In My Mailbox *8*

Created by The Story Siren who was inspired by Alea.

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This week I only got one book, but I also got some awesome The Hollow swag! The swag included a The Hollow postcard, a Sleepy Hollow postcard signed by Jessica Verday, and a couple of stickers! I was really excited when this showed up, I am really excited for The Hollow!




The Vixen Manual by Karrine Steffans
(Hardcover) Courtesy of Wendy's Minding Spot

From Amazon:

Since she exploded on the scene with her two juicy and impossible-to-put-down tell-alls, readers have wanted to know even more about what makes Karrine Steffans tick. How was she able to meet all the high profile politicians, movie stars, and other celebrities that are her close acquaintances? What skills does she possess to keep men wanting more? Finally, Karrine lays it all out and explains exactly what a woman must do to win over the man of her dreams. With chapters like "Never Let Him See You Sweat,""Flirting,""Encouraging His Manhood," and "Give Him What He Wants," this hot and sexy manual is a must-have for every woman's bookshelf.




What was in your mailbox?

Books I Crave *2*

This is a weekly meme, hosted here, that was inspired by Kristi over at The Story Siren and Jill over at Breaking the Spine, with help from Laina over at Laina Has Too Much Spare Time.

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Rampant by Diana Peterfreund

Release: Out Now
Forget everything you ever knew about unicorns . . .
Real unicorns are venomous, man-eating monsters with huge fangs and razor-sharp horns. Fortunately, they've been extinct for a hundred and fifty years.
Or not.
Astrid had always scoffed at her eccentric mother's stories about killer unicorns. But when one of the monsters attacks her boyfriend—thereby ruining any chance of him taking her to the prom—Astrid finds herself headed to Rome to train as a unicorn hunter at the ancient cloisters the hunters have used for centuries.
However, at the cloisters all is not what it seems. Outside, the unicorns wait to attack. And within, Astrid faces other, unexpected threats: from the crumbling, bone-covered walls that vibrate with a terrible power to the hidden agendas of her fellow hunters to—perhaps most dangerously of all—her growing attraction to a handsome art student . . . an attraction that could jeopardize everything.

Need by Carrie Jones

Release: Out Now

Zara's stepfather has died, her mother isn't capable of caring for her, and she has been sent to live with her grandmother in a small remote town in Maine. When her car spins out of control, she's rescued by sexy Nick (who turns out to be a werewolf), and something might be cooking with her overachieving classmate Ian. Too bad she's being followed by someone dark and dangerous—a pixie king. This pixie is no harmless sprite: when not mated with a queen for an unspecified amount of time, Zara learns, the pixie kings will demand... young human men, who they kill after using them for their blood-hungry pleasures. Will Zara sacrifice herself to this vampire stand-in or let him destroy everything she loves? Jones (Love {and Other Uses for Duct Tape]) easily wins readers to Zara's side, portraying her as a funny, globally conscious teen who also collect[s} fears like other people collect stamps (obscure phobias serve as chapter titles). Genre fans will enjoy the sizzle between Nick and Zara as well as the paranormal cast.

Ash by Malinda Lo

Release: September 1, 2009
In the wake of her father's death, Ash is left at the mercy of her cruel stepmother. Consumed with grief, her only joy comes by the light of the dying hearth fire, rereading the fairy tales her mother once told her. In her dreams, someday the fairies will steal her away, as they are said to do. When she meets the dark and dangerous fairy Sidhean, she believes that her wish may be granted.

The day that Ash meets Kaisa, the King's Huntress, her heart begins to change. Instead of chasing fairies, Ash learns to hunt with Kaisa. Though their friendship is as delicate as a new bloom, it reawakens Ash's capacity for love-and her desire to live. But Sidhean has already claimed Ash for his own, and she must make a choice between fairy tale dreams and true love.

Entrancing, empowering, and romantic, Ash is about the connection between life and love, and solitude and death, where transformation can come from even the deepest grief.

Hate List by Jennifer Brown

Release: September 1, 2009

Five months ago, Valerie Leftman's boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saved the life of a classmate, but was implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things she and Nick hated. The list he used to pick his targets.

Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.

Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman

Release: Out Now

Strange things are happening in Skeleton Creek . . . and Ryan and Sarah are trying to get to the heart of it. But after an eerie accident leaves Ryan housebound and forbidden to see Sarah, their investigation takes two tracks: Ryan records everything in his journal, while Sarah uses her videocam to search things out. . .and then email the clips for Ryan to see.
In a new, groundbreaking format, the story is broken into two parts -- Ryan's text in the book, and Sarah's videos on a special website, with links and passwords given throughout the book.

Now, what books do you crave?

If you would like to participate in this meme, just link back to me and leave the link to your post in the comments! You can find the specifics here!

Award Time!!!!

It's taken me a bit to get to this, I've been pretty busy this week. But I am really excited about this! Bambi Reads has given me the Zombie Chicken Award! Now this was an awesomely amazing surprise! I am extremely thankful. If you aren't a subscriber to Bambi Reads, you should be! Her blog is awesome!

The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all.

Now for my 5 nominations:

1. Laina at Laina Has Too Much Spare Time
2. Yan at Books By Their Cover
3. Kristen at Bookworming in the 21st Century
4. Korianne at Korianne Speaks
5. Khy at Frenetic Reader

Booking Through Thursday *4*

Booking Through Thursday is a weekly meme, that is mostly about books and reading! Find out more here!

Today's question is:

What’s the lightest, most “fluff” kind of book you’ve read recently?

To be totally honest, I've not read anything particularly "fluffy" in a while...So thinking back, the last thing I remember reading that was "fluffy"-ish was ...by daphne by Carmen Catalina.

It's a pretty quick, adorable read about being that awkward 14 year old girl and how hard it is to know who you are, be comfortable with yourself, and beginning high school. You can find my review here. I think that's the closest thing to "fluffy" that I've read lately.

So yea, what's the "fluffiest" thing you've read lately?

Waiting on Wednesday *4*

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It's a weekly look at upcoming releases that we're excited about!

This weeks book is one that I've heard fantastic things about, and I can't wait to read it. And I love the cover! I love the whole black and white with only one central color featured is very appealing to the eye. Not to mention the story! Can't wait!

Candor

by Pam Bachorz

Release Date: September 22, 2009

From Amazon:
In the model community of Candor, Florida, every teen wants to be like Oscar Banks. The son of the town’s founder, Oscar earns straight As, is student-body president, and is in demand for every club and cause.

But Oscar has a secret. He knows that parents bring their teens to Candor to make them respectful, compliant–perfect–through subliminal Messages that carefully correct and control their behavior. And Oscar’s built a business sabotaging his father’s scheme with Messages of his own, getting his clients out before they’re turned. After all, who would ever suspect the perfect Oscar Banks?

Then he meets Nia, the girl he can’t stand to see changed. Saving Nia means losing her forever. Keeping her in Candor, Oscar risks exposure . . . and more.

Teaser Tuesday *4*

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along by checking out rules and whatnot at the link above!

This weeks teaser is the sequel to last weeks sequel! Or put simply, it's the third book in the series. This one will be a bit longer than the normal 2 sentences, there were no 2 that I could pick that made sense on their own.

"You're being stupid, Erec." Bethany said. "He's trying to give us a clue. If you had half a brain cell, you'd figure that out."

Author: Kaza Kingsley

Title: Erec Rex: The Search for Truth

Page:247

In My Mailbox *7*

Created by The Story Siren who was inspired by Alea.
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This is almost! late. I have stayed off the computer and Twitter for the most part the past couple of days to catch up on some reading and some sleep. I only got one book this week, but I think there are a lot of people that will agree with me when I say, this is one of those books where I didn't need to recieve anything else this week to be happy. And I mean happy!




Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
(ARC) Courtesy of Barnes & Nobel First Look

From Amazon:
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Books I Crave *1*

This is the first in what will be a weekly meme (if people are interested), that was inspired by Kristi over at The Story Siren and Jill over at Breaking the Spine, with help from Laina over at Laina Has Too Much Spare Time.
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Since this is the first post, I guess I better explain what it is about, how it works, etc. As just about all of us book bloggers know, Kristi does "Books to Pine For" and Jill does "Waiting on Wednesday." Most of us know these posts, and read or participate in them weekly.
Well I decided that there should be a post that features books released and unreleased that we want to get our hands on or crave as the name says. "Books I Crave" will be a weekly post on Saturdays, that features 5 books that I crave. These can be any 5 books, released or not. So please let me know what you think! On with it!

