GIVEAWAY ~ Deluge by S.B. Sebrick

Hey book lovies! Ready for another giveaway?? Yes? Send a big shoutout of thanks to Mr. Sebrick because he -again- has provided 5 ebook copies of his latest book! Here is the book up for grabs:

Deluge

By S.B. Sebrick

"The city of Shaylis still lives, the traitor Melshek is slain, but the Destroyer walks freely upon the earth.

Kaltor’s newly awoken link to his brother causes more problems than it solves, bringing five years of dampened doubt and fear crashing down on his mind. Suspicion between his parents tests the bonds of his family’s loyalty. Mysterious deaths and demonic dreams haunt their path as they attempt to cut off the Destroyer before she reaches civilization.

Their efforts against the Destroyer collide upon the walls of the capital city, Levarion. Here the fate of king and realm will be decided in a relentless battle of both mind and steel as the Abyssian’s full power and her new champion are finally revealed."

Rules/Conditions

International

There are 5 e-books up for grabs

Do not have to be a follower

To enter fill out the Rafflecopter form

Ends February 14, 2012 (winners will be picked randomly)

 

*** WINNERS HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED AND EMAILED ***

In My Mailbox 16 (Giveaway Edition)

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren where we get to post about the books we receive each week through publishers/authors, our own purchases, contests, and libraries!

What I Got This Week:

Where did these amazing books and swag come from?? I won them from the awesome (totally rockin) Brenna at her blog Esther's Ever After! Check it out if you haven't read her blog yet :) THANK YOU SO MUCH BRENNA! I won one of her surprise boxes!

Boy was I surprised! I went crazy when I saw Tempest because I loved that book when I read it (but it was in ebook format) - and I now have a paperback :) Yay! I am also super excited to read The Water Wars, Chosen, and Eyes in the Mirror.

Sadly, I will be giving away Space Between and Vampire Academy soon because they aren't quite what I read but I'm happy to find a new home for them!! (Maybe when I hit 200 followers I'll do a giveaway for them?)

So look out for that AND on the 30th I have TWO giveaways for you!!

For Review:

The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher

Chosen by Paula Bradley

Eyes in the Mirror by Julia Mayer 

What was in YOUR mailbox this week?? Leave links and thanks for reading <3

Busting the Newbie Blues!

Starting out as a new YA book blogger is a ton of fun. You meet a bunch of new people who all share in your passion for YA books, you become a part of a friendly community, and you're continually exposed to wonderful new books.

But sometimes things can be a little discouraging when you're just starting out. You look at your blog and then look at some of the awesome established bloggers out there and wonder if you'll ever make the grade.

