READING : Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky

Awaken by Katie Kacninsky

Publication date: May 23rd, 2011

Published by: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Source: Net Galley

Genre: YA Dystopian
Rating: 4,5/5
Eligible for Debut Author Challenge 2011

Maddie lives in a world where everything is done on the computer. Whether it’s to go to school or on a date, people don’t venture out of their home. There’s really no need. For the most part, Maddie’s okay with the solitary, digital life—until she meets Justin. Justin likes being with people. He enjoys the physical closeness of face-to-face interactions. People aren’t meant to be alone, he tells her.

Suddenly, Maddie feels something awakening inside her—a feeling that maybe there is a different, better way to live. But with society and her parents telling her otherwise, Maddie is going to have to learn to stand up for herself if she wants to change the path her life is taking.

In this not-so-brave new world, two young people struggle to carve out their own space.

Awaken is an amazing dystopian YA novel which will make you think a lot about the way you live your life and how it can very easily lead to deprivation and isolation.

Kacvinsky's writing drew me in right from the start, from the prologue,which I have to say it is one of the best book-openings I have ever read!Not that the rest of the book is any different.Kacvinsky describes a world where everything is determined by technology, from food and clothes right to education, personal relationships and even nature.Because of several outbreaks in schools in 2040, in 2060 there is a new educational system called Digital School.DS has brought killings, teenage pregnancies to a minimum because all students are safely tucked away in their homes studying and attending classes through a computer screen.So forget classmates, dances and any action that leads to socializing of any kind.Maddie, daughter of DS's inventor,along with Justin, the love interest, are trying to fight the system from the inside hoping against all hope that they can lift people's blindfolds and that they will start enjoying life once again.
Kacvinsky's writing is fantastic!The world she's created is not very different from ours which is unbelievably scary!To think that we could easily turn into these zombie-like people, going through our whole life having experienced nothing that makes this short life worth living, is devastating.A walk on the beach, a movie, a dinner, a kiss.There is a scene in the book where Justin invites Maddie out for coffee.She just stands there, stunned at the notion saying "Why?I can make coffee at my house". I am terribly embarrassed to admit that I have said this phrase on numerous occasions and reading it on a book hit me pretty hard.That's my life from now on?Wake up, sit in front of a computer, eat, sit in front of the computer, sleep?And I can't even begin to grasp the innumerable technological advances that will take place in the years to come, which will eventually prevent me doing even that!
As for the characters, I liked them all.Maddie and Justin are the protagonists and the obvious couple.Maddie-the hesitant, introverted beautiful girl who after all the brainwashing by the system, still has has some fire in her that Justin-the drop-dead-gorgeous boy, wants to reignite.Granted, their story and relationship may seem a bit cliched at first, but give them a chance.They might surprise you!

Overall, Awaken is a fantastic debut novel by Kacvnisky.It hits a little too close to home, but it's an eye opener, nonetheless. Absolutely recommended to anyone who still believes that there definitely has to be more to life than this!


This book has been given to me by NetGalley, free of charge.

In My Mailbox SPECIAL EDITION!

::Thanks to the Story Siren for hosting IMM::

I know, right?

A friend of mine bought this copy of City Of Fallen Angels for me (PB edition). She lives in Munich, Germany, and apparently the english bookstore she hangs out is made of awesomeness and brought some early early copies of Clare's very anticipated upcoming title.


So I guess I thought this specific book deserved its one IMM post, don't you think? :)

In My Mailbox (34)

::Thanks to the Story Siren for hosting IMM::

Huntress by Malinda Lo (GoodReads)
(thanks Little Brown!)


The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong (GoodReads)
(eek!Thanks HarperTeen!!!!)


The Iron King by Julie Kagawa (GoodReads) (My Review)
(At last, my own copy!)


Knightley Academy by Violet Haberdasher (GoodReads)
(I just saw this one day and wanted it. It was a spontaneous buy I guess. I hope it's good.)



What did you get in your mailbox?

PS. Don't forget my Blood&Flowers contest!!!US only-more details HERE.

READING : If I Stay&Where She Went by Gayle Forman

If I Stay - Where She Went

by Gayle Forman

Publication date: April 9th, 2009 - April 5th, 2011
Published by: Dutton Juvenile
Genre: YA Contemporary
Rating: 4/5 - 6/5

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

It's been three years since the devastating accident ... three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Julliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.

