to work with Captain on cases.

I can't wait to hear more about the next book in the series!

*Sick fascination maybe?

In My Mailbox

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella (Only $2.99 at a thriftstore)

Becky Bloomwood has a fabulous flat in London's trendiest neighborhood, a troupe of glamorous socialite friends, and a closet brimming with the season's must-haves. The only trouble is that she can't actually afford it -- not any of it.


I'm pretty psyched for the movie and I've never read the book so I thought it was the perfect opportunity for me to get it and read it.


13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
($2.99 at the thriftstore)

Inside little blue envelope 1 are $1,000 and instructions to buy a plane ticket.

In envelope 2 are directions to a specific London flat.
The note in envelope 3 tells Ginny: Find a starving artist.

Because of envelope 4, Ginny and a playwright/thief/ bloke–about–town called Keith go to Scotland together, with somewhat disastrous–though utterly romantic–results. But will she ever see him again?

Everything about Ginny will change this summer, and it's all because of the 13 little blue envelopes.

The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson (Also $2.99 at the thriftstore)

What happens when your two best friends fall in love...with each other?

"Their friendship went so far back, it bordered on the Biblical -- in the beginning, there was Nina and Avery and Mel." So says high school senior Nina Bermudez about herself and her two best friends, nicknamed "The Bermudez Triangle" by a jealous wannabe back on Nina's eleventh birthday. But the threesome faces their first separation when Nina goes away the summer before their senior year. And in ten short weeks, everything changes.

Nina returns home bursting with stories about Steve, the quirky yet adorable eco-warrior she fell for hard while away. But when she asks her best friends about their summer romances, an awkward silence follows.

Nina soon learns the shocking truth when she sees Mel and Avery...kissing. Their friendship is rocked by what feels like the ultimate challenge. But it's only the beginning of a sometimes painful, sometimes funny, always gripping journey as three girls discover who they are and what they really want.

Once Bitten by Kalayna Price

Kita Nekai, on the run and the smallest of her shifter clan-a calico cat among lions and tigers-is being hunted. She was expected to accept her role as her father's successor whether or not her cat was up to the task of leading the clan. She disagreed. Now she's less than a step ahead of the hunters, bone-tired, cold, and living hand-to-mouth in the city of Haven. And that's the high point of her day. She's also drugged, "accidently" turned into a vampire, and sentenced to death for recklessly creating a rogue shifter who tortures its human prey. She's got seventy-two hours to find the rogue, evade a city full of hunters, prove she's not responsible for the rogue, and keep the vampire council from killing her. All while sorting out an apprentice mage, a married ex-boyfriend shifter-hunter, and the vampire who made her.

Click here to find out more about In My Mailbox.

Kiss Me, Kill Me Review

Title: Kiss Me, Kill Me
Author: Lauren Henderson

Summary:

When 16-year-old Scarlett Wakefield transfers from St. Tabby’s to Wakefield Hall Collegiate, she is relieved that no one knows her dark, haunting secret. A few months ago, Scarlett was invited to an elite party with a guest list full of the hottest names in British society, including Dan McAndrew. Before the party, Scarlett had only imagined what it would be like to have her first kiss with Dan, but on the penthouse terrace, Dan leaned in close and she no longer had to wonder. Their kiss was beautiful and perfect and magical, and then . . . Dan McAndrew took his last breath as she held him in her arms. No one knows how or why Dan died, and everyone at St. Tabby’s believes Scarlett had something to do with it. But now that she’s safely hidden away at Wakefield Hall, Scarlett would rather forget that it ever happened. Only she can’t. Especially when she receives an anonymous note that will set her on the path to clearing her name and finding out what really happened to the first and last boy she kissed.

Review:

I guess that Kiss Me, Kill Me was supposed to be, somewhat, a mystery book, but it didn’t look that way to me. I mean, it seemed like it was a very open-and-shut case—Plum did it. She stole the EpiPen and drenched the chips in peanut oil causing him to have a reaction without that EpiPen around; of course the only thing missing would be the why. I’m not entirely sure that I care about the ‘why’ though; it would’ve been enough for me to know that she hadn’t killed Dan in some mysterious way.

