In My Mailbox ~ 07/31

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by The Story Siren, which allows bloggers to share what books they’ve received in the past week. They can be from stores, contests, tours, publishers, libraries, borrowed books from friends, and the list goes on! It's just a way of showing off the books you received in the past week and making sure they're featured on the blog.

Going back to my regular IMM (rather than my Vacation Edition), here's what I received this week:

• Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter (from Scholastic Canada) [My review HERE]
• Love You More by Jennifer Grant (from Booksneeze)
• Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace  (e-book from author)

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter
Release Date: August 1, 2011
Arthur A. Levine Books (Scholastic)
ISBN13: 9780545221306

4/5 Stars

Goodreads Synopsis:
Selene has grown up in a palace on the Nile with her parents, Cleopatra & Mark Antony—the most brilliant, powerful rulers on earth. But the jealous Roman Emperor Octavianus wants Egypt for himself, & when war finally comes, Selene faces the loss of all she's ever loved. Forced to build a new life in Octavianus's household in Rome, she finds herself torn between two young men and two possible destinies—until she reaches out to claim her own.
This stunning novel brings to life the personalities & passions of one of the greatest dramas in history, & offers a wonderful new heroine in Selene

I've read quite a few Cleopatra books- but none quite like this.
Cleopatra's Moon is about the daughter of Cleopatra VII, Cleopatra Selene. And rather than focusing on the events leading up to the death of Cleopatra VII, Vicky Alvear Shecter focuses largely on the aftermath of her death and the impact it has on her children, particularly her only daughter.

Historical fiction based on the story of Ancient Egypt and their famous Pharoah Queen are some of the best books out there; but this one is definitely unique compared to others. Shecter's writing is stunning, as she enticingly describes the story of Cleopatra Selene and draws you in to this fascinating world. But she also chooses to fill in the blanks of history, rather than rewrite it. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending, and I was so pleased to see that she included some historical facts at the end to compare to her novel. Historical fiction is a tricky genre to write, but Shecter succeeds in doing so and produces an enjoyable read at the end of it.

There were parts of the book that seemed to move along rather slowly to me, but I'm sure that this was written for a certain effect since Cleopatra Selene seemed to feel the same way (and from her perspective, it must have been agonizingly slow). My one complaint is how there is a large build up to her "purpose" or "fate" (whatever you want to call it) but at the end of the book, I found it somewhat disappointing to see what its cumulation ended up being (but then again, Shecter does not rewrite history). Still, I was satisfied by the ending and by the book as a whole.

One thing I was particularly pleased with is how dimensional Shecter designed the characters; there is obviously the bias of Selene, but not everyone is who they appear to be at first by the end of the book. The Egyptians are not the obvious good guys, nor are the Romans the obvious villains.

A review copy was provided to me in advance by Scholastic Canada in exchange for my honest and candid review.

Burn Bright by Marianne de Pierres

Burn Bright (Night Creatures #1) by Marianne de Pierres
Released: March 1, 2011 (Australia and New Zealand only)
Random House Ausralia
ISBN13: 9781864719888

5/5 Stars

Goodreads Synopsis:
Into a world of wild secrets and deadly pleasures comes a girl whose innocence may be her greatest strength.
In Ixion music and party are our only beliefs. Darkness is our comfort. We have few rules but they are absolute . . .
Retra doesn’t want to go to Ixion, the island of ever-night, ever-youth and never-sleep. Retra is a Seal – sealed minds, sealed community. She doesn’t crave parties and pleasure, experience and freedom.

But her brother Joel left for Ixion two years ago, and Retra is determined to find him. Braving the intense pain of her obedience strip to escape the only home she’s ever known, Retra stows away on the barge that will take her to her brother.
When she can’t find Joel, Retra finds herself drawn deeper into the intoxicating world of Ixion. Come to me, whispers a voice in her head. Who are the Ripers, the mysterious guardians of Ixion? What are the Night Creatures Retra can see in the shadows? And what happens to those who grow too old for Ixion?
Retra will find that Ixion has its pleasures, but its secrets are deadly. Will friendship, and the creation of an eternal bond with a Riper, be enough to save her from the darkness?

Listen well, baby bats. Burn bright, but do not stray from the paths. Remember, when you live in a place of darkness you also live with creatures of the dark.

Wow. I am utterly amazed after finishing Burn Bright by Marianne de Pierres. It's incredibly difficult to describe, because I'm really unsure of exactly how to classify it. I suppose it's a horror novel, but even that doesn't do it justice.

Burn Bright is truly unlike other YA books I've read; in my opinion, it currently stands alone and is doing a terrific job of keeping the spotlight on itself. The writing is captivating, the plot is terrifically creative, and this world created by de Pierres is utterly intoxicating. It draws you in and you just can't leave- kind of like Ixion. It's no wonder Ixion's habitants are so drawn to it, how can they not be when I'm just reading about it and I feel the same way without actually living it?

The story of Retra's journey in Ixion is haunting. It plays with your mind, just as Retra finds herself lost in the grasp of this strange place. There is nothing predictable about this, and the discoveries are both disturbing and intriguing at the same time.

I don't want to give anything about this book away, except it's frighteningly hypnotizing.

