The Eternal Ones Giveaway

From Goodreads.com:
Haven Moore can’t control her visions of a past with a boy called Ethan, and a life in New York that ended in fiery tragedy. In our present, she designs beautiful dresses for her classmates with her best friend Beau. Dressmaking keeps her sane, since she lives with her widowed and heartbroken mother in her tyrannical grandmother’s house in Snope City, a tiny town in Tennessee. Then an impossible group of coincidences conspire to force her to flee to New York, to discover who she is, and who she was.

In New York, Haven meets Iain Morrow and is swept into an epic love affair that feels both deeply fated and terribly dangerous. Iain is suspected of murdering a rock star and Haven wonders, could he have murdered her in a past life? She visits the Ouroboros Society and discovers a murky world of reincarnation that stretches across millennia. Haven must discover the secrets hidden in her past lives, and loves¸ before all is lost and the cycle begins again.

You can win an ARC of The Eternal Ones by filling out the form below!
Contest open to U.S. only and ends August 8th, 2010

Winners!

The winner of Sleepless by Cyn Balog is....

Sarah

Yay!! You'll be getting an email from me today!

And the winner of ARCs of The Lighter Side of Life and Death and Winter Longing is...

Lindsey S

Congrats!! I'll be sending an email to you as well!

Thanks for entering everyone! :)

The Tempest Read Along!

Who doesn't love a little Shakespeare? No? Well this is your chance to read it for the first time or re-read it all in the company of people who love to talk about books! 

A blog I read everyday- A Literary Odyssey-is hosting a read along for this book in August. I'm going to be participating and I'd love it if you all did too! I think it could be fun, and it definitely takes the edge off of the foreboding "I'm nervous I won't be able to understand it" Shakespeare kind of emanates.

I read this in college but I'm excited to re-read to see what I missed and to get a better grasp of the story and language now that I have an idea what went on in the play haha. 

If you've never read/heard of The Tempest before here's a summary from Goodreads:

"Prospero, exiled Duke of Milan, living on an enchanted island, has the opportunity to punish and forgive his enemies when he raises a tempest that drives them ashore as well as to forestall a rebellion, to arrange the meeting of his daughter, Miranda, with an eminently suitable young prince, and, more important, to relinquish his magic powers in recognition of his advancing age. Richly filled with music and magic, romance and comedy, the play's theme of love and reconciliation offers a splendid feast for the senses and the heart."

Act 1 and 2 will be discussed/posted about on Aug. 16th and then Acts 3, 4, and 5 on Aug. 31st. You can find all the information here.

So I hope you all join in the fun, I know I will be! 

Happy Reading!

Top Ten Literary Crushes

Kristi at the Story Siren and Jill at Random Ramblings each did a post of who their top ten literary crushes are...and since I love boys in books I thought it was a good idea that I keep track of mine as well :)

1. Jacob Black. Even though he is part of a series I have many no so nice things to say about-he is also part of series that is like comfort food to me. He is human, flawed, arrogant at times, and completely lovably ripped. I love Jacob SO much. If I could be with any fictional man, it would be him. And then I realize that he's not real and it honestly makes me sad.

2. Dimitri. I have grown to absolutely adore this man. He even rivals my beloved Jacob. He is strong, protective, passionate and seeing his struggles and transformations over the five books so far has made me love him anymore. I would fight for him. I've fallen in love with him, pined for him, hated him, hoped for him, and been heart-broken. Now, Dimitri and I have an emotional roller coaster of a history. I'm hooked. And the way I imagine him? HOT. He can take me to a cabin in the woods any day. And I wouldn't even mind if it was only a lust spell. Oh, Dimitri, I hope Ms. Richelle Mead has good things in store for you in the last installment of the series. Because I don't think I can stand to be heart-broken forever knowing there's no new book to save you! I am v. much swooning right now. Next...

 3. Dexter. I fell in love with him the minute I met him in all his literary humorly bliss. He and Remy were polar opposites and I loved every minute of them together. He was so messy and so disorganized yet funny and adorable. He loved love and fought to be with Remy every step of the way. He's like the not even close to perfect boy who you can't help fall in love with because he makes you feel like every moment of your life led you to him. He helps you make sense of the world, even in the most disorganized way. One of my favorite moments was when Remy goes to buy plastic silverware for his house (he had none) and she realizes that is liking adding a permanent element to their relationship so she hides them. Dexter finds them and realizes what they were for and teases her about relentessly. He knew she loved him.

4. Kartik. I think a lot of my attraction to him has to do with his Indian heritage. And dark, handsome, with curly dark hair gets me every time. The way he is always there for Gemma is undeniably loyal and also a bit romantic (she might disagree). The tension between those two KILLED me sometimes. I wanted to scream, "just kiss him already!" And when they did-WHOA. I also think the anticipation of their encounters peaked my attraction as well. I am so upset with the ending of the trilogy **don't read if you haven't read it** A tree? Come on now :(

5. Wes. He's that cute guy in the corner you don't notice because he's so quiet and almost brooding. And he's sexy. Like wind blowing his hair out of his eyes, sly grin, innocent eyes sexy. Mmmmm. And he's artistic. With a past. Who is so open and honest. I wish more guys were like Wes. He is my definition of sexy...super swoon right now. What he and Macy have is so real and so raw you can't help but root for them. Even though deep in your heart you wished it was you he was falling for! I'm still available, Wes, you know, if things don't work out.

5. Jonah. He's the ultimate bad boy. It's almost hard not to hate him throughout the book. I kept thinking, man this guy has a MAJOR attitude. But then we learn more about him and his past which is when I started to feel a lot of sympathy for him. Poor guy. Anyway, he's super hot if you're into that military, stone faced, stubborn type who has a really soft side once you break him in. Ah, Jonah, you make my heart flutter.

 7. Archer. My newest love. He is that cocky kind of adorable. Again, with the black curly hair (I always imagine one lone curl falling into his eyes...sigh...). I think how I imagine the hair makes it or breaks it for me. Weird? Def. I also melt for that half grin and wicked look in his eyes things. Which I totally think Archer did a lot. Plus, he's a warlock. Who wouldn't want a warlock as their boyfriend?!