I didn’t really know that you could cause someone to have an allergic reaction from kissing them if you had eaten what they were allergic to, which in this case is like a handful of chips (smothered in peanut oil, of course). It didn’t seem entirely realistic to me, but that may be nitpicking on my part.

Almost the entire book was so slow paced until I got towards the end when Scarlett receives the ‘mysterious’ note. As if the entire book was just a background story or just a set up for the sequel. Which I’m hoping will be a lot better and more fast paced.

Sorry for the long wait on this one guys! I had almost no time to myself these past couple of days.

Waiting On Wednesday (7) Bad Girls Don't Die

Title: Bad Girls Don't Die
Author: Katie Alender

Summary:

To the world, fifteen-year-old Alexis Warren is just a pink-haired troublemaker. She doesn’t have any real friends, and her parents are way too wrapped up in their own problems to bother with hers.

Pretty much the only things Alexis can count on are the photographs she creates in her darkroom and her little sister Kasey.

One night, to help take Kasey’s mind off a vicious family argument, Alexis makes up a story -- the first thing that comes to mind, really, just a harmless fairytale about a little girl with no friends. But Kasey seems to take the whole thing a little too seriously. Before long, she’s actually bringing parts of the story to life -- and people are getting hurt.

Alexis knows she has to find a way to stop her sister before something terrible happens. But with no friends and no help from her parents, she’s basically on her own -- until help turns up in the unlikeliest form -- Alexis’ archnemesis Megan Wiley, who happens to be the captain of the cheerleading squad.

Again, I'm being a huge cover-whore with my pick this week. Still, how can you not love the cover, and it sounds so good which is a big bonus!

Bad Girls Don't Die is set to be released in April.

Waiting On Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Contest Update

I just noticed that I accidently posted the wrong date for the Kisses and Lies contest to end, so I'm extending the date to Jan. 30th. I'm just going to give it an extra week.

I hope that I'll be able to post the review for Kiss Me, Kill Me either today (though it's not likely because my day is packed) or tomorrow. So expect that soon!

Kisses and Lies Contest

Guys, I am beyond excited to finally host my very own contest! I know, finally, right? I could sit and blabber on and on about how awesome and totally amazing this is, but I should probably just get down to business.

Today I am giving away not one, not two, but three copies of Kisses and Lies by Lauren Henderson! Here's a summary if you haven't seen it yet (and for those of you who don't know, this is the sequel to Kiss Me, Kill Me):

After discovering that someone saw what looked like Dan’s emergency EpiPen in A-lister Plum’s designer handbag, Scarlett and her tough American sidekick, Taylor, sneak into a posh London nightclub, where Plum has a private table. Scarlett is stunned to discover a piece of evidence that might implicate another girl in Plum’s exclusive circle, Lucy Raleigh. Which means Scarlett must cast a wider net in order to catch the right suspect.

Back at school, groundskeeper Jase is hoping to take Scarlett’s mind off her troubles with some heart-stopping kisses. Scarlett can’t help but feel guilty for indulging in romantic rendezvous when she should be hunting down Dan’s killer. However, once Scarlett finds out how Lucy is connected to Dan, she knows she must drop everything and travel to the McAndrew estate in Scotland to hunt for more clues. But when she arrives, Scarlett becomes the target of a dangerous hunt herself.

Here are the 'offical rules' of the contest:

• So, to make this easier for me there will be no extra entries, just comment below and you're entered.


• The contest will end at midnight on January 30th and the the winners will be picked, emailed, and posted on the 31th.


• Please, please, please leave me your email address when you enter!


• Sorry guys, but this one's going to be U.S. residents only!

Good luck everyone!

In My Mailbox

Title: Evermore

Author: Alyson Noel

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch. Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste…

Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition. He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets. Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head. She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is. Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.