The one fault I found was how confusing it could be at times; but then again, it's supposed to be. No one is supposed to understand what exactly takes place at Ixion, and every glimpse of a layer revealed only complicates the story further. As well, it's the state in which Retra lives at Ixion (drugged at times, and in a constant state of denial) which makes it even more difficult to comprehend the events taking place when the character's perspective is flawed. But that's the exactly the way it's supposed to be told.

Right now, Burn Bright is only available in Australia and New Zealand from Random House Australia. There is hope that it will become available in North America in the next year or so, but nothing has been decided yet. In the meantime, I ordered my copy from the Australian Online Bookshop which I found to have the cheapest options for book purchase and shipping.

UPDATE: I received an e-mail from Adva, letting me know that Fishbond Books has Burn Bright and offers free shipping. And as well, you can buy Burn Bright from the Book Depository in e-book format (click here to go to the page to buy it). Great news, and thank you for sharing, Adva!

Follow & Friend Friday Blog Hop! ~ 07/29

So technically it's Thursday night where I am, but I want to be ahead of the game for once!

Every Friday,  Parajunkee hosts Follow my Book Blog Friday! So welcome to another stop on this hop!

It's fairly simple- follow the hosting blog, the feature blog, and then use the links to discover new blogs to follow! And if someone follows you, be kind and follow back! It's a fun way to find new bloggers to read :)

Featured Bloggers for this week are The Book Addicted Girl & The Little Book Blog.

Let's step away from books for a second and get personal. What T-Shirt slogan best describes you?

http://adventurez.tumblr.com/post/384928645/thedailywhat-tee-of-the-day-read-books-not

I thought this was clever :) I don't really pay attention to t-shirt slogans to be honest...

IMM ~ Vacation Edition (07/17-07/27)

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by The Story Siren, which allows bloggers to share what books they’ve received in the past week. They can be from stores, contests, tours, publishers, libraries, borrowed books from friends, and the list goes on! It's just a way of showing off the books you received in the past week and making sure they're featured on the blog.

So while I was away there was a nice little pile of packages collecting on my bed for me :)

Exciting, right?! Because there are so many, I'll just be sharing their titles and Goodreads links.

• Butlers by Gwen Andrews (Goodreads giveaway)
• A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan (from Candlewick Press)
• David by Mary Hoffman (ARC giveaway from Alanna at the Flashlight Reader)
• Bloodlines by Richelle Mead (ARC from Penguin Canada)
• Crossed by Ally Condie (ARC from Penguin Canada)
• Get It Started: The Party Room by Morgan Burke (giveaway from Alanna at the Flashlight Reader)
• Bumped by Megan McCafferty (purchased)
• Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund (purchased)
• Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (signed copy giveway from Alanna at the Flashlight Reader)
• Burn Bright by Marianne de Pierres (purchased from Australia because it isn't available here yet! Grrr)
• A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young (signed copy, purchased)
• Chosen by Paula Bradley (BookTrib giveaway)
• Trapped by Marc Aronson (ARC giveaway from Alanna at the Flashlight Reader) [not shown]
• The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter (purchased)
• Silver Moon by Rebecca A. Rogers (giveaway) [e-book]
• As well as some neat signed swag bookmarks/sticker

So as you can see, I have a LOT of reading to catch up on! Good thing it all looks so good :)

Anathema by K.A. Tucker

Anathema (Casual Enchantment #1) by K.A. Tucker
Released: July 15, 2011
Papoti Books
ISBN13: 9780986915505
3/5 Stars

Goodreads Synopsis:
Evangeline has spent her teenage years in obscurity. Her foster parents have the emotional aptitude of robots and her classmates barely acknowledge her existence. About to turn eighteen and feeling like a social pariah, she is desperate to connect with someone. Anyone.

When Evangeline meets Sofie after literally stumbling upon her café, she believes she’s found that connection. Willing to do anything to keep it, she accepts a job as Sofie’s assistant and drops everything to fly to Manhattan, where she is thrust into a luxurious world of Prada, diamonds, and limitless cash.

With such generosity and kindness, it’s easy for Evangeline to dismiss certain oddities . . . like Sofie’s erratic and sometimes violent behavior, and the monstrous guard dogs. She’s even willing to dismiss her vivid dreams of mob-style murders, beautiful homeless people living in caves, and white-eyed demons that haunt her each night as figments of her imagination—especially when one of those figments is the gorgeous Caden. When she wakes up with bite marks on her neck, the fairy tale quickly turns into a nightmare. She slowly unravels the mystery surrounding Sofie and friends, and the reality of the bites and the “dreams.” What she discovers is far more mysterious and terrible than anything she could have imagined.

In a world where everyone has motive to lie for personal gain, Evangeline must decide which deception is least likely to get her killed.

Dislaimer: I think this is the first YA vampire book I've read, which is shocking since there are so many out there and the topic is quite popular right now. (I haven't even read Twilight) but I kind of get the idea that Anathema has a Twilight vibe to it. Good vampires have to protect human girl from bad vampires.

One of the things I enjoyed throughout the book was Tucker's descriptive writing; the way she described Evangeline's reactions to her new friends, and their unique talents, is done in such a way that the reader can guess at what is actually happening even when Evangeline doesn't quite understand it. I thought this was excellent, particularly when she encounters a vampire trying to use his power of persuasion on her. Excellent writing on Tucker's part.

While the writing was well done, I found the plot harder to believe and I just found too many holes in it. Viggo and Mortimer are disgustingly rich, and while it is explained how they attain this absurd amount of money, it just isn't believable that they would have so much disposable income. I honestly would have had a better time buying into this if it had just been said that the money was magical.