So here's to Busting the Newbie Blues! Don't be discouraged. Instead, take action! Participate in my Busting the Newbie Blues event, which will run through the entire month of January!

~~~ HOSTED BY SMALL REVIEW (Click on the link to sign up!)~~~

Small has set out two questionnaires to help the Newbies... one is for, well, the newbies, and the other is for the established bloggers. Now, I do not in any way consider myself an "established or big" blogger but I'm technically not a newbie soooo I'll be answering the established blogger questions :) Thanks Small for hosting this event (I loved it last year and I'm loving it this year!)

When did you start your blog?

I started my blog in October 2010... and have been going ever since!

Do you ever still feel like a newbie?

Is this a trick question? Uh, yeah!! All the time. Compared to all the other blogs who started out at the same time as me - I'm a "small" blog, making me feel like a failure at this blogging deal.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far? Did you make any mistakes new bloggers can learn from?

 The biggest challenge, and most recent challenge I have faced is balancing blogging with my other priorities in life. If there's one thing I've learned - IT'S ALRIGHT TO TAKE A LITTLE TIME OFF! Even a couple days! I feel that if I leave, my followers will leave too but I've come to realize that they - get this - understand. That's what's awesome about this blogging community, they get why sometimes you need a little while off to catch up on life. Don't make the mistake of stressing over getting every post done - cut one or two memes out, postpone a review... like my math teacher always says - DON'T STRESS!

What did you find most discouraging about being a new blogger? How did you deal with this?

I found and still feel that the most discouraging thing about being a new-er blogger is seeing everyone else move up on the ladder while you lag behind. I wanted to get ARC's, have authors come on the blog, and have amazing amounts of comments but even to this day I have not achieved that. But do I fret now? No! I realized that those followers I have - that take the time to comment and read and just be awesome - they are what count. True readers.

What do you find most encouraging?

*Smiles broadly* The blogging friends of course! Like I said, those true readers (who turn out most of the time to be fellow bloggers) that take the time to get to know you, they make this blogging SUCH  AN AMAZING TIME! I have made so many lasting friendships. It's so encouraging when you post and they give you positive feedback. It just gives me a fuzzy, warm feeling inside. And let's not forget the most encouraging part about book blogging - that bubbly feeling you get when a reader tells you they read a book you recommended and loved it!

If you could go back in time and speak with your newbie self, what five bits of wisdom would you tell yourself?

Dear me,

1. Don't stress about staying caught up with all the newest news of Newsville...
2. Keep to reading books that YOU will enjoy...
3.  Don't be afraid to host a giveaway, ask an author for an interview or participate in memes (yeah, I was terrified of getting involved)...
4. Don't be afraid to take a little hiatus, your readers will not totally abandon you (right readers?)..
5. HAVE FUN and DO NOT let blogging become a chore girl - keep it real!

Sincerely,
Yourself

What do you like best about the blogs you read? Have you tried to replicate this in your blog?

Their simplistic yet very helpful reviews - not just feelings on it. How are the characters? Realistic, not? How is the pacing of the book? Lots of action, none? How is the ending? Cliffhanger, imaginative? These are the things that I definitely try  to replicate (hopefully I accomplish a little bit.)

Fun, engaging personalities. I am far from an outgoing person but I try to add as much personality as I can into my blog and I LOVE it when the blogs I read do it too :)

What do you dislike about blogs you’ve seen? Do you try to avoid this?

Word verification for commenting. I'm sorry! I get it - avoiding spamming and all that... but do you realize that it makes some of us frustrated (because the dang thing doesn't accept the answer). It just makes commenting hard. So, yeah I avoid this by taking it off.

Black backgrounds, with hard to read, light fonts. I really want to read your blog - that's why I'm there... why you gotta make it hard on my eyes?

And of course the overly cluttered sidebars. I've recently tried to trim down because it makes loading take FOREVER and make my screen jump sometimes. Yeah, not cool.

How did you bring your blog to the attention of so many people?

So many people? Uh, well I guess over one hundred is a lot :) I appreciate every single one of them. How did they get here? Probably through Twitter (I'm a twitter-holic, no joke), Goodreads, Google search - oh and Follow Friday! Want to get followers? Participate in memes! Hosting giveaway's is a great way to attract some attention to your blog (I personally, unless it is a follower appreciation giveaway, do not make it a requirment to follow but you'll be surprised how many people still do!)

When and how did you get your first ARC (or first few ARCs)?

