Sunday 31 July 2011

In My Mailbox (23)

In My Mailbox Is An Awesome Blog Post Idea Hosted By The Story Siren
All links will take you to Amazon

I had yet another awesome week for books, getting quite a few so I am just going to jump into my list....

Bought



These three books I got a Bootsale....yes you read correctly a BOOTSALE!!!!  I nearly hyperventalated when I saw them and scooped them up pronto!!


I have read this one, but only had an ARC copy, so am thrilled with my lovely finished copy



Gifts

The Amazingly fantastic Jenny over at Wondrous Reads kindly sent me 19 books for my Birthday - coolest Birthday Gift EVER!!!!



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Across The Universe By Beth Revis (HB US Copy)
 
Shadowed Summer By Saundra Mitchell
 
The Fallen (Book 2)  By Thomas E. Sniegoski

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Texas Gothic By Rosemary Clement-Moore
 
Mortal Kiss By Alice Moore
 
Pretty Twisted By Gina Blaxill
 
I Know What You Did Last Summer By Lois Duncan
 
A Trick Of The Dark By B.R.Collins
 
Eternal By Cynthia Leitich Smith

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Cate Tiernan Wicca Series
 Book Of Shadows AND The Coven
Blood Witch AND Dark Magick
Awakening AND Spellbound
The Calling AND Changeling

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The Name Of The Star By Maureen Johnson
 
Darkest Mercy By Melissa Marr

Tales Of Terror From Tunnels Mouth By Chris Priestley
 
The Scorpio Races By Maggie Stiefvater
So frigging Excited by this!!!!!
 
My Love Lies Bleeding By Alyxandra Harvey
 
My Soul To Save By Rachel Vincent

I think you can agree I have rather a lot to start wading through!!  I just need more days in the week!!!

What did you get this week??

L-L
xoxo

Wednesday 27 July 2011

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (8) The Carrier Of The Mark By Leigh Fallon

Waiting On Wednesday is a brilliant book blog feature hosted by Breaking The Spine 




The Carrier Of The Mark By Leigh Fallon
Due For Release In The UK 27/10/2011
Published In The UK By HarperCollins Childrens Books
Amazon LINK

"When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. She makes close friends with the girls in her class, her relationship with her dad is better than ever, and she finds herself inexplicably drawn to gorgeous, mysterious Adam DeRis.
Adam is cold and aloof at first, but when Megan finally breaks down the icy barrier between them, she is amazed by the intensity of their connection. Then Adam reveals a secret about the magical destiny that will shape both of their lives but also threatens to tear them apart…"

I've not seen a great deal of publicty for this book, but recently saw the cover and thought some more investigating was due!  This sounds pretty darn fab!  I know some people may be getting a little fed up of the paranormal / romance / fantasy genres, but for me it never gets old!  Really looking forward to grabbing a copy of this!!

Tuesday 26 July 2011

Review - Ash By Malinda Lo

"In the world of ASH, fairies are an older race of people who walk the line between life and death, reality and magic. As orphaned Ash grows up, a servant in her stepmother's home, she begins to realise that her beloved mother, Elinor was very much in tune with these underworld folk, and that she herself has the power to see them too. Against the sheer misery of her stepmother's cruelty, greed and ambition in preparing her two charmless daughters for presentation at court, and hopefully Royal or aristocratic marriage, Ash  befriends one of these fairies-a mysterious, handsome man-who grants her wishes and restores hope to Ash's existence, even though she knows there will be a price to pay. But most important of all, she also meets Kaisa, a huntress employed by the king, and it is Kaisa who truly awakens Ash's desires for both love and self-respect...Ash escapes a life with her grim and self-serving stepmother and finds her beloved one...ASH is a fairy tale about possibility and recognizing the opportunities for change. From the deepest grief comes the chance for transformation"

I've had this book for quite some time now, but never actually gotten round to reading it (I say that a lot I know!!)   But then in a twitter conversation with some awesome book bloggers it was mentioned that Caroline over at Portrait of A Woman was doing a Lesbian Teen Novels Week.  I realised I had never read anything that fit into the genre, but remembered I had this beauty on my shelf and so thought it was the perfect time to read it.  I'm so pleased I did - its really opened my eyes to a style that I may not have considered in the past.

The cover is just GORGEOUS!!  I love the way the girl is standing very carefree staring into the dark wild woods.  It really is like opposites working together.  The colours are mesmerising too.

