Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Teaser Tusdays: Clockwork Angel

* Sorry there's no picture this week. My computer is being moody :(

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


Right now I’m reading Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. (I'm loving it so far!)

Here's my teaser:

" I adore Wilkie Collins," Tessa cried. "Oh - Armadale! And The Woman in White...Are you laughing at me?"

"Not at you," said Will, grinning, "more because of you. I've never seen anyone set so excited over books before. You'd think they were diamonds."

"Well, they are, aren't they? Isn't there anything you love like that? And don't say 'spats' or 'lawn tennis' or something silly."

"Good Lord," he said with mock horror, "it's like she knows me already."


Well that's waaaaay more then three sentences. Oh well, I loving Will so far. Probably because he reminds me so much of Jace. (I LOVE Jace)

--Danielle

Monday, August 30, 2010

Journey To The Past :

Journey To The Past: (and to the future) When most people go to the bookstore or library they look at the new releases, but what about all those other books? They deserve some love too. So once a week I write about a slightly older book.




UGLIES (Trilogy) By: Scott Westerfeld
Published in 2005
Summary: Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license—for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally will be there.

But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. She'd rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world—and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.

Thoughts: I’m sure most of you have heard of this series, but just incase you have yet to read it I have made it my JTTP post for this week. I haven’t done one in awhile and honestly it’s because I forgot. I’m so sorry about that, but here I am and I’m going to talk about this amazing book.

Actually Mockingjay is what made me remember Uglies. They’ve always seems very similar to me. Out of the two I prefer Uglies. I think The Hunger Games were a bit too violent for me. Both series follow a teenage girl as she plays a part in a revolution (of sorts). This is actually where most of the similarities end, well except for the love triangle.

There are three books in this series Uglies, Pretties, and Specials. In the beginning all Tally wants is to be pretty but she gets tangled in a big mess. I bought Uglies at a book fair in school, but I didn’t read it until a year after. It takes awhile to get into the book. The beginning is very confusing and a bit slow but once the adventure starts you won’t be able to stop reading. I remember rushing out to Target to get Pretties, and grabbing Specials in the airport the second I finished Pretties. Then spending my whole vacation reading.

I loved the plot, and the world Scott Westerfeld created. It was so different and new. My favorite part was the romance, but there’s not too much of it through out the books. (Team David!) If for some reason you have not read this trilogy, you really should especially if you’re a fan of the Hunger Games.

--Danielle
P.S. For Uglies fans did you know that it's being made into a movie??? You can go here for the lastest info on the progress. They haven't even started casting yet so there won't be any news anytime soon.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

In My Mailbox (16) and 100th post

Today is Sunday which means it's also IMM day. Now whats special about this IMM? Well it's my 100th post! YAY! I'm so excited! I'm not sure why,I actually thought I would get to 100 posts a lot sooner. I've been blogging for almost five months.

Anyway this is what I got this week...

For review

I actually forgot this was coming, but it was great to find it waiting on my doorstep when I got home.

I had won


I borrowed (from my grandma).


So thats all I got this week. This is actually a really boring 100th post but there's nothing I can do about that. Plus I'm actually going to be at a bookstore later today. I almost waited to post this so I could add on anything I got, but I just decided to use them for next week.

--Danielle



Saturday, August 28, 2010

Mockingjay (review)

Mockingjay

By Suzanne Collins
(Received from publisher)
Amazon
Summary: Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.


It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans -- except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay -- no matter what the personal cost.


Review: I finished Mockingjay yesterday and I’m still not completely sure what to think. Everyone has such mixed feelings about the final installment, but I can say that I really, really enjoyed it. I actually think it’s my favorite book in the trilogy.

I’ve read about so many people thinking that the characters are out-of-character. I don’t even think that’s possible. Suzanne Collins created them, and it’s not some fanfiction. I also don’t feel that Katniss was too weak. After everything she’s been through I feel she has a right to complain, or just not want to have all the pressure. In the beginning of Hunger Games she was just a girl who kept to herself and took care of her family. I think we all forget that she’s only seventeen years old.