 8.Spencer. He's not even a love interest of the main character, being her brother and all, but i LOVE LOVE LOVE him! He is so friggen hilarious. The chapters/scenes with him are hands down my favorite. He could entertain me all day. Would you like to, Spencer? I'm a lot of fun, I promise! There's no way you could read about him and not smile. And I love a guy who can always make me smile!

9. Peeta. I am absolutely 100% not Team Gale. Peeta all the way. Sweet, bread making, lovable Peeta. Who doesn't want a man who would practically die for you AND make you sweet treats? And who is gorgeous?! I dare you to try and find someone who won't adore all of these qualities. Well, except Katniss I suppose. Silly Katniss, chose Peeta! I feel like Peeta would be cuddly. And he's very charming. I am most angry when Katniss talks about Gale and most excited when she kisses Peeta. Even if it's only for the masses. I like to believe it's me...I mean, for me...

10. Last but not least, Adrian. He's definitely grown on me. I've always seen him as extremely sexy in the bad boy kind of way but my love for Dimitri has always clouded my affection towards him. But once we learn his true feelings for Rose and how he is always there for her I can't help but fall for him. Now every time he says "little Dhampir" I melt a little. He's cute and quirky and flawed to the max but even through all of his flaws I love him. I will be his girlfriend, you know, when Rose inevitably dumps him. But maybe she won't. Even still, I'm here!

So those are all the boys I have major crushes on/swoon for to the max. I hope you enjoyed my over gushing! I'm a girl in love, what can I say? haha. Well, apparently I can say a lot. And did! If you haven't read any of these books then I suggest you do it now! If only for the amazing men! So what about you guys? Any I missed? Any I should read about? Let me know who you swoon over.

Happy Reading and Swooning :)

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

16 year old Sophie Mercer is a witch. And what good is a witch if she can't use her powers to help people? That's what Sophie thinks when she tries to cast a love spell for a girl Sophie repeatedly sees sobbing in the bathroom at her high school. Everyone deserves a prom date, right? Well...one disastrous love spell gone wrong later and Sophie ends up at Hex Hall, a school for delinquent Prodigium (aka, witches, warlocks, shapeshifters, and faeries) who have trouble keeping their identities (skills, powers, etc...) from humans. And of course Sophie would have to room with the only vampire student who is accused of murdering her former roommate, and of course she would turn down the offer to be in a coven with the three most powerful witches in the school (and evidently be on their bad side), and of course she would have a crush on the cockiest (and most gorgeous) warlock on campus. Things couldn't get worse, right? Wrong. Sophie has a lot more mysterious and secrets to discover at Hex Hall...some of which leave her in danger.

This was so much fun to read. Sophie was so kick-ass. I loved her attitude. She was witty, sarcastic, and just all around level-headed and awesome. I wasn't sure what to expect opening up Hex Hall. I mean, witches have been done to death (Charmed, anyone?) and there's so many stereotypes and cliches out there. And they're all still there in Hex Hall but in a spoof-like caricature of themselves.

     "Wait. You said your sleeping spell lasts for only four hours". I glanced at my watch. "It's been almost four hours now, and it took us at least half an hour to get out here. How are we going to get back in time?"
     Alice smiled, and with a snap of her fingers, two brooms suddenly materialized beside her. 
     "You're joking." I said.
     "Come on Sophia!" she called. "Be traditional for once!"

Sophie's sardonic view of everything had me cracking up. This was such a gem of a novel, light-hearted and full of mystery and intrigue. I couldn't get enough of it. I was genuinely upset when I turned over the last page. And Archer. Man oh man Archer. He was one HECK of a hot warlock. He might be my new literary crush. Like, whoa. Cold shower whoa. And now I have to wait almost a year to hear about him again. We're left on kind of a "wtf?!" note with him and I need to know! Rachel Hawkins, call me and please tell me there will be more Archer, more hot, sexy, warlock-y Archer!

Anyway, if you pick this up you won't be disappointed. It's like Mean Girls meets Charmed meets Buffy. It's awesome! And once you do read it, feel free to email me so we can gush about Archer. On second thought, maybe not, because we might get into a fight. He's mine and all...:)

Happy Reading!

Giveaway: ARCS of The Lighter Side of Life and Death and Winter Longing

I know, two giveaways in one week? I must be crazy. But no, I just love you guys! So all you have to do to win ARCS of The Light Side of Life and Death by C. K. Kelly Martin and Winter Longing by Tricia Mills is fill out the form below! The giveaway will run until July 29th and is open to U.S. only. Sorry guys! Also, whoever wins I will include a homemade beaded bookmark made by me! I couldn't picture it because my camera is currently MIA...hmm...anyway it's very pretty! :D So good luck and I hope you enjoy the giveaway!

Giveaway: ARC of Sleepless by Cyn Balog

Eron DeMarchelle isn't supposed to feel this connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce his human charges to sleep. Though he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn't encouraged to do so. After all, becoming too involved in one human's life could prevent him from helping others get their needed rest.

But he can't deny that he feels something for Julia, a lonely girl with fiery red hair and sad dreams. Just weeks ago, her boyfriend died in a car accident, and Eron can tell that she feels more alone than ever. Eron was human once too, many years ago, and he remembers how it felt to lose the one he loved. In the past, Eron has broken rules to protect Julia, but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can't reach her. Eron's time as a Sandman is coming to a close, and his replacement doesn't seem to care about his charges. Worse, Julia is facing dangers she doesn't recognize, and Eron, as he transitions back to being human, may be the only one who can save her. . . .


Even once they've become human again, Sandmen are forbidden to communicate with their charges. But Eron knows he won't be able to forget Julia. Will he risk everything for a chance to be with the girl he loves?

Enter to win an ARC of Sleepless by Cyn Balog and this bookmark inspired by the novel made by yours truly!

