Owl Post (45)

Owl Post is a weekly feature at Owl Read It where we let you know what new books we got in the past week as well as recap reviews posted during the week. It is inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox Theme.

Jenn's Haul:

I got some awesome books this week! I finally bought the whole TID series, I had borrowed the first two from the library in 2011 and decided that since I enjoyed it so much it had to belong in my collection! Then got a couple of other books that I should love :)

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

Meghan's Haul:
All I have to say is.....Clockwork Princess!!!

Bought:

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Library:

Witch & Wizard Manga #1 by James Patterson

Witch and Wizard Manga #2 by James Patterson

Kristal's Haul:

Nothing for me this week!  But I have been working on my TBR pile :)

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Reviews from this week:

My Ex From Hell by Tellulah Darling
Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Tyalor
Everbound by Brodi Ashton

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What new reads did you get this week?

Owl Recommend (23)

Owl Recommend is a feature at Owl Read It where we try to help you find your next great read!!

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I know these are middle grade reads, but they are both amazing stories that have stuck with me since I read them in middle school. Both were highly enjoyable and I've read them again since. I can't wait to share these books with my daughter.  Both series are great!

Review: Everbound by Brodi Ashton

Everbound
Everneath #2

Author: Brodi Ashton

Publication Date: January 22, 2013

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Genre: Fantasy/Mythology

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Synopsis:

Nikki Beckett could only watch as her boyfriend, Jack, sacrificed himself to save her, taking her place in the Tunnels of the Everneath for eternity — a debt that should’ve been hers. She’s living a borrowed life, and she doesn’t know what to do with the guilt. And every night Jack appears in her dreams, lost and confused and wasting away. 

Desperate for answers, Nikki turns to Cole, the immortal bad boy who wants to make her his queen — and the one person least likely to help. But his heart has been touched by everything about Nikki, and he agrees to assist her in the only way he can: by taking her to the Everneath himself.
Nikki and Cole descend into the Everneath, only to discover that their journey will be more difficult than they’d anticipated — and more deadly. But Nikki vows to stop at nothing to save Jack — even if it means making an incredible sacrifice of her own. 

In this enthralling sequel to Everneath, Brodi Ashton tests the bonds of destiny and explores the lengths we’ll go to for the ones we love.

My Thoughts: First off, I want to praise the covers for this series.  I absolutely adore both the cover from Everneath and this one as well.  I loved the first book in this series and I was really excited when Everbound came out.  The last book had such an intense cliffhanger that I was still hanging on to the edge of my seat.

Jack is now in the Everneath, taking Nikki's spot in the tunnels permanently so that she didn't have to return to them herself.  Nikki is determined to do everything that she can to get him out of the tunnels, even if that means that she has to journey into the Everneath to save him - but that means that she needs help from Cole, the immortal that took her to the Everneath in the first place and who she tried to kill in the last book.  Luckily, Cole has a weak spot for her, since he wants Nikki to take over the Everneath and be his Queen so they can rule together.

I really enjoyed the time we got to spend with Cole in this book.  I am not sure what it is about him, but I really, really like him.  I mean, Jack is fine and all - the good guy all-American boy.  There is just something about Cole that intrigues me so much more.

Nikki in this novel really does try to take things into her own hands.  She no longer is playing the victim card, something that she did all of the first book.  Now, it is all about saving Jack.  She is determined and forceful and it is a nice change in her, something that I really thought was missing from Everneath. It is so nice when you can watch a character morph and learn and grow throughout a series.

All in all, I enjoyed this novel thoroughly.  It gave me more insight into the characters, the Everneath and really had me hanging on and wanting more.  It left on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I can't wait to read the third one when it comes out!

Review: Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor

Days of Blood & Starlight

Author: Laini Taylor

Publication Date: November 6th, 2012

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: YA/Fantasy/Paranormal/Romance

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Synopsis:

Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it. In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life. While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope. But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?

