Once Upon a Readathon

Yay! Okay, so I'm really counting on this readathon to help get me out of this rut I've been in lately. Since it takes place Monday through Wednesday, and I work full time those days, I'm not going to be as ambitious as I sometimes am. I'm hoping to finish 3 books during the readathon.

• Frost (Frost #1) by Kate Avery Ellison (already started before readathon: page 88)
• The Girl with Borrowed Wings by Rinsai Rossetti (already started before readathon: page 6)
• Chosen Ones (The Lost Souls #1) by Tiffany Truitt

Starting point:
Monday, July 9th at...11:00 a.m.
Currently reading: right now, Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt
But I do have a small page count from this weekend for the other books.

July 9 at 3:45 p.m.
Currently reading: Chosen Ones (page 15) and The Girl with Borrowed Wings (page 48)
Hoping to get more done tonight after work :)

July 10 at 11:40 a.m.
Finished: Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt
Currently reading: The Girl with Borrowed Wings & Frost
Yay! One book down :)

Good luck to all the other participants! :)

Stacking the Shelves {9}

Welcome to another week of Stacking the Shelves, hosted by Tynga!

As Tynga explains, all you have to do is:

• Create your own Stacking The Shelves post. You can use my official graphic or your own, but please link back to Tynga’s Reviews so more people can join the fun!
• You can set your post any way you want, simple book list, covers, pictures, vlog, sky is the limit!
• I am posting Stacking The Shelves on Saturdays, but feel free to post yours any day that fits you.
• Visit Tynga’s Reviews on Saturday and add your link so others can visit you!
• Visit other participants link to find out what they added to their shelves!

Did you all have a good week like I did? Nothing too exciting, but I've been busy with some events around home :) Hope you're all surviving this crazy heat wave we're having in Canada/US!

This week I received:

• ARC Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout (TBR ~ September 18, 2012) Received from Spencer Hill Press for review
• ARC Deity (Covenant #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout (TBR ~ November 6, 2012) Received from Spencer  Hill Press for review
• ARC The Dead I Know by Scot Gardner (TBR ~ August 7, 2012) Received from Penguin Canada
• SIGNED Shadow and Bone (Grisha Trilogy #1) by Leigh Bardugo (Purchased from Books of Wonder ~ loved this book and I was dying for a signed copy!)
• SIGNED Delirium (Delirium #1) by Lauren Oliver (Purchased from Books of Wonder ~ I have LOVED this book for so long and caved when I saw they had signed copies!)
• SIGNED Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver (Purchased from Books of Wonder ~ another beautiful book from Lauren- and again, I needed a signed copy!)
• SIGNED Pandemonium (Delirium #2) by Lauren Oliver (Purchased from Books of Wonder ~ I have two, so I can hold onto one for a giveaway/passing on to someone haha)

Clearly, I went a little crazy with the signed books... but come on! They're so pretty and signed and I love them all :)

• I was totally surprised when I received some Fierce Reads swag for being a part of the Monument 14 tour from Macmillan! They were so lovely, and sent over TWO posters: one Shadow & Bone (with the map on the back) & one Fierce Reads PLUS 4 bookmarks & a temporary tattoo! So cool :)
• AND I received some Spencer Hill Press swag including bookmarks and stickers!
• PLUS I received a second Shadow & Bone poster for the preorder at Books of Wonder ~ I'll only be holding onto one, not sure what I'll be doing with the second one but it WILL be going to a good home :)

Let me know whwat you received this week for your mailbox post! I'd love to see :)

Review: Team Human

Team Human by Justine Larbalestier & Sarah Rees Brennan
Release Date ~ July 3, 2012
HarperTeen ~ HarperCollins
ISBN13: 9780062089649
ARC received from HarperCollins Canada for review

Goodreads Synopsis:
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.

Acclaimed authors Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan team up to create a witty and poignant story of cool vampires, warm friendships, and the changes that test the bonds of love.