 

All you have to do is enter by filling the form below before July 26th!

 

Also, I'd love to hear in your comments why you're so excited to read Sleepless

 

Open to U.S. only, sorry guys, I'll hold an international contest soon!

 

 

 

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

After the death of their father, sister Lia and Alice along with their brother Henry are orphaned in their world. When a mysterious mark shows up on Lia's wrist, strangle things start to happen, strange things that her sister seems privy to, along with secretive, as well. When her beloved James discovers a old book tucked behind the shelves of her fathers library, Lia learns of a dark prophecy of which she is the center. Two sisters, one the Guardian and the other the Gate, must fight opposite each other toward an uncommon goal. It is up to Lia to prevent the Beast, Satan himself, from gaining access to our their world, lest the world reign in chaos upon his return.

Told in haunting, beautiful prose, Prophecy of the Sisters is impossible to put down. Dark mysterious and ominous prophecies pull the reader in for a heart-stopping journey through Lia's discovery of her role in the prophecy of the sisters. The writing itself is enough to keep reading the story and oftentimes I felt my heart skip a beat and had to remind myself to let go of my breath. The novel isn't scary, but rather thrilling. I never knew what was coming, but I kept needing to know and with that need there was a bit of fear of what would happen to Lia and her companions Sonia and Luisa. I was so drawn to their characters that I felt a part of their circle, felt a need to find the keys that would end the prophecy. So drawn in, in fact, that I wouldn't be surprised if a reader's last thought before sleep was if they would be safe traveling to the Otherworlds in their dreams that night. If they would make it back. And if you think this novel will stop at thrilling, you would be mistaken. It is heart-breaking, emotional, and takes you on many a ride through the human consciousness before it brings you to the end. And even then it leaves you on the edge, wanting more.

The only complaint I have about this novel is that it ended. And now I have to wait until August to join Lia again in her journey to end the prophecy and her struggle with her sister Alice. I enjoyed every bit of this novel, and if you have been reluctant to pick it up let your struggle end her. Go pick it up this instant! It is worth it, I guarantee it! So beautiful, so engaging, it's the genre at it's best.

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

This series keeps getting better and better. Now when I'm finished I'm going to have to find something as good so I won't constantly be disappointed! Ah well. We meet Rose and Lissa again at  the St. Vladmir Academy fresh from the tragic death of their friend Mason. Strigoi attacks are becoming more of a threat and the whole Moroi world is on edge. Something dark is following Rose around and ghosts are following her around when she is unprotected. Tragedy, death, and hard times are definitely not in shbrt supply and Rose will be tested physically and emotionally until she'll have to chose between the two people she loves most.

I am so angry with Richelle Mead. I was devastated at the end of this novel, heart-broken, grief stricken. How could you do that to your loyal readers, your loyal Dimitri lovers? I'm getting upset again just thinking about it. However, it was so unexpected and brilliant. It made me ache for the next novel in the series. The only thing that truly bothered me at the end of the novel was Rose's reaction. Perhaps it's just me or simply her character, but I would have gone catatonic. It just seemed to me as if Rose skipped the really unexplainable, insane portions of grief and excepted it a little easier than I think a normal person would. But more power to her. I just would have liked her to be as upset as I was haha.

I totally adored Christian in this book! He was as badass as they come! I am just loving following the growth of all these characters. And Rose? She amazes me now. From book to book she keeps maturing and getting more awesome. I am in love with this series. Um, and the cabin scene, was HOT. Ms. Mead really knows how to create tension and resolution. And she can for real write a story. A damn good story. I don't want it to end.

Shadow Kiss will keep you on your toes the entire ride. It will have you cheering the characters and wishing you were them! It'll also have laughing and reaching for a box of tissues. It is the perfect novel in the succession of the Vampire Academy series. *swoon*

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Another one of those books that's been sitting on my shelves but always found a reason to push aside even considering the rave reviews it's gotten. I simply have a gift for avoiding good books.

It all started when Nora and  her best friend Vee got separated as biology lab partners (well, that's when it started for Nora) and Nora got a new partner, Patch. And even though Nora tried to avoid Patch as much as she could, she was drawn to him. And even though he found every way to get under her skin, at the end of the day he's still the hottest thing on earth and she fell for him (this may be slightly exaggerated). But since Patch came into her life even more weird things have begun to happen like that she is seeing things that aren't there and it seems as though Patch can talk to her in her mind. Soon Nora decides it's up to her to figure out what's going on, who Patch really is, and what he wants with her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I was completely fascinated by all of the fallen angel mythology, albeit a little confused by the whole possession of Chauncey's body (do all fallen angels do it at the same it?). And I know there's controversy over Patch being a stalker and feminism comes into play, and it probably doesn't help his case that he was trying to kill Nora...but I liked it. I mean, if I was a fallen angel and I could become a human...maybe I'd do it too. But he fell in love with her, and that was sweet.

The author kept me on my toes the whole novel. I knew it was about angels but I had no idea that there would be so much complexity and mystery tied in. It was so much fun. And I loved the dialogue, too. Vee is hilarious, I wish I had a best friend like her, my social skills would be so much more intact!

Hush, Hush was a wild ride of intensity, from the first page to the last I was dying to know what would happen next. A novel that will definitely spark something in it's readers that will keep them up all night!

Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Zoey's life is spinning out of control. If her only her dad hadn't cheated on her mom with his 24 year old employee-and got her pregnant. Then her mom wouldn't have tried to commit suicide. Then she wouldn't have hooked up with the guy she knows will hurt her. But all of that did happen. And to make it worse, the night she decided to go parking with her new boyfriend again she gets into an accident. But the thing is, she can't remember a thing from that night. Suddenly a boy she thought hated her, Doug, is acting like something significant is going on between them and her boyfriend is completely ignoring her. What will it take to get her memory back and her life back in order?

