Sunday 15 July 2012

Keeping An Eye #4

Keeping An Eye is a feature on my blog where I would post about the new releases for the next two weeks which I would be looking forward to.

This week I have another a paranormal YA and a YA contemporary romance.
My two favourite genres ^^

Title: Something Strange And Deadly
Author: Susan Dennard
Series: Something Strange And Deadly #1
Genre: Paranormal YA
Release Date: 24th July 2012 (Hardcover)
Goodreads Description: The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper— The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother. Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.


Title: Pushing The Limits
Author: Katie McGarry
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Release Date: 31st July 2012 (Hardcover) / 3rd August 2012 (Paperback)
Goodreads Description: So wrong for each other...and yet so right.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.

But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

 Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.


I've heard of Something Strange And Deadly since a couple of months ago and it's really kinda stuck in my head. Historical stories are not my first choice though, as history just sounds boring to me. Reminds me of Anna Dressed in Blood, but I'm not sure if they're any alike since I've read neither.
Pushing The Limits is something that caught my attention because of the high ratings. Mainly. With over 50% rating 5 out of 5. Like, wow. It'll be a sin to miss this kind of book right? It's really intriguing, so I'm actually quite looking forward to getting my hands on it.
A more varied match this time round, which would be your pick?

Sunday 8 July 2012

Judge A Book By Its Cover #4

Judge A Book By Its Cover is a feature I would be posting every 8th and 22nd of each month about gorgeous covers I've seen and loved. Which would be every other week when I'm not posting Keeping An Eye, that is. So as to keep my blog alive in case I hadn't actually had time for reviews. I'm hoping it wouldn't come to that though!

For this week's Judge A Book By It's Cover, I'm treading on familiar ground and sharing the cover of the latest book of one of my favourite series: Soul Screamers.

Title: Before I Wake
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Soul Screamers #6
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Cover Design: Sadly, no idea

I've always thought the Soul Screamers' covers are attractive but this took the entire to a different stage.
It is really impressive to keep the covers of the series related yet not totally look-alikes like some of the books out there.
The latest three books of the series are my favourites so far, and I'm really looking forward to the last book, With All My Soul, which is set to be publish 1st April, 2013.
One thing deserving speculation though.
What colour would it be used for the last cover?
Red, Teal, Purple, Blue, Green and now Pink.
Yellow? xP


Rachel Vincent is one of my favourite author of all time and apart from the Soul Screamers series, she has written two other adult series which I adored as well.
Here's some other pretty covers of her work.


That's one from each series she'd written so far.
But really, Shifters is the best I've ever read.
Other than these, Rachel is working on a brand new YA project AND an adult project. Excitement to the max!

Saturday 7 July 2012

Review: Saving June

Nolite te bastardes carborundorum.

Don't let the bastards grind you down.
June said that.
But it didn't help her.

This is something I wrote after I read the book, though it'll give those who haven't read Saving June an idea about how Harper is like.
This is written from Harper's point of view.

I don't know what to do anymore. Nothing makes sense. My sister was the perfect golden girl. She was beautiful, smart and everyone loved her. Everyone. And now she's gone. All that's left of this family is a grief-stricken mother and the bad daughter. The one who never fails to disappoint everyone. That's me. Except until they stopped expecting anything of me when they realised I'm never gonna be like June. But now I'm supposed to step up into her place and live up to her name. I don't understand. How does her death change anything? About me, that is. Her death changed everything but it doesn't change who I am inside. Everyone is upset about her passing ant that includes me too. So why am I expected to be strong and there for my mother? I'm not really made of steel despite my rebellious actions. Not like anybody knows. Not like anybody cares. I've always acted like nothing ever gets to me because I don't give a fucking damn about the world. Yeah, right. Maybe that's because no one in the world bothers with me either. There's gotta be a mutual reaction, right? Newton's third law. See, I do study. I just flunk my exams because I want to. Even if I gave it my best I would still fall low of June. And they would never be satisfied. So why bother? Might as well do it the other way and see if anybody cares. Apparently not. In their eyes I'm just the loser, the failure in the family, the daughter who isn't good enough. Like, ever. And now, I'm the sister who lived. Great. I bet they wished I was the one who died instead. Maybe I do too. Then I wouldn't have to face this sucked up shit. After all it wasn't like I had a bright future ahead of me. I don't think I'll even be able to make it to state college. June had a full fucking scholarship. See that? The big difference between the two Scott sisters. But she had wanted to go to California. Even had a big fight with mum about it. That must the only time they ever fought. She wasn't one to go against her mother and my mother didn't exactly have the need to interfere with her choices before. She's smart. She even got the colleges she was aiming for lined up before senior year. She relented though. She's too soft. Unlike me. I would have insisted on going to overseas college just for the kick of pissing Mum off. Maybe that was why she did it. She was suffocating here. To live up to expectations, it must have been harder that I thought. Even I want to get away. Why not her? I'm really getting sick and tired with all this guessing. If she had planned this, wouldn't she have left a note or something? Not that it would help but, it's rude. And June is anything but rude. It is unlike her to act so irresponsibly. But then again, I wouldn't have thought she would be committing suicide either. She was so happy when she received the acceptance package from Berkeley. How I hope time would go back then. When everything was fine. I should have paid more attention to her since then. It was almost the last time I saw her smile. Genuinely smile. Why hadn't I spotted any clues? Anything that might have stopped this tragedy from happening. I loved her, really. I wished I had the chance to show her that. But I was too busy playing bad daughter. I have to do something for her. Make it right. Let her be at peace. I can't believe my parents actually agreed on splitting her ashes after the service. They are such dickheads. I'm not religious or anything, I'm not even sure I can see her ashes as herself. But it just feels so wrong. She needs to be where she wants to be. Where it would make her happy. That was why she killed herself, isn't it? Because she's not happy. I don't know what's the big deal about California, but it seemed like she really wanted to be there. How she quoted it as her home in that postcard. I'm sure that's she wants to be. I should take her there. I've never really done anything for her but this is it. I have to do this. My parents would flip if they knew about this but screw them. June deserves this. I know she would want me to do this. I need to get to California. ASAP. 

I'm glad the publisher didn't approve my request at Netgalley.
Only then would I have went to the library to borrow it.
This is one book I would like to have physically.
Partly because I tend to read slower for ebooks.
And because, like Jake said, I liked something to hold in my hands.
And really, this is one book I want to keep on my bookshelf.