However, it was the rather dubious love story that I disliked the most. It's just so intentionally hot and cold, and the intense emotions are supposed to already be there after meeting twice. ONLY TWICE. But worse than this, was just how possessive and petty Evangline became. Regardless of all the other disturbing things happening to her she is fixated on the fact that her crush doesn't like her back and has a girlfriend. I just couldn't fathom how this was her biggest problem to focus on. There were times when Evangline just looked like a crazed stalker, and I pitied the actual girlfriend instead. The villainizing also felt to be too much, where Evangline's bizarre perspective is forced onto the reader.

The premise of the book was interesting, but parts were difficult to accept, such as Evangline's discovery of another world LIKE Earth, yet it was so similar it was essentially a clone (right down to the slang used, and understanding of how the world works). Perhaps this will be explained later on, but for Anathema it just didn't make sense. I'm also hopeful that some of the rules of magic will later on be fully explained, because they seemed to come out of nowhere for no good reason at times.

I'm unsure of how I feel about the ending. It was clearly a set up for more books, which I will read because this isn't a poorly written or unenjoyable book, but I would have liked some sort of closure in at least one way at the end and I didn't feel that Anathema had that. That being said, I am looking forward to the next books in hopes that they will be able to explain more of these questions and bring things together.

Also, I want to add that you can buy this for Kindle from Amazon for only 99 cents. So that is a GREAT deal!

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

This book, right here, is probably one of the most highly anticipated upcoming releases. Everything about it is just so intriguing. I'm so excited for this one.


Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer hits stores everywhere 9.27.11. Pre-order your copy here. Download the widget here. Enter to win an Advanced Reader’s Copy here.

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz
Released: June 21, 2011
Harlequin Teen
ISBN13:  9780373210305

4/5 Stars

Goodreads Synopsis:
What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?
Prior to reading this, I hadn't read too much about it besides "it's amazing!" so I was really surprised by this. The description hadn't really caught my attention too much, and I wasn't really interested in the beginning of the book while I was reading it either. But that quickly changed.

This has to be one of the most intense romances I've ever read about- I'm not usually big on the "love at first sight", instant connection thing but I ended up really liking Shultz's take on this.

Spellbound is one of the most unique books out there, once you get into the specifics of what the story is actually about. I enjoyed that about it, since I thought it was an interesting take on the paranormal genre. I kind of wish there had been more focus on the supernatural aspect of it rather than simply going on about how complicated the romance was. I think the forbidden romance is a bit overdone now, but this was a fairly unique take on it. The plot goes a lot deeper than I initially anticipated it would, which was excellently done. The real twists aren't introduced so early on that the reader knows well in advance of the characters what's going to happen- in fact the reader tends to figure things out at about the same time which I liked.

My only two complaints about it were how sappy the romance was at times (it tottered around swoonworthy and roll-your-eyes-sappy for most of the book) and I felt the fight scenes could've been written better. They seemed to be bland and extremely straightforward in my opinion.

Overall, Spellbound's an enjoyable read and I think it stands out from most other YA paranormal books witih its plot and great writing.

Copy provided from Net Galley and Harlequin Teen- thank you!
Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Connor, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.
But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

A Happily Ever After of Her Own by Nadia Lee

A Happily Ever After of Her Own by Nadia Lee (eBook)
Released: October 5, 2009 
ISBN13: 9781458152305

4/5 Stars

Goodreads Synopsis:
Melinda Lightfoot, a preschool teacher with an unusual ability to flit in and out of fairy tales, never thought she would get into trouble...
...until the Fairy Tale Police arrest her while she is in Beauty and the Beast. They offer her a deal: Find Beauty, who left the story when Melinda trespassed into it, or be charged with the ultimate crime -- Fairy Tale Killer. If that's not bad enough the Beast tags along in search of his true love, and Melinda starts falling for the fairy tale prince. She must choose between doing the right thing and having her own happily ever after.
Warning: This title contains the following: Fairy Godmother, the Wicked Witch, dysfunctional fairy tale families, ax-wielding executioners and a happily ever after (or two).

This is such a lovely little novella! It's a very quick read (the PDF copy I received was only 60 pages), but reads just like a modern-day fairytale filled with quirks and witty lines.

Keeping in mind that this reads like a fairytale, expect it to move at the pace of a fairytale as well. Melinda falls in love very quickly (but really, compare that to any other fairytale and it's about the average length of time to fall in love). Normally this would be a complaint of mine with the book, but I have no problem enjoying fairytales where the hero and heroine fall for each other quickly and so I don't hold it against this novella either.

My favourite part of the book is how they try to break down the ideal of a "happily ever after". It questions exactly what "ever after" means and how does one achieve their ever after "happily"? I believe this would be the basic  moral of the story, and it's refreshing to see this idea, which is often taken for granted, challenged here yet still put in a positive light.
I've read reviews comparing this to Shrek, and they do have a similar feel. I really think Lee's world would be a fun fairytale world to explore in other books as well, but this is a grea tlittle taste for now.