The only parts that I didn’t like were the ending and Peeta. The ending felt rushed and a few things could have been explained more. I did enjoy the epilogue. Why didn’t I like Peeta? Well, I just wish there was more of him. Peeta was my favorite character and the romance was my favorite part (in The Hunger Games and Catching Fire). So I wish there was more of it.

The plot is nothing like I predicted. It was very violent, and frightening. Once you got a hang of the book some parts were a bit predictable, yet some plot twists sent me for a lope. I found my self crying hysterically at times. Mockingjay was not what I expected.

It’s really hard for me to write a spoiler free review. There are so many scenes I want to talk about. So I’m going to stop here and tell you to go read the Hunger Games if you haven’t. They entrance you and will have you addicted until the very end. Then afterwards it’s all you’ll think about for days, maybe even weeks. This isn’t a story that’s easy to forget.


--Danielle

Friday, August 27, 2010

Tweet Heart (Review)

I’ve been busy with band camp and finding time to read Mockingjay. So here’s a really fast review on Tweet Heart. I’ll be posting my review of Mockingjay tomorrow, but if you want to talk about it with me now contact me! I NEED to talk about this book, I still have some missed feeling about scenes and characters. So tweet me on twitter (@withabook) or just email me at withabook@gmail.com.


Tweet Heart
By: Elizabeth Rudnick
Received from the publisher
Summary: Claire is a #hopelessromantic. Lottie is determined to set up her BFF with Mr. Perfect. Will wants his #secretcrush to finally notice him. Bennett is a man with a plan.


Claire can’t believe it when her dream guy starts following her on Twitter. She never thought he noticed her, and suddenly he seems to understand her better than almost anyone.

But the Twitterverse can be a confusing place, especially when friends act differently online than they do in person. Things get even more complicated when Claire realizes she’s falling for someone else, the last person she ever would have expected….

Review: When I first saw Tweet Heart automatically I thought back to TTYL books by Lauren Miracle. When they came out IM-ing was the big thing. So it’s not that big of a surprise for a book in Tweets, emails and Blog posts. I have my own Twitter that I become slightly more obsessed with everyday, so I was excited to read Tweet Heart.

The tweets between the different characters were very easy to understand. I loved how they had a profile picture (well most of them anyway). It’s nice to put a face to the character when their not described in the book. It made me feel like I knew them a bit more.

The plot of Tweet Heart is fun, light, and predictable yet I still flipped through the pages just like I would in an intense paranormal story. I loved each character, but Claire did get a bit on my nerves with her obsession with JD (her dream guy). She thinks she’s in love but knows nothing about him.

If you haven’t read Tweet Heart you should. It would be a great book to read now, as summer ends. Take it with you to your last trip to the beach or just sit on your deck reading before the weather gets to cold. The lighthearted plot is a great way to end summer.

--Danielle

P.S. If you’re an Iron Fey fan, like me, go check out THIS excerpt of the Iron Queen. It’s so funny. Plus it has Ash in it, and if you’re not a fan of Ash I’m going to have to ask you to slowly back away and leave. Nah I’m just kidding… or am I?

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Teaser Tuesday and Blog Award

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:


•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


Right now I’m reading Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins.

P.S. I took this from the first chapter (page 13) because I want this to be as spoiler free as possible. Also I just love this cat.

I spin on my heel at the sound of a hiss. In the kitchen doorway, back arched, ears flattened, stands the ugliets tomcat in the world. "Buttercup," I say. Thousands of poeple are dead, but he has survived and even looks well fed.


So if you're a fan or the Hunger Games, have you gotten your hands on Mockingjay yet? I just started to read my copy.





BLOG AWARD



I just received the 'One Lovely Blog Award' from Maddie at http://maddieeemsblog.blogspot.com/
This is the first award that I received that isn't the Versatile Blogger Award. So Thank-you!

Here are the rules:
1.Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2.Pay it forward to fifteen other blogs you have newly discovered.

3.Contact those blog owners and let them know they've been chosen.

Okay, so I'm not going to pick fifteen other blogs that I newly discovered, because I've been so busy that I haven't been able to visit to new blogs lately. BUT I am going to direct you over to my profile page thing. Just click "view my complete profile' under my About Me on the top left corner of the page to get there.
Then you'll be able to see all the blogs that I follow (which is an insane number). I hope you go through them and find some great new blogs you didn't know about.