My Thoughts: Finally I'm here being able to talk about book #2 in this phenomenal series! When I read Daughter of Smoke and Bone a while ago, I was completely enraptured. I was head over heels in love with the story, with Karou, with Akiva, with Brimstone, with the worlds within the story, just all of it. Everything about these books is incredible and so beautifully written. Taylor paints for us in these books this dark but amazing world that exists all around us oblivious humans. And she has me wishing it was real because it's all so mesmerizing.

We get to pick up pretty much right where we were left off, and thank goodness for that because I am just not willing to miss out on a single detail of this story. Karou has found her way back to where she came from and is facing her past and all it's demons (literal and figurative). She wants to right the wrongs she's done to her people, but somehow what she's doing still feels wrong. How far is she willing to go to make amends. How much of herself is she willing to give or lose to pay for what she's done. Or at least what she feels she has done. Because Karou places all the blame on herself for the fate of her people when really she is not completely to blame. The worst she did was fall in love, and dream of a better world. But who ever said love was easy?

Love, for Karou and  Akiva is anything but. I guess you could make that assumption for yourself when  you factor in that she is a demon and he is an angel.  Try to imagine what kind of twisted love story could be thought up for them. Then times the heart break, the romance, the pain, the tears, the destruction, and love by 100. Laini Taylor has written an epic love story that will break your heart ruthlessly over and over. That doesn't really change any in this book. We get to learn even more about Karou's past, her first life. We get to see what where she came from was like, and what is has turned into since she left. And we also get to learn a lot more about Akiva and his background, his story, his reasons for his actions. And the fight he is willing to put out, because he also feels he has done grievous wrongs and needs to write them.

So essentially, this book is about Akiva and Karou attempting to fix all the wrongs they believe they've done. While they're two groups are at open war. Akiva is still trying to find a way back to Karou, which is obviously not the easiest task when their people are killing each other and they are both involved in it. I love Karou and Akiva so very much. They are amazingly well developed characters. They both have an endurance and ability to feel that just blows me away. They can be so strong and fierce when it's needed. But then they can be so soft and understanding as well. They both have massive hearts and big dreams. But they can't get past their own wrong deeds or even each other's wrong doings enough to see each other clearly.

I spent the majority of the book just willing them together. Turning pages and biting my nails and hoping and hoping. Hoping right along with both of them for a better world. For the war to end. For life to stop ending. This has to be one of my favorite love stories. It has unreal depth and story encapsulated within it. It's about so much more than their love for each other, but for their own people, for a different life, for a happier ending.  And all the while death and destruction surround them and they are just trying to find their places and I'm waiting for them to find each other...again.

I cursed when this book was done because I was just not ready for it to be done. When the book has me so caught in it's grasp like that I am never ready to let it go. I'm gripping it just as hard as it's gripping me, and we're both saying "Don't let go! Don't stop!". Waiting for 2014 for the next book in the series is going to be so hard. I need to see this story continue! This is another one you gotta put on your to read list. And don't wait, don't push it on the back burner, you'll be sorry you did! There is no excuse for missing out on a story like this one. The originality will knock you off your feet, I promise you. Read it! Now! :)

Waiting on Wednesday (62)

Waiting on Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly awaiting.

Untold
The Lynburn Legacy #2

Author: Sarah Rees Brennan

Expected Publication Date: September 24, 2013

Fantasy

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Synopsis:

Currently there is no synopsis. However, the author has been releasing snippets. Here is a snippet of a snippet (found here): 

“My aunt Lillian made me an offer I had to refuse,” said Jared. He looked forbidding.

Kami knew that expression, and remembered the feeling that used to go with it: he was unhappy. “So you ran away from home,” she said. “To become a tavern wench.”

“I’m not a tavern wench,” said Jared. “That’s not a job.” His voice was slightly less stern than before, as if he was taken aback.

“It sounds like you’re a tavern wench,” Kami told him. “Fleeing persecution, you have to take up a menial occupation to keep body and soul together. But at least it’s honest work, though as you labor, many predatory customers make advances and offer indignities.”

“One can only hope,” Jared responded.