This was a quick read for me, but I honestly didn't like it. In the first twenty pages or so I had a completely different perception of Zoey than most of the rest of the book. I didn't understand her. I mean, why would she think Brandon was her boyfriend after sharing one night? Not even a romantic one night. And it drove me crazy how many times she told Doug "he's my boyfriend, I'm sorry you can't understand that". Well neither can I, my friend. The things she thought a lot of the times were so far from how a logical person thinks it inspired fury in me. Sometimes she felt real to me but more times than not she was completely fake. And not even a my mother is crazy so I need to keep this facade going kind of fake. Just. Fake.

Nothing fit together for me. She had best friends but their relationship was meaningless. The only meaningful relationship in the whole book was between her and Doug. And that's just because Doug is an amazing character. If I could just rate this book on character hotness, it would get a ten because of him. Echols did a fine, fine job of making me drool over him, and feel sympathy for him, and love every single inch of him. I just wish she put more attention into the rest of her characters. And not much gets resolved except the Doug-Zoey when is she finally going to come to her senses thing. I feel like Zoey's relationships with her mom and dad are put on a back burner and left there never to be seen again. It wasn't enough for me.

Don't get me wrong (I hate saying bad things about books), the story was great and I honestly had no idea what Zoey did the night of her accident anymore than she did, I just think the characters fell short. But there were moments of brilliance and clarity. And there was Doug. Which totally won me over. Ah, but don't let this discourage you from reading it. Pick it up from the libray. The romance is really sweet and enjoyable. It's a perfectly fun read to bring to the read or to read between heavier things (like what happened to Dimitri in Blood Promise. I am not okay with this).

I received this ARC for a tour with Traveling ARC tours.

Trade

as most of you know, or don't, whenever I get a haul of books I've read/don't want any longer/don't have room for I usually do a trade me post. So if you see any titles you like and want to trade (or make some kind of other arrangement, really I need to get rid of these!) email me at lost_inabook88(at)yahoo(dot)com! Here's the list so far (all in v. good condition):

ARCS:
Pretty Dead by Francesca Lia Block
Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker
Heist Society by Ally Carter
The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
The Clearing by Heather Davis

Paperbacks:
Blue Moon by Alyson Noel
Break by Hannah Moskowitz
Guyaholic by Carolyn Mackler
Dead is the New Black by Marlene Perez
Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schrieber
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Grecian Holiday by Kate Cann
Shiver by Maggie Steifvater
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson

Hardcovers:
Shadowland by Alyson Noel
Ivy's Ever After by Dawn Lairamore
Toads and Diamonds by Heather Tomlinson
Gender Blender by Blake Nelson
Pucker by Melanie Gideon

check back often, I'll add/delete as I go! Hope to trade with you :)

In My Mailbox + My Favorite Things Swap

What a great week for me! I went out the bookstore for the first time in months...and I kind of went crazy. But I don't do it often...but that's not an excuse I suppose hehe. I also participated in a my favorite things swap over at Shooting Stars Mag and I received my box today (Jennifer yours is in the mail!!) so I'm going to show you all the goodies I got from that, too!

First, here's my IMM post (hosted by The Story Siren, of course)

For Review:
The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller
Virals by Kathy Reichs
Wicked Girls: A Novel of the Salem Witch Trials by Stephanie Hemphill
The Replacment by Brenna Yovanoff

Bought (over the past 3 weeks!):
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Frostbite by Richelle Mead
Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead
Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead


Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey
Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

And here's what I got from Jennifer of Extreme Books Reviews!

She makes origami, how cool is that?! I also got a REALLY awesome book thong that she made, it's so pretty! And lots of cool bookmarks and candy *yummm*. Also, a journal, a Team Edward pen (I am Team Jacob but I can appreciate Edward hehe), Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, and Peeps by Scott Westerfeld! Best goodie box EVER! Thanks Jennifer! You guys should all go check out her totally awesome blog here!

So that's been my week in books and things! Happy Reading!

Frostbite by Richelle Mead

I just got done reading Shadow Kiss, actually...so this review might be a little off seeing as how I just got off of an emotional roller coaster and have MANY things to say about what just happened.

This may contain spoilers. Sorry guys!

But this is about Frostbite-which was equally as memorizing and captivating as Vampire Academy. The students of St. Vladmir's Academy are being whisked off to a luxurious ski resort for the holidays. However, the reason for which isn't as magical as it seems. After a Strigoi attack killing a family of Moroi and one of the most legendary guardians, things are pretty tense in the Moroi world. It seems as if the impossible is occurring- Strigoi forming communities in order to stage major attacks, and using humans to break the magic wards previously thought impenetrable by Strigoi. Unimaginable danger looms in their future. And as if that wasn't enough to keep Rose's mind occupied, she is still learning more about Lissa's spirit magic and do so with the new aid of an annoying yet undeniably enchanting Adrian (the nephew of the queen, no less). And she must deal with her ever confusing love life. Although her heart belongs to Dimitri, they both know their relationship is improbable and reckless. And then there's Mason...who would be so great for Rose. He's funny, cute, and completely into her. Rose will have to chose between who she should be with and who she desperately wants...but danger always comes out of broken hearts.

I love Dimitri even more than before. His self-control is so frustrating yet so needed for the world they live in. They come first. Something I think both Dimitri and Rose struggle with even if a little subconsciously is the role they play in the world-always having to give up their needs for the Moroi they protect. And although it's never questioned, I think it will be challenged more and more as the series continues. But for now I will have to settle for the few stolen kisses between Rose and Dimitri. Stop fighting your love for one another, I want to scream!

But forbidden love isn't the only interesting thing about Frostbite. Mead's world building is fabulous. I'm always completely swept away by the lore and magic. And the mystery. Her series is never completely predictable, but it lets the reader know enough to still play the detective and try to figure out how to save the day. The secondary cast of characters is also extraordinary. They're all multi-dimensional and I have no idea how she does it, but she develops her characters, writes steamy romance, AND a convincing and complex world all in one book. There are very few complaints I have about this series. I am literally devouring these books.