*Sighs whistfully* My first ARC. I got my first ARC about three month's after I started blogging. Of course, it was an e-ARC (Lost Voices by Sarah Porter) but still! All I did to get it was request it on NetGalley! New bloggers: try it, you'll get lots of ARCs!

Review for Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

Bittersweet
By Sarah Ockler
Published by Simon Pulse
Ebook from Pulse It
384 pages

"Once upon a time, Hudson knew exactly what her future looked like. Then a betrayal changed her life, and knocked her dreams to the ground. Now she’s a girl who doesn’t believe in second chances… a girl who stays under the radar by baking cupcakes at her mom’s diner and obsessing over what might have been.

So when things start looking up and she has another shot at her dreams, Hudson is equal parts hopeful and terrified. Of course, this is also the moment a cute, sweet guy walks into her life…and starts serving up some seriously mixed signals. She’s got a lot on her plate, and for a girl who’s been burned before, risking it all is easier said than done.

It’s time for Hudson to ask herself what she really wants, and how much she’s willing to sacrifice to get it. Because in a place where opportunities are fleeting, she knows this chance may very well be her last…." - Goodreads

What a cute, light, fun read! Bittersweet will have you laughing, smiling from ear to ear, and craving some Watonka cupcakes!

Hudson Avery, she is quite the character! As the reader, I feel the need to connect with the MC so that I care about what is going to happen - and Hudson made that very easy for me. At times, mostly at the end, I was getting frustrated at how she was constantly worried about herself and her future. In general though she is a great girl. She has big dreams and I was with her every step of the way towards those. She has a LOT going on and I was very impressed with how she handled events. Through the entire book, I was rooting for her! Especially when she showed 'em boys what they were talking about (did anyone else fist pump?) I think my favourite character (besides the drool worthy hockey boys) is Bug, her little brother. He was just the darndest, sweetest little boy ever! And I love how she cared about him. Dani her best friend was a great addition and added comical moments in there. Oh and of course the "cute, sweet guy" that the summary talks about is just that - the awesomenest boy ever (can I order one from Watonka?) The hockey crew was quite the bunch of guys too!!

The romance was as sweet as Hudson's cupcakes and I loved every little bit of it! Between her baking, skating, teaching and work - the plot is set at a very enjoyable pace. There are family issues that are dealt in here as well as Hudson finding what she really wants in life. The setting of Watonka gives this book such a different feel from others that I have read like it and it grew on me. Friendship and family really came first in Bittersweet. I also appreciated that there was a few references to music too! I'm a huge music fan so I really loved that! The ending wasn't perfect but it was wrapped up in a way that leaves you completely satisfied.

I highly recommend Bittersweet for those looking for a fun, wintery, sweet tastin' stand-alone read! I loved it to pieces!

Excerpt:

In three years of baking for Hurley's Homestyle Diner in Watonka, New York, I've never met a problem a proper cupcake couldn't fix. And while I haven't quite perfected the recipe to fix my father, I'm totally on the verge.
"Taste this." I pass a warm cupcake across the prep counter to Dani and lick a gob of cherry-vanilla icing from my thumb. "I think it's the one."
My best friend sighs. "That's what you said about the blue-berry lemon batch. And the white mocha ones. Have you seen this thing walkin' around behind me? It's the Great Cupcake Booty of Watonka." She turns and shakes it, a few corkscrew curls springing loose from the pile on her head.

Book Trailer

Follow Friday

Question of the week: What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get your hands on any particular book?

The craziest? You mean while all my other friends were spending their money on clothes/toys, I was heading to the bookstore to get *that* book? (I say this is "crazy" because that is what they said- they just don't get that books are MORE IMPORTANT!) Other than that, I guess the craziest thing I have done to get a book is begging (yes I stooped that low) with my parents .... this was before the time I could get my hands on cash :) Sorry I don't have any more crazy answers for you, I'm sure you have awesome stories to tell!





Happy Friday and thanks for stopping by!

Desperately Waiting On Wednesday (5)

Parajunkee's new meme called "Desperately Wanting Wednesday" is like "Waiting on Wednesday" but instead of just being able to do books that are not released yet, you pick a book you really want! Released or not released! Go to Parajunkee to see the details and her DWW posts!

This week I desperately want to get my hands on:

Between the Lines
By Jodi Picoult, Samantha van Leer
Expected publication: June 26th 2012 by Emily Bestler Books/Atria/Simon Pulse                         

What happens when happily ever after…isn’t?