Encouraged, Kami reached out a hand: Jared flinched away. He always did that. Kami didn’t know why she kept forgetting. “Jared. You realize the Wrights only agreed because you’re a Lynburn and they’re frightened of you.”

I fell on this series quite unexpectedly a while ago and I just love it to death.  I will definitely be re-reading the first one before I read this - not because I don't remember it but because I loved it so much.  Can't wait!!

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What are you waiting on this week?

Teaser Tuesday (56)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by  MizB at Should Be Reading

To Participate you:

-Grab your current read

-Open to a random page

-Share two 'teaser' sentences from somewhere on that page

-BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS

This week's teaser comes from:

The Last Vampire

Author: Christopher Pike

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Teaser:

Truly, violence does beget violence, at least for a vampire - nothing quite satisfies as does the sight of blood, except for the taste of it.

My Thoughts: I am kind of a sucker for vampire books =P. Especially ones where the Vampires are actually powerful and kind of scary haha :). I think I will like this book from what I've read so far!

Review: My Ex From Hell by Tellulah Darling

My Ex From Hell
(The Blooming Goddess Trilogy #1)

Author: Tellulah Darling

Publication Date: April 1st 2013

Publisher: Te Da Media

Genre: Fantasy/Mythology

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Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Sophie Bloom wishes she’d been taught the following: a) Bad boy’s presence (TrOuBlE) + teen girl’s brain (DraMa) = TrAuMa (Highly unstable and very volatile.) b) The Genus Greekulum Godissimus is notable for three traits: 1) awesome abilities, 2) grudges, and 3) hook-ups, break-ups, and in-fighting that puts cable to shame.

Prior to the Halloween dance, Sophie figures her worst problems involve adolescent theatrics, bitchy yoga girls, and being on probation at her boarding school for mouthy behaviour. Then she meets bad boy Kai and gets the kiss that rocks her world.

Literally.

This breath stealing lip lock reawakens Sophie’s true identity: Persephone, Goddess of Spring. She’s key to saving humanity in the war between the Underworld and Olympus, target numero uno of Hades and Zeus, and totally screwed.

Plus there’s also the little issue that Sophie’s last memory as Persephone was just before someone tried to murder her.

Big picture: master her powers, get her memories back, defeat Persephone’s would be assassin, and save the world. Also, sneak into the Underworld to retrieve stolen property, battle the minions of Hades and Zeus, outwit psycho nymphs, slay a dragon, rescue a classmate, keep from getting her butt expelled from the one place designed to keep her safe …

… and stop kissing Kai, Prince of the Underworld.

My Thoughts: Alright, October needs to be here today. I need the next book. Tellulah, how could you leave us with an ending like that? I need to know what happens next!

Once again, Tellulah Darling writes an awesome and hilarious story. I absolutely loved Sophie/Persephone and her completely mouthy attitude. She wasn't at all afraid to say what she wanted. Honestly, why should she be? She's a goddess! But, she was like that before she found out who she really was. She was funny and pretty okay with finding out, even if she's still missing a lot of her memories and hasn't figured out the extent of her powers again.

So Sophie is a pretty good character, I love a snarky one. Then there is Kai, whom she can't stand but was her lover when she was Persephone. So she's definitely attracted to him, but he's a total player and drives her insane. They had a plan to end the war (which is hilarious when he tells her), but who knows if it will still happen since she is stuck in a human body and hates him half the time. He doesn't help matters by hitting on anyone with a pretty face.

Sophie has two awesome friends, Hannah and Theo. Both who keep her in line, most of the time. She has an enemy, Bethany, who she is plotting against when the book begins. All of the characters are awesome. Tellulah has a great way with character building.

Sophie has to step up and save humanity, even those she'd rather just kill. *I'm talking about you Bethany* BUT she is supposed to protect humans, so that will have to wait.

Overall, My Ex From Hell is an excellent read. It's hilarious, has action, drama, kissing and gods. Who doesn't like a book with mythological roots that is well written? I know I do. I really can't wait for the next book in the series and will be anticipating it's release. Tellulah Darling is one author that you must check out if you haven't already, she is not on my must read list! So if you're looking for something fun to read, check this one out!