When a friend of mine gave me Where She Went, I still hadn't picked up If I Stay, although I had heard awesome things about it.

So, I read If I Stay first and I thought it was good, I liked it. The story behind it is very very sad, it's not for the faint-hearted. I fell in love with Mia's family so I was completely devastated when the accident happened. I am not sure I particularly liked Mia, though. I think she came off as needy and selfish at times, especially when it came to her relationship with her boyfriend, Adam. She acted like she was spoiled, which we know for a fact she wasn't, judging by her loving and cool parents and the way they raised her. So, I can't figure out what exactly went on with Mia. She seemed to have everything and be happy but still was unsatisfied for some reason, I think, like she wanted more.

Right after I finished If I Stay, I picked up Where She Went. I hadn't read the summary, so I was caught by surprise to see that it was written from Adam's POV.

Where She Went takes place a couple of years I think since Mia's recovery. Adam and his band is a world wide success now and Mia is doing very good in her career as a cellist. They had broken up after Mia left for New York and Adam is still crushed by it. Where She Went is exactly that: Adam's torment, as he tries to figure out the reasons behind Mia's cruel goodbye.

To say that I loved this book, will surely be an understatement. I was totally heart broken by the end, even though it was a satisfactory one, and it definitely is a book I will never forget.

Adam's voice was so unique, like nothing I have read before. Is it because he is a guy and I am not used to it in YA books? Maybe. Or maybe it was what he said that moved me, things that you rarely hear from a guy. We find out that what Mia and he had in high school was not a simple crush, which I guess we already knew from If I Stay. What we didn't know was that their break-up, initiated by Mia, would cost him so. He seems completely broken and trying to put his life together was very hard for him, only to realize that he is still not alright. He knows well enough that it's only Mia who can feel the void in his heart and soul and what he regrets most is not having a chance to tell her that. Until he meets her again. And they talk. They argue. They cry. They laugh. And in the end they both confess what has been eating away at them all this time, leading to a catharsis they were both aching for.

Ugh, I am so not good at speaking highly of something and all the praising words can't do this book justice. I LOVED it and it will always be embedded on my mind and heart.

If you still haven't read If I Stay and Where She Went, please please do! You'll be doing yourself a favour!

GIVEAWAY : Blood & Flowers by Penny Blubaugh

Thanks to HarperTeen, I'm giving away a finished hardcover copy of Blood&Flowers by Penny Blubaugh

Three years ago, Persia ran away from her drug-addict parents and found a home with the Outlaws, an underground theater troupe. This motley band of mortals and fey, puppeteers and actors, becomes the loving family Persia never had, and soon Persia not only discovers a passion for theater but also falls in love with Nicholas, one of the other Outlaws. Life could not be more perfect.

Until an enemy with a grudge makes an unfair accusation against the group and forces them to flee the mortal world and hide in the neighboring realm of Faerie. But in Faerie, all is not flowers and rainbows—with bloodthirsty trolls, a hostile monarchy, and a dangerous code of magic, the fey world is not quite the safe haven the Outlaws had hoped for. And they must decide what’s more important: protecting their right to perform or protecting themselves.

Contest rules:

*One person will win 1 finished hardcover copy of Blood&Flowers by Penny Blubaugh

*Contest open to US residents only.If you have a friend in the US I will be happy to send to them.

*Contest ends April 15th, 2011.

*Winner will be announced on the blog and informed by e-mail.If I don't hear back from you within 2 days, I will pick a new winner.

*You don't have to be a follower to enter the contest, although if you do chose to follow it'd be much appreciated :)

*Fill out this form HERE to enter.Comments will not count as entries, but feel free to leave one.

Good luck :)


WINNER: Kira @Mrs. Boswell's Book Bag

READING : Ominous(Private #13) by Kate Brian

Ominous(Private #13) by Kate Brian

Publication date: February 22nd, 2011
Published by: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Genre: YA Mystery
Rating: 5/5

Reed Brennan's world has been turned upside down by the revelation that the Billings legacy isn't just about glamour and privilege, but magic as well...


But magic can't save her friends as they begin to disappear from campus. While Easton Academy bands together in the hope that the lost girls are still alive, Reed can't quite believe tragedy has struck again. And when the first body is discovered with a message just for her, Reed needs to figure out why her friends are being taken, before it's too late. Is being a Billings girl still a blessing - or just a curse?