So I have to admit I did find this quite difficult to get into at first.  I just couldn't warm to the characters and the story just didn't draw me much, but I persevered and I'm pleased I did.  I guess when I heard this was a take on Cinderella, I was expecting more of a carbon copy but was happy that it took its own path.  Unpredictable stories are more fun!!

Speaking of unpredictable, I found the characters quite that at times.  But that more confused me, than anything.  Some of them I just expected to react to circumstances in one way, but they would do something completely different.  Kept me on my reading toes though!!

There was one thing in this story that completely grossed me out and that was a hunting scene.  I actually had to kind of skim over it, instead of reading it properly.  It really turned my stomach.  What can I say, I am a lover of animals!!

As mentioned earlier this is in fact a lesbian love story, but it was done in such a way that it was beautiful and sweet.  There was nothing done to be risque or make a statement.  It was just a lovely tale that happened to be about two girls instead of a girl and a guy!

I did wonder if the characters may have questioned their feelings more, but at the same time it was refreshing to read of teenage girls that just knew what they wanted and kind of go for it, despite peoples possible reactions.

For me this was the perfect way to try reading another style of YA fiction, as I do love anything mythological.  Its great to work from a place of interest.
This really is a lovely tale that gets you thinking what may be considered different, just isn't!  I would highly recommend giving this a go!!

Rating 3 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Hodder Childrens Books

This Can Be Purchased HERE and at good book retailers

Sunday 24 July 2011

In My Mailbox (22)

In My Mailbox Is An Awesome Blog Post Idea Hosted By The Story Siren
All links will take you to Amazon


Had a pretty good week, this week despite the fact that I got another year older *sob* That does not mean I'm stepping away from YA though.  I'm going to be 80 and still reading this style!!  Any who, heres what I got....

Bought
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Shade By Jeri Smith-Ready
I've had the second in this series for a while now, am thrilled to have finally got the first part so I can actually read them!
 
Incarceron By Catherine Fisher
I got this in Whitby last weekend.  I was walking past a cute little independant book shop and had to have a look inside, it really was adorable.  Also a pleasure to support them, by buying what sounds like a great book
 
Blood Red Road By MoiraYoung
This is one of my eagerly anticipated books.  So excited to start a new chunk of dysotopia

Won

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Amy & Roger's Epic Detour By Morgan Matson
I've won a few books lately and this is another.  Such a lucky girl right now!!  I won this from BookBabblers Thank you So Much!!  This book looks fab - really fun & quirky!!
 
Really hope you have had good weeks too!!
L-L
xoxo

Wednesday 20 July 2011

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (7) The Name Of The Star By Maureen Johnson

Waiting On Wednesday is a brilliant book blog feature hosted by Breaking The Spine 


Name Of The Star (shades of London book) By Maureen Johnson
Due For Release In The UK On 29th September 2011
Published In The UK By HarperCollins Childrens Books
Amazon LINK
Goodreads LINK

"The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities"


So I must kind of admit I've always had a somewhat morbid interest in the whole Jack The Ripper story.  It still shocks me that someone could think to do such horrid things, let alone back in a time when a lot of innocence was still around.  They really couldn't blame his actions on what he saw on TV or heard in music!! 
 So a modern take on the story with ghostly twists sounds amazing.  Can't wait to give this one a read!!

Monday 18 July 2011

In My Mailbox (21)

In My Mailbox Is An Awesome Blog Post Idea Hosted By The Story Siren
All links will take you to Amazon

Firstly sorry for the delay posting this.  I knew I was going away for the weekend, but 'thought' I'd have enough time to write up my post beforehand - of course that plan didn't work!!  Better late than never I guess

Bought


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Hereafter By Tara Hudson
This has been on my wishlist for a while now, so snapped it up at my local supermarket
 
Trial By Fire By Jennifer Lynn Barnes
So admitedly I still haven't read Raised By Wolves yet, even though I'm really eager too.  I actually found this and the next book at my local charity shop for just 50p - BARGAIN!!!
 
Scatterheart By Lili Wilkinson
I don't actually know a great deal about this one, but have seen it on loads of IMM's so it can't be too bad.  Plus that cover is rather gorgeous too!!
 
 
Won

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Forgive My Fins By Terra Lyn Childs
I've been oogling this one for a while, and saw the awesome contest over at The Slowest Bookworm so took my chance and WON :D  Super thrilled!!