Rumors of God by Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson

Rumors of God by Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson
Released: July 19, 2011
Thomas Nelson
ISBN13:  9781595553638

5/5 Stars

Goodreads Synopsis:
In his classic work, Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis likens an encounter with God to coming to life: "This world is a great sculptor's shop and we are the statues. But there is a rumor going round the shop that some of us are some day going to come to life."
However, today many Christians live with tension. What the Scriptures promise seems like a far cry from what we experience in our lives. As a result, God seems distant, and the life described in the Scriptures seems more like a series of rumors than reality.
Does God still do great things today? Is it possible to really experience Him? Can we close the gap between what we hear and what we see?
Rumors of God is a rally cry for the church. Authors Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson share compelling stories about the work and activity of God today. Packed with fresh cultural observations and illuminating Scriptural insights, Rumors of God will ignite a passion in your heart to see your faith come to life

This book is basically a call for revival in America (and I think it's fair to extend this to the rest of the Western World as well, particularly Canada). And Whitehead and Tyson hit every nail in the head along the way.

Some times it can be so easy to get bogged down in feelings of despair and hopelessness; where is God in all of this? Why is there such wickedness? Why doesn't God do anything?

Rumors of God raises a better question: why don't WE do anything about it? Why do we sit passively by and watch these events unfold yet do nothing to combat it? Isn't that what we're here for?

It's written to an individual, but can easily be applied to groups as well. As individuals we are called to be a part of the body of Christ and to work together as a community. We can do this in so many different ways, and each chapter goes over the different ways whether its love, grace, faith, or justice.

The authors use real life stories to bring their points home, but more importantly they do not found their ideas on these experiences. Their beliefs are founded on Scripture, which is what keeps it solid throughout the book. They share changes they've seen in the lives of others and changes they've experienced personally.
It's convicting to read, and it's inspiring. A new must-read for those hungering for change in our modern day churches and individual hearts.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” "

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
Released: April 19, 2011
Harlequin Teen
ISBN13:  9780373210268

4/5 Stars

Goodreads Synopsis:
It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.
Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.
Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

I'm a Greek mythology nerd. So let me just say that I am LOVING all these new myth-based YA books.
Aimee Carter doesn't disappoint with The Goddess Test, either. This book is just so much fun- figuring out who's who, solving the murder mystery, falling in love. What's not to like?

There are a few different plots moving along in this book, and to be honest I'm not exactly sure which is the main one. The goddess test? Henry and Kate? Kate and her mom? It doesn't really matter in the end, because there's always just enough going on to keep you interested as a reader.

One of my favourite parts was how the book was like a game of Clue. Who's the murderer? Was it Zeus in the kitchen with a candlestick? Apollo in the study with a wrench? That's pretty much what it felt like to me as I was reading, and I thought that was just so cool and I did find myself guessing along and trying to weed out the killer.

I also thought the romance was very sweet, and believable. It didn't feel rushed, and it just felt so loving. Regardless of anything else going on in their lives, the romance remained fairly pure and untainted from any outside circumstances. I really appreciate reading that in novels, where (for the most part) they exhibit a healthy, funcitoning relationship which progresses over time.

It's definitely a fun book, and what seems to be a balance between Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series and Jennifer L. Armentrout's Half-Blood series (well, what I've read of it so far). Carter's Olympian characters play out exactly how they would being the Greek gods and goddesses of the myths, but with a modern twist. And while it's heavier and slightly more serious than Percy Jackson, it's still a lot of fun and definitely geared more towards females with its love plot.

Blog Hop ~ 07/22

So technically it's Thursday night where I am, but I want to be ahead of the game for once!


Every Friday, Parajunkee hosts Follow my Book Blog Friday! So welcome to another stop on this hop!


It's fairly simple- follow the hosting blog, the feature blog, and then use the links to discover new blogs to follow! And if someone follows you, be kind and follow back! It's a fun way to find new bloggers to read :)

This week's question is: Okay so,
Name 3 authors that you would love to sit down and spend an hour or a meal with just talking about either their books or get advice on writing from?

1. Suzanne Collins; I think she's brilliant. The Hunger Games series is one of the best I've ever read, and she is an incredibly talented and creative woman. I would love to discuss the books and really pick her brain for any other tidbits she could add to my HG experience.
2. Lauren DeStefano; She strikes me as the kind of person I could just sit down and talk with. I adored Wither, and can't wait for more so I'd love to chat about that as well!
3. Gail Carson Levine; I've been reading her books for years now, and I feel like I've grown up with her novels. I appreciate her as an author so much, as well as for her stories, and I'd like to be able to express that to her.

Now, another blog hop is hosted by Crazy-for-Books! This is a Friday-Monday blog which lasts this week from 7/22-7/25!



Click here for more info!



What’s the ONE GENRE that you wish you could get into, but just can’t 

I just can't get into contemporary fiction. Most books which are set in the present day- I just don't find them that appealling. I love anything make-believe and unrealistic. I have a few exceptions (Sarah Dessen books are some!) but for the most part I just don't like it as a genre.

