Happy Book Birthday! August 31, 2010

Four books I have been looking forward to reading are all released TODAY.

Happy Book Birthday to ...

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Intertwined: Intertwined 1

Author: Gena Showalter
Genre: Young-Adult - Paranormal/Fantasy
Publication Date: September 1, 2009
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 440
Date Scoot Read: August 2010
Source: Audiobook

Scoot's Rating: 7 - Enjoyed most of it.

Synopsis (via Goodreads): There’s something about the new guy at Crossroads High . . .

Most sixteen-year-olds have friends. Aden Stone has four human souls living inside him:

One can time-travel.
One can raise the dead.
One can tell the future.
And one can possess another human.

With no other family and a life spent in and out of institutions, Aden and the souls have become friends. But now, they’re causing him all kinds of trouble.

Like, he’ll blink and suddenly he’s a younger Aden, reliving the past. One wrong move, and he’ll change the future. Or, he’ll walk past a total stranger and know how and when she’s going to die.

He’s so over it. All he wants is peace.

And then he meets a girl who quiets the voices. Well, for as long as he’s with her. Why? Mary Ann Gray is his total opposite. He’s a loner; she has friends. He doesn’t care what anyone thinks; she tries to make everyone happy. And while he attracts the paranormal, she repels it. For her sake, he should stay away. But it’s too late. . .

Somehow, they share an inexplicable bond of friendship. A bond about to be tested by a werewolf shape-shifter who wants Mary Ann for his own and a vampire princess Aden can’t resist. Two romances, both forbidden. . . doomed. Still, the four will enter a dark underworld of intrigue and danger. . . but not everyone will come out alive. . .

Scoot's Review:
My feelings are a little mixed on this book.  The plot was interesting and overall I enjoyed the book. However, the story just seemed to have too much going on.  It was like the author said "lets see how many different paranormal things we can cram into one book."  I wish there were less paranormal elements and more development into a specific focus of "paranromalness".  The romance element between Aden and his love interest was a little cheesy and super fast; I prefer to have some 'lets get to know one another' before instantly IN LOVE.  I felt like Mary Anne's love element was a little more realistic.  The book has plenty of action and is well paced, even if the character's reactions were sometimes over the top.  Overall it was a fun read and I will be keeping an eye out for the sequel since there was plenty of plot left to unravel at the end of this one.
Sixteen-year-old Seph McCauley has spent the past three years getting kicked out of one exclusive private school after another. And it's not his attit ...more

Sea Glass: Glass 2

Author:  Maria V. Snyder
Genre:  Fantasy
Publication Date:  September 1, 2009
Age Range: Adult  
Pages:  379
Date Scoot Read: August 2010
Source: Audiobook

Scoot's Rating:  8- Really good!

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Student glass magician Opal Cowan's newfound ability to steal a magician's powers makes her too powerful. Ordered to house arrest by the Council, Opal dares defy them, traveling to the Moon Clan's lands in search of Ulrick, the man she thinks she loves.

 Thinks, because she is sure that another man, now her prisoner, has switched souls with Ulrick.

 In hostile territory, without proof or allies, Opal isn't sure whom to trust. She can't forget Kade, the handsome Stormdancer who doesn't want to let her get close. And now everyone is after Opal's special powers for their own deadly gain....

Scoot’s Review:

I enjoyed this novel.  Sea Glass is the second book in a trilogy about Opal Cowan, the glass magician we first met in Maria V. Snyder's Study trilogy (Poison, Magic, Fire). I loved the Study trilogy and was excited to read more about the world Maria created.  Opal's own story is full of action, plot and intrigue.  Sea Glass is a continuation of the storyline from Storm Glass and we follow Opal as she attempts to hunt down Ulrick (trapped in Devlan's body) to switch their souls back to their proper places.  The book is generally well paced. The story would drag a little when going into the political portions, but in general it had enough action and/or romance to the reader interested.   The love triangle presented in the book is a little complex, especially when you remember that one of the potential interests used to torture Opal.  The plotline is filled with twists, and you never know who you can really trust.   The story was well written and I am looking forward to reading the third book in the trilogy.