I love Harper.
Really.
She's strong in a way even though she might not feel so.
Often mistaken, she didn't bother to do it right anymore.
It nearly made her lose herself, because no one seemed to care about what she's feeling.
But Laney, ever supportive friend is there.
She's the only person who tries to understand her though sometimes she really can't.
I'm still really glad she stuck by her though.
And Jake.
Oh Jake.
He may seem like a jerk sometimes but he really cared about June.
She changed his life, after all.

Saving June is about dealing with post-trauma.
Finding herself through the eyes of others.
Those who understand her, even more than she does herself.
In search for the sister she didn't know.
What made her come to this step.
While tiding through her own problems with new met friends.
The complicated guy.
And the music.
The best part is the music.
Because music can see you through anything.


Title: Saving June
Author: Hannah Harrington
Genre: Contemporary YA
Goodreads Description: Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.

When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going, California.

Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs.

Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again.
I want the faith that someday there will be some kind of an answer, something more than these endless questions taking up so much space in my head, this feeling that nothing matters and nothing has a point. It isn't fair. It isn't fair that I have no answers. It isn't fair that June isn't here to give them. Most of all it isn't fair that she did this to me, that she left me to deal with this mess on my own. That's how I feel: completely and utterly alone.Even with Laney here. Even with my mother. I'm still alone.

I feel shallow discussing about the cover over here but really, this wasn't the one I was hoping to get.
If I were gonna buy it, I would have made sure to get the one below.

Because I'm just a hardcore cover lover.
And really I fell in love with this one the moment I saw it months ago.
Set my eyes on this book because of this.
But of course, the cover's not really important with the content so moving and captivating.
I finished it in two sittings and I honestly just sat there and did nothing but read.
I couldn't get away.
There is just, something in this book that made me want to just flip the pages.
I'm not sad it ended though.
It had a great ending, coupled with the soundtrack I'm gonna be listening to for the next few weeks.
Who knows?
Maybe even months.

Want to know more about the author?
Good luck with that, because I can't seem to find a way to connect with her :/
But still, you can go become her fan on Goodreads and check out her second book, Speechless, which is set to release coming August 28.
There is, sadly, not much description on her new book either but you can always check the reviews coming from those who received the ARCs!

Friday 6 July 2012

Review: Marked

I'm planning on my next trip to the library to get Betrayed.

The House of Night series is so popular it had been bugging me that I haven't even read the first book yet.
Can't say I totally get what the craze is all about, yet.
But of course, it's only the first book and the fact that I wanted to read on makes it really promising, right? ;)

What really got me to read on is the concept of the vampires are treated and the process of turning into a vampire, I guess.
I wonder if there are certain requirements as to who trackers mark.
If they're just gonna die from the change soon, I mean, aren't they supposed to know who can make it before they Mark them?
Otherwise I don't know why the adult vamps even sense their coming at all.

Zoey Redbird led a normal teenager life with nothing much to worry about except for the geometry test coming up.
She had a cutie boyfriend who got wasted every moment he could, a loser stepdad and the mother she knew died three years ago when she remarried.
It was almost a relief she didn't have to face them anymore.
Except that she didn't really know what her future entails.
What does it mean to be kissed by the Goddess of Night?

It was quite surprising how fast she got herself together.
She's almost fearless even though she's only been at the House of Night for less than a month.
Of course, with the help of her friends she was able to adapt more easily, not to mention her mentor who happened to be the High Priestess of Nyx.

P.C. and Kristin Cast has created a world I am deeply interested in.
This series can go well with Zoey slowing discovering her abilities and her destiny.
Why is it that Zoey has been marked by Nyx as her eyes and ears in the world today?
How does her grandmother come into all this?
What is the secret behind the Change?
I am filled with questions and intend to unravel them with the sequels to come.
Please do not disappoint me!


Title: Marked
Author: P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
Series: House of Night
Genre: Paranormal YA
Goodreads Description: Enter the dark, magical world of the House of Night, a world very much like our own, except here vampyres have always existed.

One minute, sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird is a normal teenager dealing with everyday high school stress: her cute boyfriend Heath, the school’s star quarterback who suddenly seems more interested in partying than playing ball; her nosy frenemy Kayla, who’s way too concerned with how things are going with Heath; her uber-tough geometry test tomorrow. The next, she’s Marked as a fledgling vampyre, forcing her to leave her ordinary life behind and join the House of Night, a boarding school where she will train to become an adult vampyre. That is, if she makes it through the Change—and not all of those who are Marked do.

It sucks to begin a new life, especially away from her friends, and on top of that, Zoey is no average fledgling. She has been chosen as special by the vampyre Goddess, Nyx. Zoey discovers she has amazing powers, but along with her powers come bloodlust and an unfortunate ability to Imprint with Heath, who just doesn’t know how to take “no” for an answer. To add to her stress, she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers: when she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite group, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny—with a little help from her new vampyre friends.

darkness does not always equate to evil, just as light does not always bring good.

The House of Night series is currently set to have 12 books and 3 novellas so for those who have finished all the published books, you still have 3 books and 1 more novella to look forward to!
Speaking of which, the 10th book in the series, Hidden, would be released 16 October this year so watch out for it.
For more news on the series, visit the official website and the FB page.
To stalk the authors, go here, here and here.

While you guys do that, I'm off to the library!

Monday 2 July 2012

Review: The Loners

I never thought I would enjoy a story written mainly in a male's perspective this much.

It is high school drama.
Except you don't fight to get up the ranks, you kill to survive.
First day of school at McKinley turned out to be the start of a nightmare.
For the students, that is.
For the teachers it's easier, they just die.
And trust me when I say it's easier for them.

When the school exploded into chaos, fear masked the faces of every single member of the school.
Then came the news that their school has to be shut down because of virus-infected test captive run loose.
Within months, gangs started to form so as to secure enough supplies for the whole lot of them to survive.
The Jocks (Varsity), The Pretty Ones, The Sluts, The Nerds, The Geeks, even The Freaks.
But there were people who didn't fit anywhere.
The scraps.
Like David and his younger brother, Will.

David was like any other student trapped in the disaster.
He's got even more reason to be scared because he has offended the leader of the biggest and strongest gang and he's out to get him.
But he did not break.
One major reason is the group of people who were willing to stand by him at the time of crisis.
The people who look up to him as a leader, their leader.
He's no genius, but with so much responsibility on his shoulders, he had to make it.
He cares for his people even though they're mostly weirdos but really, they're almost family to him.