Delilah is a bit of a loner who prefers spending her time in the school library with her head in a book—one book in particular. Between the Lines may be a fairy tale, but it feels real. Prince Oliver is brave, adventurous, and loving. He really speaks to Delilah.

And then one day Oliver actually speaks to her. Turns out, Oliver is more than a one-dimensional storybook prince. He’s a restless teen who feels trapped by his literary existence and hates that his entire life is predetermined. He’s sure there’s more for him out there in the real world, and Delilah might just be his key to freedom.

Delilah and Oliver work together to attempt to get Oliver out of his book, a challenging task that forces them to examine their perceptions of fate, the world, and their places in it. And as their attraction to each other grows along the way, a romance blossoms that is anything but a fairy tale. - Goodreads

Oh. My. Goodness. MeWantItRightNow! Give-me, Give-me! This sounds AMAZING! Ahh, need! This book just speaks to me... I cannot wait to read it! Can it be June??

What are you waiting for? Something not released? Or released already? Either way leave links :D I'll check it out! Thanks for reading!

Follow Friday

Question of the Week: Many readers/bloggers are also big music fans. Tell us about a few of your favorite bands/singers that we should listen to in 2012.

 Oh boy! This is SUCH a hard question (just like what is your favourite book?) Ok, lets see. I'm the biggest music fan ever.... I basically like anything (besides heavy metal). My favourites are changing all the time but here are some current bands I'm in love with :D  ~ OneRepublic~Marianas Trench~Simple Plan~Hedley~Coldplay~Good Charlotte Basically popish rock I guess :) Oh and here is a video of a song everyone should listen too AND read the book (if you haven't already): 

  Happy Friday and thanks for stopping by!

Desperately Waiting On Wednesday (4)

Parajunkee's new meme called "Desperately Wanting Wednesday" is like "Waiting on Wednesday" but instead of just being able to do books that are not released yet, you pick a book you really want! Released or not released! Go to Parajunkee to see the details and her DWW posts!

This week I desperately want to get my hands on:

The Raft

By S.A. Bodeen

Expected publication: August 21st 2012 by Feiwel & Friends

 

"Robie, 16, lives with her family on the Midway atoll, a group of islands in the middle of the Pacific. Her parents are scientists; it’s an isolated life. Robie enjoys visiting her aunt in Hawaii – she gets back and forth on a cargo plane that brings supplies to Midway.

During a visit, her aunt is called to the mainland for a work emergency, leaving Robie to get home on her own. On her flight back to Midway the cargo plane hits nasty weather, and goes down. It’s just Robie, the pilot, and Max, a co-pilot she’s never met till this flight, on board. Robie is pulled aboard a raft by Max, who is injured and slipping in and out of consciousness. They have a bag of candy and very little water between them. When they finally reach an island that seems abandoned, Robie hopes they’ll be found quickly. But she’s not sure she was even on the flight manifest. Her parents must be looking for her…aren’t they?" - Goodreads

This is the second book that I have found by Fiewel & Friends that I want to read... hmm. Anyways, it sounds like a great suspense - I'm a sucker for a good survival story! Hopefully I'll get to read it :)

What are you waiting for? Something not released? Or released already? Either way leave links :D I'll check it out! Thanks for reading!

Review for Torrent by Lisa T. Bergren

Torrent (River of Time #3)
By Lisa Tawn Bergren
Published by David C. Cook
Personal Copy
388 pages

"When Gabi and Lia finally learn to surf the river of time, they realize they must make hard choices about life and love in the third and final book in the River of Time series.

Gabi and Lia Betarrini have learned to control their time travel, and they return from medieval Italy to save their father from his tragic death in modern times. But love calls across the centuries, and the girls are determined to return forever—even though they know the Black Plague is advancing across Europe, claiming the lives of one-third of the population. In the suspenseful conclusion of the River of Time series, every decision is about life … and death."- Goodreads

Are you still unsure about whether to buy this series and read it? Let me alleviate that decision for you, go ahead and read them. Although I have to say Waterfall was by far my favourite, all three will take you on a ride you'll never forget!

Torrent had a totally different feel to it, well at least to me, the characters have progressed so much from that first time we meet them in Waterfall. Gabi, in my eyes, is now a young adult. A mature women who has to make the biggest decision of her life... with people always trying to kill her family (and her) - you can see why she had to grow up. With all that went on in those first two books, it has taken a lot out of Gabi and by this book, she's not quite as uh 'fiery' as before. I missed that but respected it. I have no doubt in my mind that Gabi is meant for Marcello and likewise. They make a great couple! But I have to say I missed my Lia and Luca action *sad face* I need (yes, it is on a need basis now) their story! They are my favs in this series! In Torrent, old faces rise again (and yes Lord Greco is in there) and a new character is added.. who can I just mention is very understanding and maybe a little too...believing? He didn't blink an eye at the whole situation. But alas what a great cast of characters!