I asked Alyson for this awhile back and she said that there weren't any ARCs left but that she would put me on the mailing list for the finished copy. I am so excited to finally have this and I can't wait to read it!

Title: The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

Author: E. Lockhart

Frankie Landau-Banks at age 14: Debate Club.Her father's "Bunny Rabbit."A mildly geeky girl attending a highly competitive boarding school.Frankie Landau-Banks at age

15: A knockout figure.A sharp tongue.A chip on her shoulder.And a gorgeous new senior boyfriend: the supremely goofy, word-obsessed Matthew Livingston.

Frankie Laundau-Banks.No longer the kind of girl to take "no" for an answer.Especially when "no" means she's excluded from her boyfriend's all-male secret society.Not when her ex boyfriend shows up in the strangest of places.Not when she knows she's smarter than any of them.When she knows Matthew is lying to her.And when there are so many, many pranks to be done.

Frankie Landau-Banks, at age 16:Possibly a criminal mastermind.

This is the story of how she got that way.

I went to a Walden Books a couple of days ago and they were having an amazing sale like the one at Borders and when I was scrounging through the boxes I came across this. I've been wanting to read this one for awhile but I couldn't find it anywhere so when I saw it I snatched it up. I am going to devour this one.

I'm Accepting My First Challenge!

With all of the buzz around Taren and Steph's new challenge for the year I thought to myself, "Why not try it? It looks like one of the easier challenges of the year". Of course, I must admit that I've never read any of V.C. Andrews books so I don't really understand why they're so big either. So here I am wondering why people are so excited for this movement when it seems like her books make some people shudder. But how am I to judge? I mean, I'm the one joining it as well.

I will be doing little updates here and there, just some thoughts about what's going on in the books, but also I will be reviewing each book that I read. Well, hopefully I'll be reviewing them. I have to admit that I'm actually scared to start reading them!

Here are some of the official rules of the challenge:

How will it work?

It is generally understood that there are 12 months in a year, yes? Well, this is a year-long thing, but only 11 books have to be read, one a month, at the end. You get a freebie month somewhere, whenever you so choose.

Because Taren feels the newer books suck ass, we’ll be limiting the eligible titles to VCA’s earliest series—Dollanganger, Casteel, Cutler, Landry and Logan—and her sole standalone, My Sweet Audrina.

Here’s the list:

Dollanganger series

• Flowers in the Attic
• Petals on the Wind
• If There Be Thorns
• Seeds of Yesterday
• Garden of Shadows

Casteel series

• Heaven
• Dark Angel
• Fallen Hearts
• Gates of Paradise
• Web of Dreams

Cutler series

• Dawn
• Secrets of the Morning
• Twilight’s Child
• Midnight Whispers
• Darkest Hour

Landry series

• Ruby
• Pearl in the Mist
• All That Glitters
• Hidden Jewel
• Tarnished Gold

Logan series

• Melody
• Heart Song
• Unfinished Symphony
• Music in the Night
• Olivia

This gives you a pool of 26 books, and you only have to choose 11 of them. You can read two complete series and My Sweet Audrina, or you can jump around, divide and conquer, whatever. It’s your choice.

How do I participate?

You make a challenge post on your blog like you would with anything else, enumerating your progress. Make sure to link to THIS post on either Steph’s blog or Taren’s blog, whichever you found it in. Also, feel free to use the banner if you need some sort of illustration. And if you feel like being extra awesome, you can even mention it on your sidebar…

I'm going to do a little bit of research on each of these series and get back to you with what I decide to read. I know that I want to read the Dollanganger series and I already checked out Dawn from the library. Well, actually it looks like I've got my books picked out then! I'm going to read the Dollanganger series and the Cutler series and then her standalone, My Sweet Audrina.

Cancelled?!

Sorry guys, but the Anne Brashares book signing was cancelled because she got sick. I was so terribly upset when I found out, which was when I got to the bookstore, but I really hope that she feels better! Happily, they are in the process of rescheduling so at least I still get to see her. I will let you guys know when I know the date. Pictures will be taken!

Feel better Anne!