Summer "Beach Reads" Challenge Wrap-Up!

The end of the Summer "Beach Reads" Challenge has arrived!  I actually managed to complete this one! Wahoo!  Now I just have to finish up my reviews and post them on the challenge host site.

The Summer 'Beach Reads' Challenge was hosted by A Fanatic's Book Blog, Books Out of the Bookshelves, 21 Pages, and A Bibliophile's Paradise.  The challenge ran from July 1, 2010 - August 30, 2010.

I did not stick with my original  'beach read' picks because other books slipped in under the radar and I had to read them first! *wink*  I did manage to reach the Tadpole level of the challenge by reading 4 books!

I finished Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen, The Wizard Heir by Cinda Williams Chima, and Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder.

Summer officially OVER.

Well my itty-bitty summer is over now. All two weeks of it. Today the fall semester started and it is back to studying for me.  Needless to say this is going to serously cut into my 'purely because I want to' reading schedule.  I am going to try and keep up with the blogging as much as possible, but might be a little slow as the professors purposely attempt to sabotage my life by scheduling exams all on the same day/week/whatever!

My light at the end of the tunnel =  I GRADUATE in December!! This is my last semester of school ... FOREVER! (unless I feel inspired to get a Masters or PHD someday... as of right now, highly doubtful.)  In the mean time I have a couple of books I just wrapped up and I plan to post the reviews asap.  

Is everyone back in class now... or are you out for the summer forever?

In My Mailbox (5)

Time for the weekly 'IMM' meme hosted by The Story Siren.

Radiance (ARC) by Alyson Noel

Source: Contest Prize

This week In My Mailbox is an ARC of Radiance by Alyson Noel. I won this book in a contest!  It showed up in the mail Thursday right before I went out of town and I am totally excited.  This is my very first ARC!

Hush, Hush: Hush, Hush 1

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Genre: Young-Adult - Romance/Thriller/Paranormal

Publication Date:  October 13th 2009

Age Range: Young Adult

Pages: 391

Date Scoot Read: August 2010

Source: Hardback Library Book

Scoot's Rating: 9- Great read! Couldn’t put it down.

Synopsis (via Goodreads): For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along. 

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. 
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Scoot's Review:
This book was great. A romantic thriller with an angelic twist. Not that Patch is angelic, quite the opposite in fact. I loved the snarky dialogue between Nora and Patch. It was entertaining and felt right with the pace of the storyline. The writing was clear, well paced and succinct. A romance that was not overly superfluous! I loved it. I enjoyed the 'thriller' style of the book and didn't feel it was too scary, it just made me more curious to try and figure out what was going on. I was not able to guess one of the big twists until right around when it occurred which was great. Filled with banter, action, and surprises Hush, Hush is a book you don't want to put down. Look for the sequel Crescendo on October 19, 2010! 

Mockingjay: Hunger Games 3

Author: Suzanne Collins

Genre: Young-Adult - Fiction/Dystopian

Publication Date: August 24th 2010

Age Range: Young Adult

Pages: 390

Date Scoot Read: August 2010

Source: Hardcover

Scoot's Rating: 10 – Amazing! Loved it. Read it now!

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding. 

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans -- except Katniss. 

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay -- no matter what the personal cost

Scoot's Review:

Suzanne Collins has done it yet again; written an amazing book!  Days after having finished Mockingjay I find myself thinking about it again and again.   The heart wrenching conclusion to the Hunger Games trilogy was a realistic depiction of the tragedy of war.  Brilliantly written and filled with action-packed twists and turns this book is a must read.  This book is not light-hearted read and, I feel, is a realistic conclusion to the series.  The romance takes a back-burner to the real problem on hand; all out war with the Capital.  Katniss and her family and friends have suffered through more than their fair share of heartache, and in Mockingjay it does not let up.  Having been through so much is starting to show mentally and physically on Katniss, but she manages to keep her character strength.  Also, I liked the further character development of smaller or already well-known characters.  You thought you knew someone, but would find new facets of their personality throughout the story.. and not always in a good way. The well written scenes of this book will shock you, fill you with happiness, or fill you with heartache.  I highly recommend it!