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

Release: September 22, 2009

All 16-year-old Cameron wants is to get through high school—and life in general—with a minimum of effort. It’s not a lot to ask. But that’s before he’s given some bad news: he’s sick and he’s going to die. Which totally sucks. Hope arrives in the winged form of Dulcie, a loopy punk angel/possible hallucination with a bad sugar habit. She tells Cam there is a cure—if he’s willing to go in search of it. With the help of a death-obsessed, video-gaming dwarf and a yard gnome, Cam sets off on the mother of all road trips through a twisted America into the heart of what matters most.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Release: December 1, 2009

There were no surprises in Gatlin County.
We were pretty much the epicenter of the middle of nowhere.
At least, that's what I thought.
Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.
There was a curse.
There was a girl.
And in the end, there was a grave.
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.
In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Another Faust by Daniel and Dina Nayeri
Release: August 25, 2009
One night, in cities all across Europe, five children vanish — only to appear, years later, at an exclusive New York party with a strange and elegant governess. Rumor and mystery follow the Faust teenagers to the city’s most prestigious high school, where they soar to suspicious heights with the help of their benefactor’s extraordinary "gifts." But as the students claw their way up — reading minds, erasing scenes, stopping time, stealing power, seducing with artificial beauty — they start to suffer the sideeffects of their own addictions. And as they make further deals with the devil, they uncover secrets more shocking than their most unforgivable sins. At once chilling and wickedly satirical, this contemporary reimagining of the Faustian bargain is a compelling tale of ambition, consequences, and ultimate redemption.

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
Release: December 22, 2009
Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared—the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in blood. But she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night really held. And when Daniel returns three years later, Grace can no longer deny her attraction to him, despite promising Jude she’ll stay away.
As Grace gets closer to Daniel, her actions stir the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind Jude and Daniel's dark secret . . . and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it—her soul.

Swoon by Nina Malkin
Release: Out Now
Swoon, Connecticut, stands proudly on its heritage and the good behavior of its Lilly Pulitzer–clad inhabitants, so semi-psychic New York transplant Candice (Dice) sticks out like a sore thumb. On the autumnal equinox, Dice’s sweet and gentle cousin Penelope suddenly changes into a dangerous vixen, and only Dice is able to see that she has been possessed. Dice knows she must exorcise Sinclair, the ghost of a handsome young man from the colonial era, but she has fallen deeply in love with the appropriately nicknamed Sin. Finally, Dice follows Sin’s directions for an exorcism, which frees Penelope from his hold and releases Sin into his own physical form. The golem-like Sin finally reveals his goal: to exact revenge on the descendants of those who unjustly hung him for the murder of his fiancée. Since Sin awakens the quaint town’s denizens to all of their suppressed urges, this steamy and suspenseful romance with a psychic slant and time-travel twist will pull mature teens.

So, those are the first 5 books that I crave. What are yours?
If anyone would like to participate in this meme, feel free to do so. All I ask is that you post a link in the comments, so I along with everyone else, can see what books you crave! If there are others, then I may get a Mr. Linky so it will be easier for everyone to get to each others, it just depends on the interest.

Please let me know what you think, this is my first meme that I've come up with and I am always open fro suggestions, and the like. Thanks!

Erec Rex: The Dragon's Eye

Author: Kaza Kingsley

Release Date: April 7, 2009

Category: Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

How would you feel if, when you were twelve years old, your mother disappeared and, in the quest to save her, you left the real world and entered a world of magic and kings and queens? That’s exactly what happened to Erec Rex.

Erec is not your normal boy; he has a glass eye, his home contains things that are less than normal, and his brothers and sisters aren’t as special as he is, but they are certainly unusual. When Erec gets a “cloudy thought,” which are like visions, he knows his mother is in danger, and that he is the only one that can save her.

As Erec begins his search he meets Bethany, a girl who is being raised by her mean uncle and forced to work at his newsstand. Bethany knows a way to help Erec, and so she joins him on his journey. When the two go through an unnoticed door in the sidewalk, they enter a world much different than their own.