The Girl Who Was on Fire (An Anthology)

The Girl Who Was on Fire: Your Favorite Authors on Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games Trilogy

by Leah Wilson (Goodreads Author) (Editor), Carrie Ryan (Goodreads Author) (Contributor), Ned Vizzini (Goodreads Author) (Contributor), Lili Wilkinson (Contributor), Blythe Woolston (Goodreads Author) (Contributor), Sarah Darer Littman (Goodreads Author) (Contributor), Jennifer Lynn Barnes (Contributor), Mary Borsellino (Contributor) , more...Sarah Rees Brennan (Goodreads Author) (Contributor), Terri Clark (Contributor), Bree Despain (Goodreads Author) (Contributor), Adrienne Kress (Contributor), Cara Lockwood (Contributor), Elizabeth M. Rees (Contributor)

Released: April 5, 2011

Smart Pop

ISBN13:  9781935618041

3/5 Stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

 Katniss Everdeen’s adventures may have come to an end, but her story continues to blaze in the hearts of millions worldwide. In The Girl Who Was on Fire, thirteen YA authors take you back to Panem with moving, dark, and funny pieces on Katniss, the Games, Gale and Peeta, reality TV, survival, and more. From the trilogy's darker themes of violence and social control to fashion and weaponry, the collection's exploration of the Hunger Games reveals exactly how rich, and how perilous, protagonist Katniss’ world really is.
• How does the way the Games affect the brain explain Haymitch’s drinking, Annie’s distraction, and Wiress’ speech problems?
• What does the rebellion have in common with the War on Terror?
• Why isn’t the answer to “Peeta or Gale?” as interesting as the question itself?
• What should Panem have learned from the fates of other hedonistic societies throughout history&mdashand what can we?
The Girl Who Was On Fire covers all three books in the Hunger Games trilogy.

Like most YA readers, I'm a huge fan of The Hunger Games. HUGE. I can't get enough of it, so I thought this would be the perfect book for me.
This is essentially an anthology of essays by different authors who explore various facets of the Hunger Games in greater detail.

It's an interesting read for those who appreciate a more academic approach to literature, but may not be as interesting to those who are simply fans of fiction and literature solely for amusement.

Some of the essays do offer interesting new ideas, and some of them felt like I was proofreading a classmate's university paper. This academic approach can often to lead to what I see as overanalyzing a piece of art, which detracted from my enjoyment of reading these papers.

The authors do cover a wide array of topics including scientific advancements, neuroscience, politics, sociology, and the list goes on. Because of this there are going to be some topics which are less interesting to the reader than others.

Overall, it was an interesting read but not one I would particularly recommend outside of a situation where purely academic research and thinking is appreciated.

Blogsphere Giveaways!

I have TWO exciting giveaways to show you!

The first is by Carolina Valdez Miller who has posted her review of The Girl of Fire and Thorns (looks amazing!) as well as an ARC giveaway for THREE books- that's right, THREE!! This one ends July 23 so hurry, hurry over there to enter! And it's open internationally.

All other info is posted on her blog here (such as rules, the specific books).

Jude over at In Between Writing and Reading is having her 18th Birthday Giveaway!

Rules are over at her blog post, which you can see my clicking the lovely little button below!

Giveaway ends August 30, so you have some time to enter but don't forget about it before it ends!

One US or Mexico winner and one INTERNATIONAL winner!

Waiting on Wednesday ~ 7/20

(see this lovely picture? It was made by Lindsay at The Violet Hour. So thanks to her for sharing it!)
 Breaking the Spine hosts weekly "Waiting on Wednesday" for books that haven't been released yet but we are anxious for!

Shut Out by Kody Keplinger

 

Release Date: September 5, 2011

 

Goodreads Synopsis:

Most high school sports teams have rivalries with other schools. At Hamilton High, it's a civil war: the football team versus the soccer team. And for her part, Lissa is sick of it. Her quarterback boyfriend, Randy, is always ditching her to go pick a fight with the soccer team or to prank their locker room. And on three separate occasions Randy's car has been egged while he and Lissa were inside, making out. She is done competing with a bunch of sweaty boys for her own boyfriend's attention.

Lissa decides to end the rivalry once and for all: she and the other players' girlfriends go on a hookup strike. The boys won't get any action from them until the football and soccer teams make peace. What they don't count on is a new sort of rivalry: an impossible girls-against-boys showdown that hinges on who will cave to their libidos first. And Lissa never sees her own sexual tension with the leader of the boys, Cash Sterling, coming.

Inspired by Aristophanes' play Lysistrata, critically acclaimed author of The Duff (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) Kody Keplinger adds her own trademark humor in this fresh take on modern teenage romance, rivalry and sexuality.

I really adore Greek plays/myths/stories, etc. and if I could have continued to study it in university (had there been more courses) I would have loved to! So any book based on Greek stories is a must-read for me.

Dark Passage (Dark Mirror #2) by M.J. Putney

Release Date: September 13, 2011

Goodreads Synopsis:

The Irregulars return home to 1803 England safely, but their worldview has changed.  Not only have their heroic efforts at Dunkirk given them pride and confidence but their dangerous mission has increased their magical powers. 
Tory delights in the ever deepening bond she shares with Allarde until she discovers how powerfully he is connected to his ancient family estate—the lands he will not inherit unless he denies his magical powers and chooses a nonmagical mate. If Tory really loves him, she must walk away—but does she have the strength to leave the love of her life?
Cynthia’s heroic efforts at Dunkirk have won her the respect of the Irregulars, but her sharp tongue keeps everyone at a distance. Isolated and very alone at Lackland Abbey over the Christmas holidays, she reluctantly agrees to join Jack Rainford and his family for their celebration even though they’re commoners, far below her own noble rank. The warm welcome of the Rainfords makes her feel happier and more accepted than she has ever been. But she can’t possibly be falling in love with flirtatious Jack! Can she?
Then the Irregulars are drawn into a dangerous attempt to rescue a vitally important French scientist from Nazi-occupied France. Tory and Allarde must work together because countless lives are at stake. Disaster strikes and not only is their mission threatened, but their very lives. Can magic and their loyalty to each other help them survive to return home?