Book Beginnings on Friday (3)

Time for Book Beginnings on Friday meme hosted by Becky at Page Turners! The weekly goal is to share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you're reading!

"I would have expected to see this sort of line if, say, Elvis had returned from the dead to give a concert."

Just One Wish

by Janette Rallison

That line alone appeals to me. :)  I think this will be a good book... I have not heard a lot about it, but I am looking forward to reading it.  I just picked it up at the local library yesterday. Just in time for my weekend trip to visit my Mom for her birthday. 

Giveaways Galore!

Bookworming in the 21st Century hosts a 'Link A Contest Thursday' meme where you can find lots of awesome book blogger contests/giveaways.  Check this week's links out here out if you are interested!

Waiting On Wednesday (4)

Time for the"Waiting On Wednesday" weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Waiting on Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

To be Published: September 7, 2010
Description (via Goodreads): With her rare ability to breathe fire, Jacinda is special even among the draki—the descendants of dragons who can shift between human and dragon forms. But when Jacinda’s rebelliousness leads her family to flee into the human world, she struggles to adapt, even as her draki spirit fades. The one thing that revives it is Will, whose family hunts her kind. Jacinda can’t resist getting closer to him, even though she knows she’s risking not only her life but the draki’s most closely guarded secret.

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I love the cover on this book! The story sounds intriguing and I am looking forward to it.

Dystopian Novel Countdown: Day 1 ... The End!

Day 1 of the Dystopian Novel Countdown

featuring:

Mockingjay,  by Suzanne Collins

Description (via GoodReads): 
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins’s groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.
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This it the dystopian novel we have been counting down to ...and the day of its release has finally arrived!! I am so excited to start reading this today some time.  I am heading straight to Border's at my lunch break to pick it up for half price.  The Hunger Games trilogy is a great series, and I can't wait to find out what happens to finish it off. I am scared and excited at the same time! *nervouslychewingonfingernails*  Mockingjay is the perfect novel to end our Dystopian countdown! Now go find a copy and read it!

The Wizard Heir: The Heir Chronicles 2

Author: Cinda Williams Chima
Genre: Young-Adult/Children Fiction/Fantasy
Publication Date: May 1, 2007
Age Range: 12 and up
Pages: 458
Date Scoot Read: August 2010
Source: Hardback Library Book

Scoot's Rating: 9 - Great Read! Couldn't put it down.

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Sixteen-year-old Seph McCauley has spent the past three years getting kicked out of one exclusive private school after another. And it's not his attitude that's the problem. It's the trail of magical accidents--lately, disasters--that follow in his wake. Seph is a wizard, orphaned and untrained--and his powers are escalating out of control. After causing a tragic fire at an after-hours party, Seph is sent to the Havens, a secluded boys' school on the coast of Maine. At first, it seems like the answer to his prayers. Gregory Leicester, the headmaster, promises to train Seph in magic and initiate him into his mysterious order of wizards. But Seph's enthusiasm dampens when he learns that training comes at a steep cost, and that Leicester plans to use his students' powers to serve his own dangerous agenda.
In this companion novel to the exciting fantasy The Warrior Heir, everyone's got a secret to keep: Jason Haley, a fellow student who's been warned to keep away from Seph; the enchanter Linda Downey, who knew his parents; the rogue wizard Leander Hastings, and the warriors Jack Swift and Ellen Stephenson. This wizard war is one that Seph may not have the strength to survive.

Scoot's Review:
Sixteen-year-old Seph McCauley has spent the past three years getting kicked out of one exclusive private school after another. And it's not his attit ...more I enjoyed this book even more than the first in the series (The Warrior Heir). The Wizard Heir was well written and I never felt the story was too choppy or slow. I really liked Seph and enjoyed following him as he learned more about who he was and how to use his magical abilities. The emotions felt realistic and believable as Seph is 'run though the wringer' across the storyline. I liked the big twist about Seph's life and thought it built well upon the first novel.  Also, it was great getting to return to characters from the first novel as they interact with newly introduced ones in this novel. The book is entertaining, without being too lighthearted - Cinda definitely doesn't hold back the danger from characters we love.  The storyline is fast paced and has plenty of action; I didn't want to put the book down! The Wizard Heir is a great story and I look forward to reading the third in this series.