Waiting on Wednesday (6) The Forest of Hands and Teeth

Title: The Forest of Hands and Teeth
Author: Carrie Ryan

Summary:

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

Zombies. Need I say more?

Super Duper Quick Post

So quick that I don't have enough time to post a cute picture on the side! My dad is picking me and my family up in less than ten minutes to go to an Anne Brashares book signing! I am so incredibly excited.

I will fill you guys in on what happened tomorrow and maybe even post some pictures!

3 Willows Review

Title: 3 Willows
Author: Anne Brashares

Summary:

Summer is a time to grow

Seeds
Polly has an idea that she can't stop thinking about, one that involves changing a few things about herself. She's setting her sights on a more glamorous life, but it's going to take all of her focus. At least that way she won't have to watch her friends moving so far ahead.

Roots
Jo is spending the summer at her family's beach house, working as a busgirl and bonding with the older, cooler girls she'll see at high school come September. She didn't count on a brief fling with a cute boy changing her entire summer. Or feeling embarrassed by her middle school friends. And she didn't count on her family at all. . .

Leaves
Ama is not an outdoorsy girl. She wanted to be at an academic camp, doing research in an air-conditioned library, earning A's. Instead her summer scholarship lands her on a wilderness trip full of flirting teenagers, blisters, impossible hiking trails, and a sad lack of hair products.

It is a new summer. And a new sisterhood. Come grow with them.

Review:

When I started reading I was almost immediately put off by the fact that Anne Brashares mentioned the girls from the original Sisterhood series within the first twenty pages or so. I felt as if she was trying to remind you exactly who she was. After that I was reluctant to read it, or at least reluctant to like it.

Even with such reluctance I still felt myself being engrossed by these girl’s lives and the stories that each of them had to tell. They had such different adventures during their summer, but I still enjoyed reading every single one of them. I really couldn’t say which one I enjoyed the most; they were all so thrilling in their own way.

The one thing that really bothered me about one character in particular, Jo, was her so-called relationship with Zach. It blew my mind that someone so young would eagerly make out with a perfect stranger. I thought it was common sense that when you did something like that that no good could come out of it, so her complaining the entire time was annoying. I thought that she got what she deserved. Of course I still thought Effie was a complete and total bitch to her, because she was.

Unlike the Sisterhood series these girls had been friends for a couple of years and they’ve started drifting away from each other no matter how hard some of them tried to stay friends. During this eventful summer each of them starts to realize that maybe they do need each other and they hope that they haven’t lost the ability to still be friends.

I am actually excited to see what adventures these girls go through in the next summer.

In My Mailbox

I got only two books in the mail this week, but they both have potential so I'm excited to read them.

Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez

After Tyler's father is injured in a tractor accident, his family is forced to hire migrant Mexican workers to help save their Vermont farm from foreclosure. Tyler isn’t sure what to make of these workers. Are they undocumented? And what about the three daughters, particularly Mari, the oldest, who is proud of her Mexican heritage but also increasingly connected her American life. Her family lives in constant fear of being discovered by the authorities and sent back to the poverty they left behind in Mexico. Can Tyler and Mari find a way to be friends despite their differences?

In a novel full of hope, but no easy answers, Julia Alvarez weaves a beautiful and timely story that will stay with readers long after they finish it.

Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman

Strange things are happening in Skeleton Creek . . . and Ryan and Sarah are trying to get to the heart of it. But after an eerie accident leaves Ryan housebound and forbidden to see Sarah, their investigation takes two tracks: Ryan records everything in his journal, while Sarah uses her videocam to search things out. . .and then email the clips for Ryan to see.

In a new, groundbreaking format, the story is broken into two parts -- Ryan's text in the book, and Sarah's videos on a special website, with links and passwords given throughout the book

You can find out more about In My Mailbox here.

Waiting On Wednesday (5) The Awakening

Title: The Awakening
Author: Kelley Armstrong

Book II in the Darkest Powers trilogy takes us deeper into a world where the supernatural intrudes on the everyday with riveting effect.