Will, on the other hand, was weak.
And foolish.
His big brother seems to always be the hero while he is only his sidekick, at max.
It doesn't help that this girl he has a major crush on is looking at David adoringly.
It is almost a pity how late he got to his senses.
Got smacked into it by reality.
Filled with crazy ideas he gave us plenty surprises harsh twists to the story.

It was really amazing seeing how the authors manipulated the people.
With survival instincts kicking into place when the first gleam of hope arrived: the supplies.
Living in groups for ensured protection and a sense of belonging.
Stepping out for what they believe in, or who, in this case.
Betrayal vs Loyalty.
They portrayed what was real in society.
Survival of the fittest and the cruelty to be shown where self well-being is at stake.
The moments of true friendship and faith in one person.

All in all, The Loners is something you don't want to miss.
I would say the description isn't doing this book justice as I almost would have dismissed it as a stupid teenage drama lacking of any substance.
It was nothing like that, quite the opposite.
It was filled with kinship, friendship, trust and faith.
At the same time, it showed the dark side of human nature that makes people shudder.
I've never been a big fan on dystopia but this novel really surprised me.
I hate myself for not being to put my overwhelmed feelings into better words but really, at least go read other people's raving reviews on Goodreads before you decide The Loners not worth a try.

Title: The Loners
Author: Lex Thomas
Series: Quarantine #1
Genre: YA Dystopian/Thriller
Goodreads Description: It was just another ordinary day at McKinley High—until a massive explosion devastated the school. When loner David Thorpe tried to help his English teacher to safety, the teacher convulsed and died right in front of him. And that was just the beginning.

A year later, McKinley has descended into chaos. All the students are infected with a virus that makes them deadly to adults. The school is under military quarantine. The teachers are gone. Violent gangs have formed based on high school social cliques. Without a gang, you’re as good as dead. And David has no gang. It’s just him and his little brother, Will, against the whole school.

In this frighteningly dark and captivating novel, Lex Thomas locks readers inside a school where kids don’t fight to be popular, they fight to stay alive.

David's one eye wandered up until it found Will. David smiled. Will couldn't believe it. It was a broad, genuine smile. His inflated face looks even uglier with the smile, but it was irrepressible. Even after such a terrible beating, David was still defiant. It filled Will with pride, and he smiled back. A calm came over him.

I'm really curious as to how it's gonna be played out in the next book.
Because honestly, I anticipated a happy ending a vaccine was miraculously created or something and everyone lives happily ever after.
But no, it was not quite what I expected and I'm dying to get a peek on what would be coming next.
Good news is that even before the release date, Quarantine: The Loners has already been optioned for a movie.
We're gonna see this on the big screen! :D
It's gonna be compared to The Hunger Games a lot, being both dystopians and trilogies as well.
I've not read Hunger Games so I'm not at any position to comment on that.
But do you think The Loners have the potential to surpass all the glory attained by The Hunger Games?

Find out more about the two authors, Lex and Thomas over at their page and follow them here and here.
Also, if you liked the story, show them some support and like the trilogy's FB page.
You can read the first chapter of The Loners over here.
Oh yeah, and did I mention there's a giveaway ongoing on the authors' blog? x)

Sunday 1 July 2012

Keeping An Eye #3

Keeping An Eye is a feature I would post on my blog every 1st and 15th of each month.
Hopefully I wouldn't miss any again :P
To recap, I would be showing readers the new releases of the month which I'm looking forward to.
Except that instead of one, I would now be posting two as a comparison.
Okay, mostly it's just because I can't decided between the two but shh let's not say it out xP
For this week's Keeping An Eye, I have two books to be published in the first half of the month of July 2012.

Title: Team Human
Author: Justine Larbalestier & Sarah Rees Brennan
Genre: Paranormal YA
Release Date: 1st July 2012 (paperback) / 3rd July 2012 (Hardcover)
Goodreads Description: Just because Mel lives in New Whitby, a city founded by vampires, doesn't mean she knows any of the blood-drinking undead personally. They stay in their part of town; she says in hers. Until the day a vampire shows up at her high school. Worse yet, her best friend, Cathy, seems to be falling in love with him. It's up to Mel to save Cathy from a mistake she might regret for all eternity.

On top of trying to help Cathy (whether she wants it or not), Mel is investigating a mysterious disappearance for another friend and discovering the attractions of a certain vampire wannabe. Combine all this with a cranky vampire cop, a number of unlikely romantic entanglements, and the occasional zombie, and soon Mel is hip-deep in an adventure that is equal parts hilarious and touching.


Title: Dark Companion
Author: Marta Acosta
Genre: Paranormal YA
Release Date: 3rd July 2012 (Hardcover)
Goodreads Description: Orphaned at the age of six, Jane Williams has grown up in a series of foster homes, learning to survive in the shadows of life. Through hard work and determination, she manages to win a scholarship to the exclusive Birch Grove Academy. There, for the first time, Jane finds herself accepted by a group of friends. She even starts tutoring the headmistress’s gorgeous son, Lucien. Things seem too good to be true.
They are.

The more she learns about Birch Grove’s recent past, the more Jane comes to suspect that there is something sinister going on. Why did the wife of a popular teacher kill herself? What happened to the former scholarship student, whose place Jane took? Why does Lucien’s brother, Jack, seem to dislike her so much?

As Jane begins to piece together the answers to the puzzle, she must find out why she was brought to Birch Grove—and what she would risk to stay there…


A story between humans and vampires may be getting cliched and I'm really hopping to see how the two authors are going to play it so it doesn't end up like another screwed version of Twilight. That said, the plot looks appealing enough as is the title.
Dark Companion. The cover alone would win hands-down. Plus the mysterious factors into the story, it seemed hard not to get attracted and pick up the book. The more I read the blurb, the more I'm leaning towards this story than the other one.
Both are young adult books with aspects of paranormalcy, with equally rather high ratings attained on Goodreads.
What would be your pick?

Friday 29 June 2012

I've Migrated!

Again. :P

I'm pretty sure this'll be the last change in url though.
It kinda defeats the purpose for people to read my reviews frequently if I kept moving sites right?

Previously I'd merged my personal blog and book blog together so as to motivate myself to blog more.
It worked for a while.
But it seemed kinda pointless so I decided to keep it apart again.

I'm keeping my previous reviews though.
The only one from Midnight Medley and the few I've written in the past few months.