I won Dark Mirror in a Goodreads giveaway and really enjoyed it. The story was pretty easy to get in to, and I'm excited for this sequel (coming out soon)! You can read my review of Dark Mirror on this blog post. Also, I think this cover is gorgeous! Much better from the first.

So what are you waiting on today?

Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn

Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn
Released: July 1, 2011
ISBN13:  9780764209055)
Bethany House Publishing

5/5 Stars!

Goodreads Synopsis:
 Marc Royce works for the State Department on special assignments, most of them rather routine, until two CIA operatives go missing in Iraq—kidnapped by Taliban forces bent on generating chaos in the region. Two others also drop out of sight—a high-placed Iraqi civilian and an American woman providing humanitarian aid. Are the disappearances linked? Rumors circulate in a whirl of misinformation.
After finishing this book, all I can say is, "Wow". I was truly moved, and to be honest it's pretty difficult to explain that, but here I'm going to try.

Do you believe that one Person can change others? That one Person can influence people to make a change? That one Person could change politics? What about the situation in the Middle East, and as this book looks at, the political instability of Iraq? Can one Person bring enemies together in peace to now call each other "brother"?

That's exactly what Lion of Babylon is about. I'm going to be honest and say that some people (in fact, most people) won't be able to buy into this premise. But I can, and if you are one of those people who are able to, then this book will absolutely impact you.

It's an adventurous thriller, and while Christian, it isn't forced on you. The faith in it is subtle in its own way, which is what makes it so beautiful. Marc and Sameh don't walk around talking about being a Christian; they LIVE and BREATHE it. Their actions are so much louder than any words they could ever speak. And it works- people are drawn to them like bees to honey. But they don't keep the glory for themselves and instead they point it right back where it belongs: to that one Person, Jesus.

My favourite part of the story was reading how these unlikely friendships grew. An Iraqi Christian, a Muslim religious leader, an American Christian, and a Muslim Iraqi police officer all learn to work together regardless of their differences. Bunn tells the story of Iraq in such a way that we really see how skewed our perception of these Middle Eastern countries and their people can be. These are not our enemies; and we can't stereotype them as such. Reading the friends these men became and seeing how they worked together in perfect harmony moved me to tears, at the simplicity of this beautiful change. What wouldn't we give to see something like this really happen in real life? And all of this is woven between the lines of a secret, dangerous mission and personal growth for each of these characters! Bunn masterfully balances multiple facets of his book to tell this story that can really change how you think and feel about others.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".  I am SO thankful that Baker Publishing provided me with a copy of this book, and while I am pleased to write this glowing review of Lion of Babylon I was compensated in no other way besides a copy of the book.
Marc must unravel the truth in a covert operation requiring utmost secrecy—from both the Americans and the insurgents. But even more secret than the undercover operation is the underground dialogue taking place between sworn enemies. Will the ultimate Reconciler between ancient enemies, current foes, and fanatical religious factions be heard?

The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher

The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher
Released: January 1, 2011
ISBN13: 9781402243691
Sourcebooks Fire

4/5 Stars

Goodreads Synopsis:
 Welcome to a future where water is more precious than gold or oil-and worth killing for
Vera and her brother, Will, live in the shadow of the Great Panic, in a country that has collapsed from environmental catastrophe. Water is hoarded by governments, rivers are dammed, and clouds are sucked from the sky. But then Vera befriends Kai, who seems to have limitless access to fresh water. When Kai suddenly disappears, Vera and Will set off on a dangerous journey in search of him-pursued by pirates, a paramilitary group, and greedy corporations. Timely and eerily familiar, acclaimed author Cameron Stracher makes a stunning YA debut that's impossible to forget.
The Water Wars is a fictitious approach to the possibility of what could happen with the world's fresh water supply in the future. I want to clarify, first of all, that this is no Hunger Games and I do not feel that it tries to be so I don't think the comparison is a fair one to make. This book is altogether different and enjoyable on its own. Also, I think the cover is incredible, especially once you've read the book and have a better understanding of what it all means!

I really enjoyed how Stracher took a real, current issue right now and applied it to a YA novel. It never felt preachy or unrealistic, because this is a concern of international politics right now and will continue to become more of an issue in the future.

I particularly enjoyed how Stracher framed the plot as a journey, both physically and emotionally for Vera and Will, as time for them to become more aware of the world they're living in. Stracher readily brings up topics that need to be discussed in the contemporary world as much as they need to be discussed in the world of his novel.

I would have appreciated seeing more background to some of the events of the story, and further explanation of the more mysterious events (particularly the Diviners) and Vera's meeting with Kai for the first time. The story really jumps right in very quickly, which is good because it keeps you interested the entire time but also doesn't drag on for too long with meaningless details. There's just enough action and mystery to keep you guessing. But this was also its shortfall since there were some political circumstances that were just too confusing. Perhaps some sort of a prequel or sequel would provide further insight to these questions.

Overall, it's an enjoyable little book particularly for those readers interested in environmentalism and politics who enjoy reading fiction. This copy was provided to me by the publisher upon receiving request for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, which is greatly appreciated! No other compensation was received.