--Danielle

Monday, August 23, 2010

Vampire Diares and this is a *Mockingjay Spoiler Free Blog*

Okay so I have a confession, I only read the first half of the first book. I never actually read this series but I’m addicted to the show anyway. This season looks amazing, and I can’t wait for it to start! Even though I’m NEVER home on Thursday nights. I have band, and then when band ends I have Fencing. So I always watch it on Friday or Saturday.


I’m getting off topic . . . I’m writing this post because I was going to write a review for Tweet Heart but then I saw a spoiler for Mockingjay on twitter. I’m not going to say anything about what I saw because I don’t want to ruin the book for anyone. I was so upset when I read it, not for the content but because I didn’t want to read a spoiler! I wanted to read the book front to back like it’s suppose to be read. WITHOUT knowing what is going to happen.

So I was no longer in a writing mood. (Again don’t take this into effect of what the spoiler might be, I was just upset that I read a spoiler). Then I heard about the Vampire Diaries Season 2 preview and it definitely cheered me up. If you want to see it, just look about an inch downwards.





Isn’t AMAZING! I love that Katherine’s is back. It’s going to make everything so interesting but confusing. Do any of you watch this show? Are you as excited as I am???

*PS I promise I'll post the Tweet Heart review tomorrow (or sometime this week)


--Danielle

Sunday, August 22, 2010

In My Mailbox (15)

I was out at the horse racetrack all day, so I'm sorry this is so late. I actually almost didn't post an IMM this week because I only got one book.


I've been meaning to read this for awhile, so I'm glad I pick it up from the library this week.

I also have a question for everyone. What do you think of the Sony E-readers? I've been thinking about getting one (for Christmas) and I would ask for the Kindle but you can't borrow e-books from my library with that one. I heard the Nook is really slow and Sony has a touch so I think that's going to be the one I ask for. What do you think?

I also want to be able to use Net Galley on it, can you do that with the Sony or Nook?  If you have an e-reader please tell me what you think!

*wow I just realized how much I rambled and how badly I wrote those paragraphs. I would fix it but I'm way to tired and I have band in them morning.

--Danielle




Friday, August 20, 2010

Zombiekins - Review - By My Little Sister

I received this book from Razorbill a few months ago. I didn't know it was coming, I actually would have told them not to send it if they had asked. Well when it came I gave it to my little sister Kathleen to read. Then she asked me if she could write a review on it, and I agreed. I think its great that she really likes to read, and I love that she wanted to write a review.
Just keep in mind that this review is by my nine year old sister.

Zombiekins
By: Kevin Bolger
amazon
My Copy: from publisher
Summary:Fourth-grader Stanley Nudelman is about as wimpy as they come—he's cowardly, shy, and spends most of his time hiding from the school bully, Knuckles Bruzkowski! Then Stanley stumbles upon the yard sale of his neighbor, Old Lady Imavitch, where he buys a mysterious stuffed animal. But this isn't any old toy . . . it's Zombiekins! He's a little bit teddy, a little bit bunny, and a whole lotta ZOMBIE! And he's coming this way!


Stump!—scri-i-i-i-itch . . .
Stump!—scri-i-i-i-itch . . .


Stanley brings Zombiekins to school and unleashes the worst zombie plague in fourth grade history! Can Stanley find the courage to save the day before his teachers notice the class is full of zombies? Or will he soon join the ranks of the snuggily UNDEAD?

Review:: Dear readers, if you heard about the book Zombiekins by Kevin Bolger, it is a great book. It was very surprising. This book was very easy to understand. The story was about a kid named Stanley who gets a toy named Zombiekins! The toy is very strange. He doesn't scare me but he might scare you. The pictures in the book are very cool. The cover is perfect for the story too. So if your looking for a book to read you should get Zoombiekins.
(Review by Kathleen)
 
 
Leave a comment for my sister!
 

--Danielle

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Book Trailers

Hey everyone!
I'm not a big fan of book trailers, but I just come across a few that I just adore! I thought I would share them with you.







This one is a TV spot and I actually just read the youtube comments about it and most people HATED it. Well I love it. I thought it was amazing that it was showed on TV. .You don't find that to often with books.