Adrian is my new muse. I am curious about him. On the outside he is a typical spoiled royal, as we are led to believe most royals are. But he also ends up being a spirit user like Lissa. Each of them begin to figure out that they can learn from each other and strengthen their powers. And I'm also confused about his motive. He seems to be really into Rose and not at all into Lissa, yet Rose offers him nothing in comparison to what Lissa does. I'm conflicted. I believe he is attracted to Rose but I'm not sure how deep it goes. I suppose I will have to read the next books to find out how it all plays out. Which I am very excited to do.

And one more thing, Richelle Mead gets the biggest high-five EVER for creating a complex, strong heroine who is always human and flawed. Brilliant.

recommend?

As you may or may not know I've been cleansing myself of vampire literature. But before I do, I'm sampling (or in the case of Vampire Academy devouring) different series and novels. But here's one I have mixed feelings about:

What do you guys think? Should I pick it up? If you love it, why? If you don't, why not?

Hoping to hear your responses! Thanks a billion!

just a reminder...

there are prizes you can win for commenting on my posts for vampire week (which I am extending until next week). here is what you can win so far. but the more comments I get, the more vampirey prizes ill add.

so keep commenting to win books!

Why Twilight?

Guys, I just came back from seeing Eclipse. Mind you, that's the second time I've seen it in around 12 hours. Does that say something about me? Probably. Oh well.

But what I really want to talk about today in celebration of vampire week, even though it's been discussed to death, is what is it with the whole Twlight (accurately named) phenomenon?

And to totally throw eveyone off (because I've on more than one occasion expressed my feelings about the anti-feminism in the series-here's a hint: I'm not a fan) I'm going to talk about the good things about this series.

1. Let's be honest, other than Harry Potter, people aren't reading. With TV and movies and technology reading has definitely taken a back burner. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of readers out there and there were before hits like Twilight but numbers drastically increased with the arrival of our favorite sparkly vampires. And even though people are acting like they're some starved addicts, turning to every vampire novel out there to get their next fix, I think as someone who wants to be an educator I'd rather having people reading flawed novels than not reading at all. People are enjoying story-telling and that's wonderful. Twilight had also brought mothers and daughters together as well. Which is totally cool. I think a novel that reaches out to all ages is an incredible feat. And hey, YA is getting its voice out there certainly in part to this. For the right reasons is questionable but again, I'm happy that YA is getting a better rep.

2. Aside from the stalking, and the sparkles, and the atrocious fourth book that doesn't even count in my mind, I found the novels fun. I thought her writing flowed well and Stephenie Meyer definitely has a knack for romance. I mean, if she can get me (I'm 21) hot for a 16 year old werewolf, she must have some talent, right? I enjoyed shedding reality (and what counts as acceptable courting and such) and living in Meyer's fantasy world. The characters are great. The premise is fun and exciting.

So really, I think it's okay to like these novels. I really do. I would be a hypocrite if I criticized anyone of that. There are levels of course. I'm not going to ask my boyfriend to be like Edward Cullen. What is okay for Bella is not okay for Jess in real life. And I accept that and can appreciate different rules for conduct in a fictionalized world.

Um, and let's not forget this...

I couldn't resist this if I tried. It's too much :)

So what are your thoughts about Twilight? I'm curious to hear!

Happy Reading!


Currently listening to: Love the Way You Lie by Eminem ft. Rhianna
Currently Reading: Frostbite by Richelle Mead
Up Next: Catching up on True Blood then post about it

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

 

I'm probably the last person to even read this, so I'm going to give a brief summary. Basically, Rose and Lissa ran away from the Academy from which they've been practically all their lives. See Rose is a guardian, someone who devotes their life to protecting Moroi. And Lissa is a Moroi, a princess in fact, with whom Rose has a strong (psychic even) connection to. Oh, and she's a vampire. After running from the Academy for a year, they're finally caught and brought back to the Academy. There they have to face the dangers of their peers and those of their enemies.

Rose is badass. And I love her. She's like the brunette, novel version of Buffy...and Buffy is absolutely my hero. Her voice is so strong throughout the novel. I definitely had moments where I could completely relate with her. Embarrassing and deep psychological stuff that hurts but you never admit to. Lissa was also great. There's definitely something bubbling within her that's kind of scary. I think in the next few books I'll be seeing a different side of her. I mean, after all she's been put through I would go loco too.

But what REALLY is pushing me to read the rest of the series (which I've decided, I totally am) is Dimitri. He's a 24-year old guardian and also Rose's mentor. And he's hot. And Russian. And sexy. It took all of my self control not to drool on the pages of my book. And boy, was there a hot and heavy scene! I had to take a break from reading it to go get some water! Well actually because I was reading it in front of my dad and I was a little embarrassed...

I can't wait to dive into the next books! They're full of well-thought out lore, action and adventure, and steamy romance! If you haven't, and I'm sure you have, definitely take a bite out of Vampire Academy.

And stayed tuned for more vampire posts on vampire week here at Lost in a Book!

Happy Reading!

P.S. AH ECLIPSE IS COMING OUT TONIGHT!!!!! I. love. Jacob. That is all. Go see it. Swoon over it. No one will judge you.  I surely won't :)

It's Vampire Week!

In celebration of the release of Eclipse later this week (or more accurately, in celebration of getting to see Jacob shirtless again) I'm going to be hosting a week full of all things vampiric! From what we love to what we hate, you will find it all here! So keeping checking back to see what's new and to chat about vampires! Also, my top commentator from now until next Sunday will get a special vampire prize! yay!