If you're looking for a different kind of book to read (and you're a tad tired from the same type of paranormals), Team Human is a perfect pick for you.

I knew this was one book that wouldn't take itself too seriously, and would have some witty comments about the vampire genre in general; but what I wasn't expecting was such a deeply stimulating response to ideas of tolerance and discrimination. Team Human is much more than just another YA paranormal, but an excellent example of well-developed satire.

1. A vampire book- with a twist:
   
   I know the cover/description hint that this may be just another YA paranormal romance featuring vampires and a love triangle but it's NOT. There are vampires, and there is romance, and there's sort of a love triangle off to the side (but not in an annoying way at all- it's part of the plot for some secondary characters, I guess you could say). But there's also MYSTERY and HUMOUR and some real character growth and self-discovery. Vampires aren't complete monsters, but they aren't completely glorified either.
2. A real theme dealing with tolerance and discrimination:
   
   It's not secret that Mel doesn't trust vampires. And it's perfectly understandable why she's so hesitant to support her best friend Cathy in her romantic relationship with a vampire. But at the same time, she begins to realize how little she actually knows about vampires, and even that her own personal preferences and ideas may not be universally shared - an important lesson for everyone to recognize at some poin in their life.
3. A mystery/teen detective element:
   
   Mel ends up taking it upon herself to solve her friend Anna's mysterious disappearance of her father leaving, and her mother's strange reaction. I always find that it's a fun thing to add to a book, and it was handled really well in Team Human. I actually found this to be the best part of the book, and in particular the most exciting and suspensful. And also poignant.

My one problem with this is that I think the overall message came on a little too strong and while I definitely appreciate it and think we can learn a lot from it as a principle, I still can't help but wonder if it's a case where we can go too far. It's a delicate balance to show Mel as a caring friend, yet one that is a tad too controlling and pushy about HER ideas; but I still couldn't help but feel that to a large extent she was being fairly honest and reasonable. If my friend was risking herself (and acting VERY focused on one youthful, new romantic relationship) and putting herself in danger I'd probably react in the same way. But I couldn't help but wonder exactly how far the book suggested we should go with this, and where we draw the line. Needless to say, I didn't LOVE that and I had some questions regarding it. I just wasn't left wholly satisfied.

But overall, Team Human is a smart read, one that is an absolute breath of fresh air among YA paranormal books which are now dime a dozen.

Purchase Links

United States	Canada	International
Amazon	Amazon Canada	The Book Depository
Barnes & Noble	Chapters Indigo

  

1 Year Blogaversary!

Today, Esther's Ever After is officially a one year old book blog.

Whoa.

I don't think I can even BEGIN to explain how much has changed since then. When I started blogging, I had no clue what I was getting into. NO CLUE. I was already reviewing books, but I didn't realize how much active blogging would change that. I had no idea that I'd still be doing it a year later (although I hoped I would be), or how much I'd fall in love with it. I completely fell in love with reading again, something I had often told myself I was "too busy" to do often.

I feel like the first year of blogging is where you're really figuring things out. It's only recently that I think I've settled into some sort of a routine with it.

In the past year, I've read a lot of very cool books- and a lot of them were ones I never would have picked up before. I've met some truly amazing people and I never thought I'd make friends, but I did. I never dreamed I'd get to connect with so many people, and talk to publishers and meet people and talk about books. If I stop and really think about it, I realize that I have the coolest hobby ever.

And I want to thank each and every person who encouraged me, answered questions, retweeted a review, shared a book with me, or even just quietly read one of my posts from your computer screen. THANK YOU <3 The fact that you take the time to read what I have to say constantly blows my mind.

And I want to thank all of you with a special giveaway too. I've been SAVING some stuff for a while now, just for this special occasion :)

3 prizes = 3 winners. Prize Pack 1 and 2 are US/Canada only, Prize Pack 3 is International.