What do you think of Book Trailers in general and these trailers above?

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:


•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Right now I’m reading Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen (Well the seven chapter sneak peek that I won)

She wanted to see the world, and even as she promised to be John's forever, she was already in her head planning how to steel away to grab her case-already packed with the few things she would be talking to the Fields'-and slip out the back window onto the alley, and make her way to the station for the 6:52 train that went all night to New York City, where she had been born.

"I do," she said, closing her eyes so John wouldn't see the dishonnesty in them, and hoping he'd forgive her some day.

From page 9
--Danielle

Monday, August 16, 2010

Infinite Days (Review)

This review should have posted around the day Infinite Days was released but Blogger's schedule post thing didn't work and I just noticed. So sorry it's a bit late.

Infinite Days
By: Rebecca Maizel
My Copy: ARC from publisher
Amazon
Summary: Lenah Beaudonte is, in many ways, your average teen: the new girl at Wickham Boarding School, she struggles to fit in enough to survive and stand out enough to catch the eye of the golden-boy lacrosse captain. But Lenah also just happens to be a recovering five-hundred-year-old vampire queen. After centuries of terrorizing Europe, Lenah is able to realize the dream all vampires have -- to be human again. After performing a dangerous ritual to restore her humanity, Lenah entered a century-long hibernation, leaving behind the wicked coven she ruled over and the eternal love who has helped grant her deep-seated wish.

Until, that is, Lenah draws her first natural breath in centuries at Wickham and rediscovers a human life that bears little resemblance to the one she had known. As if suddenly becoming a teenager weren’t stressful enough, each passing hour brings Lenah closer to the moment when her abandoned coven will open the crypt where she should be sleeping and find her gone. As her borrowed days slip by, Lenah resolves to live her newfound life as fully as she can. But, to do so, she must answer ominous questions: Can an ex-vampire survive in an alien time and place? What can Lenah do to protect her new friends from the bloodthirsty menace about to descend upon them? And how is she ever going to pass her biology midterm? (Good Reads Summary)

Review: When I received an ARC of Infinite Days I was beyond excited.  I had heard great things about Rebecca Maizel’s book and couldn't wait to get my hands on it. This new vampire novel definitely didn’t disappoint.

Vampires are the ‘hot thing’ in YA fiction right now (and TV/Movies). If you step into a bookstore you are almost guarantied to find them. Some are so unique that you don’t want to even categorize it with the other blood sucking novels and some just feel like they’re trying to hard to ‘fit in’. Infinite Days, without a doubt, belongs with the first group.

Rebecca Maizel took a completely different approach in her YA vampire novel. I’ve can honestly say I’ve never read a book about the main character turning into a human after being a vampire for centuries. It was nice and refreshing. Lenah herself was such a great main character to read about since she had lived for so long she was tough and smart. It was also very amusing to read about Lenah adjusting to the new century's technology, clothes, and slang.

There was only one problem I had with Infinite Days and that was the romance between Lenah and Justin. It just didn’t feel like that heart stopping connection was there. I also didn’t care much for Justin himself, I’m not sure if it’s because he dropped his girlfriend extremely fast or because I just like Rhode (The vampire that turned her) too much. I don’t know if you can find anyone better then him. Rhode loved Lenah so much that he DIED to give her what she wanted.

So whether you’re sick of vampires or not, you should go read Infinite Days. You won’t regret it. The action and romance will keep you hooked. Then the cliff hanger ending will leave you needing (not just wanting) the sequel.

--Danielle

Sunday, August 15, 2010

IMM and Pictures

I'm back! I went to the mountains and survived with out getting eaten by a bear (and trust me, there are LOTS of them up there). Anyway since I didn't get to go to the library or buy any books I don't have much for my IMM. Just a book that I won on Twitter from Harper Teen. Actually it's not a book its just seven chapters of Bright Young Things.



I'm reading it now and so far its amazing! I'll do a review on these few chapters later this week.

How was my vacation? Well I fell in to the river a few times, saw some glowing caterpillars, and watch an AMAZING meteor shower.

