Oct 31, 2011

Review--The Lost Saint by Bree Despain

A FAMILY DESTROYED. A LOVE THREATENED. AN ENEMY RETURNS

Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected with the werewolf curse while trying to save him, and lost her beloved brother in the process.

Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot, a newcomer to town. But as the two grow closer, Grace's relationship with Daniel is put in danger - in more ways than one.

Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace begins to give into the wolf inside of her - not realizing that an enemy has returned and a deadly trap is about to be sprung.

Bree Despain delivers sizzling romance and thrilling action in the heart-pounding sequel to the The Dark Divine.

Bree Despain's The Lost Saint was an incredible followup to The Dark Divine. Of course it's been so long since I read the last book that I forgotten some of the details and whatnot, but I was soon caught up enough to become immersed into the story.

It's been nearly a year--10 months--since the events of The Dark Divine, Daniel is cured and now it's Grace who is battling her wolf. She trains with Daniel in order to get a handle on her wolf, to be the one in control. But one night things suddenly change between them and Daniel stops training her, not giving her much of a reason. The two become suddenly distant and Grace is at a lost to understand what happened.

Grace is determined to find her brother, Jude as well. He's been gone for 10 months, and she hasn't heard from him since he run off that night. But someone has, April. April and Grace make amends and soon they are both set to find Jude, for Jude had been contacting April. Leaving her anonymous comments on her blog that just sound like Jude, text messages that also resemble things he would say.

The new character on the block is Talbot. He too is like Grace, able to control his wolf from escaping, yet using his powers for good. Sounds a little corny, right? But the story is done well. Grace secretly trains with Talbot and learns how to control her amazing abilities.

But there's something big on the horizon. Something sinister and dark. And it's out to ruin everything Grace holds dear to her. And shocking secrets are soon revealed by the ones she thought she could trust most.

Overall this was a fabulous read! I really fell into the book, being back in Grace's world. All the shocking surprises, were actually pretty shocking. A few things I got an inkling of beforehand, but it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. The ending was really outstanding too. Things come to fore that leave a bit of a cliffhanger, so the wait til March 13, for The Savage Grace is going to be a little difficult. Thankfully I have so much to read still that it shouldn't be a problem!

Overall rating 4/5 stars




It's Monday! What are you Reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It's a fun meme where we gather to share what we've read last week and our reading plans for this week.


Last Week I Read:
Magic on the Line (Early Review) by Devon Monk (4.5 stars)
Darker Still (Early Review) by Leanna Renee Hieber (4 stars)
Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini (3.75 stars)


Currently Reading:

The Lost Saint by Bree Despain


What I Plan to Read this Week:

Angel Town by Lilith Saintcrow
Trance by Kelly Meding


Other Posts of Interest:




Happy Halloween!!



HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!


Oct 30, 2011

Panic Attack...and a Winner!!

Okay, had myself a nice little panic attack this morning! Was visiting blogs and whatnot and then was going to write up some posts when suddenly my blog access was gone! I was told it had been deleted, despite my using it seconds ago! So yeah, felt sick to my stomach for awhile and was having a good ol panic attack.

Emailed Google, but since it was Sunday got no immediate reply obviously. Then I kept nagging at it, kept playing around with my account and viola! I finally got it back up and running! Panic attack eased...then stomach started hurting from the chocolate I ate during my few hours of no blog access! So not good for my health!




Anyways, I now have a winner from my Who Do, Voodoo giveaway!! Yay!!!



And the winner is.......Kristen@kk4booksnlighthouses!!

Congrats Kristen!


I have contacted the winner and she has 48 hours to respond or else a new winner will have to be chosen!




In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly blog post hosted by Kirsti over at The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

This past Tuesday was a big release day for me! Several books I wanted to get and I got all of em!!
Trance by Kelly Meding
Darkness Rising by Keri Arthur
Angel Town by Lilith Saintcrow
The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa (already read this, but had to have a keeper copy! Here's my review)
Flesh and Blood by Kristen Painter


And that was my mailbox, what did you get?



Oct 29, 2011

Top 5 Sundays

Top 5 Sundays is a weekly blog meme created by Larissa at Larissa's Bookish Life.

Here's a little info about the meme taken from Larissa's blog:

Every Sunday I will post a TOP 5 list on the blog. It can be about anything and every week I'll have a new theme {You can vote on next week’s theme on my left sidebar!} and I will ad the Mr.Linky bellow the post so you can do a list with the theme and add you link to it.