Along for the Ride

Author: Sarah Dessen

Genre: Young-Adult Fiction/Coming of Age

Publication Date: June 11, 2009

Age Range: Young Adult

Pages: 383

Date Scoot Read: August 2010

Source: Audiobook

Scoot's Rating: 7 - Enjoyed most of it.

Synopsis (via Goodreads): It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live.

A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.

Scoot's Review:  I enjoyed the majority of this book.  It was well written and Sarah Dessen does a great job with building her characters.  Each character had their own distinct personality.  I loved the Eli and Auden moments in the book.  I enjoyed their chemistry and the flare those scenes added to the otherwise dull life of Auden.  However, there were times when I was a little bored with the story and was ready for it to either pick up the pace or just end. Auden herself frustrated me, she was mature for her age in some ways and in other ways very shallow. In the end I was happy with the overall storyline.   The writing was clear, smooth and flowed well.  This is the first novel by Sarah Dessen I have read and I did enjoy it enough to check out some of her other novels.

Dystopian Novel Countdown: Day 2

Day 2 of the Dystopian Novel Countdown

featuring:

Armageddon's Children,  by Terry Brooks

Description (via GoodReads): 
Terry Brooks is one of a handful of writers whose work defines modern fantasy fiction. His twenty-three international bestsellers have ranged from the beloved Shannara series to stories that tread a much darker path. Armageddon’s Children is a new creation–the perfect opportunity for readers unfamiliar with Brooks’s previous work to experience an author at the height of his considerable storytelling powers. It is a gripping chronicle of a once-familiar world now spun shockingly out of control, in which an extraordinary few struggle to salvage hope in the face of terrifying chaos.

Logan Tom is doomed to remember the past and determined to rescue the future. Far behind him lies a boyhood cut violently short by his family’s slaughter, when the forces of madness and hate swept our world after decadent excesses led to civilization’s downfall. Somewhere ahead of him rests the only chance to beat back the minions of evil that are systematically killing and enslaving the last remnants of humanity. Navigating the scarred and poisoned landscape that once was America and guided by a powerful talisman, Logan has sworn an oath to seek out a remarkable being born of magic, possessed of untold abilities, and destined to lead the final fight against darkness.

Across the country, Angel Perez, herself a survivor of the malevolent, death-dealing forces combing the land, has also been chosen for an uncanny mission in the name of her ruined world’s salvation. From the devastated streets of Los Angeles, she will journey to find a place–and a people–shrouded in mystery, celebrated in legend, and vital to the cause of humankind . . . even as a relentless foe follows close behind, bent on her extermination. While in the nearly forsaken city of Seattle, a makeshift family of refugees has carved out a tenuous existence among the street gangs, mutants, and marauders fighting to stay alive against mounting odds–and something unspeakable that has come from the shadows in search of prey.

In time, all their paths will cross. Their common purpose will draw them together. Their courage and convictions will be tested and their fates will be decided, as their singular crusade begins: to take back, or lose forever, the only world they have.

In Armageddon’s Children, Brooks brings his gifts as a mythmaker to the timeless theme of the unending, essential conflict between darkness and light–and carries his unique imaginative vision to a stunning new level. Prepare for a breathtaking tour de force. To those who are new to Terry Brooks, welcome. And to those who have read him for many years: prepare for a dramatic surprise.
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Dystopian and Fantasy? What's not to like?! Sounds good to me. Armageddon’s Children is a book I have not read yet.  I picked it up at Half-Priced Books (love that place!) with all the good intentions of reading it, and it has been sitting on my shelf ever since.  It sounds like a great story line... so check it out if you love a good Fantasy with a twist of Dystopian, or a good Dystopian with a twist of Fantasy.  I have heard only good things about Terry Brooks, so I don't think we can go wrong there.  Armageddon’s Children is an interesting new novel to try out for day 2 of our Dystopian countdown...