Yes, there are more battles, yes there is more drama, and action... keeping me up till the wee hours of the morning! We even get some action in Rome (gasp I know!! Cool right?) Although, sometimes there is an abundance of convenience and sometimes the turn out is too good to be true, I loved this series. Torrent brought tears to my eyes, it made me grin like an idiot, and made me rage with fury (at the bad guys)! It took me on a roller coaster of emotions and left me with an ending that I accepted. No doubt, if you know me, I want more. More please! But yes, the ending is satisfying and leaves you with hope for the future!

I do highly recommend this series, Waterfall, Cascade, Torrent - they will leave you breathless. If I could have one request to the author - Luca and Lia's story please! (You knew that was coming).

Excerpt:

My breath caught when I saw the rebuilt walls and gates, the movement of guards at the top of the walls. Hoping, wishing, I half stood before Lia whispered harshly. "Gabi, get down."

That was when I saw it. The long, white banner with the red cross on it, waving above Castello Forelli.

The Guelph cross.

Firenze's symbol. Not Siena's. Not Marcello's.

The question was now, if Firenze still held Castello Forelli, where would I find Marcello?

Review for Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren

Cascade (River of Time #2)
By Lisa Tawn Bergren
Published by David C. Cook
Personal Copy
399 pages

"Mom touched my underdress—a gown made six hundred years before—and her eyes widened as she rubbed the raw silk between thumb and forefinger. She turned and touched Lia’s gown. “Where did you get these clothes?”

Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead.
But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever."-Goodreads

 

A fantastic follow up to one of my favourite books - Waterfall! Cascade showcases Bergren's ability to weave a great plot together all the while continuing with the romance we come to expect from Bergren!

The mindsets of our main characters have changed for the better. They now are more prepared and face a decision. Whether to live in the past or the present and I loved how their mother is involved now. We are re-introduced to old characters meet new intriguing ones along the way (Lord Greco anyone?) and even are faced with traitors. I have to admire the bravery of Gabi and Lia, they sure have to face some troublesome times. As the reader though, I noticed that these girls really know many things and are able to do a lot! They were made for this time! Marcello and Luca are the shining points in this novel for me. I love both to bits - bits I tell you! Particulary Luca (I like 'em funny). The romance that is between Marcello and Gabi is very touching and the blossoming romance happening between Luca and Lia is giving me much to look forward too!

There is never, never, a dull moment in this series. It doesn't make you feel rushed but it holds you to the book with an unseeable force! Cascade will have you grinning (romance), laughing (commentary between Marcello and Luca), cringing, shocked (plot twists) and finally just overally a satisfied feeling. Although I did find some things that I was a bit unpleased with (just minor things, more personal than anything) it was far and few between and it didn't effect the whole enjoyment of the book! Oh and be prepared for the ending - you'll want the next one handy!

I highly recommend this to those who have read Waterfall but also - if you haven't started this series, you should seriously consider it! Lovers of romance, action, knights (real men), and Italy, these books are for you!

Excerpt:

Lia heaved a sigh and stepped up to the wall. "We have to pull off at the same moment, this time," she said to me. "Mom, you hold us tight, and whatever happens, don't let go, all right?"
"We're more prepared this round," I said, trying to ease her fears.
Outside, the man's voices came closer. A shout went up. They'd discover our escape. "Girls," Mom said in warning, glancing toward the tomb entrance. "I'm praying you aren't ill, suffering some sort of mental lapse. Because the last thing I need is Manero to find all three of us in here."
"If you think Manero's bad," Lia said, "wait till you meet some of the dudes ahead of us."
**Read more HERE**

Book Trailor:

2012 2nds Challenge

Goal 5/6 (Progress bar to come)

**This challenge setup style is inspired from Small. Thanks Small, I really like your organizational skills!!**

Name: 2012 2nds Challenge
Host: A Few More Pages
Starts: January 1, 2012
Ends: December 31, 2012
Eligible books: Books that are second in a series or the second time you read a book by an author
Level (Goal): A few more bites (level 2) ~ 6 books
Prizes? Nope.
Sign up page

Why I'm interested:

I have a feeling this will be a year of seconds: I'll probably return to some of those authors that I loved (but only read one book from) and the second in a series (Insurgent and A Million Suns anyone??) Let's see how it goes!