Here are some pictures (not of the meteors, I couldn't get any pictures or videos of them)




It's really pretty! The pictures don't really show you how amazing it is. You can click on them to see the full size.
I also want to let you know that I wll be at band camp from Monday - Friday this week and next week. It's 8-4 so don't expect any posts till after four.

--Danielle

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting On Wednesday that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating was created by Jill over at Breaking The Spine


Cloaked
by Alex Flinn
Release Date: 02/08/11

Johnny works after school in a shoe repair shop in a swanky hotel in Miami. He loves shoes and is talented; he even aspires to be the next Manolo Blahnik. But the real reason that he is working so hard is because his dad left when he was a baby and he needs to help his mom pay the bills. At least he has his friend, Meg, who works at the hotel coffee shop, to keep him company.


When beautiful Princess Victoriana comes to stay at the hotel, Johnny is thrilled when Victoriana invites him to her suite. There she tells him that her brother has been turned into a frog, and that she needs his help finding him in the Florida Keys. Johnny thinks she is crazy and does not believe her,


until she gives him a magical cloak that immediately transports him to another location. Armed with the cloak and a magical earpiece that can help him talk to other transformed humans Johnny sets out to save the Prince ...
I'm a huge fan of Beastly, as many of you know. (I'm so upset that they moved the movie back AGAIN) I also just picked up A Kiss In Time. I've always had a soft spot for fairytales.
And look at the BEAUTIFUL cover!
--Danielle
(I was able to post this before I left)

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
Right now I’m reading Tweet Heart by Elizabeth Rudnick

So here’s my teaser:

CairRBear And who came up with trigonometry? Were they related to the devil? I think perhaps so.

KingofSlack Parents on case about talking collage apps. I'm on case about making perfect playlist.

WiseOneWP They might have a point. RT @KingofSlack Parents on case about talking collage apps.

KingofSlack Didn't realize I had my own guidance counselor. RT @WiseOneWP They might have a point

ClaireRBear @KingofSlack He DOES have a point, my friend.

KingofSlack would very much like his friends to leave him alone to work on his playlist. Ignoring tweets.
From page 36
This is really hard to take a teaser from! I hope this makes sense, I tried my best to write out acouple tweets from the book.

--Danielle
There won't be another post until late Saturday or Sunday. I'm being exiled to a place with no Internet, Cell Phone service, or book stores. Well it's not that bad but there won't be any reviews and such since I'm not good at working with the scheduled posts.

Well I hope I don't get attacked by a bear (because I really would like to read the 2011 books, they look amazing!)

Monday, August 9, 2010

In My Mailbox (13) Vlog (2)

Grrr to you blogger. Why can't you work right??? So my IMM never posted, and for some reason isn't on Youtube anymore. So I made another one and here it is. Sorry for the wait.

I didn't feel like dealing with Youtube again so I just uploaded it through blogger. I hope it works.

-Danielle

Raised By Wolves (review)

I just realized that my posts aren't posting. Thanks Blogger. So I hoping this one works. If not I'm not sure what I'll do .... It worked!!!


Raised By Wolves

By Jennifer Lynn Barnes
My Copy: from the library
Summary: Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?

Review: I’ve never really liked werewolf novels, actually at the moment I can’t even think of one that stands out to me. Well that changed after I started Raised By Wolves. I just couldn’t put this one down.

I liked every character in the whole book, even the villains. Am I crazy? Liking the villain? Well I didn’t like the villain as a person (he was EVIL) but I liked to read about him. I have a problem with some villains in YA novels. I feel that you have to have a good villain to have a good plot and story.

Also with liking the villain I loved the main character. Bryn is a strong and independent personality. She just wants to be her own person, and not let the werewolves run her life, and invade her mind. Bryn and a few other characters had a great sarcasm that made me laugh even in the middle of the most intense moments. It reminded me a bit of The Mortal Instruments series.

The romance between Chase and Bryn was compelling yet strange. I’m not sure how to explain it. I do think they fit well together, I just wished we knew a bit more about Chase. Since there was other things going on their romance took the backseat.

I would recomend this book to everyone, whether your a werewolf fan or not. Once you start you won't be able to put this book down.

--Danielle
P.S. I can’t wait for the sequel!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Winter Longing ARC Winner!