Here's some of the stuff to look forward to in the next few days:

• True Blood vs. Sookie Stackhouse series (TV vs. the novels)
• Twilight-to love or to hate?
• Vampire Academy review
• Blood Feud review
• a Buffy the Vampire slayer GUSH post
• top 5 sexiest vamps!

and I am completely open to suggestions! I will write about what you want! so let me know what kinds of vampire posts you'd like to see!

can't wait to take a bite out of this :-)

and for your viewing pleasure



Happy Reading!

the extraordinary secrets of april, may, and june by robin benway

 

April, May, and June are sisters each with an extraordinary gift. After their parents' divorce and moving to a new school, April discovers she can see the future, May can disappear, and June can read minds. They soon discover how easy it is to use their gifts for selfish reasons and the consequences that ensue. As tension builds between the sisters, and April sees a vision of a terrible accident, they will have to work together or risk everything.

um. so this novel is brilliant. amazing. a page-turning gem of literature. robin benway is the QUEEN of dialogue and fast, clever one-liners. can i have a special power and be part of their sisterhood? because even though most of time they were annoying each other to no end, there was a bond there that i've never experienced with my sister. this book defines sisterhood and all of it's turbulence and radiance. and did i mention that robin's dialogue is super hilarious? like, if the whole book was dialogue i would've been happy. along with great dialogue this novel has substance. and boys. swoonable boys. julian and henry were so perfect for april and may. there is not one part of this book i disliked.

so make sure you read it! it's impossible not to love!

seth baumgartner's love manifesto by eric luper

seth's summer vacation is starting off really crappy. first, his girlfriend veronica breaks up with him at applebees, then he catches his father with another woman. but if that wasn't enough he loses his job, too. in a very, very funny way this novel is about heartache, love, truth, and friendship. with a hilarious cast of characters this is not a novel to overlook.

seth starts an anonymous podcast that deals with getting over his girlfriend, following his father's mistress, and figuring out what love is. we only get snippets of the love manifesto throughout the novel but they're insightful and capture seth's understanding of love as it grows and develops in his own mind. also, it's accompanied by a ironic and humorously fitting playlist of music that everyone will be able to recognize and say "haha, i totally feel you!"

it's hard to summarize this novel. there's golf, there's love, there's the crazy best friend, the parents you love to hate then hate to love. but throughout all of it the characters are real and are people you want to be friends with. the voice of this novel is funny, bittersweet, and genuine. i absolutely couldn't get enough of it. i actually laughed out loud reading this, and often. there were great one-liners. and also there were some awww moments. if i could pick a novel that spoke to me, this would be it. because it's so real. it's not overly dramatic, it's not unrealistically funny. i think teens will be able to relate to seth, and dimitri, and even veronica. each character represents a part of our teenage years and we've all been there.

so go pick this up. i was reluctant to read it because i'd heard nothing about it. but it's so totally worth it. there's no hype about it, so just dive into for a good laugh and a good read. i dare you to anything but love this novel when you're done. i highly, highly recommend it.

confessions: i wish i were a dancer

some of us figure out what we want to do at a very young age. but for most of us it takes much longer to know our true desire. and if you asked me if i could do anything what would it be? i would want to be a dancer. i was never put into dance classes or much of anything when i was little so the option was never really open for me. my mom was a tomboy so basketball was the only thing i tried (and hated so, so much) and with my failure at that sports weren't anything i was too interested in. it wasn't until eighth grade that i discovered color guard. of course i would find something i loved that nobody knew anything about and if they did thought it was dorky or uncool. and of course i excelled at it, still do in fact.

and it was doing this activity that i really started to understand my body. at first it was like a whole different language for me. i didn't understand anything. i had to point my toes, bend my knees without sticking my butt out, keep my turnout, and not look like i had limp fish for arms all while learning how to spin this new piece of equipment. naturally, i hated dancing. i had never moved my body in these ways and i was constantly getting corrected and frustrated with myself and my seemingly inability to be graceful.

but i worked hard, almost subconsciously, on being a better mover. i hated not doing something right so i kept at it. and by the time i was a senior in high school, i was good. i became captain of my indoor and outdoor color guards and i was a top mover. so when i got to college i decided to take some dance classes because it was now something i really enjoyed. i loved feeling ethereal knowing i was creating art and telling stories with my body. i loved performing, i loved all of it.

but it wasn't enough. great dancers spend years of their lives and quite a lot of money perfecting their art. i had only basic technique which wasn't enough to get into the dance minor at my school. so i tried taking classes at dance studios, only to discover oftentimes i was too old. and when i finally found a dance studio that let older kids take classes i also discovered how expensive they were. especially for a college student.

my dream quickly came crashing down on me. but i discovered ways to keep dance in my life. i still do color guard and push my instructors to add more dance elements and teach new things. i also teach. and dance is the first and main foundation of my teaching style. they hate it, much like i did but i know it will benefit them in the end and they will be beautiful. i still teach myself things and take classes at my dance studio but i now know dancing can only be a small part of my life. i still hope, though, and still perfect everything i am able to do.

i guess if i could tie my love of novels and my love of dancing together i would say that i love stories. i love hearing them, i love telling them in conventional and unconventional ways. being creative keeps the mind alive, and keeps me happy.

so how about you guys? what would you do if you had the opportunity?

sweethearts by sara zarr

mmm cookies

Jennifer and Cameron were outcasts (reader, i almost spelled this 'outkast'-what is pop culture doing to me?!) in elementary school but they always had each other. but one day when Cameron leaves Jennifer without saying good-bye she is both confused and heartbroken. then she finds out he's dead. Jennifer decides that it's time to change from Jennifer into Jenna-the popular girl who doesn't cry and who doesn't live in a world inside her head. and she thinks she's finally gotten rid of all of Jennifer, that is, until Cameron comes back eight years later. can Jenna remember who she was, and more importantly, will people accept her? and will Cameron and Jenna be able to rekindle their friendship and overcome the horrible thing that happened on her ninth birthday...

so, i read this in one day. while it's only 217 pages, i'm a very busy gal. basically, i loved it. i think i want to time travel so i can meet a guy like Cameron in fifth grade and he can be my sweetheart. or i can just book travel and have Cameron all to myself. this boy has some serious determination and individualism. he knows who he is and what he has to do to make it in life. poor Jenna and Cameron were both dealt the worst hands growing up, but luckily for Jenna her life changed in high school but not so much for Cameron. i wish they made magic fairy dust that made awful parents go away. seriously, i don't know how people like Cameron's father live with themselves.