When they get to this world, called Alyphium, they find themselves in a contest to become the next rulers of the land. There are three rulers who will be replaced - King Piter, Queen Posey, and King Pluto. However, King Piter is sick and is slowly losing himself; the castle is quite literally on its side, and The Substance that holds the whole world together has gone askew. There is something very wrong in this magical world, and when things start happening and become dangerous, it’s up to Erec, with the help of Bethany, to fix things.

Although I first thought this was a knockoff of Harry Potter (and there are some correlations), this is a story with characters that are all their own. Kaza Kingsley has created an array of characters that are easily lovable and have depth. The story is adventurous and fun, with an element of danger and a “wait, did that really just happen?” quality.

Once I finished, I was eager to continue onto the next book in the series, just to know what happens next! The Dragon's Eye is a captivating read, and it stands to reason that with this cast of characters and the imagination of Ms. Kingsley, this could easily be the next phenomenon to sweep through the young adult fiction world.

There is plenty of humor for those who prefer lighthearted but still slightly dim stories. By the end of page one, I was already laughing so hard I had to put the book down. I also found myself oddly wanting Erec’s alarm clock. There are many more instances like this throughout the rest of the book, and this is definitely a novel that I would recommend to everyone.

For the older audience, parts of the story are a bit predictable, but the writing and depth of the characters totally makes up for that. If you haven’t heard of the Erec Rex series before, or have overlooked it in the stores, then you should run, not walk, to the nearest bookstore and pick up your copy today!

Booking Through Thursday *3* (Late)

Booking Through Thursday is a weekly meme, that is mostly about books and reading! Find out more here!

Today's question is:

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
(Tell me you didn’t see this one coming?)

After reading this I thought "Oh $%@#, how am I supposed to do this?" But the more I thought about it, the more only one book stood out to me. It's a book I gushed about, and I don't generally gush about a book. The best book I've read recently would have to be The Siren by Kiera Cass. It's amazing! The characters, the story, the imagery is just out of this world. Now anyone that's followed me knows how excited I was about this book, so this is probably no surprise to you, but still! After my review and the gushing I've done about this book, if you STILL haven't gone and gotten it, then (shame on you) go get it!

So, what is the best book you've read recently?

Wow, oh wow...

The other night I was sitting here watching a news show in the middle of the night. Now since this is a show in the mimddle of the night, I think it's safe to say that's not going to be your typicla news show. This one shows all kinds of interesting and odd things (It's call Red Eye on Fox News Channel).

Anyways, they started talking about the "ideal" pet. Or at least the ideal pet according to 2,000 people that were polled. The poll asked them what their idea pet would be, so then scientist used that information to make a computer-generated picture of said "ideal" pet. As you can see for yourself below, this is adorably hilarious!

His name is Max. Max has the body of a Golden Retriever, the ears of a rabbit, the face of a cat, and the tail of a horse. He is 49% dog, 35% cat, 9% horse, and 7% rabbit. Max is high energy, he loves daily walks, and he sleeps just under 9.5 hours a day.

According to Pete Markey, who helped conduct the research for the insurance company that commissioned this study: ''This experiment has provided great insight into exactly what it is about their animals people love, both in terms of looks and personality, and it goes to show what a pet-obsessed nation we are.''

I know this isn't book related, but I couldn't resist sharing this with all of you guys! It's so cute/funny looking/I sorta want one. I know, I'm a sucker for animals with big cute eyes and ears!

So what do you think of this oddly interesting animal? Is this something you would want to own as a pet? Or is this something that you would imagine being in a fantasy novel?

I iz eclectic!

This morning I woke up to a huge shockingly amazing suprise...I was nominated for Most Eclectic Taste Blog for BBAW! I never expected to be nominated at all and so I think you guys for nominating me.

You guys are totally awesome and I am completely surprised. Those of you that don't know what this means, it's (From the BBAW website): Most Eclectic Taste – This blog stands out because of its uniqueness - you never know what you’re going to get, but it’s always something surprising and new.

Now I have to come up with five examples to send them in, and I for one am finding this very hard! But I am working on it. I think you guys so much, you are the best! Now I am going to scour my blog to figure out what's the best examples, so I will see you lovely people later!

XOXO

Waiting on Wednesday *3*

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It's a weekly look at upcoming releases that we're excited about!