Books Completed:

Cascade by Lisa Bergren (River of Time Series)
A Million Suns by Beth Revis (Across the Universe series)
Social Suicide by Gemma Halliday
Insurgent by Veronica Roth (Divergent series)
Where She Went by Gayle Forman (If I Stay series)
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games series)

2012 Library Challenge

Goal 0/24 (Progress bar to come)

**This challenge set up style is inspired from Small. Thanks Small, I really like your organizational skills!!**

Name: 2012 Support Your Local Library Challenge
Host: The Eclectic Bookshelf
Starts: January 1, 2012
Ends: December 31, 2012
Eligible books: From local library.
Level (Goal): Level 2~ 24 books
Prizes? Nope.
Sign up page

Why I'm interested:

I love the library! That is where I usually get the majority of my books, so I really want to participate in this one :) Supporting the library is great! Let's see if I can get more that 24!

Books Completed:

2012 Just Contemporary Reading Challenge

Goal: 8/5 (Progress bar to come)

**This challenge set up style is inspired from Small. Thanks Small, I really liked your organizational skills!**

Name: 2012 Just Contemporary Reading Challenge
Host: Books from Bleh to Basically Amazing
Starts: January 1, 2012
Ends: December 31, 2012
Eligible books: Contemporary genre
Level (Goal): Level 1~ 5 books
Prizes: Yes, TBA
Link Your Reviews: Weekly linkups will be available
Sign up page

Why I'm interested:

I actually read a lot of contemporary and this will get me reading more, again I went low but I'm sure I will increase my goal as time goes on :)

Books Completed:

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler
Casey Barnes Eponymous by E.A. Rigg
Past Perfect by Leila Sales
Wings of Hope by Hillary E. Peak
Where It Began by Ann Redisch Stampler
What A Boy Wants by Nyrea Dawn
Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday
The Duff: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger
Where She Went by Gayle Forman
Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

2012 Dystopian Challenge

Goal: 4/5 (Progress bar to come)

**This challenge set up style is inspired from Small. Thanks Small, I hope its alright, I liked your organizational skills!**

Name: The Dystopia 2012 Challenge
Host: Bookish Ardour
Starts: January 1, 2012
Ends: December 31, 2012
Eligible Books: Read dystopian and post-apocalyptic
Level (Goal): First level asocial ~ 5 books
Prizes? No
I'm linking my reviews HERE.
Sign up page
Report completion page

Why I'm interested:

Ok, everyone knows how I LOVE my dystopians!! Isn't this challenge awesome?!? I set the bar low but I hope to accomplish more :) This challenge is literally hyping me up by just looking at it!

Books Completed:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher
Talisman of El by Alecia Stone
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Struck by Jennifer Bosworth

Follow Friday

So, I've decided to start Follow Friday back up again - its been a long long long time and I'm excited to get back in :) Bring on the questions!


 

Question of the Week: Go count the number of unread books sitting on your shelf. How many?

Haha, only *counts* three! Cascade and Torrent by Lisa Bergren and Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler (ebook). I have a reason for such a low count!! These past few weeks I have dedicated myself to reading all that are on my shelf :) I'm actually reading Cascade right now... so soon it'll be only two! So what type of scary numbers do you all have? Or are you on the low (with the danger light flashing) side like me? 



Happy Friday and thanks for stopping by!

Review for The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)
By Suzanne Collins
Published by Scholastic, Inc.  
Personal Copy
374 pages    

"In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister Primrose, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before — and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love." - Goodreads

I've been pondering on how I was going to write a review. I can honestly say, my review will not do justice for this book. It's my greatest nightmare - being unable to voice how TOTALLY spectacular this book was. It's beyond my ability. You've heard everything there is to hear about why this book is great so I'll be like a broken record fan-girl. I am probably the last person to read it but if you haven't, I've got one word: why?! I was like you - putting it off. Don't. Just don't. Pick it up. Read it. You won't regret that decision!

Let's just start with the characters because that's one of the greatest aspects of The Hunger Games. Ms. Collin's knows how to get you to feel for her characters, even the bad ones! There are such colorful characters in here that it makes it feel like the real world - very interesting with multiple personalities, different sides and deep emotions. Katniss was beyond my favourite, she is down-right my new favourite hero. She's such a strong, brave, intelligent, independent yet vulnerable character that you can't help be drawn to and love. Her family, friends, neighbors, competitors, instructors are all beyond well written! Peeta, Gale, Prim, Rue... wow. Just wow. What a cast of characters! The relationships in here are so deep and raw, it's amazing to read about.

