Giveaway: Hades

Hi Inklings! Thanks to the awesome people over at Zeitghost Media, I have another great giveaway for you this week: A paperback copy of Hades (Halo, #2) by Alexandra Adornetto.  I just LOVE the covers of this series.

Hades (Halo, #2) by Alexandra Adornetto

Bethany and Xavier are even closer since battling Jake Thorn and his evil influence (in Halo) and Beth and her angel siblings must still protect Venus Cove from the Dark Forces.

When a party game – a séance – inadvertently releases Jake from the Underworld, he disguises himself and tricks Beth into taking a ride on his motorcycle. When the highway opens up and swallows them, Beth learns too late that she’s now a prisoner in hell. What happens to angels there? As her archangel brother, Gabriel, her sister Ivy, Xavier, and her best friend, Molly search for her, Beth must weigh Jake’s bargaining for her freedom: one night with him, and she will be released back to Earth.

Can Jake be trusted in this wager? And is he also using Beth to engineer the fall of the archangel Gabriel? Xavier has already lost one love – when Jake tricks him into thinking that Bethany is dead, his grief and anger result in a betrayal that will leave Bethany – and readers – wondering if he is so good after all.

It will be up to Beth to use everything she’s learned about her powers as an angel – and about love – to free herself and those she loves from the clutches of Hades.

 Please note that this contest is for US/Canada followers only and ends on September 13, 2011. If you are interested, please follow the link below to enter!

Fill out the form here to enter

In My Mailbox (7)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. This is where you will find the most recent books I have received for review, purchased, etc. Enjoy and start participating if you are not already! I went back to Borders again, now that the discounts are at least 50% off, and found some really great books for cheap!  Print Books (All from Borders Sale)

Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin: I saw this movie and absolutely adored it!! The Summoning by Kelly Armstrong Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins: There is so much hype about this one. I had to get it! XVI by Julia Karr The Dark Griffin by K.J. Taylor

Ebooks

Sue’s Fingerprint by Andrew D. Carlson: From author for review.

Review: Ruby Red

Ruby Red (Edelstein-Trilogie #1) by Kerstin Gier (translated by Anthea Bell)
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. 
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 324
Source: Zeitghost Media/Publisher 
Amazon | Goodreads
★★★★★

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

Ruby Red is absolutely fantastic!! I kept putting it off because, usually, I’m not a fan of books involving time travel. I. WAS. SO. WRONG! I devoured this book. Ruby Red alone has changed how I view the time travel genre!

What really surprised me is that there is so little romance, but this book still demanded my attention. I feel that sometimes I rely on the romantic side of a book to get me through a mediocre plot; but definitely not in this case!  In my mind, that is the sign of a truly special book. I definitely foresee a budding romance in Sapphire Blue, the next in the series. I’m super excited to see how that plays out!

Kerstin Gier manages to weave history, time travel, and secret societies together seamlessly. Ruby Red felt so authentic! She included excerpts of secret writings, letters, and maps that give readers a deeper look into the secret society that plays such a large role in this book. Throughout the Ruby Red I couldn’t help but feel that there was much more going on behind the scenes with that society. The air of mystery was ever-present. Not much of the mystery is actually revealed in this book. Ruby Red left me craving for more!

On another note: I’m amazed at how beautifully this book flows. Anthea bell did a really great job with this one; the translation was perfect! With consistent characters and a wonderful, gripping, and mysterious plot, Ruby Red delivers!!  My only problem now is that I have to wait to get Sapphire Blue! I NEED it!

Review: Solid

Solid (Solid, #1) by Shelley Workinger
Publisher: Self-Published
Format: Kindle eBook 
Pages: 221
Source: Author
Buy It!? Paperback | Kindle
★★★☆☆

Teens who discover they were secretly genetically altered before birth are
brought together at a classified site where they develop
"super-abilities", while at the same time forging new friendships,
finding love and unearthing a conspiracy.

 

I was so excited to finally get around to reading this. Unfortunately, Solid just didn’t live up to my expectations…  Would I recommend it to others? Yes. I think it depends on what you’re looking for. I expected this to be an epic story, not the quick, light adventure that it was. It was a super fast read for me: slow at parts, but it was definitely entertaining.

I found this to be lacking in the plot department. I liked the characters, but felt I didn’t have enough time with them. Some parts of the story were a little unrealistic. For example: Government offices were left unlocked? What happened to security? I would think it would have to be a bit more in this sort of operation.

If you are looking for a fast, solid (no pun intended!), and entertaining read, then this is for you! I enjoyed it, but I wanted more depth. Will I still be reading the next in the series? Yes, most definitely. I’m just really hoping that Settling, book 2, will give me the depth and expansion I was looking for in Solid.