The winner of the Winter Longing ARC is

 Beverly S @ The Wormhole

Congrats! I'll be sending an email to you in a few minutes to get an address to mail it to!
The email you gave in the form for the contest didn't work, so pleases email me at withabook@gmail.com before Monday night, or I'll have to pick a new winner.
If you didn't win this one, don't forget to enter my 100 followers giveaway. I might be thinking about adding some swag to it. :)


--Danielle
* I used google Docs and Random Number Generator to pick the winner.

Friday, August 6, 2010

She’s So Dead To Us (Review)

She’s so Dead to Us
By: Kieran Scott
My copy: from library
Summary: Perfect, picturesque Orchard Hill. It was the last thing Ally Ryan saw in the rear-view mirror as her mother drove them out of town and away from the shame of the scandal her father caused when his hedge fund went south and practically bankrupted all their friends -- friends that liked having trust funds and new cars, and that didn't like constant reminders that they had been swindled. So it was adios, Orchard Hill. Thanks for nothing.


Now, two years later, Ally's mother has landed a job back at the site of their downfall. So instead of Ally's new low-key, happy life, it'll be back into the snake pit with the likes of Shannen Moore and Hammond Ross.


But then there's Jake Graydon. Handsome, wealthy, bored Jake Graydon. He moved to town after Ally left and knows nothing of her scandal, but does know that he likes her. And she likes him. So off into the sunset they can go, right? Too bad Jake's friends have a problem with his new crush since it would make Ally happy. And if anyone deserves to be unhappy, it's Ally Ryan.


Ally was hoping to have left all the drama in the past, but some things just can't be forgotten. Isn't there more to life than money?

Review: I think I should start by saying I’ve read every book by Kieran Scott, under all her different pen names (Emma Harrison, Kate Brian). The Private series is my addiction; The Tourist Trap is my favorite romance book. Also I until about a month ago I thought all theses different pennames were different authors. So to learn that three of my favorite authors were actually one person? That doesn’t happen everyday.

I actually really like the main characters, Ally and Jake. They stayed true to their personalities. Even though Ally’s old friends don’t accept her when she comes back, she still misses them. Which makes it very realistic, I’ve read a few books where the main characters just turn on their friends no questions asked. I’m sure after years of friendships, you couldn’t forget about someone in a day. It was also nice that Ally and Jake didn’t jump right into a relationship.

Jake’s point of view was also so much fun to read. It felt like I was actually in a seventeen year-old boys' head. He felt a pull to Ally, but he wanted to do what his friends wanted.

She’s So Dead To Us kept me reading for hours. I couldn’t put it down. It was fast paced, fun, and different. While I love the cover, it’s a bit misleading. It has a light fluffy feel to it, and this wasn’t just a light fluffy book. Any of Kieran Scott, Kate Brian, or Elizabeth Harrison’s books are a MUST read.

--Danielle

Blog Hop

The blog hop is hosted at http://www.crazy-for-books.com/ and you can go there for more information.


Blog Hop Question: This week's question comes from Chelle from The Prairie Library!

Do you listen to music when you read? If so, what are your favorite reading tunes?

Only when I have to. I like to read when it's completely quiet, it's easier to get sucked into the book. I have a very different music taste, I don't stay with one genre. I love anything from the top 100 (minus rap, YUCK) to country. One of my favorite songs is half in Spanish (Hoy Me Voy by Colbie Caliet and Juanes, and I'm not any where close to being fluent in Spanish (but I wish I  was)  



Welcome Blog Hoppers! Make sure you leave a comment so I can 'hop' over to your blog! Also while you're here make sure you check out my ARC giveaway of Winter Longing and Immortal Beloved.


Do you like music? Do you want to read some amazing music reviews? Well go check out this blog: http://www.throughtheradio.blogspot.com/ . There isn't anything like the bloghop for music reviews so I thought I would just mention it here. Now only is Marissa (the blogger) a music fanatic, she also loves to read! So go over and give her some love!

--Danielle

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Steel by Carrie Vaughn
Summary: When Jill, a competitive high school fencer, goes with her family on vacation to the Bahamas, she is magically transported to an early eighteenth century pirate ship in the middle of the ocean.