Catching Fire: Hunger Games 2

Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Young-Adult Fiction/Dystopian
Publication Date: September 1, 2009
Age Range:  Young Adult
Pages:  391
Date Scoot Read: Fall 2009 & August 2010
Source:  Hardback Library Book, Audiobook

Scoot's Rating:  10 – Amazing! Loved it. Read it now!

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Scoot’s Review:
This is an amazing book. Seemingly impossible, Catching Fire is even more intense than Hunger Games.  We follow Katniss and Peeta on another jarring roller-coaster ride against the Capital.  Having recently survived and returned home from the annual Hunger Games Katniss and Peeta are thrown back into their normal lives, which are no longer ‘normal’.  Katniss is confused about her new place in life and her feelings regarding Gale and Peeta.   Life as they knew it has changed, and now Katniss is haunted by the Capital for her ‘rebellion’ in the Hunger Games.  Suzanne Collins is an excellent writer, sharing enough detail so you know what is going on, without the violence feeling gory.  You become so enveloped in the writing that you feel the emotions with great clarity.  When something goes wrong for the characters you feel their collective pain and can understand their emotions. Brilliant writing.  Catching Fire, filled with twists, turns, and cliff-hangers is a harrowing thrill-ride.  A must read after the The Hunger Games, and when you read it be prepared to go out immediately to purchase Mockingjay (after August 24, 2010) because you will not want to wait to find out what happens.

Dystopian Novel Countdown: Day 3

Day 3 of the Dystopian Novel Countdown

featuring:

Fahrenheit 451,  by Ray Bradbury

Description (via GoodReads): 
Nowadays firemen start fires. Fireman Guy Montag loves to rush to a fire and watch books burn up. Then he met a seventeen-year old girl who told him of a past when people were not afraid, and a professor who told him of a future where people could think. And Guy Montag knew what he had to do....
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Fahrenheit 451 is a story based on a world where books are no longer allowed.  Freedom of speech and thought have been oppressed to the point of all books being banned.  Fahrenheit 451 is supposedly the tempature where a book will start to burn, hence the title name.  In the story you follow the main character, a fireman named Montag, as he discovers the value of books and starts his own individual rebellion against what he has always known.  A great story, set in a world that would be horrible for a book lover to suffer in. No books = Nightmare! Fahrenheit 451 is a classic dystopian novel for day 3 of our Dystopian countdown...

Dystopian Novel Countdown: Day 4

Day 4 of the Dystopian Novel Countdown

featuring:

City of Ember,  by Jeanne DuPrau

Description (via GoodReads): 
The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. Two hundred years later, the great lamps that light the city are beginning to flicker. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she’s sure it holds a secret that will save the city. She and her friend Doon must decipher the message before the lights go out on Ember forever! This stunning debut novel offers refreshingly clear writing and fascinating, original characters. 
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I read this book after I heard about the movie coming out a while ago.  The story was really interesting... I enjoyed reading about the underground City of Ember and about Lina and Doon solving the mystery of how to escape.   The story continues in three more books, but I have yet to read them. Hopefully some day I will find the time!  City of Ember is a great example of a dystopian novel for day 4 of our Dystopian countdown...

Dystopian Novel Countdown: Day 5

Day 5 of the Dystopian Novel Countdown

featuring:

Unwind,  by Neal Shusterman

Description (via GoodReads):
In a society where unwanted teens are salvaged for their body parts, three runaways fight the system that would "unwind" them.

Connor's parents want to be rid of him because he's a troublemaker. Risa has no parents and is being unwound to cut orphanage costs. Lev's unwinding has been planned since his birth, as part of his family's strict religion. Brought together by chance, and kept together by desperation, these three unlikely companions make a harrowing cross-country journey, knowing their lives hang in the balance. If they can survive until their eighteenth birthday, they can't be harmed -- but when every piece of them, from their hands to their hearts, are wanted by a world gone mad, eighteen seems far, far away.
In Unwind, Boston Globe/Horn Book Award winner Neal Shusterman challenges readers' ideas about life -- not just where life begins, and where it ends, but what it truly means to be alive.
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This book was amazing. I totally loved it.  It sucked you straight into Conner, Risa, and Lev's lives as they run away to avoid their upcoming unwindings. The story is set in a world where the battle between pro-life and pro-choice was a civil war and a "Bill of Life" was added to the Constitution.  A world where children between the ages of 13 to 18 can be unwound, or body-harvested to help others medically. The writing is very intense and keeps you on the edge of your seat almost the entire time.  An intense book, with a fast-paced plot line and harrowing scenes, Unwind is an excellent novel for day 5 of our Dystopian countdown...