you can come live with me, Cameron. no really, please do.

this novel kind of showcases the importance of how your entire life shapes who you are. like, i can't just go reinvent myself tomorrow and be a completely new person. all those old memories, experiences, they make you who you are. and Jenna has to discover that. of course, it doesn't hurt that she has a cute boy to help her out.

this is a short, sweet book that you won't soon forget. and if you're not big on the whole self-discovery (or re-discovery) or deep, philosophical things that keep our humanity in check (im talking to you, cannibals...) then read this for the sheer adorableness that it Cameron. but also remember, he's mine.

round 2 book battle winner

 VS

in corner one, twenty boy summer- according to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in ZanzibarBay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy ever day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie---she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.

characters- frankie and anna are so great. i wish they could be my bffs. +2

plot-very intense. sometimes i had to put it down so i didn't drown in the sadness of the book. but there were a lot of surprises, a lot of comforting predictability. very enjoyable, well-thought out, and well written.  +3

ending-perfect. +3

=8 points!

in corner two, jessica's guide to dating on the dark side- marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction

+1 my name is in the title. no? okay fine. but it's still pretty awesome.

characters- loved lucius. he was funny, suave, not American at all, and sexy. very sexy. his moments trying to figure out American culture are hi-larious. the rest of the cast of characters are great, too. i just paticularly loved lucius. +3

plot- i loved the beginning. ordinary girl finds out she's vampire princess, vampire tries to convince her she has to marry him. it was all very funny, and i felt like it mocked the genre a little bit which is a major plus for me, but towards the middle-end when lucius  becomes, um, a little nuts is where i got lost. i felt like he was a successful business man turned drug addict. very strange. still, +2

ending-i hated it very much. +1

=6 points!

so the winner is twenty boy summer!! YAY!!! go read it, it's perfect for, you know, the summer!

things that bother me

• highly acclamined bloggers (at least, from my experience, in the YA blogosphere) who use the wrong than/then, you're/your, there/they're/their

• the "my best friend/dad/mom" was killed in a car crash trend in YA lit. I know how absolutely awful it is but I'm kind of tired of reading about it

• vampires, werewolves (except the shirtless body of Jacob Black), angels, other supernatural beings.

• bad writing in general. especially people who get paid to do it.

• generic reviews. put something in the reviews that makes me want to read the novel you're reviewing. because that's the whole purpose of reviews, right?

• seeing the same book reviewed 39 times on my google reader. in one day.

• seeing an amazing book get a crappy, short reviews because of laziness and/or because bloggers try to post as many reviews of books on their blog as possible for who knows what reason. personally, i'd rather read a blog whose reviews were funny, well-thought out, and sincere who only post once a week than a blog that posts multiple times a day but gives no substance to what they're talking about. althought, props to you if you do both!

And that's it. sorry for the negativity, guys, just blowing off some steam!

be mine, sweet , ur cute

mmm...don't you just wish it was valentine's day so you can get like eight boxes of those sweethearts candy, not even to eat but to read every. single. one. of the messages trying to find (who knows what, the man of your dreams' number?) a new one. no? oh well. that's what i thought when i first saw the cover of after the kiss. and my second thought was "i'm about to dive into a delicious marshmallow pit of fluffy reading!" but that is not what happened. and although i am quite sad that i did not dive into a marshmallow pit (who doesn't want to do that?!) i thoroughly x a million enjoyed this novel (i also loved pure, you should check it out).

set in alternating points of view and poetry/poetic prose, the novel is about two girls camille and becca who are each inexplicably drawn in opposition over a kiss from a boy. a boy who happens to be becca's boyfriend. a kiss that was shared between camille and the boy (his name is alec but i hate him so hence forth he is "the boy"). the novel is beautifully told. both girls, besides sharing the lips of the same boy, have a whole crap load of other things going on in their lives. so self-discovery is a huge thing here. i love the idea of being a trapeze artist, jumping, and taking risks which the poetry refers to a lot.

the story is completely told though "dear diary" like poetry but without the "dear diary, let me tell you what happened today in gym class" simplicity that many diaries have (which, not to knock diary entries, is their purpose. this novel just sorts through the meaningless everyday play by plays-which also makes it more interesting for the reader).

let me share some quotes from this novel. they will take your breath away.

he is dynamite wrapped in a swirl of smoky cinnamon, clenched between lips that have take me home written all over them. his mouth is a complicated question, is something you should maybe avoid for your own good

our lips-bodies-meet
as he pours over me-smothering me melting me
so I am liquid and lava too,
flowing with him spreading pushing surging seeing
nothing but orange-
orange orange orange orange orange
and those yellow dots that are the hot center of a flickering fire
We are burning everything in front of us.

is that not enough to get you to pick this book up? so becca breaks up with the boy after he kisses camille but camille just moved there and still has no idea that the boy even had a girlfriend. and every time becca sees camille (becca works in a coffeeshop that camille goes to often) she can't understand the nerve of that girl coming into the place where she works-almost taunting her. while becca is learning to cope with seeing camille (and not, well, ripping her head off), camille just thinks the boy is another asshole (which, he is) and is just plain confused. and actually, the most infuriating thing about this novel is waiting for the confrontation between camille and becca. but there really never is one. and it drove me nuts ("becca, she had no idea!!!") but it was quite brilliant. i love that mcvoy just doesn't give us what we want. she creates this situation with real friction and not everything resolves in a cookie-cutter like manner. again, which makes me angry, but i can truly respect that.

and while becca is trying to get over the boy, camille is learning that saying good-bye isn't always good-bye. moving from place to place frequently is hard on her (will she ever write back the guy she's in love with?) and we see her struggling with that throughout the book.

this novel was amazing. inspirational.

favorite character: the guy camille is in love with from chicago. i would totally date him, because, he's super hot and an artist. i fall for those guys.