Giveaway: Crusade

Hi Inklings! I have an awesome giveaway for you this week: A paperback copy of Crusade by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie. This is to celebrate their upcoming release of Damned, the second in the Crusade series, and to show you guys how much I love and appreciate your support!

crusade by nancy holder and debbie viguie

For the past two years, Jenn has lived and trained at Spain’s Sacred Heart Academy Against the Cursed Ones. She is among the few who have pledged to defend humanity or die trying. But the vampires are gaining power, and the battle has only just begun.

Forced to return home after death takes a member of her family, Jenn discovers that San Francisco is now a vampire strong-hold. As a lone hunter apart from her team, Jenn is isolated — and at risk. She craves the company of her fighting partner, Antonio: his protection, his reassurance, his touch. But a relationship with Antonio comes with its own dangers, and the more they share of themselves, the more Jenn stands to lose.

Then Jenn is betrayed by one who was once bound to protect her, causing her to doubt all she had held as true. To survive, Jenn must find the courage to trust herself — and her heart.

Please note that this contest is for US followers only and ends on September 6, 2011. If you are interested, please follow the link below to enter!

Fill out the form here to enter

In My Mailbox (6)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. This is where you will find the most recent books I have received for review, purchased, etc. Enjoy and start participating if you are not already! I went back to Borders again, now that the discounts are 40% off most books, and had some awesome finds!  Print Books (All from Borders Sale)

Killbox by Ann Aguirre The Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson: Heard amazing things about this one! His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik Looking For Alaska by John Green Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs: I really enjoyed the first in this series, so I can’t wait to get to this one. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson: Not my typical choice, but I want to branch out and try new things!

Review: Forgive My Fins

Forgive My Fins (Fins, #1) by Tera Lynn Childs
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books 
Format: Paperback
Pages: 293
Source: Borders
Buy It!? Amazon
★★★★☆

Lily Sanderson has a secret, and it’s not that she has a huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you’re a normal teenage girl, but when you’re half human, half mermaid like Lily, there’s no such thing as a simple crush.

Lily’s mermaid identity is a secret that can’t get out, since she’s not just any mermaid – she’s a Thalassinian princess. When Lily found out three years ago that her mother was actually a human, she finally realized why she didn’t feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she’s been living on land and going to Seaview high school ever since, hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, land has its problems – like her obnoxious, biker boy neighbor Quince Fletcher – but it has that one major perk – Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren’t really the casual dating type – when they “bond,” it’s for life.

When Lily’s attempt to win Brody’s love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily-ever-after never sails quite as smoothly as you planned.

What a cute book!! Forgive My Fins was exactly what I was looking for in a beach read! It was a quick, sweet, and easy read. I’ll be honest: I’ve never read a mermaid book before, but this has left me craving more, more, MORE!

Lily was a pretty cool character! I think most girls can relate to her in some way. She did have a tendency to be incredibly shallow at times; especially in thinking that her infatuation with a guy she didn’t know was love. Her naiveté amazed me. I also found her childish and stubborn at parts. But, In her defense, she did grow up quite a bit in this book. Quince, on the other hand, was such a sincere character!! Quince = bad boy meets boy next door. He was patient, sweet, and comfortable in his own skin; the ideal male lead. The relationship between Lily and Quince was quite dynamic. It was a constant back and forth. I was never truly sure how it would end up.

I thoroughly enjoyed Child’s writing. She had a very light and humorous tone that had me smiling throughout the story. I also thought that she was extremely creative with her take on mermaid mythology. Overall, this was a great read! You will definitely want to pick up if you are a fan of mermaid tales or are looking for a cute and romantic summer read!

In My Mailbox (5)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. This is where you will find the most recent books I have received for review, purchased, etc. Enjoy and start participating if you are not already! Between the Border’s sale and Audible’s 2 for 3 deal on some audiobook series it has been an AWESOME haul week for me!! Print Books (All from Borders Sale)

Ebooks

Firelight by Sophie Jordan Thin Air by Lynn Seresin

Audiobooks

The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter The Darkest Pleasure by Gena Showalter

White Cat by Holly Black: This was a free download!

Monday Deals (8/15/11)

Let's admit it: Mondays can be a little... draining on the soul. So what works better for lifting the spirit than finding some great books for cheap!? All of the titles below have 4+ star ratings on Amazon.com and are on my TBR list. Here are my featured deals for the week:

Kindle Ebooks

The Demon Trapper's Daughter	Firelight (with Bonus Material)	Twenty Boy Summer	Destiny Binds
$2.99	$1.99	$2.99	$0.99

Freebies

White Cat by Holly Black - Sign up for Random House Audio's monthly eNewsletter to receive a free audiobook download of White Cat by Holly Black. Sign up HERE

Review: Shiver

Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #1) by Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic Audio
Format: Audiobook
Narrator(s): Jenna Lamia and David LeDoux
Length: 10 hrs 43 min 
Source: Audible
Buy It!? Paperback | Kindle
★★★★★

the cold.
Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why.

the heat.
Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now.

the shiver.
For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human—and Grace must fight to keep him—even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragility of the present, and the impossibility of the future.