Rules:
1 - Write a post listing your TOP 5 choices within the theme I chose (or was chosen on a poll) for the week.
2 - Mention this Blog on the post and link back to it.
3 - Fell free to use the Feature's image (there is a smaller size version of it bellow)
4 - After you've finished your post, add you link (of the post, not your blog's main page) to the Mr.Linky at the end of that week's post.
5 – If you don’t have a blog to post, just leave your list in the comments =)

This week's topic is: Favorite Book Titles


*in no particular order

 The Hollows Series
by Kim Harrison

Not that I'm a big Clint Eastwood fan, but I do like how Kim's series has titles with similar names to his movies!


13 to Life series 
by Shannon Delany

Like I wouldn't mention this series again! ;) I like how following 13 to Life, the titles have started with the same letter: Secrets and Shadows, Bargains and Betrayals, Destiny and Deception, Rivals and Redemption...so can't wait to see that cover! Hope it's green! 


The Study Trilogy 
by Maria V. Snyder

Loved this series and loved how the "study" Yelena usually did involved the key word title; poison, magic, and fire!


Ghost Hunter Mystery series 
by Victoria Laurie

Ghoul is always used in this series, and the titles get pretty catchy! I like em!! Usually one day reads for me as well!


Chicagoland Vampires series 
by Chloe Neill

Love this series! It started out with using the word "bite" in some way, but with it's next release, Drink Deep it kinda changes, yet the "drink" kinda goes with "bite" for vampires, so I see how it fits! Like how this series has that sort of theme so far!!





600 Followers!!

Yay! I hit 600 followers less than a week later!! And as promised at 500 followers I will have a contest! This will have multiple winners now obviously!! So stick around please!




Oct 28, 2011

*Review--Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini*

How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

So I read a few mixed reviews of Josephine Angelini's Starcrossed, but with the sad passing of Borders, I picked a copy up one week deciding to give it a try. And now I've finally gotten to it! And my last impression is that it wasn't too bad.

I will admit that in the beginning, I really didn't care for Helen. She seemed a little too full of herself at times. Not obviously so, but just occasionally her thoughts would really nag me. Like she hates that she's so tall and perfect and beautiful...why do I have to have such a pretty face? That kind of thing. It really bugged me. Had almost considered dropping the book but decided to forge ahead.

Her attitude definitely changes over time. I wasn't constantly hating her anymore. When the new family moves in though, more trouble starts. She hates them. Without even knowing them, she hates them. Hate, hate hate. She even attacks Lucas, one of the teens one day at school for no reason.

NOW, here is the last part that totally nagged at me, which I was aware of before reading this: something BIG happens. And then suddenly Helen's feelings towards Lucas and his family change. She no longer hates them with a bloody passion, she's even growing to like Lucas. Cheesy, yes. But trust me, the insta-love isn't really insta as we think. There's still a lot she doesn't know about Lucas and his family. Heck, there's still a lot Helen has to learn about herself.

Basically after getting through the first section of the book (really can't recall how many pages or chapters) we leave behind the high school drama crap, although some still pops up from other characters, we get into the thick of the story.

So if you don't already know, this book is sort of a revamped version of the Trojan War. Kinda sorta. Not like a retelling, but the history of the Trojan War plays a MAJOR part in the story. Which definitely made things interesting, for Helen learns her role in it and Lucas as well.   :O

I don't want to retell the whole book or anything, but after getting over the whole I hate you-I love you angst, the story really wasn't that bad. It got really interesting with new characters popping up and learning what their role in the war would be. The Fates are using these families for some reason or another and there is a bit of mystery going on.

And like I said, Lucas and Helen don't fall in love and live HEA. There's actually quite a few barriers the young couple hit over and over. It seemed repetitious at times, but when looking at it, it did move the storyline along. There were reasons for the breakups and get togethers.

And there's still quite a bit of secrets and mysteries going on with the families. One of the characters that popped up towards the end, is especially suspicious. We have no idea what their real game plan is (and yes, I did just use a plural to describe one person, because I don't want to reveal the gender).

So it really wasn't a terrible read like I had feared. The reviews I read prior to were a little harsh, but were still just opinions. Helen, while annoying at times in the beginning, did begin to grow on me. She matured a bit at least so I wasn't constantly hating her and rolling my eyes. And I liked that, I like when a character develops themselves from someone I couldn't stand to being someone I could stand.

I won't tell you not to read this one or to read it asap! But I do think if you like Greek mythology, along with the Trojan War story you might like this one. It was definitely interesting and worth a read if you're looking for something different to read.

Will I read the next one in the series? Most definitely!

Overall rating 3.75/5 stars (yes, going out of my usual rating, this was a good book, better than 3.5, but not quite a 4, but still super close! Could've made it more complicated and said like 3.83 out of 5, but will leave it as I did above)  ;)

This is another book to be added to my 2011 YA Debut Authors Challenge!