Where did the author come up with this concept? Where? I demand to know! Yeah, its gruesome and horrible - but there is such a story beneath it all that we are just uncovering! The descriptions make the reader feel like they are with Katniss in that arena and are facing whatever comes her way! What heart-pounding action, I never had a doubt in my mind that Katniss could make it through but at some points I was wondering - how is she going to survive? This is really one of those books that makes you think about what you would do in that situation and I loved that.

This book is one of my favourites of all time. Down right favourite. I cannot wait to read the next one and even more can I not wait for the movie!!! I don't just recommend this to you if you haven't read it, I demand that you try it :) Seriously its one of those books you don't want to miss out on!

Excerpt:

“Hey, Catnip,” says Gale. My real name is Katniss, but when I first told him, I had barely whispered it. So he thought I’d said Catnip. Then when this crazy lynx started following me around the woods looking for handouts, it became his official nickname for me. I finally had to kill the lynx because he scared off game. I almost regretted it because he wasn’t bad company. But I got a decent price for his pelt.
“Look what I shot,” Gale holds up a loaf of bread with an arrow stuck in it, and I laugh. It’s real bakery bread, not the flat, dense loaves we make from our grain rations. I take it in my hands, pull out the arrow, and hold the puncture in the crust to my nose, inhaling the fragrance that makes my mouth flood with saliva. Fine bread like this is for special occasions.
“Mm, still warm,” I say. He must have been at the bakery at the crack of dawn to trade for it. “What did it cost you?”
“Just a squirrel. Think the old man was feeling sentimental this morning,” says Gale. “Even wished me luck.”
“Well, we all feel a little closer today, don’t we?” I say, not even bothering to roll my eyes. “Prim left us a cheese.” I pull it out.
His expression brightens at the treat. “Thank you, Prim. We’ll have a real feast.” Suddenly he falls into a Capitol accent as he mimics Effie Trinket, the maniacally upbeat woman who arrives once a year to read out the names at the reaping. “I almost forgot! Happy Hunger Games!” He plucks a few blackberries from the bushes around us. “And may the odds —” He tosses a berry in a high arc toward me.
I catch it in my mouth and break the delicate skin with my teeth. The sweet tartness explodes across my tongue. “— be ever in your favor!” I finish with equal verve. We have to joke about it because the alternative is to be scared out of your wits.

Movie trailer: (Can I just say I WANT TO WATCH THIS NOW!)

Desperately Waiting On Wednesday (3)

Parajunkee's new meme called "Desperately Wanting Wednesday" is like "Waiting on Wednesday" but instead of just being able to do books that are not released yet, you pick a book you really want! Released or not released! Go to Parajunkee to see the details and her DWW posts!

This week I desperately want to get my hands on:

Monument 14

By Emmy Laybourne

Expected publication: June 5th 2012 by Feiwel & Friends

 

"Fourteen kids. One superstore. A million things that go wrong.

A huge store isn’t the worst place to be stranded. There’s food and water, bedding and books. But what if it’s not safe to leave? Emmy Laybourne had us from the get-go with her utterly fresh and fast-paced debut.

Six high school kids (some popular, some not), two eighth graders (one a tech genius), and six little kids are trapped together in a chain superstore. Together they build a refuge for themselves inside, while outside, a series of escalating disasters, beginning with a monster hailstorm and ending with a chemical weapon spill, seems to be tearing the world—as they know it—apart." - Goodreads

 

Interesting premise. Hopefully it will one that I get to read - and like! I love survival stories so it should be good :) But in June? Come on, your killing us!!

What are you waiting for? Something not released? Or released already? Either way leave links :D I'll check it out! Thanks for reading!

100 Follower and Decoy Winners!!

Hey readers! Although I didn't get too many entries, I still have winners to announce :) Who are they? Let's see!

****Drum roll please*****

For my 100 Follower Giveaway Rafflecopter has chosen entry #39!

Mimi Valentine

Yay, congratulations Mimi you have won a paperback copy of Dreamland by Alyson Noel! I have emailed you for your mailing address and am awaiting confirmation! Thank you for entering my 100 follower giveaway!

Now for Decoy by S.B. Sebrick - I had a whoppin' 5 e-books to giveaway from the generous author! There were three people who entered so ALL who entered won :) Congratulations to...

Mindy, Michelle, and Sonia

I have sent your email addresses to the author so you can each recieve your digital copy! Thanks for entering and I hope you enjoy :)

Didn't win? Weren't interested in the books? Don't worry, in the near future there will be another giveaway! Maybe even one for a book of your choice? Hmm? If I get to 200 followers (or more) that will happen for sure!

Thanks for reading!