The blog is obviously still incomplete.
Trying to pretty it up as I go along, add more stuff.
Gonna work harder on this.
Wish me good luck! ^^

Thursday 28 June 2012

Review: Dead Is a Battlefield

To admit, I was rather hesitant to pick up this book when I found out it's a spin-off from the actual series.
But afterall, it's same old Nightshade.

Or more specifically, Nightshade High.
With Daisy Giordano graduated and off to college, here comes freshman Jessica Walsh who takes over solving mysteries in the town full of secrets.
A Virago, not the character I would have chosen as a protagonist.
But Marlene Perez delivered well.
This first book starring Jessica reveals a few facts of being a Virago and of course, the main highlight of the story: zombies.

It was a fairly fast read, with just enough drama to fill up a story and expect more to come in the promising sequels.
With five books ahead, I'm thinking there would be at least four more upcoming in the series.
Afterall, Daisy had started from junior year and Jessica here is only joining us as a freshman ;)
Psst, Marlene Perez leaked that she's thinking of writing until Jessica's high school graduation, so there's definitely more to look out for! :D

The Dead Is series have always been easy on the mind although there're always doubts which don't clear up nearly till the end.
For those who had read the previous books, you would know there was a clue-spewing jukebox in Slim's Diner, helping Daisy along with her deductions.
I liked how it works similarly now with Dominic's predictions.
Keeping the reader in suspense is an important move to drive 'em  from reading onward non-stop.
In this case, it worked and I just had to finish the book in one setting.

This is the song Dominic sang the night he first met Jessica x)






Title: Dead Is a Battlefield
Author: Marlene Perez
Series: Dead Is... #6
Genre: Paranormal YA
Goodreads Description: Jessica Walsh is starting her freshman year at Nightshade High and trying to forget about the tragic events surrounding her brother’s graduation. She wants to have a normal high school experience. But that’s easier said than done in Nightshade.
When a new boy shows up at school, the girls are infected with a case of seriously creepy crushes. But when their obsession turns to violence, Jessica and her friends start to wonder if there’s more going on than just a little friendly rivalry. Are the smitten girls turning into love zombies?
And Jessica has other worries—like her crush on Dominic Gray, the cute but moody new singer for Side Effects May Vary, and the mysterious tattoo that appeared on her arm one day and lets her know whenever there is trouble brewing. Jessica learns she's a Virago, a woman warrior chosen to fight evil whenever it threatens her hometown. But does a lowly freshman really have what it takes to keep Nightshade safe?

"Is he your boyfriend?" Katie was my favourite little sister or I would have killed her. Instead, I blushed.
"No," I said, so forcefully that Dominic faked a stab to the heart.

The first book to the Dead Is series is Dead Is the New Black published 2008 and the next book to the series would be Dead Is a Killer Tune, expected publication September 4th, 2012.
So, look out for it!
The Dead Is boxed set is also set to be in stock coming November, inclusive of five books up till Daisy's graduation.
You can find out more about the author, Marlene Perez here, here and over here.
And of course, don't forget to like the FB page, Welcome to Nightshade.

Monday 21 May 2012

Review: Intangible

I would think this is more suited for younger YA but for the older ones like me, it was nevertheless an enjoyable read.

Built in a world where paranormal creatures exist but are not known to the humans, Intangible circles around the twins Sera and Luke.
The two live in oblivion to the beings that only lived in fairy tales despite their own gifts of which they used indiscriminately to help others in need.
Until Luke Saw a vision he never wanted to happen.
He felt helpless but was never truly so, as there were protectors around them all the time who didn't speak the whole truth to them until the last minute.
But does he really wield the power to change the future?

Luke and Sera are really close.
I wouldn't know but I'm guessing their gifts make them even closer than normal twins, it was as if they could read each other's minds.
They shy away from the crowd at school and kept only a close knit of friends of which they felt 'comfortable' with.
It was not until the end of the story that they realised what it really was that pulled them together.
And then here came Marc.
The mysterious guy who didn't seem to be affected by Sera's appeal.
At least, not in the way she thought.
I had hoped sincerely that he wouldn't be such a jerk because damn, they were so in love.
But he didn't deserve her.
It would be interesting to see how all their relationships unfold eventually, if they can really end up with who they should be with.
They say love transcends all boundaries, right?
It kept me missing it when I was away from the computer (sucker here has no e-reader, sadly) and all I wanted to keep scrolling and scrolling until I reached the credits.
Not quite as intense as the famous paranormal romance stories but with enough action to fill the book.

What I didn't quite like was how some scenes seemed to be repeating itself.
"Hey." "Hey yourself."
I just didn't quite see the point of repeating that.
And during some grim situations as well :/
Other than that, Meyers appears to have dropped way too much 'hints' that the story doesn't end there.
It's almost screaming "there will be a sequel and this and this will happen!".
Subtlety, my dear.
I just feel that maybe some of the characters didn't need to show up in this first book.
Or maybe they're just anxious to meet the crowd x)
That being said, I am looking forward to the next book in the series!


Title: Intangible
Author: J. Meyers
Series: Intangible #1
Genre: Paranormal YA
Goodreads Description: Twins Sera and Luke Raine have a well-kept secret—she heals with a touch of her hand, he sees the future. All their lives they’ve helped those in need on the sly. They’ve always thought of their abilities as being a gift.

Then Luke has a vision that Sera is killed. That gift they’ve always cherished begins to feel an awful lot like a curse. Because the thing about Luke’s ability? He’s always right. And he can’t do anything about it.




“Sera.” Jonas laughed again. “I lost my mortality, not my sense of humor. Why would you think we don’t laugh?”

There's a prequel to Intangible available for free here, and my review of that can be found here.
Go visit J. Meyer's page here, and stalk her here, here and here to get latest news of her next books! ^^

Tuesday 15 May 2012

Keeping An Eye #2

Yay, I almost forgot about this one too.
Meaning, I actually didn't :D
Yeah, that was the whole point x)

Running on a tight deadline, I was glad I'd actually picked this time's KAE book together with the last one.
Because I saw it on May's new release, and it took me in.
Yes, Darkness Before Dawn has that in it.

Title: Darkness Before Dawn
Author: J. A. London
Series: Darkness Before Dawn #1
Genre: Paranormal YA
Release Date: 29th May 2012
Goodreads Description: This electrifying new trilogy blends the best of paranormal and dystopian storytelling in a world where the war is over. And the vampires won.