One Lovely Blog Award!

Thank you Cass from Words on Paper for the 'One Lovely Blog Award'! Cass is one of the awesome bloggers I have met since I started all of this mess and she has a great blog.... go check it out!

Here is how this award works:

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.
2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.
3. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Now to the tough part... choosing 15 bloggers to pass the award on to! There are so many great blogs out there. Congrats to the fifteen I chose and I hope you enjoy the award.  Pass on the blog love!

1. Kelli & Natalie @ I'd So Rather Be Reading; Wouldn't we all? I love the look of their blog; the header is fabulous. Also, I won my first ARC here! *happyhappyjoyjoy*

2. The Crazy Bookworm; I will always have a special place in my heart for her giving me my first blog award. Plus her blog is great! LOVE the 'Hollywood reading' pics.

3.  Anne Osterlund @ Anne Osterlund; Conversations with her novel characters abound on this site. Love it. If you have not read her books Aurelia & Academy 7 you should! *anxiouslywaitingforexile*

4. Meg @ In Which A Girl Reads; I love her minimalist blog style, very fresh.  Also her posts are great.

5. Sandy @ Pirate Penguin's Reads; It was blog love at first site. Who could not love a Pirate Penguin?!

6. Reggie @ The Undercover Book Lover; A very full site with lots of great information & contests! Also, she loves oreos. oreos = happiness.

7. Abigail @ All Things Urban Fantasy; The blog that started it all.  I think this was the real first 'book blog' I discovered.  This blog was what inspired me to start my own.

8. Violet, Forest, Primrose, and Amethyst @ The Eager Readers; A family of four readers with different tastes all giving their POVs on books. What's not to like? ..Think I could get my family to do this? No, I didn't think so either. =)

9. The Mundie Moms; The Moms seem to be all over the place on the blogs and this is a great site for keeping in touch with all things Shadowhunter. They recently started a Mundie Kids blog to review kids books and I think is awesome.

10. Alex & Lauren @ A Flight of Minds; Great reviews from two different POVs. Also, I love their 'bookshelf' review system. 

11. The Supernatural Snark; A great blogger with similar book tastes! I just won The Hunger Games Trilogy at her site. So I am obviously a huge fan! =) Also, the profile pic with her dog is so freakin' cute. I need try this. 

12. Noa, Day, Kitt, Desilula, Elvie, Mona Leigh @  Paperback Dolls; 6 women from around the world blogging together. Love it! They have great reviews and the site has a lot going on.

13. Alaine @ Queen of Happy Endings; Such a pretty blog... and who doesn't love a good HEA!? I know I do.  Additionally, a great site to check for and join challenges!

14. Becky @ Page Turners Books; A good Australian book blogger who often highlights other bloggers with a special feature called "Lights, Camera, Blog Action!". Very cool. 

15. Kim @ Book Butterfly Reviews; I love her blog layout/art. Lovely! An attractive site with lots of great information and reviews.

Once again, Thank you to Cass from Words on Paper and I hope you all enjoy your awards!

*doeshappydance*

I have 20 followers now! ...and just a week ago it was 10! I just wanted to say THANK YOU to all of my fabulous followers.

You guys are awesome.


Also, don't forget to sign up for the follower giveaway to win a copy of Linger by Maggie Stiefvater!