IMM ~ July 17-23

I'm posting this a day early since I'll spend most of tomorrow travelling and I received a number of books this week! Reviews will (hopefully) be posted soon once they're read.

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by The Story Siren, which allows bloggers to share what books they’ve received in the past week. They can be from stores, contests, tours, publishers, libraries, borrowed books from friends, and the list goes on! It's just a way of showing off the books you received in the past week and making sure they're featured on the blog.






Received from Publisher:

Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn
Released: July 1, 2011
Bethany House Publishers

Goodreads Synopsis:
 Marc Royce works for the State Department on special assignments, most of them rather routine, until two CIA operatives go missing in Iraq—kidnapped by Taliban forces bent on generating chaos in the region. Two others also drop out of sight—a high-placed Iraqi civilian and an American woman providing humanitarian aid. Are the disappearances linked? Rumors circulate in a whirl of misinformation.

Rumors of God by Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson
Release Date: July 19, 2011
Nelson, Thomas Inc.
Received from Booksneeze

Goodreads Synopsis:
In his classic work, Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis likens an encounter with God to coming to life: "This world is a great sculptor's shop and we are the statues. But there is a rumor going round the shop that some of us are some day going to come to life."
However, today many Christians live with tension. What the Scriptures promise seems like a far cry from what we experience in our lives. As a result, God seems distant, and the life described in the Scriptures seems more like a series of rumors than reality.
Does God still do great things today? Is it possible to really experience Him? Can we close the gap between what we hear and what we see?
Rumors of God is a rally cry for the church. Authors Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson share compelling stories about the work and activity of God today. Packed with fresh cultural observations and illuminating Scriptural insights, Rumors of God will ignite a passion in your heart to see your faith come to life.

The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher
Released: January 1, 2011
Sourcebooks Fire

Goodreads Synopsis:
Welcome to a future where water is more precious than gold or oil-and worth killing for
Vera and her brother, Will, live in the shadow of the Great Panic, in a country that has collapsed from environmental catastrophe. Water is hoarded by governments, rivers are dammed, and clouds are sucked from the sky. But then Vera befriends Kai, who seems to have limitless access to fresh water. When Kai suddenly disappears, Vera and Will set off on a dangerous journey in search of him-pursued by pirates, a paramilitary group, and greedy corporations. Timely and eerily familiar, acclaimed author Cameron Stracher makes a stunning YA debut that's impossible to forget.
Received from Net Galley:

Eve by Anna Carey
Release Date: October 4, 2011
HarperTeen

Goodreads Synopsis:
The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus—and the vaccine intended to protect against it—wiped out most of the earth’s population. The night before eighteen-year-old Eve’s graduation from her all-girls school she discovers what really happens to new graduates, and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust...and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen
Release Date: September 7, 2011
EgmontUSA

Goodreads Synopsis:
Sasha is desperate to find out who murdered her father. When getting the answer means pledging her soul to Eryx, she unlocks a secret that puts her in grave danger—Sasha is Anabo, a daughter of Eve, and Eryx’s biggest threat.

A son of Hell, immortal, and bound to Earth forever, Jax looks for redemption in the Mephisto Covenant—God’s promise he will find peace in the love of an Anabo. After a thousand years, he’s finally found the girl he’s been searching for: Sasha.

With the threat of Eryx looming, Jax has to keep Sasha safe and win her over. But can he? Will Sasha love him and give up her mortal life?

Tris and Izzie by Mett Ivie Harison
Release Date: October 11, 2011
EgmontUSA

Goodreads Synopsis:
A modern retelling of the German fairytale "Tristan and Isolde", Tris and Izzie is about a young witch named Izzie who is dating Mark King, the captain of the basketball team and thinks her life is going swimmingly well. Until -- she makes a love potion for her best friend Brangane and then ends up taking it herself accidentally, and falling in love with Tristan, the new guy at school

Cat's Tale: A Fairytale Retold by Bettie Sharpe
Released: June 27, 2011
Carina Press

Goodreads Synopsis:
Once the peerlessly beautiful Lady Catriona, consort to the king, Cat's fortunes fall far when her aged husband dies. The king's wizard turns her into a cat and tries to drown her in the mill pond. Fortunately Cat is a clever survivor and enlists the help of Julian, the miller's youngest son, in her plan for revenge.
She originally sees Julian as a mere pawn for her plans to break her curse, but as they work together Cat comes to know and care for him. Even if the curse can be broken, can a good-hearted man love a woman who has been as vain and selfish as Cat?

Read my review post on Cat's tale here!

Received from Author:

Silver Moon by Rebecca A. Rogers
Released: June 13, 2011

Goodreads Synopsis:
For seventeen-year-old Candra Lowell, senior year is supposed to be the time of her life. It’s not supposed to include being shipped off to her aunt and uncle’s house for 'her own good'. Whatever that means. There’s only bad news from this experience—when she learns she’ll go from human to werewolf in a few months. Complete with an inherited unique power.

At her aunt and uncle's house, Candra is plagued with nightmares of a whispering forest and glowing eyes, and a shadowy figure, who issues a warning—she needs to leave town. Candra tries to dismiss the haunting images, but when the shadowy figure appears outside of her home, Candra realizes she should've obeyed.