Humans huddle in their walled cities, supplying blood in exchange for safety. But not even that is guaranteed. Dawn has lost her entire family and now reluctantly serves as the delegate to Lord Valentine, the most powerful vampire for miles. It isn’t until she meets Victor, Valentine’s son, that she realizes not all vampires are monsters....

 Darkness Before Dawn is a fresh new story with captivating characters, unexpected plot twists, a fascinating setting, and a compelling voice. Written under the name J. A. London by a talented mother-son team, the trilogy is perfect for fans of True Blood and the House of Night and Morganville Vampires series.


I admit, I had thought of changing it during the past two weeks.
But it is not because of the time issue or that there wasn't barely enough new books to choose from.
I just didn't see anything that caught my eye as well as this did.
Granted, I confirmed this as my second KAE post the moment I saw Morganville Vampires fans would like it.
Hehe.
And it also appears that fans of the Twilight series and Vampire Academy series (mememe!!!) would enjoy it too.
Just hope it wouldn't be disappointing when I actually get my hands on it.
Because my expectations are this high.

Not sure about the dystopian factor though.
I've never been a great fan of the dystopian books, like say Matched by Ally Condie (I liked it, but didn't think it was as good as many made it out to be) and how I haven't started on The Hunger Games yet.
But entwined with the vampire streak, I just might like this one ;)

Sunday 13 May 2012

Judge A Book By Its Cover #3

Only the third post, and I almost forgot about it already :X
I tried skimming goodreads recommendations to find a pretty but I just couldn't decide which one it should be.
Of course, I was confronted with many lovely covers but nothing jumped out to me like "this should totally be in my next JABBIC post!".
I ended up going back to my to-read list (because I tend to mark books as to-read based on their covers too frequently) and found this.

Title: Hourglass
Author: Myra McEntire
Series: Hourglass #1
Publisher: Egmont USA (yes, it's from the same publisher who published One Moment from my last JABBIC post!)
Cover Design: One of the editors at Egmont (I wonder who's so talented~)

This is actually 17th on my to-read list, one of the first few I've added after I joined Goodreads.
Because, the cover.
It's just so captivating and, refreshing.
A pity I hadn't had the chance to read it yet.
Which is why my to-read list had grown to a huge list of 200+.
Oops? x)



Just a few days ago I'd saw the second book available on Netgalley.
Couldn't say how tempted I was to go ahead and request it.
What held me back was the fact that I would obviously be rejected with my irregular posting of reviews.
I guess I would have to wait that few weeks to read Timepiece after I finally get my hands on Hourglass anyway ;)
And I love that cover as well, glad to see it follow through from the first book.

Below are some other books which, as according to Goodreads, the readers enjoyed as well as Hourglass.
Of course, I took those which covers attracted me still, not surprised to see the first two already in my to-read list.
And I'm so adding the third.
Since I already have 203, why not? :P

Tuesday 8 May 2012

Review: Bloodlines

I feel like killing myself for not having read this much sooner.

Those days when I feel like I was suffocating from the lack of action from Rose Hathaway and Dimitri Belikov, one of my favourite fiction couple ever.
It can really do that to you, y'know.
Vampire Academy.
After the series ended off with a happy ending.
There seemed to be this, hollow feeling to me.
Like, "Damn, I'm gonna miss those Moroi and Dhampirs."
And this comes the part where I tell you how much I love Richelle Mead.
Because she knows how much the fans loved VA and came up with this spin-off series (which also includes 6 books *squeals*).
In addition to her awesomeness on that, she was spot-on to have Sydney star the new series.
I must admit, I was doubtful about that part when I first heard about it while reading VA.
It didn't occur to me the possible development there were for the Alchemists, who despised the vampire race in general, even the dhampirs.
Although I was totally for Adrian being the male lead for a change.
He deserved that after what happened in VA ;)

Set in the same world as with VA, Bloodlines follows the life of Sydney Sage, an 18-year-old alchemist, after The Last Sacrifice.
Having helped dhampir Rose Hathaway and others to escape a wronged judgement, Sydney has lost the trust of the majority of the Alchemists as they deemed her as a vamp lover.
Now she has to work hard to earn back their trust and protect her younger sister from having to lead a life like her own.
But it is hard to answer to the strict teachings of the Alchemists that all vampires all evil as she enter the lives of the Moroi princess, Jill Mastrano and "flippant, vampire party boy", Adrian Ivashkov.
From her initial reluctance to share a room with a vampire, the princess and her entourage grew on Sydney as she eventually bred a strong connection with them.
She got put in a worse position when she realised she feels a tingle when the party boy looks at her, and it isn't because of the Spirit magic he wields.

No doubt this book is a little less action-packed as compared to the books from VA, but it did not make it any less fun.
Richelle Mead did a great job of leaving vague hints here and there about shocking truths which were eventually disclosed.
It is not hard to follow Sydney's thoughts as she unravel each mystery, coming closer to the big question at the very end.
Besides the characters who were on the sidelines in VA, Bloodlines introduced a couple others with promising stories of their own I assume would surface in the upcoming books.
Like Trey, who I sensed a crush coming on Sydney despite his initial hostile attitude towards the smart girl.
Or maybe I'm just being wishful because I kinda liked Trey xP
There is also another thread leading to another group of people unknown to Sydney and possibly the vampire race too.
One that might set the races off balance as they dabble with the unnatural.
It is similar to VA not only in the sense that they are in the same world, but also they both started in a high school setting, where lots of drama unfolds.

In all, Bloodlines is something a VA fan must read.
Not that I would limit it to only those who liked VA, but it is highly recommended you finish the VA series before starting this one, so it would make more sense.


Title: Bloodlines
Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Bloodlines #1
Genre: Paranormal YA
Goodreads Description: When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

"My God, Sage. Your eyes. How have I never noticed them? The colour," he breathed. "When you stand in the light. They're amazing... like molten gold. I could paint those..." He reached toward me but then pulled back. "They beautiful. You're beautiful."

If you haven't read Vampire Academy yet, (oh my god, what were you doing??) there's a free sampler available here.
It contains the first five chapters of the first book of the Vampire Academy series, how generous is that x)
And if you have of course finished VA and am super interested in Bloodlines after my review, you can view the first chapter here.

Show the author some love by visiting her page and following her here, here and here.
The second book to the Bloodlines series, The Golden Lily, will be release on June 12th.
Can't wait for the release?
Join the giveaway here for an ARC of The Golden Lily.
It's international, ahh!
*excitedly runs around in circles*

Monday 7 May 2012

Review: Green-Eyed Demon

Unbelievably awesome.
Got me hooked, if I wasn't already.