Loved loved loved the penultimate installment in the Private series! I can't believe 1. that I actually said "penultimate" and 2. that there's only one book left till the end of the series :( :(

Book Of Spells led the path for Ominous, as it's full of magic, witches, dreams of the future. Ominous went to a totally different direction than the rest of the Private books, because a small, tiny little piece of paranormal was added in it. I know that rubbed some people the wrong way, and it's understandable. After 12 books about frenemies, parties, boys and a lot of mystery, all of a sudden magic has been thrown in and I can see why someone may not care for it.Personally, I didn't mind. Having already read Book Of Spells I was kind of expecting it, to be honest. Besides, I thought that the magic part was put into much better use in Ominous than BOS, thus resulting into more intrigue and "OMG" moments.
I loved the way this book kinda sums up everything that have happened during this 1+1/2 year of Reeds's stay at Easton. Cheyenne, Sabine, even our beloved Ariana made an "appearance".Reed's relationships with the other girls didn't change, nor did her relationship with Josh (and it better stay that way till the end, otherwise I'll freak out :) Yeah, I kinda love Josh. And so admire him for his patience, because what he went through(and still is)with Reed? I think he should win a medal for that or something! He is absolutely amazing and I really really hope they stay together until the very end.
As for the ending....priceless!!! Just when you think that OK mystery solved, end of story, close the book, then it goes and surprises you in a way you have to read to believe!

All in all, I absolutely loved Ominous, I read it in one sitting. I am so so so sad that this series is coming to an end (what's next? College? I surely hope so!) but also very excited to read the last book, Vengeance, coming out September 6th, 2011.

In My Mailbox (33) + Contest Winner!

::Thanks to the Story Siren for hosting IMM::

Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves (GoodReads)

Throat by R.A.Nelson ( GoodReads)

Mercy by Rebecca Lim ( GoodReads)

Enclave by Ann Aguirre ( GoodReads)

Midnight(Vampire Diaries:The Return #3) by L.J.Smith ( GoodReads)

Also Enclave came with an CD on the back:

Says it's an Audiobook sampler. How cool is that?

What did you get in your mailbox? :)
__________________


The winner of the Father Of Lies contest is:
Amber M @ Down The Rabbit Hole

Congrats Amber :)

READING : 7 Kinds Of Ordinary Catastrophes by Amber Kizer

7 Kinds Of Ordinary Catastrophes by Amber Kizer

Publication date: April 5th, 2011
Published by: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Rating: 5/5

Okay, so here's the deal: there are books about volcanoes erupting and meteorites hitting Earth and plane crashes where the survivors have to eat people—those are extraordinary crises.

That's not what this book is about. I'm more the ordinary catastrophe type. This second semester of my sophomore year, there are basically 7 KINDS OF ORDINARY CATASTROPHES: high school, boys, heartbreak, family, job, friends, and the future.

Well, I guess everyone's life is full of ordinary catastrophes. These are mine. Hi, I'm Gert Garibaldi. Welcome to my crazy life.

I can't think of a single reason why this book is not been talked about and reviewed throughout the blogoverse, therefore falling off the radar. I truly believe that 7 Kinds... is a hidden gem that everyone has to discover and sink their teeth into!
7 Kinds... is about a 16 year old, Gert, who narrates the everyday problems of her teenage life, all the while trying to make some sense out of the craziness that is boys, friends and family.I found myself relating to Gert on many occasions. Not so much to her sometimes over-the-top reaction to things, which I guess were used to serve a comedic purpose, but more to her mindset and the way she viewed and assessed different situations. I was thinking "Exactly!" and "That's right!" while reading through her passing judgement on things we all consider wrong, but few have the guts and required "nerve" to say it. Her friends were very likeable as well, despite being so different from Gert and from one another.Also, I caught myself laughing out loud at so many parts in the books, it's ridiculous! All due to Kizer's amazing sense of humor!
However, I soon discovered that 7 Kinds... had another side to it.Recently, my dad went through something awful, health-wise. The whole family was devastated and completely dumbfounded, seeing that my dad is vigor and health personified. What happened with Gert's dad in 7 Kinds... hit too close to home for me and touched me beyond words. It is amazing how you can go all "Ugh, the 'rents are driving me insane" and talk semi-crap about them one minute, and be totally overwhelmed and left aghast the next. You go on in your life thinking everything's for granted and taking everything lightly and then suddenly something happens and then it hits you. Hard and without mercy. What I went through with my dad this summer was a very sad and terrible situation but also a huge eye-opener for me and I was glad to see that Gert handled it exactly the same way, with more maturity than I ever had at the age of 16.
Holy-Mother-of-Awesome-Books, 7 Kinds... was brilliant! It's a wonderful journey through adolescence, suitable for all ages!Highly recommended to fans of "Confessions Of Georgia Nicolson" series.
Thank you Amber for sending this book my way :)

READING: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Publication Date: March 22nd, 2011
Published by: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Genre: YA Dystopian
Rating: 5/5
Eligible for Debut Author Challenge 2011

What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limited time she has left.