Friday Hops

This blogger hop was created by Jennifer at Crazy for Books.

Here are the rules:
1. Enter your book blog link in the Linky List below (be sure to include how long you've been blogging and what genres you review!). If you post about the Hop on your blog, please link directly to your Hop post (don't forget to answer this week's question - see below!).
2. Visit other blogs in the Linky List! Make new friends! Follow new book bloggers! Talk about books! Rave about authors! (Please do not leave your link and not visit other blogs - it's just not cool and not in the spirit of the Hop!)
3. Post about the Hop on your blog! Spread the word about the book party! The more the merrier!
4. In your blog post, answer the following question (new question each week!):

What is your favorite Halloween costume? Even if you don’t celebrate, what kinds of costumes do you like?

MY ANSWER: Oh man! This is another tough one! Trying my best to think of all my costumes over the years...

Well from last week's hop you know that my superhero alter-ego was Kimberly the Pink Power Ranger. And yes, one year for Halloween I was Kimberly the Pink Ranger, but from the Movie! Yes there was a difference! ;) My costume was more ninja like versus  the traditional Power Ranger suit!


 
So the one on the right! ;)

This is a weekly blog meme hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read.

Here are the general rules to Follow Friday:
1. Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts and any one else you want to follow on the list
2. Follow our Featured Bloggers
3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
5. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can
6. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
7. If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!
8. If your new to the follow Friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

This week's question is: If you could have dinner with your favorite book character, who would you eat with and what would you serve?


MY ANSWER: Another toughie! What's with the hard questions this week?! ;)

Haha! Got the perfect answer. Would anyone like to guess???

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I'd like to go someplace fun, like Dave & Busters or even some other Bar and Grill type place. Maybe even a pizza place...with the gang from the 13 to Life series! (Shocking!) Jessie could be with Pieter as long as I could be with Max!! ;)






Oct 27, 2011

Random Thursday

I was trying to think of something Halloween themed for today, but couldn't really pinpoint anything particular down. There's just too much! And some of it you might already know.

Like the story behind the Jack o lantern. Short version--from what I remember, Jack was a stingy man alive. He always played pranks and was just kind of mean. So when he died he wasn't allowed into heaven, so he went down to hell. But he kept playing tricks and pranks on the devil so he kicked him out too. He was then forced to wander the world--or I guess limbo--with only a hallowed out pumpkin with a candle in it to guide his way.

That's what I recall anyway!

I've always been a big fan of the paranormal. Which might be why I've never had my own ghostly encounter. You always tend to know someone who knows someone who had one. I haven't. My sister claims to when she was younger. I've been to our St. Louis Lemp Mansion--one of the most haunted places in the states if I remember Haunted History correctly, but it was just for a murder mystery dinner. I didn't get to tour the place which I would've liked to. But I was in a room where ghostly activity was claimed to happen.
Lemp Mansion


Another place I went to was a murder mystery breakfast place--can't recall the name. I'm not sure if it was supposed to be haunted or not. The owners told us that people have died--in some of the rooms we slept in. Of course this was the morning after!

But still, never had a ghostly encounter. And I do think it has to do with the fact that I wouldn't mind having one. I'd still probably be scared to death, but still wouldn't mind! Crazy, yes. I guess I am!

What about you guys? Have any of you had a ghostly encounter? Or have a spooky Halloween story to share?



Oct 26, 2011

500 Followers!

Yay! I hit 500 followers this week! Thanks everyone! I will have a contest...eventually. Sometime after the Spooktacular Giveaway, so stick around!!



Cover Copy Reveal--Rachel Vincent

Saw this on Rachel's blog and HAD to share! So can't wait to read it!



If you live in the dark long enough, you begin to forget the light…

KORI DANIELS is a shadow-walker, able to travel instantly from one shadow to another. After weeks of confinement for betraying her boss, she’s ready to break free of the Tower syndicate for good. But Jake Tower has one final job for Kori, one chance to secure freedom for herself and her sister, Kenley, even if that means taking it from someone else…

The job? Recruit Ian Holt—or kill him.

Ian’s ability to manipulate the dark has drawn interest from every syndicate in the world, most notably an invitation from Jake Tower. Though he has no interest in organized crime, Ian accepts the invite, because he’s on a mission of his own. Ian has come to kill Tower’s top Binder: Kori’s little sister.

Amid the tangle of lies, an unexpected thread of truth connecting Ian and Kori comes to light. But with opposing goals, they’ll have to choose between love and liberty….