Sometimes when I follow a series, I read on out of obligation.
Because I wanted to see how the series flows through and where the characters get to eventually.
Out of plain curiosity.
After I've read Red-Headed Stepchild, I was in doubt.
It had seemed to be a rather good read but the story line  was on shaky ground.
With The Mage In Black, it was the same.
Or maybe I was just disappointed I didn't actually get to see the mage himself in much action xP
Nevertheless, I continued on with the third book, hoping it would get much better.
I wasn't let down.

Green-Eyed Demon is definitely the best so far down the series.
Sabina Kane, wielding powerful Chthonic magic and strong combat skills from years of assassin training, has  finally come to face the one she never thought she'd ever fight back to just months ago.
The very one who brought her up as an assassin, a disgrace, and fed her with dark thoughts to resent the mage race.
In order to accomplish this very last mission she assumed she'd have as an assassin, she has the other two partners-in-'crime', forming the almost-informidable Team Awesome.
Adam Lazarus, the hot mage in black who taught her about love, and Gighul aka Mr Giggles, the demon minion who taught her about friendship.
This unlikely trio, with the help of the Hekate Council and various individuals of the dark races, fought deadly opponents and unexpected betrayal only to discover their biggest enemy has yet to show up.
Though, that's probably for the best, since once show up, they are nothing against him.
For he is invincible and whoever strike against him will be rewarded seven-fold.
Oops too much information ;)

Many characters have been introduced in this book.
Interesting characters with difficult pasts, who became a part of their entourage after clearing up misunderstandings and doubts.
Which happened a lot when it comes to Sabina.
With her wit that not everyone appreciates and nihilistic attitude, it's hard not to make some foes along the way.
But you'll eventually grow on her.
Because she's equally capable of love as with anyone.
Even though she might not have realised it yet.
She puts real feelings into each connection.
Unlike the person who was incapable of empathy she thought herself to be.

The story led up well with enough ass-kicking and humour in the right places.
And of course, it's good to see Sabina finally give in to the attraction between herself and Adam.
Much thanks to Gighul.
And this is not the only entertainment the mischief demon managed for us readers.
I believe many fans of the series love Gighul as much as I do.
Who knew you can create such a hilarious and lovable demon? x)

I was not very satisfied with the ending though.
How the 'heroine' saved the day.
It just, didn't make sense.
I almost snorted and shouted bullshit.
That's how bad it was.
But still, we had to have our happy ending right?
And that part didn't nearly defeat the greatness of the whole book so I shall choose to neglect the inferiority.
I would really like to see more explanation about that part in the next book though.

Silver-Tongued Devil, please be good.

Title: Green-Eyed Demon
Author: Jaye Wells
Series: Sabina Kane #3
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Goodreads Description: Things to do: 1. Rescue sister; 2. Murder grandmother; 3. Don't upset the voodoo priestess.

The clock is ticking for Sabina Kane. Her sister has been kidnapped by her grandmother, the Dark Races are on the brink of war, and a mysterious order is manipulating everyone behind the scenes.

Working on information provided by an unlikely ally, Sabina and her trusty sidekicks--a sexy mage named Adam Lazarus and Giguhl, a Mischief demon--head to New Orleans to begin the hunt for her sister. Once there, they must contend with belligerent werewolves, magic-wielding vampires and--perhaps most frightening of all--humans.

But as much as Sabina is focused on surviving the present, the past won't be ignored. Before she can save those she cares about most, she must save herself from the ghosts of her past.

"The thought of you facing all that by yourself - the idea of you dying alone - made me more terrified than I'd ever been in my life."

The last book in the series, Blue-Blooded Vamp, is set to release on 1st June this year.
Keep an eye for it!
And have you realised the titles of the first three books in the series depict Sabina, Adam and Gighul respectively?
I'll have to see who's the supposed devil and vamp in the coming books :D

Visit the author's page and follow her here and here for more news on Sabina Kane and upcoming releases.

Sunday 6 May 2012

Judge A Book By Its Cover #2

It's Sunday again!~
Here's my second post of Judge A Book By Its Cover, and it's featuring the book which I'd saw on Netgalley few days back.
Yeah, the one which I just had to get it even though I was feeling guilty about not reviewing books fast enough already.
Ready to see what book got such appeal over me? ;)

Title: One Moment
Author: Kristina McBride
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Cover Design: Can't find any information on the web! :(

It took me a second glance to decide I really wanted this actually.
People who know me would know there's basically three main reasons why I pick up a book.
1. The blurb sucked me into their world.
2. It's part of a series I'm interested to follow.
3. The cover attracts me.







This would be the third case because when I first saw this book and read the blurb, I didn't really think I would request it as, it just didn't seem like my kind of book.
In the end, the cover still won me over.
I would say great job, whoever was the cover artist ;)


Since we're onto books I've found on Netgalley, why not show some other pretties I found there as well? :D



Now I feel like requesting more books, haiz.

Tuesday 1 May 2012

To Reflect

A post by Misa from The Magic Attic enlightened me about a recent drama happening in the book blogging world.
Apparently a book blog which has accumulated a significant number of followers engaged in a form of plagiarism yet was seemingly unwilling to acknowledge her faults.
I mean, come on.
Beautifully Invisible is right when she pointed out that the first 'apology' post The Story Siren made was directed not towards them, the victims of the plagiarism affair, thus making her sound unremorseful about the whole event.
From what I see, she was merely afraid of losing the respect she had gained over the year of the bloggers, as well as sponsorship of free books and ARCs from authors and publishers.
There, she earned points for bowing herself down to the BB community, saying how sorry she didn't set a good example as a leader.
But the thing she needed to do was to address the victims.
So she made a second post to "clarify".
I may be biased, having came to this matter from a negative POV towards The Story Siren, I admit.
But I simply don't eat what she said.
This coming from someone who posted about, who posted against plagiarism two years ago.
I know many bloggers have expressed their thoughts on this matter and compared the two posts made two years apart but I really can't help but want to highlight this ridiculous behaviour once again.

From her post on plagiarism made 16/04/2010:
Plagiarism isn’t just copying and pasting word for word and passing it off as your own. It can be taking someones work and changing around the sentence structure, getting out your thesaurus and changing a few words here and there... basically taking the central idea tweaking it and passing it off as your own work.