At first glance, I thought this was going to be yet another YA insta-love romance. I was incredibly wrong… Never once have I loved a werewolf story this much! The combination of this great story with some amazing narrators made this experience unforgettable. And when I say amazing narrators, I mean it. Jenna Lamia and David LeDoux are so freakin’ talented! Not once do I think I have been so wrapped up in an audiobook.

I definitely was a little turned off at first by what seemed to be “insta-love” but upon further examination, I realized that it was more of a mutual curiosity/fascination between the two. That curiosity developed into a deep love: one that I found both believable and interesting. Not only did Sam and Grace have a very cute relationship, it was also extremely sexy at times. Maggie did a wonderful job making Sam a super sweet, sexy, and loyal male lead. It was easy to fall for him right along with Grace. Their struggle to be together really amped up the tension in this book, and at times I just felt so sorry for their situation… It was a combination of this struggle and Maggie’s writing that made this book so stunning.

Maggie’s graceful writing made it easy to savor every moment… For example:

"As the hours crept by, the afternoon sunlight bleached all the books on the shelves to pale, gilded versions of themselves and warmed the paper and ink inside the covers so that the smell of unread words hung in the air." – Maggie Stiefvater

There were bits like that in every chapter. Maggie’s writing is very emotionally-charged, but not once did I ever tire of it.

Overall, this was a great book! If you are a fan of werewolves and YA romance then reading this is a must! I highly recommend this audiobook. Nothing beats listening to Maggie’s poetic writing. I cannot wait to listen to Linger and continue this great love story!!

Review: Crusade

Crusade (Crusade, #1) by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Format: Paperback
Pages: 470
Source: Borders
Buy It!? Paperback
★★★☆☆

For the past two years, Jenn has lived and trained at Spain’s Sacred Heart Academy Against the Cursed Ones. She is among the few who have pledged to defend humanity or die trying. But the vampires are gaining power, and the battle has only just begun.

Forced to return home after death takes a member of her family, Jenn discovers that San Francisco is now a vampire strong-hold. As a lone hunter apart from her team, Jenn is isolated — and at risk. She craves the company of her fighting partner, Antonio: his protection, his reassurance, his touch. But a relationship with Antonio comes with its own dangers, and the more they share of themselves, the more Jenn stands to lose.

Then Jenn is betrayed by one who was once bound to protect her, causing her to doubt all she had held as true. To survive, Jenn must find the courage to trust herself — and her heart.

I would describe Crusade as having a great plot but not-so-good execution. I had many issues with the writing style, as I found it to be very jumpy and lacking description. Several times, I had to go back and reread to understand what had just happened. Reading for enjoyment should not feel like work. And unfortunately, it felt that way.

Crusade was one of those books where I kept pushing through, hoping something would catch my interest. I found Jenn, the main character, and Antonio, the love interest, to be flat and boring throughout the story. Their interactions lacked that spark for me. I didn’t feel the passion and love between the two. I would have enjoyed seeing their relationship beginning to develop more so than jumping right in the middle of it. Strangely enough, the one character that stood out the most for me was Skye, the witch. I thought she was awesome! She was well written, extremely dynamic, and had an air of mystery about her. I also enjoyed reading about Holgar as well.

I’m not saying that Crusade was a bad book! I just don’t think it was for me as the writing style didn’t hold my interest. If you look at the big picture, the story was epic and personal, but was lacking in the execution department.

Deals (8/8/11)

Deals is going to be a new weekly post every Monday! Let's admit it: Mondays can be a little... draining on the soul. So what works better for lifting the spirit than finding some great books for cheap!? All of the titles below have 4+ star ratings on Amazon.com. Here are my finds for the week:

Ebooks

Firelight by Sophie Jordan	The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins	Eden by Keary Taylor	Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly
$1.99	$4.69	$0.99	$3.49

Freebies

White Cat by Holly Black Sign up for Random House Audio's monthly eNewsletter to receive a free audiobook download of White Cat by Holly Black. Sign up HERE

In My Mailbox (4)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. This is where you will find the most recent books I have received for review, purchased, etc. Enjoy and start participating if you are not already! The past two weeks I have received a TON of new books I’m super excited about. Physical Books (All from Borders Sale)

Forgive My Fins (Fins, #1) by Tera Lynn Childs Crusade (Crusade, #1) by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer, #1) by Jenny Han (Sorry I forgot to include a picture of this one!)

Ebooks

The Iron Knight (Iron Fey, #4) by Julie Kagawa: So happy to be able to read this in advance. As soon as I got this one I started reading it! Forbidden by Ted Dekker

Audiobooks (All from Audible.com)

Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush, #1) by Becca Fitzpatrick Crescendo (Hush, Hush, #2) by Becca Fitzpatrick Firelight (Firelight, #1) by Sophie Jordan

What books did you guys get this week!? I can’t wait to dig in and read some of these awesome titles!