This weeks book, is a book that I want dearly. I have entered every contest I've found, and have *grufginly* listened/read to everyone talking about how amazing this book is. Now, if I hear one more thing about how awesome it is, then I will sick my Crazy Kitty on you all!

Hush, Hush

by Becca Fitzpatrick

Release Date: October 13, 2009

From Amazon:

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Teaser Tuesday *3*

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along by checking out rules and whatnot at the link above!

This weeks teaser is actually from the sequel of last weeks teaser! So here we go:


Small tear-like droplets dripped down its number as it peered through the glasses. The clock was like an annoying pet, always waking him up too early, but now it look pathetic.

Author: Kaza Kingsley

Title: Erec Rex: The Monsters of Otherness

Page: 7

Now to put this all into a bit more perspective and since I am one of those that will stick to the whole 2 line rule, I snapped a bad pic with my phone to show you the tragically adorable said clock is in the book!

Now tell me that's not adorable?

Haha! Althought if this was my clock, I would think so!

In My Mailbox *6*

Created by The Story Siren who was inspired by Alea.
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Well, this week was pretty good actually. I got five books. Two were from contests and then three I bought and hid so Mommy didn't know until it was too late. If you are wondering why I had to hide them, it's becauses we are going to be moving in a few months and seeing as I already have so many books, Mommy forbade me to buy more. I'm only supposed to get books for review or from contests now...so yea, sucky. But anyways, I have rambled enough!


Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
(ARC) Courtesy of Awaiting Serenity

From Amazon:
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Forest Born by Shannon Hale

(hardback) Courtesy of BookDivas

From the book jacket:
Growing up in the Forest, Rin always turned to the trees when she needed peace or reassurance, even direction, until the day they seem to reject her. Rin is sure something is wrong with her, something that is keeping her from feeling at home in the Forest, keeping her from trusting herself with anyone at all.
When her brother Razo returns to the city after a visit home, Rin accompanies him to the palace in hopes of finding a new sense of herself. But a mysterious threat haunts Bayern, and Rin joins the magical girls she thinks of as the Fire Sisters-Isi, Enna, and Dasha-as they venture into the woods toward the kingdom of Kel...where someone wants them all dead.





The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde
(hardback) Bought

From Amazon:
In this delicious sequel to The Eyre Affair and Lost in a Good Book, Fforde's redoubtable (and now throwing-up-pregnant) heroine Thursday Next once again does battle with philistine bibliophobes, taking a furlough from her duties as a SpecOps Literary Detective to vacation in the Well of Lost Plots, the 26 noisome sub-basements of the Great Library. Pursued by her memory-modifying nemesis Aornis Hades, Thursday joins Jurisfiction's Character Exchange Program, filling in for "Mary," sidekick to the world-weary detective hero of Caversham Heights, a hilariously awful police procedural. At the imminent launch of UltraWord, the vaunted "Last Word" in Story Operating Systems, Thursday's friend and mentor Miss Havisham is gruesomely killed, and Thursday gamely sets out to restore order to her underground world, where technophiles ruthlessly recycle unpublished books and sell plot devices and stock characters on the black market. Meanwhile, Aornis is doing her fiendish worst to make Thursday forget Landen, her missing husband and father of her child. If this all sounds a bit confusing, it isuntil the reader gets the hang of Fforde's intricate mix of parody, social satire and sheer gut-busting fantasy. Marvelous creations like syntax-slaughtering grammasites and the murderous Minotaur roam this unusual novel's pages, and Fforde's fictional epigraphs, like his minihistory of "book operating systems," are worth the cover price in themselves. Fforde's sidesplitting sendup of an increasingly antibookish society is a sheer joy.


The other two books I bought were:
Ingrid by Charlotte Chandler
Which is a personal biography of Ingrid Bergman, the film star that was in Casablanca, Notorious, and Spellbound. Those are old (but fantastic) movies, and she was a brilliant and controversial actress in her time. I can't wait to read it.

Natalie Wood: A Life by Gavin Lambert
It's another biography of a beautiful, talented actress that had a pretty tragic life. Anyone that likes old movies would know her from West Side Story and Rebel Without A Cause. Unless you guys would be interested in seeing a review for these last two books, I think those will just be for my own side reading. But if there is interest in a review for them, I will gladly write one when I get to them.

I also got a really pretty bookmark too!