Owl Post (44)

Owl Post is a weekly feature at Owl Read It where we let you know what new books we got in the past week as well as recap reviews posted during the week. It is inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox Theme.

Jenn's Haul:

Yay! I got some books this week!

Infatuate by Aimee Agresti

What We Become by Jesse Karp

In Search of Goliathus Hercules by Jennifer Angus

*Thank you Thomas Allen and Son!!*

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

The Prince by Kiera Cass
The Girl With The Iron Touch by Kady Cross
*Thank you HarlequinTeen & NetGalley!*
If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin
*Thank you Raincoast Books!*

Meghan's Haul:
I bought a few second hand books this week and borrowed one from the Library :)

Bought:

Thirst No.1 by Christopher Pike

Thirst No.2 by Christopher Pike

Thirst No.3 by Christopher Pike

Libray:

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Kristal's Haul:

I got three E-books this week.  The Archer's of Avalon Series!

    

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Reviews from this week:

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Hysteria by Megan Miranda
Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

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Don't forget to stop check out our Giveaways on the front page! We're currently giving away a Hardcover copy of City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare, as well as a signed Bookmark for Megan Miranda's new book Hysteria! :)

What new reads did you get this week?

Review: Perfect Chemistry

Perfect Chemistry
Perfect Chemistry #1

Author: Simone Elkeles

Publication Date: December 23, 2008

Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers

Genre: Contemporary

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Synopsis:

When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created 'perfect' life is about to unravel before her eyes. She's forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for: her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect.

Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

My Thoughts: I picked this book up because recently I had been seeing everywhere.  So, I just grabbed it one day when I was in the book store for a Christmas present and brought it him.  I am ashamed to admit that it said on my TBR shelf beside my bed for this long without being read.  I remember picking it up at one point and reading the first chapter then setting it back down.  I wasn't sure what I was going to think of the whole gang thing, but I was pleasantly surprised when I finally sat down to read the whole thing.

This was a kind of Romeo-Juliet-esque story.  Brittany was from the right side of the tracks, Alex was from the wrong side of the tracks.  Right from the beginning they hated each other and knew they would never work out together.  But when they finally begin to warm up to each other and let each other in, their families, friends and lives stand in the way.

I didn't like Brittany at first, much like Alex.  Even from her POV it seemed to me like she was a little too obsessed with perfection.  Everything she did had to be perfect from her hair, her clothes, her grades, reputation - even the boy she dated had to go along with the perfect image.  Despite her referencing her "deep dark secret" and her horrible family life, I thought she was just the next perfection driven cheer captain.  However, when we see exactly what is happening with Brittany at her home with her family I really came to sympathize and even like her a little.  There were moments where I just thought she was being over-dramatic or stupid, but other times when she handled crazy situations with a lot of grace.

Despite being a gang member, I really liked Alex from the get-go.  He was snark and funny - but he was also putting on an image of what people thought he should be to the world.  Deep down he was still funny and snark, but also caring, gentle and would do anything to protect his family and find out who murdered his father.  Alex was one of the sweetest guys I have read about in a while.  His character was so well developed he almost-literally came to life on the pages.

I really, really liked this book.  It would totally have gotten a five from me if it weren't for some strange moments with Brittany that I felt may have been a little out of character and it pulled me out of the novel a bit.  I loved the intensity of the emotions and situations.  If you haven't picked this book up yet, you definitely should!

Review& Giveaway: Hysteria by Megan Miranda

Hysteria

Author: Megan Miranda

Publication Date: February 14th, 2013

Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's

Genre: YA/Paranormal/Thriller

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Synopsis:

Mallory's life is falling apart. Her boyfriend was stabbed. He bled to death in her kitchen. Mallory was the one who stabbed him. But she can't remember what happened that night. She only remembers the fear... When Mallory's parents send her away to a boarding school, she thinks she can escape the gossip and the threats. But someone, or something, has followed her. There's the hand that touches her shoulder when she's drifting off to sleep. A voice whispering her name. And everyone knows what happened. So when a pupil is found dead, Mallory's name is on their lips. Her past can be forgotten but it's never gone. Can Mallory live with that?