Wither blew me away!! I can't even stress enough how amazing this book is.

In all honesty though, I was terrified of reading it! I was so sure I'd end up wasting precious hours of my life reading yet another over-hyped, bland debut novel. What I experienced while reading Wither was, fortunately, a far cry from that!

First of all I have to openly state that Lauren's writing is beyond incredible! Such depth and maturity, especially for someone so young and this being her debut novel and all, is very hard to find. She far exceeded my expectations and believe me, this is not an easy book to write! I also loved the whole period and historical feel to Wither, even though it takes place in the future. So, many congrats to Lauren because she totally deserves it and because she simply rocks :)

Now, to the story. The story behind Wither is a dark, gloomy tale about a girl, Rhine, trying to escape her destiny, which is already decided for her not only by nature, but also by  man. She is kidnapped and along with two other girls, are forced to marry someone, Linden,  for the soul purpose of reproduction. The 3 of them, Linden , his father, Mr.Vaughn, who is a scientist and some servants, live in a secluded mansion. The girls are purposely cut off from the outside world, stoically waiting the day they die.

 Rhine is a character who undoubtedly deserves the title "protagonist".  She is such an overwhelming presence, you can feel her emotions oozing from the pages, sorrow, anger, happiness. I loved how Lauren chose to portray her human side as well, and all its defects. Like when she finds herself feeling jealous when other women look at her husband, even though she claims to despise him, or when she momentarily thinks that maybe the life she lives isn't that bad after all. I had no problem whatsoever reading about "sister wives" and their relationship, as some people seem to have had. Don't get me wrong, I still find the whole situation disturbing and degrading. However, I think they were far worse things happening in the book that not only was I not appalled by the polygamist lifestyle and what it entails, but I found myself admiring the true and honest friendship these girls had, even under such dire circumstances. You know they too are victims of Mr.Vaughn's dangerous ambitions and can't but feel sorry for them and the way the are forced to live their short life.
The character that surprised me the most though, was Linden. Lauren turned the tables on us halfway though the book, showing a side to Linden I never thought possible(again, my hat's off to you, Lauren!).I don't know if I am even allowed to say that he is as much a victim as the girls, seeing that his father uses him to get what he wants whilst keeping him happily ignorant, because that would be completely unfair to the girls and what they were subjected to because of said ignorance. Then again, I found myself feeling so sorry for him and his wasted life. Because he had dreams too, he must have. Only to find out someday that he is gonna die at 25 and that his life's only goal is to procreate. His actions and decisions are so debatable, that even now that I'm writing this I am completely torn.
Finally, I admit that I struggled with this review. Turns out I am not very good at praising because I can't seem to find the right words. I really hope I did found some for Wither though, because it totally deserves it!

Highly recommended, especially to those who loved The Forest Of Hands And Teeth.

READING : Dark Mirror by M.J.Putney

Dark Mirror by M.J.Putney

Publication date: March 1st, 2011
Published by: St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Rating: 3/5
Eligible for Debut Author Challenge 2011

Lady Victoria Mansfield, youngest daughter of the earl and countess of Fairmount, is destined for a charmed life. Soon she will be presented during the London season, where she can choose a mate worthy of her status.

Yet Tory has a shameful secret—a secret so powerful that, if exposed, it could strip her of her position and disgrace her family forever. Tory’s blood is tainted . . . by magic.

When a shocking accident forces Tory to demonstrate her despised skill, the secret she’s fought so hard to hide is revealed for all to see. She is immediately exiled to Lackland Abbey, a reform school for young men and women in her position. There she will learn to suppress her deplorable talents and maybe, if she’s one of the lucky ones, be able to return to society.

But Tory’s life is about to change forever. All that she’s ever known or considered important will be challenged. What lies ahead is only the beginning of a strange and wonderful journey into a world where destiny and magic come together, where true love and friendship find her, and where courage and strength of character are the only things that determine a young girl’s worth.