That's what I got this week! What about you?

The Siren by Kiera Cass

Author: Kiera Cass

Release Date: July 7, 2009

Category: Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (+Gold Star)

After reading this story, it is taking everything in me to not totally gush; it is that good. The Siren is the story of Kahlen, mostly, along with her sisters and the Ocean. A siren is a singer, a singer of the Ocean. In order to maintain herself, the Ocean must feed; sirens help her to do that.

Kahlen and her “sisters,” Marilyn and Aisling, begin the story and you find out quite a lot of how sirens and their lives work. They are beautiful, they can live around regular humans, they can live semi-normal lives, but there’s a catch - they cannot age, which means staying in one place for more than a few years isn’t possible, and they cannot, under any circumstances, speak, laugh, scream, or make a sound outside of a sigh or breath around a human person.

There can be no more than four sirens at a time, and not everyone will choose to live the lives that these girls have agreed to. Their sentence is 100 years, after which the Ocean will return them and they will become normal again, and begin aging from whatever age they are frozen into (almost sounds like a dream come true at times). With only their “sisters” for company, it can become lonely, and for Kahlen that causes daydreams. That is, until one day while sitting on the beach she meets a man. He is beautiful, sad, lonely, in pain, and yet there is something about him that Kahlen can’t let go.

The Ocean warns Kahlen that no matter what happens, those must stay daydreams and she cannot chance their secret by letting her fantasies run away with her. Kahlen decides she wants to make a difference and takes up sign language, which transforms into spending a few years at schools for the deaf teaching children, and later teenagers, that being deaf isn’t always a bad thing.

Kahlen gets new “sisters,” Miaka and Elizabeth, who help transform her into something better than she ever imagined she could be. Miaka is creative and she is also Kahlen’s first “little sister,” while Elizabeth is wild and crazy, and brings out the fun and slightly mischievous side of Kahlen. Aside from Aisling being withdrawn and bitter (think Mr. Scrooge), you don’t know much about her for the most part, but she is a very important piece of Kahlen’s puzzle.

Once this human, Akinli, enters Kahlen’s world, nothing else seems to mean as much. Not even the secret that she is bound to keep, and with less than 20 years left on her sentence, will it all be destroyed because of this? Now Kahlen has found the one thing she has always wanted. Is the life she could have worth destroying the life she does have? Or can she have both?

More than anything, this is a story of love and hope. Whether that love be between sisters, family, lovers, strangers, or even love for yourself; it covers all the bases. Once I started, it was hard to stop, and I really didn’t want this story to end. There were numerous parts where I actually found myself tearing up, and that never happens! Some of these situations made me want to become a siren, and then there would be a moment that broke my heart.

Kiera Cass may be a first-time author, but I pray this is not her only book. This is truly a beautiful story all the way through. I love the imagery; it is phenomenal and almost makes you feel like you’re really there (and let me tell you, there were many times in the Ocean descriptions where the song Dark Blue by Jack’s Mannequin got stuck in my head. Thanks Kiera!).

It’s been a long time since I have seen a first-time author whose writing style is as beautiful as this, and she definitely has not only the talent to be a wonderful writer, but also the imagination to successfully tell a story that is not only entertaining, but also touching.

If there was one book that I would recommend this year so far, it would be The Siren. Just make sure you have time on your hands, because once you start you won’t be able to stop until the very end. Even then, I flipped back and forth over the final pages, hoping that there would be more magically appear before my eyes. After all, this is a fantasy!

Booking Through Thursday *2*

Booking Through Thursday is a weekly meme, that is mostly about books and reading! Find out more here!

Today's question is:

What’s the worst book you’ve read recently?(I figure it’s easier than asking your all-time worst, because, well, it’s recent!)

This is hard...I can't actually think of an actually bad book lately. I don't know that I would actually call it a bad book per say, I just know it was a book I couldn't finish and sent back. It was a book called Winter Wood by Steve Augarde. It was the third book in a trilogy, which I didn't know at first, and it was so complicated and hard to understand. I spent over two weeks trying and trying to read this book, but I never got passed page 60 or so. It was just a no-go. I felt bad for not being able to read it, but I was so bored and confused and had no clue what was going on. I don't quite know if that constitutes it being a bad book, but in my opinion, it was bad.