Candra learns the meaning of the stalker’s warnings when she discovers she’s the new favorite target of a rival pack. She isn't just a werewolf—she's a werewolf in the middle of a feud that makes the Montagues and Capulets look like best friends. She’s also made a mess of things by falling for her sworn enemy. Worse, the rival pack wants the power Candra will receive on her eighteenth birthday. To protect her family and friends, Candra can’t run or hide; she must face her foes, even if it means death.

Received from Giveaway:

Verita by Tracy Rozzlyn
Released: May 16, 2011

Goodreads Synopsis:
My parents died, my boyfriend cheated, and my best friend essentially dumped me. Truly alone in the world, I agree to help colonize the newly discovered planet, Verita. Now I’m on a strange new world. I have an overwhelming attraction to Brody, despite the fact that he's totally not my type. Another boy Ryan, utterly hates me for reasons out of my control. And there are creatures in the forest that would like nothing more than to eat us for dinner. My heart and mind are fighting with each other. I'm constantly fighting with Ryan. Concentrating on my job is becoming more and more difficult. Plus I can’t ignore how strange it is that all my friends are falling head-over-heal in love. But when I find myself stranded in the wilderness. The only thing that matters is survival.

Purchased:

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma
Released: June 28, 2011
Simon Pulse

Goodreads Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Lochan and sixteen-year-old Maya have always felt more like friends than siblings. Together they have stepped in for their alcoholic, wayward mother to take care of their three younger siblings. As defacto parents to the little ones, Lochan and Maya have had to grow up fast. And the stress of their lives—and the way they understand each other so completely—has also also brought them closer than two siblings would ordinarily be. So close, in fact, that they have fallen in love. Their clandestine romance quickly blooms into deep, desperate love. They know their relationship is wrong and cannot possibly continue. And yet, they cannot stop what feels so incredibly right. As the novel careens toward an explosive and shocking finale, only one thing is certain: a love this devastating has no happy ending.

Read my review post on Forbidden here!

GIVEAWAY FOR A COPY OF FORBIDDEN!! Ends August 5th.

Previously Received:

Witch Song by Amber Argyle
Release Date: September 1, 2011
Rhemalda Publishing

Goodreads Synopsis:
The world is changing. Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons-but not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of their songs fades, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can't stop the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her. Because if Brusenna doesn't, there won't be anything left to save.

Marc must unravel the truth in a covert operation requiring utmost secrecy—from both the Americans and the insurgents. But even more secret than the undercover operation is the underground dialogue taking place between sworn enemies. Will the ultimate Reconciler between ancient enemies, current foes, and fanatical religious factions be heard?

Daimon by Jennifer L. Arementrout

Daimon by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release Date: May 10, 2011
ISBN13: 9780983157267

4/5 Stars

Daimon is a great little teaser prequel to introduce Jennifer L. Armentrout's new series debuting in October 2011. I'm not going to write a summary for this since the prequel is short enough on its own!

The best way to describe this is Percy Jackson for older teens/young adults. I really enjoyed the Percy series (and its new spin off) so this one is right up my alley! It's fabulous; Armentrout writes Alex so well. She's just so snarky and tough, yet vulnerable at the same time. It's a difficult character to convey, and this little prequel is a great introduction to the series.

I was surprised by how much action is in this story, but that's a good sign for the rest of the series I hope! And Armentrout writes the action sequences well, which pleases me since suffering through a poorly written fight scene can just be painful.

And there's just enough mystery to catch the reader's attention and ask for more! I pre-ordered my signed copy of Half-Blood and that is one book I cannot wait to get my hands on!

P.S. I downloaded a free copy of this from the Spencer Hill Press website.

Forbidden Giveaway!

I decided yesterday that I would do a giveaway for Forbidden once I finished reading it, so I'm starting that today!

It'll be a fairly long giveaway since I'll be on vacation for a little while and will end on August 5th at 11:59 p.m. (I'm extending this one!)

Goodreads Summary:
 Seventeen-year-old Lochan and sixteen-year-old Maya have always felt more like friends than siblings. Together they have stepped in for their alcoholic, wayward mother to take care of their three younger siblings. As defacto parents to the little ones, Lochan and Maya have had to grow up fast. And the stress of their lives—and the way they understand each other so completely—has also also brought them closer than two siblings would ordinarily be. So close, in fact, that they have fallen in love. Their clandestine romance quickly blooms into deep, desperate love. They know their relationship is wrong and cannot possibly continue. And yet, they cannot stop what feels so incredibly right. As the novel careens toward an explosive and shocking finale, only one thing is certain: a love this devastating has no happy ending.

I'm also going to stress that this book is not for everybody. Not everyone is going to like it (see my review), but others have loved it.

Because of the nature of some of the material, you must be 16 or older to enter this giveaway. I just don't feel comfortable giving it away to someone younger than that.

Now for The Rules:

• You must be at least 16 years old (if you're under 16, your entry will be deleted.)
• You must have a Canadian or US shipping address
• No P.O. Boxes
• You will have 48 hours to get back to me via e-mail to claim your prize and provide me with shipping information
• Winner will be announced on my blog as well as by e-mail.
• Winners are chosen by Random.org
• I am not responsible for items lost in the mail.
• I have the right to end a contest before its original deadline without any prior notice.
• I have the right to disqualify any entry as I see fit (such as duplicate entries, not completing the form properly, not following the rules, etc.)

CLICK HERE FOR THE ENTRY FORM