And now, from her clarification post made 24/04/2012:
I thought only content could be plagiarized. Changing a few a words around with a thesaurus, or simple copying and pasting content. It seems as though taking a general topic and rewriting it is plagiarism. That is simply my own ignorance on the matter, and I should have known better.
Seems like someone slapped herself in the face big time.
What a joke.

Many bloggers showed their concern for this topic on their own blog, some with really great arguments I must say, but since I've got the links from Misa's post anyway, I shall not link 'em from here.
What you should really do, is show some support for the two blogs who have been plagiarized from.
They made up some really good posts about combating plagiarism as well, totally worth a read.
Although, I must say they're two strong females, being able to come up with long posts with concrete proofs and arguments, leaving The Story Siren almost helpless in defending herself.
Definitely not someone to be rifled with.
I can only hope this drama would die down without further implications.


Another thing I want to link to from all these was actually an email, which I have no idea why it's being linked to this event, written by Kristi from The Story Siren to an 11-year-old blogger.
From the email, I gathered that this kid pushed her way into the blogosphere, shamelessly requesting books from authors and publishers repeatedly, causing some people to bring this matter to Kristi to be settled.
Which kind of reminds me of myself.
Of course, I didn't dare send multiple emails to authors and publishers for review copies.
But I guess I should somehow feel ashamed entering the various giveaways and not reviewing the books I've received from the generous bloggers.
Although 90% of them did not actually ask for reviews in return.
However I believe it's a courtesy, especially if the book came from the author himself/herself, to do so.
And also, there's the 10%.
Not to mention the authors who thought highly enough of me to have sent their books for me to review, or accepted my request to review their books.
And while I'm still writing out this post, I'd actually went to Netgalley to browse through the selection of ebooks available for request.
When I was auto-approved, I can only say Oops I did it again :/
Can't believe I just added on to the countless number of books I've to read and review.
I'm working on prioritizing them though.
Of course those with requests would go first.
Just hope my guilt would be enough to make me focus on these and finish them up real soon.
I can only put my library-borrowed Bloodlines aside for the moment.

Keeping An Eye #1

This would be something like the meme Wishlist Wednesday on many book blogs.
Except I'm obviously too lazy to keep it up every week.
So instead I'm aiming for a fortnight post.
Let's hope I can keep it up :D

The very first book I'm featuring for Keeping An Eye would be Hemlock, to be released May 8th 2012.
At least in the US, that is.
I have no idea how long it would take, if ever, to reach Singapore.

Title: Hemlock
Author: Kathleen Peacock
Series: Hemlock #1
Genre: Fantasy YA
Goodreads Description: Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.
Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf.
Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.
Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.
Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding urban fantasy series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.


Need I say more?
The description to this first book of a fantasy series is gripping enough, with lots of unanswered questions waiting for the readers to discover.
It doesn't sounds like the good-old girl-meets-boy and boy turns girl's world upside down with his dazzling smile and deadly intent.
I'm usually more Team Vampire rather than Team Werewolves but this blurb really got to me.
Will definitely be keeping an eye on this one ;)

Just one thing, though.
Really curious why the paperback version is called Deadly Hemlock instead of just Hemlock.
And erm, the paperback cover sucks.
Oops.
Hope I can get the hardcover one when it's available!

Sunday 29 April 2012

Judge A Book By Its Cover #1

Judge A Book By Its Cover is a weekly feature I plan on posting every Sunday so as to show my love towards pretty covers and give some credit to the awesome cover artist, or publishers if I can't find specific information.
Don't count on me to post on new books every week though, because 1. we don't have weekly new books with lovely covers and 2. I'm too lazy to search for new books every week x)

So, to kick off this exciting new feature, I went to my goodreads to-read list and selected this one title which cover I instantly fell in love with.

Title: Born At Midnight
Author: C.C. Hunter
Series: Shadow Falls #1
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Cover Design: Angela Goddard (love her YA designs!)

And yes, part of why it was on my must-read picks was because Midnight was in the title.
Aww.
Not to mention the purple and pink colour scheme and oh, the cover's just so perfect, right?








The other books in the series obviously followed the same design which is plain gorgeous.
And did I mention how the keywords in the title was the same as I what I used to use for my blog urls?
Midnight, Dawn, and I was so tempted with Dusk when Cheryl suggested it, once again.
But nah, no fun following the series :P

Friday 27 April 2012

Giveaway: The Hunted

@ The Magic Attic

I've actually came across this post last week and was thinking damn, I must have this.
And a week crawled by and it slipped my mind to blog about it.
Oops.

Anyway, I'd wanted to wait until I've posted about it because yes, it earns extra credit and also, I really wanted to share about this book.
Granted, this was the first time I've heard about this book but it doesn't sound like just any vampire fiction.
Well, okay, maybe it does, with it's old ordinary-girl-meets-handsome-guy routine but there's just something I couldn't quite place that appeals to me.
Plus, it has achieved rather high ratings on Goodreads.
Definitely a series I can't miss.
Hop over?

Goodreads Description:
Elena Manory is by no means an ordinary teenage girl. Being born with the ability to heal herself from any injury, and with the knowledge that on her eighteenth birthday she will become a Vampire, Elena is aware that she is more than a little different from other girls her age. It isn’t until she meets William Granville, an alluring and impossibly handsome vampire, that she begins to question her destiny and what secrets the Institute of Magical Intervention and her adopted family have withheld—secrets that could change the fates of not only her own life, but of the lives of all the immortals. As events spiral out of control, William may be the only person Elena can place her trust in. He, and Elena’s magical family, must fight to save her, joining forces to defeat a common, deadly foe. For William, it is his chance to save the girl that he has searched eternity to find.

Wednesday 25 April 2012

Review: Intuition

Title: Intuition
Author: J. Meyers
Genre: YA paranormal
Goodreads Description: Luke and his twin sister Sera have unusual abilities. Hers is a gift—she can heal with a touch of her hand. His is a curse—he can see the future but he can’t do anything about it.

On a hike up the mountain, Luke has a vision unlike any other—one that leaves him terrified. Knowing that it will come true—and that he must do everything in his power to stop it—leaves his own future uncertain.




I never was a big fan of short stories but I thought I might try my luck with this one.

This is actually a prequel leading up to the main story, Intangible.
It didn't rock me or anything, but it did give me a sneak peek as to what to expect between the twins, Luke and Sera.
It was really more of an introduction than anything else.
Letting you into the little secret that have been kept closely between the twins, in fear of facing isolation and being treated like freaks.
But it fulfilled its purpose.
It kept me wanting for more.
Although it was not quite enough to make me beg for it.. yet.