Prize Pack 1 includes:

• SIGNED paperback Graceling by Kristin Cashore
• SIGNED paperback Fire by Kristin Cashore
• SIGNED hardcover Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore
• 1 bag of Katniss Blend Tea from Adagio
• Assorted swag (bookmarks, stickers, etc.)

Prize Pack 2 includes:

• SIGNED paperback Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
• SIGNED (bookplate) hardcover Delirium by Lauren Oliver
• 1 bag of Peeta Blend Tea' from Adagio
• Assorted swag (bookmarks, stickers, etc.)

Prize Pack 3 includes:

• $12 book of your choice from TBD
• Assorted swag (bookmarks, stickers, etc.)

These are some of my favourite books and they're all signed and pretty :) Plus, the Hunger Games tea is just amazing. And swag! For real, you want this swag. I have some really cool stuff including Harry Potter bookmark buddies!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

Review: Tiger Lily

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Release Date ~ July 3, 2012
HarperTeen ~ HarperCollins
ISBN13: 9780062003256
ARC borrowed from Wendy @ A Cupcake and a Latte
Goodreads Synopsis:
Before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow feather in her hair. . . .

Fifteen-year-old Tiger Lily doesn't believe in love stories or happy endings. Then she meets the alluring teenage Peter Pan in the forbidden woods of Neverland and immediately falls under his spell.

Peter is unlike anyone she's ever known. Impetuous and brave, he both scares and enthralls her. As the leader of the Lost Boys, the most fearsome of Neverland's inhabitants, Peter is an unthinkable match for Tiger Lily. Soon, she is risking everything—her family, her future—to be with him. When she is faced with marriage to a terrible man in her own tribe, she must choose between the life she's always known and running away to an uncertain future with Peter.

With enemies threatening to tear them apart, the lovers seem doomed. But it's the arrival of Wendy Darling, an English girl who's everything Tiger Lily is not, that leads Tiger Lily to discover that the most dangerous enemies can live inside even the most loyal and loving heart.

From the New York Times bestselling author of Peaches comes a magical and bewitching story of the romance between a fearless heroine and the boy who wouldn't grow up.
Tiger Lily promised a dark and tragic interpretation of a familiar children's story, one that would steal your breath away - and that was right. This book is exactly what it promised to be- a new, fresh take on an old story, a love story.

As fascinating a story as it is, I can also see how this introspective book wouldn't be for every reader- but it's sure to capture the hearts of many who enjoy a grand romance, and anything to do with Peter Pan.

1. A thoughtful interpretation of Peter Pan:
   
   I enjoy the story of Peter Pan, but I thought it was fantastic how well Jodi Lynn put her own spin on this story; the majority of the "facts" and details remain the same (or if they are changed, there's a reasonable explanation for it) and I was constantly surprised at how she made such a classic story her own. It can be hard to rework familiar territory, but the effect ends up making Tiger Lily a masterpiece of retellings.
2. Lovely storytelling:
   
   While at first I had some reservations with the story being narrated by Tinker Bell, I soon realized how effective it was being told from a third party. Part of what makes the story so poignant is that it's never really clear how the various characters truly feel about one another or their circumstances - and because it's told through Tinker Bell's eyes, it feels even more tragic because we get to see hints of the pain experienced by a number of characters rather than just Tiger Lily. Tinker Bell is remarkably unbiased (except when it comes to Tiger Lily, whom she clearly has strong ties to) and offers a different perspective on the events as well.
3. A strong, unique Tiger Lily:
   
   This is not the helpless, fairly bland Native American princess we're used to (thanks, Disney). Tiger Lily is reimagined as we haven't seen her before, and she's fully brought to life with her own past and her own personality. And her relationship with Peter Pan is beautiful in its own right, so simple and just plain RIGHT. It's the way things change between them that's so heartbreaking, and how they both feel lost to do anything about it.