 I am a total sucker for Historical books, especially when there's time traveling involved. However, I still have mixed feelings about Dark Mirror. Some parts I liked, other parts not so much, and this constant "I like it-nah,I don't" was kinda frustrating.

Let me start off by saying that the summary at the back of the book is quite misleading, in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, the stuff in it do happen. But summary only covers the first half of the book. The second half, after she finds the mirror that is (not much of a spoiler, it's on the cover) is another thing entirely. Thing is, the second half of the book holds all the important parts, the jist of it, all the action and the character development, whereas the first half plays more of an introductory role. So, I guess I'd like the transition between the 1st and 2nd half to be smoother, instead of going from a relaxed, laid back mode to smack dab in the middle of World War II!

Tory, the protagonist, was likable enough. Clever, courageous and considerate of others. Although we didn't get to see much of her and Allarde together, nor learn much about Allarde, I enjoyed their short conversations and their exchanging views about relationships and how each of them think they must be.

I liked the Rainfords very much and I found their love for their father who is a soldier long-lost in the war, very touching.

The other charters weren't as developed and fell kinda flat. It's safe to say that Dark Mirror is a Tory-centered book and everyone else pretty much revolves around her, her actions and decisions.

I am not sure if I'll follow Tory's next adventure because this one wasn't as exciting as I expected. If you are into Historical WWII stories however, you should definitely give Dark Mirror a try.

In My Mailbox (32)

::Thanks to the Story Siren for hosting IMM::

Warped by Maurissa Guibord (GoodReads)

Enchanted Ivy by Sarah Beth Durst (GoodReads)

Rosebush by Michelle Jaffe (GoodReads)

Ominous by Kate Brian (GoodReads)

Dark Mirror by M.J.Putney (GoodReads)

The Liar Society by Lisa&Laura Roecker (GoodReads)(My review)

What did you get in your mailbox? :)

READING : The Liar Society by Lisa Roecker&Laura Roecker

The Liar Society by Lisa Roecker&Laura Roecker

Publication date: March 1st, 2011
Published by: Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: YA Contemporary, Mystery
Rating: 4/5
Eligible for Debut Author Challenge 2011

Kate Lowry didn't think dead best friends could send e-mails. But when she gets an e-mail from Grace, she’s not so sure.

To:KateLowry@pemberlybrown.edu

Sent: Sun 9/14 11:59 PM

From: GraceLee@pemberlybrown.edu

Subject: (no subject)

Kate,

I'm here…

sort of.

Find Cameron.

He knows.

I shouldn't be writing.

Don't tell.

They'll hurt you.

Now Kate has no choice but to prove once and for all that Grace’s death was more than just a tragic accident. But secrets haunt the halls of her elite private school. Secrets people will do anything to protect. Even if it means getting rid of the girl trying to solve a murder...

I am a fan of the YA Mystery genre, and I am so glad to see it really expanding lately. The Liar Society is a fine example of an awesome YA Mystery book, one you'll definitely enjoy!

I loved the story! Plots with secret societies and people playing detective trying to uncover them, are totally my thing. Even though we didn't get to see a whole lot of the societies and their members in action, we got to learn about them, their existence and their present rivalry. Latin, crests, secret passages, along with excellent writing, all added to the mystical atmosphere that surrounded Kate's quest to unravel the truth.

Speaking of Kate, what an amazing female protagonist she was! A Nance Drew in the making, Kate was all about wanting to solve the mystery of her friend's death. She stuck to her goal until the very end, never wavering. That doesn't mean she was all business and no fun, of course, quite the contrary. She's starting to have feelings for a guy from school, Liam, who, much to my surprise, is simply a good guy, no drama whatsoever, but despite the fact that Kate's feelings keep growing throughout the book, she never acts like a clingy, obsessive little schoolgirl. She holds her own every time and it was like hearing her saying "OK, there is a time and a place for this to happen. Right now I have to focus on investigating my best friend's murder."

Other characters were not so much developed as Kate, unfortunately. I would like to see more of Cameron, for example, or Taylor. Maybe we'll get a chance in the next book, who knows?

Also, I might just be the only one who saw the ending coming, although it's not the book's fault. I am extremely suspicious about everything and everyone when it comes to mystery books, so I had pretty much thought of every possible scenario about what will happen in the end.