Waiting on Wednesday *2*

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It's a weekly look at upcoming releases that we're excited about!

This is a way way way early one, but since the cover just came out and I absolutely adore! this series thus far, I just couldn't resist! And by way early, I mean, there isn't even a summary out for it yet. Never you mind though, it's Kelley Armstrong, and if you haven't read the first two novels in the trilogy, you really should. They are awesome! I can't wait!

The Reckoning (The Darkest Powers #3)

by Kelley Armstrong

Release: May 1, 2010

If you haven't read the first two book in the series, then check them out and see if it's something you're interested in. They are awesome!

The Summoning (The Darkest Powers #1)
The Awakening (The Darkest Powers #2)

*As a note, I will always include the Amazon link to the books I mention so it makes it easier to find out information about them if you are interested. Enjoy*

Teaser Tuesday *2*

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along by checking out rules and whatnot at the link above!

And let me tell you, this time it's a hard one. I am quite sad with my book today, because my dog decided to mess with my book while I was at the store and ripped the cover. That makes me sad. It's not THAT big, but it's still like an inch in a half to two inches and that's big enough for *sadface*

Anyways, here is my teaser:

"Trying to spy on us with a secret-telling cat? laughed Ward. Damon made a goofy face and said, "Blaaaah," with his tongue out.

Author: Kaza Kingsley

Title: Erec Rex: The Dragon's Eye

Page: 263

In My Mailbox *5*

Created by The Story Siren who was inspired by Alea.
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This week, I got three books again. Two of which were actually the same book (Possible giveaway, maybe)! I actually didn't even realize that until they got here, but yea. And one of which I bought at the store. So anyways, here we go!


Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
(paperback) Courtesy of Carrie's YA Bookshelf and The Dreamer Reader

From the back cover:
Her new summer job comes with baggage.

Scarlett Martin has grown up in a most unusual way. Her family owns the Hopewell, a small Art Deco hotel in the heart of New York City.

When each of the Martins turn fifteen, they are expected to take over the care of a suite. For Scarlett's fifteenth birthday, she gets both a room called the Empite Suite and a permanent guest named Mrs. Amberson. Scarlett doesn't quite know what to make of this C-list starlet and world traveler. And when she meets Eric, and astonishingly gorgeous actor who has just moved to the city, her summer takes an unexpected turn.

Before the summer is over, Scarlett will have to survive a whirlwind of thievery and romantic missteps. But in the city where anthing can happen, she just might be able to pull it off.

Atonement by Ian McEwan

(mass market paperback)

From the back cover:

On a summer day in 1935, young Briony Tallis witnesses a moment's flitation between her older sister, Cecilia, and Robbie Turner, the sun of a servant. But Briory's misunderstanding of adult motives and her precocious imagination bring about a crime that will change all their lives, a crime whose repercussions Atonement follows through the chaos and carnage of World War II and into the close of the 20th century.

Booking Through Thursday *1*

Booking Through Thursday is a weekly meme, that is mostly about books and reading! Find out more here!

Todays question is:
What’s the most serious book you’ve read recently?(I figure it’s easier than asking your most serious boook ever, because, well, it’s recent!)

This one is really, I mean REALLY hard for me, saying the fact that I can't remember the last time I read a serious book! Most of what I read is fluff and fiction. Because reading is an escape for me. But if I would have to think back to the last serious book I read, it would have to be In the Meantime by Robin Lippincott. It's been a few months since I read that one, but it was definitely serious in my opinion. There were actually a few times in that book that I had to close it and just sit there for a bit to regain control of where my mind was wanting to take the imagery that was already heavy. It's a good book, maybe a bit slow at first for younger readers (it took me a bit to get into it at first). But good none the less. I should warn, it's not a book for the younger set seeing as it deals with racism, death, infidelity, sex, homosexuality, war, etc. But it is a book that can provide a bit of perspective on some things.

Thank you!

This isn't really a post that has anything to do with anything.

It is simply a post to say thank you! I have actually reached 25 followers! Some people may not think this is a big thing, but for me it totally is.

As a still fairly new blogger, I am still trying to learn the ropes around here and I must thank all of the bloggers that have helped me, answered my questions, or just reminded me why I spend time working on my blog and trying to make it better.