The first chapter of Intangible looks promising as it dove into the vision Luke Saw, which set the plot for the story.
And it ended well in an cliff-hanger, leaving readers intrigued.
Of course, the best part was that the prequel Intuition + the first chapter of Intangible is available free at Smashwords (for anyone who can access the Internet), Amazon (for Kindle users) and Barnes and Noble (for Nook users).

Not enough to turn you on?
Just look at the covers!
Jeez I'm such a sucker for pretty covers.
And Intangible is something I would rate 4 stars out of 5, based on the cover solely.
I'm hoping to raise that up even higher when I get to read it ^^
Looking at the overwhelming positive ratings and responses on Goodreads, I'm sure I won't be disappointed.

"Shall she be the first to die, Seer?"

Goodreads Description:
Twins Sera and Luke Raine have a well-kept secret—she heals with a touch of her hand, he sees the future. All their lives they’ve helped those in need on the sly. They’ve always thought of their abilities as being a gift.

Then Luke has a vision that Sera is killed. That gift they’ve always cherished begins to feel an awful lot like a curse. Because the thing about Luke’s ability? He’s always right. And he can’t do anything about it.


Find out more about the author J. Meyer over here and follow her here, here and here to receive more updates.
If I'm not wrong, she's currently working on the next book in the series.
How exciting! ;)

Monday 23 April 2012

Review: Anna and the French Kiss

Yum.

St. Clair is funny, smart, a nice guy.
Nope, definitely more than a nice guy.
A natural charmer, and his charisma goes deeper than his mere appearance.

Anna is beautiful.
She has to be, St. Clair had said it to her more than one time.
A lover, in the City of Lights she searches for her true soul mate.

Anna and the French Kiss got me falling in love with France.
The city, the language, the people.
The culture.
I would say Stephanie Perkins have sketched a beautiful image of France, for someone who hasn't visited France before.
Although I may not be one to say, since I haven't had a chance yet either.
But I would swear there in my lifetime I must go there at least once, if not for a wild (and hopefully romantic?) getaway, for the places.

I love how the setting is in France, but both protagonists are actually Americans.
With one British cute guy.
And it's not just American chicks who can't resist a British accent y'know ;)
St. Clair is just, so easy to love.
Although it is rather infuriating when he kept sending mixed signals to Anna.
There were a lot of ups and downs in the book, and in their relationship.
But the events flowed well and the year was gone before anyone realised it.

In all, Anna and the French Kiss kept me breathing along with Anna, feeling like a love-struck teenager with St. Clair's every touch (although, technically, she is one), crying each time he came so close only to run away from her.
A sweet novel starring a cute couple.
It's hard not fall in love with this one.


Title: Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Genre: Contemporary YA
Goodreads Description: Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home. As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

For the two of us, home isn't a place. It's a person. And we're finally home.

After you finished the book, you might wanna visit the author's page.
(I really liked reading through the FAQ page~)
Or maybe show her some support by following her here, here and here.
I did all 3! Wee~ ^^

Can't wait to get my hands on Lola and the Boy Next Door, and I'm already totally looking forward to the release of Isla and the Happily Ever After.
Especially since the latter seems to be the follow-up story of a supporting male character in Anna, despite Stephanie Perkins' sealed mouth about the content.
So, I guessed it.
But according to her, it's a good guess.
Well, let's see come Fall then ;)

Saturday 21 April 2012

Morganville Madness

Welcome to Morganville.
You'll never want to leave.
And even if you do ... well, you can't.
Sorry about that.

I really love Morganville Vampires' introduction x)

So anyway, I have talked about this series countless times.
How it rose to be one of my favourites quickly when I first read Glass Houses a few years back.
And then I came to be waiting for the next title in the series, never wanting it to stop.
Like many other residents.
But we never did had to wait too long.
Because Rachel Caine's a renowned fast writer and her work are never less than perfect.
Yeap, Black Dawn, the 12th book in the series is soon to be released~
Well, at least in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
It'll take some time to come here to Singapore but no doubt it would arrive.
And before the highly anticipated book is released, I've learnt from Literal Addiction that there would be a 12 Days of Morganville Madness blog hop going on from April 20 to May 1, just in time for Black Dawn's release on 2nd May.

Hop over to Literal Addiction to learn about the schedule of events, and then to Page Turners Blog for the first stop in the blog hop.
Enjoy the reviews, interviews and giveaways! ^^


Tuesday 13 March 2012

Cover Reveal: Pretty Amy

Jeez I might be one of the latest to post this but hey. this cover is so worth waiting for, right? ;)
Yeap, in my very first feature of Cover Lover, I reveal the pretty cover of Pretty Amy by debut author Lisa Burstein!


Blurb:
Amy is fine living in the shadows of beautiful Lila and uber-cool Cassie, because at least she's somewhat beautiful and uber-cool by association. But when their dates stand them up for prom, and the girls take matters into their own hands, earning them a night in jail outfitted in satin, stilettos, and Spanx, Amy discovers even a prom spent in handcuffs might be better than the humiliating "rehabilitation techniques" now filling up her summer. Worse, with Lila and Cassie parentally banned, Amy feels like she has nothing; like she is nothing.


Navigating unlikely alliances with her new coworker, two very different boys, and possibly even her parents, Amy struggles to decide if it's worth being a best friend when it makes you a public enemy. Bringing readers along on an often hilarious and heartwarming journey, Amy finds that maybe getting a life only happens once you think your life is over.

Simple, yet pretty.
I'ld say the artist had a job well done~
This is definitely a book I'll pick up if I saw it on the shelves, with such attractive cover and blurb.
Who else can't wait for it's release? x)

If you're as impatient as me, you can actually get a sneak peek of the book just by going here.
Not enough?
Lisa's giving away 3 copies of Pretty Amy on Goodreads to US residents!
(Damn, I should get an address there...)
And please don't forget to add Pretty Amy to your to-read list while you're there ^^
Pre-order here and here!

And before you leave, catch this: Lisa's hosting a Worst Prom Photo contest in then weeks leading up to Pretty Amy's release on MAY 15!
Get ready and dig out those photos you wish you never took!
For more details, watch Lisa's site and also remember to participate in Project Pretty Amy after you get your hands on the goodie ^^

Stalk the author on Twitter and Facebook!