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A little while ago Walker Books, worked with a few different blogs and did a word search sort of thing.  So many winners that correctly got the name the had hidden correct got to win the letter that Jace wrote to Clary (The Mortal Instruments) And I was one of the lucky ones!!  The letter even has a red ink seal with an M for the Morgensterns - SO EPIC!!!
 
 
Hope you all got some exciting stuff this week too!!
L-L
xoxo

Wednesday 13 July 2011

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (6) Shattered Souls By Mary Lindsey

Waiting On Wednesday is a brilliant book blog feature hosted by Breaking The Spine

Shattered Souls By Mary Lindsay
Due For Release On 8th Dec 2011
Published By Philomel Books
Amazon Link

"Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.
Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon"


How good does this sound?  I love a good ghostly story but somehow don't seem to find them that often.  This is going straight in my wishlist!!!

Tuesday 12 July 2011

Review - The Posion Diaries By Maryrose Wood

"In the right dose, everything is a poison. Jessamine has spent her whole life in a cottage close to her father's apothecary garden, surrounded by medicinal plants and herbs that could kill her -- although her father has never allowed her into the most dangerous part of the grounds... the poison garden. And so she's never had reason to be afraid -- until now. Because now a newcomer has come to live with the family, a quiet but strangely attractive orphan boy named Weed. Though Weed doesn't say much in words, he has an instant talent for the apothecary's trade, seeming to possess a close bond with the plants of the garden. Soon, he and Jessamine also share a close bond. But little does Jessamine know that passion can be just as poisonous as the deadliest plants in the garden -- for behind Weed's instinctive way in the garden is a terrible secret."


This I was very lucky to have won from Teen Today a few weeks ago.  I was mega pleased!  And even more surprised by the story - In a very good way!!!
The cover is beautiful!  I love that it has an old diary look, to go with the theme of the book.  I love the gold of the title and the small vines coming from the words.  Wonderful choosing!!

All the early chapters start with a diary entry by Jessamine.  This is a brilliant way to set the scene and get an outline of where the story is going!

The story is so well written.  You can feel the isolation of Jessamine and can imagine how sad things must be for her.  This is really highlighted on the arrival of a companion for her.

The use of real life locations is fantastic.  I'm a big fan of going see places that are used in books, films, TV.  I now have double the reason to visit Alnwick - Harry Potter & The Poison Diaries!!  I may be expecting to see some magic though - hope I won't be disappointed!!

The idea of the Poison Garden is just awesome!  I almost thought of it like Azkaban - I won't explain too much more as I don't want to give any of the plot away, but read it and see what I mean.

The story leads to quite a sad / tragic end, that I think would have made me incredibly depressed, had I not known there will be a sequel - Yep my favourite word SEQUEL!!!  I love to see stories develop and twist and turn!

All In all, I found this such a clever wonderful idea, in a historic style.  This has left me wanting more!!

Rating 3 Out Of 5

This Is Published In The UK By Harper Collins Children

This Can e Purchased HERE and in good book retailers

Sunday 10 July 2011

In My Mailbox (20)

In My Mailbox Is An Awesome Blog Post Idea Hosted By The Story Siren
All links will take you to Amazon


This week it looked like I'd get hardly anything special to share with you guys on here, but I was very happily wrong!!  One of them rare instances that I enjoyed my wrongness!!

Bought
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This beauty I got from a charity shop can you believe it??  I've been intrigued by it for a while now, so got it to the till straight away

You would not believe the fangirl squeal I did when I saw this on the shelf at my local supermarket.  I was shocked that they had put it on the shelf early - but so THRILLED!!  Can't wait to see how this trilogy ends!!


Given

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I'd seen this on a few blogs and was already lusting after the cover, but knew there was no way I was going to be getting a copy anytime soon - WRONG!!!  Hodder books were attending London Film and Comic Con this weekend, which I went to on Saturday.  My Mum won me this beauty in their raffle and I won the following book.


OK so technically this is a younger readers book, but 1. its by Lauren Oliver, 2. It sounds fab, 3. Look at that cover - I think that is enough reasons to give it a go!!!


Won 

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This I was lucky enough to win from the awesome Ink Scratchers.  The book was even signed by Mary!  Thank you to Both of you!!!

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I'm hoping you have all had lovely weeks too?