If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl – someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I’m as far away from normal as it gets. A living science experiment – not only can I see ghosts, but I was genetically altered by a group of people who call themselves The Edison Group. What does that mean? For starters, I’m a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control: I raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever.

I’m running for my life with three of my supernatural friends – a charming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch – and we have to find someone who can help us gain our freedom back before The Edison Group finds us first. Or die trying.

I saw the cover for this only a few days ago and I completely freaked out. I have been waiting for this sequel ever since I read an ARC of The Summoning last year, and it's been a hell of a wait. Though the summary that's out doesn't give me much to go on I've read it a few times anyway. I know, I'm such a nerd, but I'm totally psyched for the release of this one.

The Awakening is set to be released on April 28th.

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Shelter Me Review

Title: Shelter Me
Author: Alex McAulay

Summary:

Maggie Leigh just wants to be a normal teenager, but when German bombs tear apart London during World War II, her ultra-religious mother sees the destruction as divine punishment. She sends Maggie to a remote boarding school in coastal Wales, supposedly to keep her safe, but also to keep her in line. The school is creepy, the headmistress is a lunatic, and the students range from spoiled rich girls to speechless trauma victims. But when a tragic accident happens on the beach, Maggie and three friends are forced to flee the school, plunging into the nightmarish world of Europe during wartime. Now every decision Maggie makes is fraught with danger, and living to see another day depends on how quickly she can think and act...and how far she's willing to go.

Review:

First off, I just want to say that Alex McAulay is a fucking genious. He knows how to write a book that can keep the reader interested from beginning to end, and like C.K. Kelly Martin he also knows how to write a book through the opposite sex's eye and do it well.

I don't think there is a way for me to write this review without sounding fangirly; actually, it is impossible. Everything about it was...perfect. I mean, I was expecting it to be good but, wow, it was entirely amazing. The plot, the characters, the setting all worked together, and meshed so perfectly to form this mind-blowing story.

Maggie was a character I haven't come across in awhile. She was so strong and independent, unlike most female character I read about that can't imagine breathing without a certain person by their side, most likely their boyfriends. Don't get me wrong though, I love fluffy stories. She also stood up for herself and what she believed was right and didn't care what the consequences for her actions were. Maggie was the kind of character that I look up to.

And that huge twist in the end! What the hell was that?! I wouldn't have expected that in a million years. It was so incredibly out there but once you start thinking about it you start to realize that something was a little off all along. But still...seriously? I finished yesterday and I'm still reeling.

To put it simply--amazing, fantastic, wonderful, perfect...and all the other synonyms for those words.

So if you don't go out and buy it, like right now, I'm going to have to cause you bodily harm. I'm serious. Go.

P.S. Today's the release date for Shelter Me, so congratulations Alex!

Other Reviews:
The Not So Closet Geeks
Simply Books

In My Mailbox

Sadly, I didn't get any books in the mail this week. However I did buy some at Barnes and Noble and also bought a few at Borders because of this AMAZING sale they had going on.

Deadly Little Secrets by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Some secrets shouldn't be kept...

Up until three months ago, everything in sixteen-year-old Camelia's life had been fairly ordinary: decent grades; an okay relationship with her parents; and a pretty cool part-time job at the art studio downtown. But when Ben, the mysterious new guy, starts junior year at her high school, Camelia's life becomes anything but ordinary.

Rumored to be somehow responsible for his ex-girlfriend's accidental death, Ben is immediately ostracized by everyone on campus. Except for Camelia. She's reluctant to believe the rumors, even when her friends try to convince her otherwise. She's inexplicably drawn to Ben . . . and to his touch. But soon, Camelia is receiving eerie phone calls and strange packages with threatening notes. Ben insists she is in danger, and that he can help-but can he be trusted? She knows he's hiding something... but he's not the only one with a secret.

Breathe My Name by R.A. Nelson

Frances can forgive. She can even forget. But she can never escape her past . . .