There are numerous bloggers I could pick out and thank personally for helping me with this or that, or inspiring me to keep working, but there is one blogger out there that has helped me more than anything.

This blogger is Laina over at Laina Has Too Much Spare Time. I met her quite a while back on Book Divas and after a while of reading her blog and others I found through her blog, I decided to come up with one of my own. She helped me figure things out, answered any questions (no matter how dumb they seemed to me), and she even made my gorgeous layout (at least I think it's gorgeous!).

Now before I sound all weird and gushy or something I am going to finish up here. There have been many other bloggers that I have taken tips and queues from and I thank them all and I majorly thank my followers. You guys are my reason for continuing.

If you have any thoughts, suggestions, or anything feel free to let me know, I am always open to adjusting. Thanks again!

XOXO

P.S.
If you guys notice, I recieved my first award today also! Happy day all around! Thanks again Kristen over at Bookworming in the 21st Century!

Waiting on Wednesday *1*

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It's a weekly look at upcoming releases that we're excited about!

For my first Waiting on Wednesday I choose a book that I have heard about for a long time and one that I have watched go from being an idea to the video showing the first ARCs. Kaleb Nation, some of you may know him as "The Twilight Guy", is a first time author with a really fun story. You can check out his website here, now I am done rambling a bit and onto my choice!

Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse by Kaleb Nation
Release: September 9, 2009

From Amazon:

In a bustling metropolis where magic is outlawed, a six-year-old child is found inside a locked bank vault. A scrap of paper reveals his name: Bran Hambric. The child remembers nothing of his life before the vault. Only magic could have done this. But why would any mage risk breaking the law to place a child in a bank vault?

Eight years later the City of Dunce has forgotten about Bran. Even his foster parents don't seem to know he exists. But there are those who have been watching, biding their time, waiting to strike, people who know where Bran came from and why he was sent away. And they will do anything to get Bran back, dead or alive…

Welcome to a world unlike any other where the adventure of a lifetime is just beginning.

Teaser Tuesday *1*

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along by checking out rules and whatnot at the link above!

Here is my teaser:

I could tell in his face that I could burn the house down, and he'd just get out marshmallows and thank me for the lovely flame. I'm not sure I could make a mistake big enough for him to not forgive.

Author: Kiera Cass
Title: The Siren (I included the Amazon link)
Page: 151

In My Mailbox *4*

Created by The Story Siren who was inspired by Alea.
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So this week I only recieved three books, but I am quite happy with them. So here's what I got, and just to let you guys know, as I am getting the hang of certain things (like memes), the look and format of them will change. At least until I find what works for me. Thanks!

Soulstice by Simon Holt

(for review) ARC-September 1, 2009

From the back cover:
Six months...
Since Reggie first discovered the existence of the Vours in a tattered journal. Since her little brother, Henry, began to mutilate animals and tunr against her. Since she learned to devour her fear and destroyed a Vour to save Henry.

The Vours still haunt Reggie, but only in her dreams--until one horrifying night, when an unexpected visitor turns her nightmares into reality.

Terrifying, nail-biting, and grossly intriguing, readers will devour this thrilling sequel.

Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
(ARC) Courtesy of Lizzie at The Book Obsession-Thanks!

From the back cover:
Enter Stage Right
All her world's a stage.
Beatrice Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater.
She is not an orphan, but she has no parents.
She knows every part, but she has no lines of her own.
Until now.

Welcome to the Theater Illuminata, where the characters of every play ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Theater by The Book--and ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family--and she is about to lose them all and the only home she has ever known.

Open Curtain

Deep by Susanna Vance

(Signed) Courtesy of Elise at Reading Rocks- Thanks!

From the back cover:
Nothing really bad has ever happened to Birdie Sidwell. And she hates it! She yearns for drama, angst-something atrocious to provide fodder for the amazing book she wants to write. When her parents take a trip to the Caribbean, she gets her wish...

Morgan Bera is a child of the seas. Raised by nomadic Norwegian parents who encouraged her to chart her own course, and filled with sorrow after the seas claim one of their own, she attempts to establish a new life for herself in the warm waters of the tropics.

But first Morgan must get "official" papers. And there's only one person who can help her-someone who has an unseen capacity for evil...

So that's what I got this week! What was in your mailbox?

XOXO