My Thoughts: This book was so creepy and scary in all the most perfect ways. I was not expecting it to be so unsettling and eerie, but I was oh so pleasantly surprised.

Mallory has to be the unluckiest young woman on the face of the earth. She just seems to be in all the wrong places in all the wrong times. She keeps getting dealt the worst luck imaginable and she exists under a persistant rain cloud of darkness.

I read this book in under 24 hours, and it's not that long so I guess that' not too impressive. But I just could not put it down. I could not stop reading! Every page was so full of  anxiety and anticipation, like it was dripping off the pages themselves. I could never be sure what would happen next and if I thought I might know, I was never right. I spent the majority of the story thinking to myself; What? Why did that happen?! How did that Happen?! But then what happened next?! Why would they do that?! and all such phrases.

Watching the story unfold through pieces and events past and present was extraordinary. Megan Miranda wrote this masterpiece of a puzzle like thriller that even the main character couldn't piece together or predict any outcome on. Even though the whole thing is about her and her seriously unlucky life. The spooky factors and awesome scary touches just made this story all that much more amazing. It's been a little while since I read a book in less than a day. And  I love chancing upon the books that just suck you in like that. Like there is nothing more important than seeing what happens on that next page, or if the answers to your questions are in the next chapter.

This book is thriller-ific. You will open this book and you will find yourself incapable of putting it down , at least for any amount of time, before you're running back to it because you can't wait to find out  what Mallory's story really is, or what else could possibly go wrong for her, or what she will do to get out of this insane mess she's in. I don't think any  one has a story to tell like her own. Megan Miranda needs to be applauded for her well thought out, deliciously written story.

It felt like every single sentence mattered. Everything had a meaning, and everything you read later evolved into something else that left you shocked and most likely even more confused or intrigued. It was an  awesome fast paced read and a definite read for 2013.

GIVEAWAY TIME!!

I was lucky enough to win some signed swag by Megan Miranda for her release of her new book. And since I received 2 signed Hysteria bookmarks I want to share one with you guys! So enter the copter below for your chance at being the winner :D

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday (61)

Waiting on Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly awaiting.

Going Vintage

Author: Lindsey Leavitt

Expected Publication Date: March 26th, 2013

Contemporary

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Synopsis:

When Mallory’s boyfriend, Jeremy, cheats on her with an online girlfriend, Mallory decides the best way to de-Jeremy her life is to de-modernize things too. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in1962, Mallory swears off technology and returns to a simpler time (when boyfriends couldn’t cheat with computer avatars). The List: 1. Run for pep club secretary 2. Host a fancy dinner party/soiree 3. Sew a dress for Homecoming 4. Find a steady 5. Do something dangerous But simple proves to be crazy-complicated, and the details of the past begin to change Mallory’s present. Add in a too-busy grandmother, a sassy sister, and the cute pep-club presient–who just happens to be her ex’s cousin–and soon Mallory begins to wonder if going vintage is going too far.

Who doesn't love an awesome contemporary? And this one sounds great! I'd love to see how someone does giving up technology in a time where it's so much of our lives! Sounds like it's going to be a super cute read!

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What are you waiting on this week?

Teaser Tuesday (55)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by  MizB at Should Be Reading

To Participate you:

-Grab your current read

-Open to a random page

-Share two 'teaser' sentences from somewhere on that page

-BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS

This week's teaser comes from:

Under the Dome

Author: Stephen King

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Teaser:

When the dawn was still long hours away, bad thoughts took on flesh and began to walk. In the middle of the night thoughts became zombies.

My Thoughts: There is just no Author that compares to Stephen King, in my own humble opinion. I've spent the greater part of my life lost in his stories and he never fails to enrapture me completely. I cannot wait for this book to be made into a mini-series, it is going to be amazing!!