The one thing I was not expecting from this story was for the relationship between Tiger Lily and Peter Pan to be so pivotal, and even after reading most of it I didn't feel that should have had so much impact as it did. And the ending felt so rushed that it didn't feel wholly pulled together. I just had a hard time believing that this strong heroine would just sit back passively and watch while things happened around her, and then to react later on in such a strong, violent way. And honestly it was at that point that I began to lose my connection to Tiger Lily, because while I could understand her distress I couldn't fathom her rationale behind her choices.

And for a book that's promoted as a love story- well, I found the romance between Peter and Tiger Lily to be rather rushed. And I found where the book really shone, was in its portrayal of various other relationships and qthe idea of cultures clashing and transformation and feeling like a misfit. THAT, more than any love story, is what the book (even unconsciously) seems to be about. And that's what's so striking about it.

But all in all, this is a truly unique and stunning book that leaves a small mark on your heart. It's one that's unforgettable, partially because of how it makes you think differently about this familiar story and question characters like Pan, Wendy, Tiger Lily, and Tinker Bell to think of them in ways we've never seen before.

Purchase Links

United States	Canada	International
Amazon	Amazon Canada	The Book Depository
Barnes & Noble	Chapters Indigo

Blog Tour: Sirenz Back in Fashion

I was a big fan of the first Sirenz book, and so I'm thrilled to be a part of the blog tour for Sirenz: Back in Fashion today! Enjoy the review and this fun little giveaway for a Sirenz: Back in Fashion prize pack! :)

Sirenz: Back in Fashion by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman
Release Date ~ June 8, 2012
Flux
ISBN13: 9780738731872
Review copy received from authors/NetGalley
http://thesirenz.com/

Goodreads Synopsis:
In Sirenz, boarding school roomies Meg and Shar learned the hazards of making a deal with Hades, Lord of the Underworld. The wearing of a Tiffany's diamond ring in Sirenz Back In Fashion reactivates their contract, they find themselves back in his employ as sirens. And things are a little different this time; Shar is whisked off to the Underworld to play hostess as the dark god attempts to win her affections, while Meg is stuck topside, obligated to send spoiled rich girl Paulina Swanson to the Underworld. Hot gods, mere mortals and the Underworld have their secrets. Will Meg and Shar ever ditch Hades, and keep their wardrobes and souls intact?

Sirenz is one of those light fluffy book that you just absolutely devour with its quirky characters and clever lines that make you giggle - and some days that's EXACTLY the type of book you need to read!

I really enjoyed reading Sirenz so I lept at the chance to review its sequel and take part in the blog tour. And much like the first book, Sirenz 2 is a super fun and quick read that is easily enjoyed.

1. A very close friendship between Meg & Shar:
   
   One of my favourite things about these books is how well they portray a friendship between two vastly different girls; and I love that the story didn't end with Sirenz 1 where they only just become friends after looking past their differences because so many stories just finish with that. But here we get to see the difficulties they encounter as they try to figure out if they can overcome their differences, even while apart. It's a huge strain on their relationship, but I love that the friendship the two share is more important than any boy or villain or vengeful goddess!
2. Hades is a villain you just love to hate:
   
   I have to say, I'm a fan of this trend that seems to be growing where we have those sexy bad guys who are actually the antagonists/villains of the story... but you can't help but love them at the same time. Hades is a PERFECT example of this- he's totally flawed, and can be jerk, but there are times when he's refreshingly sweet and unlike the other love interests. I have a soft spot for him, like I think most other Sirenz readers do, and I'm REALLY curious about what will end up happening with him.
3. Shar gets a guy!:
   
   I don't know about you, but when I heard there was a potential guy for Shar thrown into the mix that was reason enough for me to read this sequel. I just really like Shar, and I felt so badly with how things turned out for her at the end of Sirenz! She feels underrated to me, so I liked that we got to see a LOT more of her in terms of development and good things happening :)

You won't find anything earth-shattering with these books, but they are lighthearted and fun - they're positive and uplifting, and just all-around enjoyable!