This is my first WOW, not really sure what to put here but I'm really looking forward to this book.
Why? Well the cover is GORGEOUS! Also, it's about a fencer and I can never find books about fencers, let alone one that's a girl. Also it has Pirates. I LOVE pirates!

Sadly this book doesn't come out until March 15th 2011. That's so far away! So now I wait.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:


•Grab your current read
•Open to a random page
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
•Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Right now I’m reading Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Barnes
So here’s my teaser:

"I don't like the idea of you on a motorcycle, Bryn. You could get hurt."
I didn't dignify that particular concern with a response.
"I'm asking you not to do such a thing again, Bryn," Callum said, choosing his words carefully, making it clear that this was not an order but a request. ...
"Bryn?"
"Your request has been noted," I said

From page 8

I'm REALLY bad at only choosing TWO sentences. Can you tell? But there's no spoilers in there. :)

What’s your teaser?
--Danielle

Inside Out (Review)

Inside Out
By Maria V. Snyder
Amazon
My copy: bought
Summary: I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution.

Review: Where do authors come up with these ideas? They’re imaginations are amazing! This is the second time Maria V. Snyder has blown me away with her books. Her Poison Study series was the first, and when I saw this book in Borders I had to pick it up.

Since the summary doesn’t really tell you to much about the book, I’m going to try and explain it without giving to much away. Trella is a scrub. She likes to keep to herself, and is the ‘Queen of the Pipes’. She knows every inch of the pipes that she has to clean, even the sections that she shouldn’t be in. Then when a Prophet tries to get her help to find the ‘gateway’. Trella gets sucked deep trying to find something that she doesn’t believe in.

On her journey she also meets Riley. I LOVED him! Riley is an Upper and Trella stumbles upon his secret hide out, while she’s in the pipes. It was slightly odd that Riley is my middle name but once I got used to it, I fell for him.

If you liked Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, or any of Maria’s other books, you will fall hard for Inside Out. I’ve already read it two times because the first time I read it so fast (IT WAS SO GOOD) that I had to read it over again to make sure I didn’t miss anything. So go pick this one up ASAP.



--Danielle

Monday, August 2, 2010

Top 10 Movies

This is a random post and has nothing to do with books. So if you don’t want to read it, you don’t have to. BUT this post is about movies, and I think movies and books have very similar qualities. They both tell a story, and both can make you cry, laugh or even scared.

So why am I writing about movies? Well I got an e-mail from a friend, it was one of those FWD messages that you put an answer then send it to ten more people. Well, they wanted to know what my favorite movie is and I just couldn’t answer. Which is why I’m going to write about them here instead.

What makes a movie my favorite? It’s one I can watch over and over again. So here are 10 movies that I love. Some are movies that I loved when I was younger and still love to watch and some are newer movies that I recently fell in love with.

1. Phantom of the Opera.
I love the music, and the story.



2. Pride and Prejudice.
I just love this story, and I watch this movie all the time.



3. Quest for Camelot.
I love the king Aurthur legends. I couldn't find a trailer, so here's a song from the movie.



4. The Prince and Me.
I watch this whenever I'm sick, It's just so cute and romantic. (I don't like the sequels though)



5. How to Train Your Dragon.
I've only seen this movie once, but I can't wait for it to come out on DVD. It was AMAZING.I went with my mom and little sister thinking it would just be a little kid movie. Well it was WAY better then I expected.



6. Anastasia.
 I love the story of Anastasia, I love the romance, and I love the songs. I just LOVE it.
*Sorry about the comments on the top and bottom of the video, it's the only trailer I could find on youtube.



7. Pirates of the Caribbean.
 Pirates, sword fights, and romance. What else could you need?



8. Penelope. One word. Romance.



9. A Walk To Remember. I don't think I need to explain this one.



10. While You Were Sleeping. I like this one because it's so different.



So whats your favorite movies?

Sunday, August 1, 2010

In My Mailbox (12)

So I only got a few books from the library this week.

Hush, Hush which I've already read but I wanted to reread it.

I LOVE this cover!


Raised by Wolves. I'm really looking forward to reading this one, it looks amazing!

I also borrowed Before I Fall from my cousin. She said it was really good, and I've heard nothing but great things about it. So I can't wait to read it.



That's all I got this week! What did you get?

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