Overall, fans of Pretty Little Liars and Private like moi, will surely love this book!

READING : The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell

The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell

Publication date: March 7,2011
Published by: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 3/5
Eligible for Debut Author Challenge 2011

The summer of 1889 is the one between childhood and womanhood for Amelia van den Broek—and thankfully, she’s not spending it at home in rural Maine. She’s been sent to Baltimore to stay with her stylish cousin, Zora, who will show her all the pleasures of city life and help her find a suitable man to marry.

With diversions ranging from archery in the park to dazzling balls and hints of forbidden romance, Victorian Baltimore is more exciting than Amelia imagined. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset—visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. Newly dubbed "Maine’s Own Mystic", Amelia is suddenly quite in demand.

However, her attraction to Nathaniel, an artist who is decidedly outside of Zora's circle, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own—still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him. And while she has no trouble seeing the futures of others, she cannot predict whether Nathaniel will remain in hers.

When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia's world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she’s not the seer of dark portents, but the cause.

Vespertine takes place in 1889 and much to my surprise, it is written in the language of the time and not in modern language.It added to the whole atmosphere and mystique of the era but for me it was a bit tiring and confusing.Don't get me wrong, the book was brilliantly written, it just that sometimes I found it chaotic and because of that, the story wasn't as fluid as it should be,in my opinion.

Characters were all very likeable,but a bit underdeveloped.Amelia had this amazing gift of seeing the future but unfortunately I didn't see much of it,and what I did see was treated so lightly by Amelia herself,that I didn't feel the need to regard it as an integral part of the story.Her romance with Nathaniel was believable enough.However, why he also had to have a "gift",which is only revealed near the end, I still don't know.I guess that is the main reason why I felt that the story,however nice,dragged for no reason, since it could have very easily been 100 pages shorter.

Vespertine is an eloquently written book with,unfortunately, not much of a story in it.

FEATURING: HUNTRESS by Malinda Lo trailer

Huntress by Malinda Lo

Publication date: April 5th, 2011

Published by: Little, Brown Books For Young Readers

It’s FINALLY here: Malinda Lo’s MUCH-anticipated follow up to Ash, HUNTRESS!


HUNTRESS is set in the same fantastical world but hundreds of years earlier. Two young women fated to go on a dangerous journey to Tanlili, the city of the Fairy Queen, to seek answers about their dying world. The girls barely know each other – Kaede is a fighter, chafing under her father’s expectations, while Taisin is a born sage, dedicated to her magic. And yet, as members of their party are lost to unearthly attacks, the two come to rely on each other, and even begin to fall in love. But their quest’s final step demands only one huntress to save the kingdom, and what it takes could tear Kaede and Taisin apart.

Pre-order Huntress @ Book Depository 

________________

Check out the fantastic trailer for the book!

INTERVIEWING: Kim Karrington, author of CLARITY

Kim Harrington lives in Massachusetts with her husband and son.

When not writing, she's most likely reading, watching one of her favorite TV shows,or fantasizing about her next vacation.

She has no psychic powers and is cool with that. 

Her debut young adult novel, Clarity, came out on March 1, 2011 from Scholastic.

For more info on Kim, visit:
WebsiteFacebookTwitterGoodReads

When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth?


This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats.


Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.


And a curse.


When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case--but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother--who has supernatural gifts of his own--becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

Check out my review of Clarity here.
You can buy Clarity @ Book Depository

_____________________

*Your Young Adult debut novel, Clarity, comes out March 1st, 2011. Would you like to tell us a little bit about it?


Clarity is about a psychic teen who—along with her medium brother and telepath mother—does readings for tourists in her beach town and tries to solve a murder when her brother becomes the prime suspect.




*Clarity, your heroine, is a psychic. Have you ever visited a psychic yourself?


I have! I visited a couple in college for fun and then a few more for research for the book. I don't think any of the readings I had were accurate, though. But it's always entertaining!




*I read that your hobby is watching TV series. Has any of these series influenced your writing?


I would probably say Veronica Mars was an influence, mainly because it was the only teen crime show that I'd ever watched. I loved it!




*Is Clarity going to be a part of a series? If yes, what is the second book going to be about?


Yes, the second book is called Perception and will be out in March 2012, but that's about all I can say right now! :)




*As a debut author what advice would you give to aspiring authors?


Read voraciously and widely. Write every day. And never give up.

Thank you so much Kim for this interview!