favorite moment: i loved seeing becca grow. i felt wicked sympathy for her and was cheering her on the entire time. the moment she finally knows she's over the boy is empowering. i wish i was as awesome as her.

in conclusion, i wish this novel had more marshmallow-y goodness in it because i was really in the mood for marshmallows. but, nevertheless, it was beautiful and real.

maybe size does matter

which is the only reason i can think of to make The Shining 683 pages. that's like-harry potter long. and, no offense stephen king, i do not have a love affair with your work as i do with ms. rowling's so 683 pages is a little much. reading this novel took committment, and patience, and many, many, many rice dinners (this would make more sense if you knew that i frequently spent my time waiting for my rice to simmer and cook reading The Shining...and now you do...you may continue reading). and again, there is no plot device, character development, suspense factor that i know of (used in this novel) for it to be okay that i read 683 pages only to read what I KNEW WAS GOING TO HAPPEN in the end (and, i've never seen the movie)! so why stephen king? why was this necessary? to torture me? to keep me guessing (well maybe the overlook hotel will end up making cupcakes for everyone and spit out sprinkles and rainbows in the end and it won't completely MESS WITH EVERYONE UNTIL THEY'VE GONE COMPLETELY NUTS!)? 

and i know this may offend some diehard stephen king readers, but honestly (can i be honest with you now?), i do not get it. at all. granted, this was my first stephen king novel, well, that i finished...and therefore i am not qualified to make judgments about all of his novels. but this is precisely why i chose a novel that is supposed to be one of his best. i did not find it scary, i was not up all night trying to finish it. in fact, the only reason i did was so i could say i've read a stephen king novel. 

it was way too much psychological and not enough thriller. more blood, more murder, more scary encounters with dead people who lived in the hotel, i found myself chanting (now that i think about it maybe the book did what it intended to do...i am now the insane one). i learned so much about jack's dad and how he was feeling and every guilt, fear, and desire he had in his damn head. but i just wanted to get out of his head! and when i did i was forced to spend time with his crazy wife who thought it would be okay to be cooped up in a hotel with no way out for the winter with her husband who totally beat the crap out of one of his students. genius woman, really. the only cool part of this novel was the fact that the little boy danny was a telepath. but was it used for anything cool (except to save his family-but notably in a horror novel is uncool!)? no! so what he could see dead people? it happened, like, twice. bo-ring. 

the novel is described as a look into consciousness. and i totally get what stephen king is trying to do with the novel-it really digs deep into humanity and our thoughts and all that psycho babble fun stuff. but it's marketed as a horror novel; it's popular fiction. and this is where i think he messes up-why it's SO friggen long. he's trying to tie in two novels together-the one where the guy goes crazy because he's messed up over a sick childhood and has all these mental problems and the novel about the guy who goes crazy because the hotel is possessed. maybe a lot of readers out there soak this stuff up. but i found myself bored and annoyed.

but perhaps there are better stephen king novels out there? maybe i'll give another one a try. what do you all think about stephen king? like, dislike?

let's fight to the death!

what's up with dystopian ya lit? is it the new "thing"? will it go out of style, so to speak? because if it is the new thing then i hope it stays (for-eva) because it's, um, what's the word i'm looking for...FREAKIN' AWESOME! i love that these books scare the crap outta me. i also do not mind the abundance of sexy boys (peeta, mmmmm). i honestly can't get enough of the stuff. and do you know why it's better than the vampire fad (well, besides the gruesomely obvious reasons)? because each story is original. i never know what's going to happen, unlike the bajillion twilight wannabes out there (p.s. why are you wannabes anyway? why would you want to BE that awful?).

vampire novel layout:

boy meets girl/girl meets boy

boy/girl finds out their love interest is a vampire

boy/girl decides it's the best life decision to follow in their vampire love interests' footsteps and become a vampire themselves (i always say that's the best choice)

dystopian novel layout:

i have no freakin' clue!

boy and girl are in a catastrophic america (boy is usually very attractive-this cliche i do not mind in the least)

sometimes boy and girl must fight crazed zombies

sometimes boy and girl must fight their own species to the death for their own survival

sometimes boy and girl must live in a teenaged built community and find their way out of a freakin' maze

really, the possibilities are endless. and i love it.

this is why it is no surprise that i devoured The Maze Runner by James Dashner. when we meet Thomas he is in a box with no memories of himself or the world around him. sure he has concepts of things like a family, nature, friends, but he has no recollection of names, events, or anything specific pertaining to these concepts. they're empty meanings to him. and all he knows for sure before entering the Glade is that his name is Thomas. once he arrives at the Glade (via this convenient metal, pitch black box of serenity-no, not serenity more than likely terror and cruelty) he meet the Gladers-a bunch of boys around his age who also don't have memories of their past who one by one each month were thrown into the same situation as he is now. Thomas quickly learns the ins and outs of life in the Glade (call everyone and anyone a shuck or shuckface-it's charming, really), nobody knows much or at least is willing to share so don't ask, and never go into the maze under any circumstance. but of course, Thomas violates these rules. what is the maze? how have these boys been here for two years and never solved it? and who or what is controlling it? these are questions Thomas desperately tries to find out, and as he does he learns more about his part in the elaborate plan of the Creators. people who have gone through the Changing seem to know him and things are extremely familiar-almost homey to Thomas at the Glade. and to top it all off a girl was sent down to the Glade-the first ever-who also seems to have an intimate connection with Thomas. so many seemingly unanswerable questions make this novel a real page turner. well written, fast-paced, and even charming (the relationships the boys build are reminiscent of Lord of the Flies only they take care of each other) you must read this novel. must, must, must!

smooch worthy character:

Newt. he's one of the leaders of the Gladers and I found him to be quite adorable. and there's something about that take-action kind of confidence that's oh-so-sexy.

twist and shout:

there are about as many twists in the novel as there are corridors in the maze. and what lies beyond the Glade is enough to make anyone scream and run for cover. notable goosebumps and impossible to ignore anticipation (aka i couldn't put it down)

final thoughts:

when is the next book coming out?!