Purchase Links

United States	Canada	International
Amazon	Amazon Canada	The Book Depository
Barnes & Noble	Chapters Indigo

Prom time! What DOES a Siren wear to THAT dance? Little black dress? Pink froth? Or maybe something a little more…
goddess worthy? ) Like Anne Hathaway?

Here’s your test: Dress Shar and Meg for Prom. Comment with links or a photo for a dress for each girl and enter to win a Sirenz gift pack! Hades *might* get involved in picking the winner… just saying! You'll get one entry for suggesting a dress for Shar and one more for Meg :) Just remember that Shar likes all things tand pink could help) and Meg likes hers in black! leave an e-mail so you can be reached if you win! Giveaway is open internationally & you have until July 17th to comment :)

1 lucky commenter will get a Sirenz: Back in Fashion prize pack including swag & a signed copy of the new book!

About the authors:

Nat: When not playing with pointed objects, Natalie Zaman is usually writing. She lives in central New Jersey with her family and several fine looking chickens.

http://nataliezaman.com
http://nataliezaman.blogspot.com/


Char: Lover of sparkly things, Char doesn't have as many shoes as she'd like, but wouldn't have time to wear them anyway with her three boys, husband, cat with issues, demented squirrels and insistent characters all demanding her time. She is represented by Natalie Lakosil of the Bradford Literary Agency and is hoping to get all her characters into print just so they'll be quiet.

http://www.charlottebennardo.com/
http://charlotteebennardo.blogspot.com/

Teen Review: Withershins

Withershins by Susan Rocan
Release Date ~ April 1, 2008
Great Plains Publications
ISBN13: 9781894283755
Review copy received from publisher

Goodreads Synopsis:
Most people have heard of Withershins- the ritual where one runs around a church three times at midnight. Some claim you will be transported to the Netherworld. What happens to Michelle is quite different. She finds herself trapped in the past, forced to survive without modern conveniences. A native shaman tells her she is the chosen one, but Michelle has no idea why. As she struggles with life in a primitive time, she learns more than just how to survive. Despite facing illness, death, and bigotry, she learns patience and even falls in love, as much as she tries to avoid it.

I really enjoy novels where the protagonist travels back in time.  I like the mix of historical fiction, with contemporary, and fantasy.  I think that the genres mix well together.  When I read about this book, I really wanted to read it because it sounded really cool.  Needless to say, it was a pretty good novel.

1. Accurate Aboriginal and Settler Relationship:
   
   This novel takes place in Canada in the mid 1700s or so, when settlers from Europe are still coming over to settler down in Canada.  A lot of novels skim over the fact that the relationship between the Native people and the settlers was not always great.  There was a lot of prejudice against the Native people, which I thought was very accurately portrayed.  It also wasn't always black and white, though.  There were some settlers in the novel that had no problem at all with the Natives, and there were some that seemed to hate them with a passion.  Overall, I was impressed with how the author wrote about it.
2. Unique Concept:
   
   While the whole modern-person-is-transport-back-in-time plot is not very original, the way Michelle is transported back in time is really cool.  She finds herself in the past because of a certain kind of Native magic.  I like books whose focus is Native mythology.  I think that all of the ideas about magic are really original from anything else I've ever read about.  The fact that this book's plot was based from Native magic, I thought was really, really intriguing.

I did have some problems with this novel.  Michelle tended to become very whiny about little things, which bugged me to no end.  The love triangle seemed forced at times, and this was one of those times where I loved one of the guys, and absolutely hated the other one.  Luckily, my favourite seemed to be the one winning.  Besides those, though, I did enjoy all of the historical aspects to it, and the wole storyline in general.  I think you'll like this book if you are a fan of historical fiction, or just want a quick read.

Purchase Links

United States	Canada	International
Amazon	Amazon Canada	The Book Depository
Barnes & Noble	Chapters Indigo