A compelling psychological thriller from the acclaimed author of Teach Me. Frances Robinson has the perfect life: loving adoptive parents, a great best friend, and a cute new boyfriend. But Frances has a secret.

Once upon a time she wasn't Frances Robinson. She was Shine, and she lived with her three sisters and her birth mother, Afton Jelks, far out in the country. But the loneliness overtook Afton's fragile mind, and one day she smothered her daughters, one after another. Only Frances escaped.

Now Afton is out of prison. And she wants to finish what she started. . . .

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray (Yay! I own all three of them now)

Ah, Christmas! Gemma Doyle is looking forward to a holiday from Spence Academy, spending time with her friends in the city, attending ritzy balls, and on a somber note, tending to her ailing father. As she prepares to ring in the New Year, 1896, a handsome young man, Lord Denby, has set his sights on Gemma, or so it seems. Yet amidst the distractions of London, Gemma’s visions intensify–visions of three girls dressed in white, to whom something horrific has happened, something only the realms can explain. . . .

The lure is strong, and before long, Gemma, Felicity, and Ann are turning flowers into butterflies in the enchanted world of the realms that Gemma alone can bring them to. To the girls’ great joy, their beloved Pippa is there as well, eager to complete their circle of friendship.

But all is not well in the realms–or out. The mysterious Kartik has reappeared, telling Gemma she must find the Temple and bind the magic, else great disaster will befall her. Gemma’s willing to do his intrusive bidding, despite the dangers it brings, for it means she will meet up with her mother’s greatest friend–and now her foe, Circe. Until Circe is destroyed, Gemma cannot live out her destiny. But finding Circe proves a most perilous task.

Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty by Jody Gehrman ($3.99!)

Geena can't wait to spend summer vacation with her two best girls— her friend Amber and her cousin Hero. All three are working at the Triple Shot Betty coffee shop together, but the moment Amber and Hero meet, the claws come out. They hate each other on sight. Geena's dreams of a girl-bonding summer fl y out the window, and then threaten to disappear completely when a few cute (okay, drop-dead gorgeous) guys come along to woo the Bettys. But all is not what it seems, and in a story of mistaken identities, crazy summer high jinks, and enough romance to make Shakespeare proud, Geena and her friends learn that when Bettys unite, they can take on the most powerful force in their world— a hot guy.

Peeled by Joan Bauer ($3.99 as well!)

Something's rotten in the heart of apple country!

Hildy Biddle dreams of being a journalist. A reporter for her high school newspaper, The Core, she's just waiting for a chance to prove herself. Not content to just cover school issues, Hildy's drawn to the town's big story-the haunted old Ludlow house. On the surface, Banesville, USA, seems like such a happy place, but lately, eerie happenings and ghostly sightings are making Hildy take a deeper look.

Her efforts to find out who is really haunting Banesville isn't making her popular, and she starts wondering if she's cut out to be a journalist after all. But she refuses to give up, because, hopefully, the truth will set a few ghosts free.
Peeled is classic Joan Bauer, featuring a strong heroine, and filled with her trademark witty dialogue, and problems and people worth standing up to.

Last Week (I forgot to post this one):

Boy Minus Girl by Richard Uhlig

LES WANTS the girl. He thinks she’s amazing, exotic, perfect. But he doesn’t know how to talk to her, kiss her, or make her realize that he’s the best and only guy for her in the whole wide world.Once he masters these things, she’ll be his! Easy-peasy, right? The gulf between dreamgirl and realgirl is explored and made somewhat less vast in this bawdy yet romantic not-quite-coming-of-age. Teens will relate to 14-year-old Les’s hilarious and squirmy longings, and the fulsomely awkward efforts he puts forth to make his real life match his fantasies. The story alsoportrays the perils of unexamined hero-worship, and the strength and humanity of people that may seem plain and boring, but who stand up for what is right when called upon to do so. It is a tale both hilarious and thoughtful, in which, to paraphrase the old Rolling Stones adage, one boy figures out that even if you indeed can’t always get what you want, if you try sometime, you just might find you get what you need.

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