L-L
xoxo

Friday 8 July 2011

Cover Reveal: A Million Suns By Beth Revis

Super duper major excitement from me!!  I have just seen the stunning cover of 'A Million Suns' By Beth Revis - EEEEE! It's so beautiful!!  I am so excited for this book, please can it be released already????

Tuesday 5 July 2011

Review - Wither By Lauren DeStefano

"Sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery has only four years left to live when she is kidnapped by the Gatherers and forced into a polygamous marriage. Now she has one purpose: to escape, find her twin brother, and go home – before her time runs out forever.
What if you knew exactly when you would die?
Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb – males only live to age twenty-five and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.
When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden’s genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape – to find her twin brother and go home.
But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden’s eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant she trusts, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limited time she has left."

From reading about this online I was so eager to get a copy & then to my horror I found out that it's not released in the UK for what felt like forever at the time, so thank heavens for overseas shipping - I got my beautiful hardback copy shipped over from the US.  I'm so pleased I didn't wait!!

The cover is just stunning. Everything from the model, to what she is wearing, to the little bird in the Cage is just Gorgeous!  Its just perfect!!  And I have SERIOUS envy for the dress - if anyone fancies making me a version of it, I'd be ever so grateful!!

The story immediately captivated me.  Straight away I got this feeling of dark mystery, maybe even slightly Gothic feel.
It almost felt like I was reading a history book, but from some strange alternate reality where things have gone very strange.
Having said that though, the date is never really mentioned.  The only thing you are told is that buildings in the USA are VERY old and so it must be some years in the future.  I'm very intrigued to see if more is mentioned about dates in the next two installments.

This book deals with Polygamy - something I have never read about so really don't have a huge amount of idea on the ins and out, but I think this has been introduced in an ingenious way.  Its a subject I don't see being talked about very often and I think its important that the YA market has all sorts of themes to learn about, even in a fictitious way.  Obviously these guys marriages are somewhat different to what a normal polygamous marriage would be like in the fact that they don't all know when they are going to die, but still the idea is there and I applaud it!
Reading about polygamy got me thinking about the idea though and I have decided it really wouldn't be for me.  I would be jealous as hell of my sister wives, although the friendships that girls in this book do develop are quite wonderful.

In this book world people die younger and so to live any kind of life they have to start young, much like things were years ago.  I found it fascinating that things have kind of reversed in this world.  Like our intelligence got so far that the only way to go was backwards.  It really is quite amazing!!

The book concludes with quite a hopeful end for our lead character Rhine.  I was waiting for some big cliffhanger or some big shock which I didn't get.  That's both great & kind of disappointing.  But I do remind myself that there are two parts to come in the trilogy so there is plenty of time for me to get some heartbreaks which I am sure I will - EEEEEEK!

This is just an amazing read, I can't recommend it highly enough - read it as soon as you can!!

Rating 4 1/2 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Harper Voyager

Released in The UK On 4th August 2011

This Can Be Purchased HERE and In Good Book Retailers

Sunday 3 July 2011

In My Mailbox (19)

In My Mailbox Is An Awesome Blog Post Idea Hosted By The Story Siren
All links will take you to Amazon


Had a really nice week, on Thursday I spent the whole day with my awesome Mum.  We went to the o2 in London and saw the Titanic Exhibition which was just amazing and quite sad at times.  It was just staggering to think all the things we were looking at were ON the Titanic and have been saved from the bottom of the ocean!  Then in the evening we went to see GLEE LIVE!!!  OMG it was amazing.  I danced my little pop socks off!!  Anyway here is what I got this week!

Bought

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Bite Club By Rachel Caine
Once again I happened upon a Works store - whoops!!  I had to get this so I have the complete series so far!

Fade & Gone By Lisa McMann
I've read Wake the first in the series and have been meaning to get these, so YAY!  The last one I read really quick, so thinking these might be the same....

Nearly Departed By Rook Hastings
This has been on my Amazon wish list for so long!  So pleased to finally have it!!

Passion By Lauren Kate
So I've read the first two installments, I just had to get this when I saw it.  Plus it is a Hardback edition, which is pretty rare for the UK, I believe only available from Asda stores??

Ultraviolet By R J Anderson
I found this a couple of weeks ago and just couldn't get it out of my head, so was very excited to buy it!!  Can't wait to start it!



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And here's my Glee bits!  I've always wanted a foam finger, so am thrilled to have got the opportunity to get one (and a very cool one at that)
 
 
 
Really hope you have all had an awesome week?!
L-L
xoxo