So far, Shadow Bound is set to release June 1, 2012



*Early Review--Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber*

The Picture of Dorian Gray meets Pride and Prejudice, with a dash of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

New York City, 1882. Seventeen-year-old Natalie Stewart's latest obsession is a painting of the handsome British Lord Denbury. Something in his striking blue eyes calls to her. As his incredibly life-like gaze seems to follow her, Natalie gets the uneasy feeling that details of the painting keep changing...

Jonathan Denbury's soul is trapped in the gilded painting by dark magic while his possessed body commits unspeakable crimes in the city slums. He must lure Natalie into the painting, for only together can they reverse the curse and free his damaged soul.

I received this e-ARC courtesy of Netgalley for review

I've read Leanna Renee Hieber's Percy books so when I heard of her YA debut, Darker Still I became immediately interested! I mean who wouldn't? A girl able to enter a painting where a young man's soul is trapped?

This book totally blew me away. First off, Natalie is mute. Ever since she was 4 and her mother died she's been this way, so she's sort of an outcast. Yet when she enters the painting that holds Jonathon Denbury she's able to speak in the alternate reality. It soon becomes apparent that Jonathon is in trouble. He's trapped in a painting, obviously. And there's something out there in the real world walking around with his body.

Natalie was quite the character. I didn't know what to expect from her since she tells us she's mute. Her story is told via her diary and it's done remarkably well. I've read "diary" books before and have enjoyed them. I got so immersed in the story that I forgot it was a diary entry at times. Natalie is a strong young woman. She knows how to hold her own, despite being mute and having people treat her differently.

When she first hears of the painting going up for bids, she wants her father, who owns the Met, to buy it. There's something about the painting that speaks to her. But a Mrs. Northe is interested in the painting too and she has the money to afford it. Yet she wasn't a callous character, in fact she becomes a good friend to Natalie despite her being older. Mrs. Northe has incredible knowledge of the unknown and Natalie turns to her when she begins traveling into the painting. Soon it's up to them to work together to free Jonathon from his prison and defeat the evil that's walking around in his body.

It was an incredible story! At times though I will admit the pacing was a little slow. Especially towards the end. There were added accounts, such as letters and whatnot that were "added" to the diary to give us more of a conclusion. Which in a way was nice, some of it just seemed a little dragging. Not a whole lot mind you! Just a tad! But I was so enchanted with the idea of Natalie being able to travel through the painting when no one else could.

The ending does leave a few things open. Who knows where this series might go. And according to Goodreads, it does appear to be a series.

Overall rating 4/5 stars

Darker Still releases November 1, 2011

This one can also count for my 2011 Debut Authors Challenge, even though I already completed it! Yay!



Waiting on Wednesday

I hate waiting...
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blog post by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights releases we're eagerly awaiting.


Wow! Can't believe the year is coming close to an end! 2 more months of releases! Then we move on to the incredible list of 2012!!

The electric finale in New York Times bestselling author Lili St. Crow’s Strange Angels series!

Nobody expected Dru Anderson to survive this long. Not Graves. Not Christophe. Not even Dru. She’s battled killer zombies, jealous djamphirs, and bloodthirsty suckers straight out of her worst nightmares. But now that Dru has bloomed into a fullfledged svetocha—rare, beautiful, and toxic to all vampires—the worst is yet to come. Because getting out alive is going to cost more than she’s ever imagined. And in the end, is survival really worth the sacrifice?

Dru Anderson’s not afraid of the dark.

But she should be.


Soooo can't wait for the finale of Dru's story!! This has been an amazing series and one of the only love triangles where I can't decide which guy I want Dru to be with! I go back and forth too much! I do believe I was Team Graves last time though!

TITLE: Reckoning
AUTHOR: Lili St. Crow
GENRE:
YA Paranormal
RELEASE DATE:
November 1, 2011




Samhain approaches, bringing with it the final melding of the mortal and othernatural worlds. No one knows just how much power the night holds...

Violent murders occur in Paradise City as counterfeit comarré are systematically hunted. The police and the Kubai Mata have more than enough trouble to keep themselves occupied. As war erupts at home, Malkolm and Chrysabelle head to New Orleans to recover the Ring of Sorrows. Chrysabelle is forced to make a life and death decision and will realize that her relationship to Malkolm may have fatal consequences.

The clock is ticking . . .


So excited for this one too! Of course I still have to get Flesh and Blood which released yesterday, but I really enjoyed Blood Rights and can't wait to see what else happens with this series!


TITLE: Bad Blood
AUTHOR: Kristen Painter
GENRE:
Dark Urban Fantasy
RELEASE DATE:
November 22, 2011