Dystopian Novel Countdown: Day 6

Day 6 of the Dystopian Novel Countdown

featuring:

Anthem,  by Ayn Rand

Description (via GoodReads):
A stunning and brilliantly realized future world in which individuality has been crushed is the theme of Ayn Rand's bestselling masterpiece, "Anthem". Rand presents her tale of a man who dares to make individual choices, to seek knowledge in a dark age, to love the woman of his choice. In a society in which people have no name, no independence, and no values, he is hunted for the unpardonable crime: having the courage to stand above the crowd.
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I believe Ayn Rand has a few epic Dystopian novels, but the only one I have been able to make it through is Anthem.  I read Anthem as a high-school freshman (AGES AGO!) as assigned reading for class. I remember enjoying the storyline. In a world where everything is 'we' the reader follows the story of one man who struggles to become an 'I'.  Anthem is a short, quick-read and a perfect addition for day 6 of our Dystopian countdown...

Waiting On Wednesday (3)

Time for the"Waiting On Wednesday" weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Waiting on Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

To be Published: August 31, 2010
Description (via Goodreads): Sixteen-year-old Evie's job is bagging and tagging paranormals. Possessing the strange ability to see through their glamours, she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency. But when someone--or something--starts taking out the vamps, werewolves, and other odd beasties she's worked hard to help become productive members of society, she's got to figure it out before they all disappear and the world becomes utterly normal.

I think this book sounds like fun and I look forward to being able to read it soon!

Dystopian Novel Countdown: Day 7

Day 7 of the Dystopian Novel Countdown

featuring:

The Supernaturalist,  by Eoin Colfer

Description (via GoodReads):
In the future, in a place called Satelite City, fourteen-year-old Cosmo Hill enters the world, unwanted by his parents. He's sent to the Clarissa Frayne Institute for Parentally Challenged Boys, Freight class. At Clarissa Frayne, the boys are put to work by the state, testing highly dangerous products. At the end of most days, they are covered with burns, bruises, and sores. Cosmo realizes that if he doesn't escape, he will die at this so-called orphanage. When the moment finally comes, Cosmo seizes his chance and breaks out with the help of the Supernaturalists, a motley crew of kids who all have the same special ability as Cosmo-they can see supernatural Parasites, creatures that feed on the life force of humans. The Supernaturalists patrol the city at night, hunting the Parasites in hopes of saving what's left of humanity in Satellite City. Or so they think. The Supernaturalist soon find themselves caught in a web far more complicated than they'd imagined, when they discover a horrifying secret that will force them to question everything they believe in. Eoin Colfer has created an eerie and captivating world-part Blade Runner, part futuristic Dickens-replete with non-stop action

Eoin Colfer Website 

Eoin Colfer Twitter 
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It has been ages since I read this book, so the details are vague now.  However, I remember at the time that I really loved it.  It is very well written and creative. The novel is set in a Dystopian world where there is a surplus of unwanted children kept in 'orphanages' who are forced to test horrible products against their will.   You come to love Cosmo and worry about all the horrible stuff happening around him/what he gets involved in. It is a fast paced, exciting adventure. Right now this is a stand-alone book, but it looks like Eoin might be writing a sequel!? I hope so! The Supernaturalist is a great book for day 7 of our Dystopian countdown...

2010 First in a Series Challenge

 2010 First in a Series Challenge!

The year may be half way over already, but I don't think it is too late to join this challenge! 

The challenge runs from January - December 2010. The challenge, currently hosted by Queen of Happy Endings, is to read "1st in a series" books.

I think the good thing about reading a "1st in a series" book is that you are getting to read a fresh new story/with new characters.  The bad thing is you are starting a new series! lol.  Just one more series to get hooked on that you have to wait for what feels like ages before the next book gets released. But what can we say? We love 'em anyway!

I am going to join at the "Addicted" level. "Addicted – Read 12 novels that are first in a series." I have already started some new series this year, and I have A LOT on the horizon I am hoping to read.  So I don't have too much fear about completing the 12 books in the next few months.  In fact, I am looking forward to it!!

Below are the 1st in a Series novels I have already read in just the last couple of months:

Update as of 9/22/10 - I am going to change my reading level for this Challenge! I am going to bump myself up to "Obsessed – Read 20 novels that are first in a series." I am pretty sure I am going to easily surpass the 20 mark since I have already read 15! I have been on a huge new series kick apparently! Yay! Wish me luck.